Taxi journeys in Budapest may soon become significantly more expensive, as the city leadership is preparing to propose a major fare increase at next week’s meeting of the Budapest Metropolitan Assembly.

Taxi service fees can gradually become costlier

According to reports by Hungarian media outlets Népszava and HVG, negotiations between the municipality and taxi companies have been ongoing since January. As a result, city officials are expected to recommend a 27% tariff increase, citing rising operating costs and inflation, while taxi fares have remained unchanged since 2023.

If approved, the proposed changes would raise the base fare from HUF 1,100 (appr. EUR 3.07) to HUF 1,400 (EUR 3.91). The per-kilometre charge would increase from HUF 440 (EUR 1.23) to HUF 560 (EUR 1.56), while the per-minute waiting fee would climb from HUF 110 to HUF 140 (EUR 0.31 to 0.39). In addition, airport rides could become even more expensive due to a planned HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.79) surcharge for trips to and from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Taxi drivers and companies are eager to raise prices

The proposal follows a survey conducted by the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which found that 63% of taxi drivers supported a fare increase of at least 27%. While some stakeholders advocated a more moderate 15% rise out of concern that higher prices could reduce demand, most taxi operators argued that inflation and increasing business costs justify the steeper adjustment.

The issue is expected to be one of the key topics during the assembly’s upcoming marathon session, scheduled unusually for Friday rather than the traditional Wednesday. The change was reportedly requested by representatives of the Tisza Party, several of whom also serve as Members of the European Parliament.

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Budapest’s budget is tight

The assembly meeting comes after a two-month hiatus caused by the parliamentary elections and ongoing political reshuffling. More than 60 proposals are expected to be discussed, including the financial situation of the Hungarian capital. Budapest’s finances remain under severe pressure. According to chief director Ambrus Kiss, the city’s current account is currently HUF 47.1 billion (EUR 131.3 million) in the red, while Budapest still faces billions of forints in payments to the state in the coming weeks.

City leaders hope they can eventually reach an agreement with the Hungarian government over disputed “solidarity contribution” payments, which have become a major source of tension between the capital and the state. In addition to transport and financial issues, the assembly is also expected to debate new regulations concerning party boats and alcohol sales on vessels operating along the Danube River in Budapest.

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