Choosing the best taxi service in Budapest: A guide for tourists

The Association of Conscious Consumers (Tudatos Vásárlók Egyesülete, TVE) recently conducted an in-depth evaluation of taxi services in Budapest to help passengers, especially tourists, determine the best option. This comprehensive study considered seven major taxi companies, aiming to highlight the top choice based on cost, ease of use, and overall tourist appeal.

In some situations, having a reliable taxi service is crucial. For tourists visiting Budapest, the priority is often a service that is both easily accessible and dependable. This latest test by the Association of Conscious Consumers is designed to make choosing a taxi service simpler and more informed, Világgazdaság writes.

Evaluating Budapest’s taxi services

This year’s assessment had a unique twist: it was conducted by two American university students from Georgia Tech, participating in the Leadership for Social Good study abroad program. Their involvement provides an invaluable perspective, as they approached the test with the mindset and expectations of foreign visitors.

The seven taxi services tested were:

• Uber
• Főtaxi
• Bolt
• 6×6
• Tele5Taxi
• City Taxi
• Welcome Pickups

The evaluation criteria were based on five key aspects, each carrying equal weight in the overall score:

1. Method and ease of booking
2. Tourist appeal
3. Booking process
4. Travel experience
5. Cost

The students had no prior knowledge of Budapest’s taxi services, mimicking the typical experience of a tourist or a local resident using a taxi for the first time. This included selecting the taxi companies, which accurately reflects the situation of someone trying to book a ride using their smartphone. Four services were booked through mobile apps, one via an online form on the company’s website, and two by phone.

To ensure fairness and comparability, all trips were conducted along the same route and at the same time of day. The results are subjective, representing the testers’ personal opinions and experiences, yet they offer a valuable glimpse into the quality and reliability of taxi services in Budapest. The assessment covered a route of approximately four kilometres, with fares ranging from HUF 2,860 to 4,020 (EUR 7.21 to 10.14) in June 2024.

The best taxi service in Budapest

Bolt emerged as the most cost-effective and was also rated highest for tourist appeal and overall satisfaction. Photo: bolt.eu

Among the tested services, Bolt emerged as the most cost-effective and was also rated highest for tourist appeal and overall satisfaction.

This made Bolt the top recommendation for visitors looking for a reliable and affordable taxi service.

For booking method and availability, 6×6 and Welcome Pickups were particularly noteworthy, with 6×6 providing the smoothest and most user-friendly booking process. The travel experience itself, including the comfort and quality of the ride, was rated most pleasant with Bolt and City Taxi.

The Association of Conscious Consumers’ test highlights that while all the services had their strengths, Bolt stands out as the overall best choice for tourists.

It combines affordability with a high level of service that meets the needs of both local residents and visitors.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the specifics of each service and more detailed results of the test, further information is available on the Association of Conscious Consumers’ website. This resource can help travellers make an informed decision and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when using taxi services in Budapest.

Read also:

• New service: English-speaking taxi drivers now available for tourists in Budapest
• Ominous signs: strife between Uber and Budapest taxis might be imminent