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Uber has had a tumultuous relationship with Budapest. The ride-sharing company ceased operations in the Hungarian capital in 2016 due to local taxi drivers' concerns about the impact on their workforce. However, in February 2024, Uber announced its return to the city in partnership with Főtaxi, the official taxi service provider for Liszt Ferenc International Airport. While the Uber app can be used to request rides in Budapest, it is important to note that, by law, Uber must charge identical rates to regular taxi services. Additionally, users have reported issues with the app's functionality, indicating potential discrepancies between the estimated arrival time and the actual location of the driver.
Despite the availability of Uber, travellers to Budapest may also consider alternative options for transportation from the airport to their destination. The official shuttle transfer company, miniBUD, offers a journey to accommodations for approximately €12.50, with the option of reduced costs for larger groups. The 100E Airport Express bus provides a cheap and quick connection between the airport and the city centre for €5.50, with tickets available through the BudapestGO app. For those seeking a taxi, Fotaxi operates directly outside the airport and provides a fare calculator on its website.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Uber available in Budapest? | Uber is not currently available in Budapest. However, in February 2024, Uber announced its return to Budapest in partnership with Főtaxi. |
| Uber alternatives in Budapest | Bolt, Fotaxi, City Taxi, Rideways, Taxify, Bikes, Public Transport |
| Uber alternatives at Budapest Airport | Fotaxi, miniBUD, Bus 100E, Bus 200E |
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What You'll Learn
Uber alternatives in Budapest
Uber is banned in Budapest, but there are several alternative ways to get around the city.
Firstly, there are alternative ride-sharing apps. Bolt (previously known as Taxify) is one of the main ridesharing companies that operate in Budapest. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. However, one source notes that Bolt is not a good option for airport transfers as you have to wait for the taxi, and by law, they charge the same rates as everyone else.
Another option is to use a licensed taxi company such as City Taxi, Főtaxi, or Tele 5. All cabs are required by law to accept credit cards. It is recommended that you avoid freelance cabs, which are also yellow but have "freelance" and "független szolgáltató" written in black on their front doors and roof signs that say "taxi" instead of the taxi company's name.
If you want to avoid taxis altogether, Budapest has an excellent public transportation system. The city has buses, trolleys, trams, and subways. The 100E Airport Express shuttle bus connects the city center (Deák Ferenc tér) with the Ferenc Liszt International Airport in around 30 minutes for a one-way ticket price of €5.5 (HUF2,200). You can purchase tickets for the shuttle bus ahead of time through the BudapestGO app (App Store and Google Play). Alternatively, you can buy a ticket at the vending machine by the stations, but you may have to wait in line. The shuttle buses run every 7-8 minutes throughout the day and night.
Walking and biking are also great ways to get around Budapest, especially in the inner parts of Pest, which is flat terrain. Budapest has a bicycle-sharing system called MOL Bubi, with over 200 docking stations and 1,800 bicycles. You can rent a bike through the MOL Bubi app (App Store and Google Play).
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Uber's return to Budapest
Ubers Return to Budapest
After an eight-year hiatus, Uber has returned to Budapest. In February 2024, Uber announced it was coming back to the city in partnership with Főtaxi, the official taxi service provider for Liszt Ferenc International Airport.
Uber's main goal is to develop a technological solution that connects drivers and passengers on demand. The app pairs passengers with drivers, who then take them to their destination. Passengers and drivers then evaluate each other.
In terms of cost, Uber in Budapest must, by law, charge identical rates to normal taxis. A ride within the city shouldn't cost more than €15 (HUF 6,000 or so), while €35 (HUF 14,000) ought to get you to the airport.
For those looking for alternatives to Uber, there are several options. The main alternative is the taxi company Bolt, which provides estimated journey costs before you get into the taxi. Other alternatives include Fotaxi, City Taxi, and Rideways, which all have designated apps that allow you to order a taxi.
Budapest also has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, trolleys, trams, and subways. The city is also very walkable and has a bicycle-sharing system called MOL Bubi, with more than 200 docking stations and 1,800 bicycles.
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Taxi prices in Budapest
Although Uber is available in Budapest, it does not function as a typical Uber service. Instead, it links passengers to regular taxi services, which means you will be charged by the meter. This is because, in Budapest, Uber is a local Hungarian taxi company called Fotaxi that has licensed the Uber name. Fotaxi operates directly outside Budapest Airport, and you can use the Uber app to calculate the estimated taxi fare. However, users have reported that the Uber app functions poorly in Budapest, with drivers appearing much closer than they actually are.
