Travelling by taxi in Budapest will become more expensive from Saturday, when the latest amendment to the city’s taxi fare regulation takes effect.
Higher base fare, distance and time charges approved by the city
Under the new pricing, the base fare will increase from HUF 1,100 to HUF 1,300, while the per-kilometre rate will rise from HUF 440 to HUF 521. The per-minute waiting charge will also increase from HUF 110 to HUF 130. (1 EUR = 362 HUF)
The fare adjustment was approved by the Budapest Metropolitan Assembly at its meeting on 26 June, marking the first increase in official taxi tariffs since 2023.
New airport surcharge introduced
Passengers travelling to or from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport will also face a new HUF 800 airport surcharge. As a result, the effective starting fare for airport journeys will rise to HUF 2,100, combining the new base fare with the additional airport fee.
The airport surcharge is being introduced alongside changes affecting taxi operators using the airport. From 3 August, taxis picking up passengers at the departures level and on the outer lane of the arrivals area will be required to pay an HUF 800 access fee.
Following negotiations between the National Taxi Association and Budapest Airport Plc., non-contracted taxi drivers will be able to collect passengers at a more distant designated meeting point for a reduced fee of HUF 600, while passenger pick-ups at the City Break car park will cost HUF 450.
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First fare rise in three years
The increase follows lengthy discussions between the city authorities and taxi industry representatives. Taxi organisations had been calling for higher fares, although there was initially no consensus within the sector on the scale of the increase.
The Budapest Metropolitan Assembly eventually approved the revised tariff structure at its final meeting before the summer recess, after previous attempts to reach an agreement had failed.
From Saturday, both residents and visitors using Budapest’s regulated taxi services should expect higher fares, particularly for journeys to and from the capital’s international airport.
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Featured image: depositphotos.com
