Cheap public transport? Travel in Budapest could be one of the most expensive in the region

For the first time in 12 years, Budapest is raising the price of public transport tickets. Although the decision seems rational in the current inflationary climate, it still came as a surprise to many. But how do Budapest public transport prices compare to those in other Hungarian towns and other capitals in the region?

Pénzcentrum has now investigated whether the current HUF 350 (EUR 0.91) tickets are really as cheap as the 12 years of stagnant prices suggest, and how affordable the increased tickets will be compared to Hungarian towns and other capitals in the region.

As we reported, the Budapest’s transport company BKK is increasing the prices of public transport tickets in the Hungarian capital. The decision follows a 12-year stagnation in prices. The primary reasons behind their decision was the economic circumstances and the soaring energy prices. BKK said it will continue to respect the regulars, so the prices of passes/season tickets will remain unchanged.

From 1 September, the price of a regular single ticket will rise from HUF 350 (EUR 0.91) to HUF 450 (EUR 1.17). Meanwhile, the so-called on-board ticket/ticket bought on the spot from drivers will increase from HUF 450 (EUR 1.17) to HUF 600 (EUR 1.57). The price of a block of 10 tickets will also follow suit, with one block costing HUF 4,000 (EUR 10.44) instead of HUF 3,000 (EUR 7.83).

How do ticket prices in Budapest compare to other Hungarian towns right now?

While monthly season tickets are by far the most expensive in Budapest, the capital is in the middle of the pack in terms of the price of a single ticket. In Miskolc and Szeged, a ticket already costs HUF 430 (EUR 1.12), Pénzcentrum writes. Of the 8 largest cities in Hungary, Nyíregyháza and the capital are still the fifth most expensive. In Kecskemét and Győr, a bus ride costs only HUF 250 (EUR 0.65). And, from September, unless provincial leaders decide to raise fares, public transport in Budapest will be the most expensive in the country.

Budapest vs other capitals in the region