There are other alternatives to taxis in Budapest, such as the 100E Airport Express bus, which connects the city centre (Deák Ferenc tér) with the Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This bus costs €5.50 (HUF 2,200) for a one-way ticket. There is also the option to use the MOL Bubi, Budapest's bicycle-sharing system, which is cheap at only €4 (HUF 1,500) for a half-hour ride.
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Public transport in Budapest
Budapest has an excellent public transport network, operated by the BKK (Budapest Centre of Transport). The city is walkable, but for longer distances, the extensive metro, tram and bus system is the best way to get around.
Metro
The Budapest metro is the easiest and quickest way to get around the city, especially if you are a first-time visitor. There are four metro lines, with trains running every 2-5 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes in the early morning and late evening. A single ticket costs HUF 450, and you can change lines with a single ticket. 24-hour, 72-hour, and monthly travel passes are also available, which cover all modes of transportation. The metro runs daily from 4:30 am to 11:50 pm.
Trams
Budapest's tram network is extensive, with more than 440 million passengers travelling by tram each year. Tram #2 offers a memorable sightseeing tour, with views of the Hungarian Parliament building and the Buda Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Buses
Buses are one of the primary forms of transport in Budapest. The 100E Airport Express shuttle bus connects the city centre (Deák Ferenc tér) with the Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The trip takes about half an hour, and with a €5.5 (HUF 2,200) one-way ticket, it's a cheap and quick way to get into and out of the airport.
Other Options
Budapest also has a bicycle-sharing system, called MOL Bubi, with more than 200 docking stations and 1,800 bicycles. The network provides excellent coverage of the inner parts of Pest. In addition, ridesharing companies such as Uber and Bolt operate in Budapest, offering an alternative to taxis.
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Ride-hailing apps in Budapest
Ride-hailing apps are a convenient way to get around Budapest. The two main ridesharing companies that operate in the city are Bolt and Uber.
Bolt is a popular alternative to Uber in many European cities, and in Budapest, it has more cars on the road than Uber, resulting in shorter wait times. The Bolt app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
While Uber does operate in Budapest, it is a different service from what you may be used to in other cities. In Budapest, Uber has licensed the local taxi company Fotaxi to use its name and app. This means that when you request an Uber, you will be matched with a Fotaxi driver, who must be a licensed taxi driver. By law, Uber in Budapest must charge the same rates as regular taxis, and you must pay your fare in advance through the app.
If you prefer to use ridesharing apps, both Bolt and Uber are good options, but be aware that you will be paying the same price as a regular taxi. If you are looking for a cheaper option, consider using public transportation or a bicycle.
Budapest has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, trolleys, trams, and subways that can take you all around the city. The BudapestGO app (available on the App Store and Google Play) can be used to purchase tickets for the airport shuttle bus and other public transportation options.
If you prefer to travel by bicycle, you can use MOL Bubi, Budapest's bicycle-sharing system, which has over 200 docking stations and 1,800 bicycles. You can rent a bike through the MOL Bubi app (App Store; Google Play) and pay by the minute.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Uber does not currently operate in Budapest Airport or anywhere in Budapest. Uber left Budapest in 2016 due to local taxi drivers' concerns about the impact on their workforce. However, Uber has announced that it will be returning to Budapest in partnership with Főtaxi.
There are several alternatives to Uber at Budapest Airport. These include:
- Fotaxi: This is the official taxi service provider for the airport. You can book a ride through their website or by visiting their booth outside the arrivals hall.
- Bolt: A popular taxi app that provides estimated journey costs before you get into the taxi.
- Rideways: Provides transfers to and from the airport.
- Taxify: Another taxi app that works similarly to Uber.
- Public transportation: The 100E bus connects the airport to the city centre and runs 24/7. Tickets cost €3.80 (HUF 1500) and can be purchased from ticket booths, automatic vendors, or the bus driver.
The cost of a taxi from Budapest Airport to the city centre typically ranges from €30 to €40 or 11,000 to 13,000 Hungarian Forints.
When taking a taxi in Budapest, it is important to use a licensed and trustworthy company to avoid being overcharged. Főtaxi, City Taxi, and CityCab are some recommended companies. It is also a good idea to agree on a price upfront with the driver to avoid surprises.
Yes, the 100E Airport Express shuttle bus connects the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Tickets cost €5.50 (HUF 2200) and can be purchased through the BudapestGO app or at the vending machines by the stations.
