Budapest 72 Hour Travel Card: Best Passes & Ticket Deals (2024)

Budapest captured my heart during my week-long visit. I loved its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the majestic Buda Castle perched on a hill to the iconic Parliament Building by the Danube, the city felt like a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern life.

One of the best decisions I made during my trip was purchasing the Budapest 72-Hour Travel Card, which made exploring the city effortless. With this card, I had unlimited access to public transport, including buses, trams, and metros, allowing me to move freely and easily.

The card was incredibly convenient, and I didn’t have to worry about buying tickets each time I boarded a tram or metro. Whether traveling across the city to see the Fisherman’s Bastion or hopping on a tram to soak in the thermal baths, public transport became my best friend during the trip. It was efficient, well-connected, and took me to all the key sights with minimal hassle.

I spent my days hopping on and off different modes of transport, exploring the city’s streets, hidden corners, and popular attractions. The ease of travel allowed me to focus on enjoying the city without being stressed about logistics. It was a fantastic experience that left me with unforgettable memories, and the 72-Hour Travel Card played a considerable role in making my time in Budapest so smooth and enjoyable.

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About Budapest 72 Hour Travel Card

The Budapest 72 Hour Travel Card is essential for tourists exploring the city. Valid for 72 hours, this travel card offers unlimited access to Budapest’s extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, metros, and even certain boat rides within designated zones. This makes it ideal for visitors looking to maximize their time in Budapest without worrying about purchasing individual tickets for each journey.

What sets the Budapest 72 Hour Travel Card apart from other travel passes is its convenience and value for money. Unlike single tickets or shorter-duration passes, the 72-hour card allows unrestricted travel across the city for three consecutive days, making it perfect for those planning to explore various attractions without time constraints. It’s especially advantageous compared to a 24-hour card, which might require frequent renewals, or a 7-day pass, which could be excessive for shorter stays.

During my visit to Budapest, I found the 72 Hour Travel Card invaluable. It allowed me to seamlessly travel between key tourist spots like Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the famous thermal baths without worrying about transportation logistics.

The ease of hopping on and off public transport made my sightseeing experience stress-free, and I could fully immerse myself in the city’s beauty. For anyone visiting Budapest, this travel card is a must-have for a smooth and efficient exploration of the city’s rich cultural and historical sites.

Benefits of the 72-Hour Travel Card

The Budapest 72-Hour Travel Card offers significant benefits for tourists exploring the city efficiently and affordably. Valid for three consecutive days, the card provides unlimited access to Budapest’s public transportation network, including buses, trams, metros, and certain boat rides within designated zones. This all-in-one pass eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets, making travel around the city hassle-free and cost-effective.

One of the primary advantages of the 72-Hour Travel Card is its flexibility. Tourists can explore Budapest at their own pace, hopping on and off public transport as they visit popular attractions like Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the city’s famous thermal baths. There’s no need to worry about keeping track of time or purchasing new tickets for each journey, allowing for a relaxed and spontaneous travel experience.

Another benefit is the substantial cost savings. The card is priced competitively compared to buying multiple single tickets, especially for those planning to use public transportation frequently. It also offers better value than shorter-duration passes like the 24-hour card, which requires renewal and can add up costs if used over multiple days.

Additionally, the 72-Hour Travel Card covers all major modes of transportation, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the city. This card makes it easy to access every corner of Budapest. It’s a practical, economical, and convenient way for tourists to experience the city’s rich culture and history.

How to Purchase the 72-Hour Travel Card?

Purchasing the Budapest 72-Hour Travel Card is a simple process and can be done in several convenient ways. Here’s how you can get one:

1. At the Airport – If you arrive in Budapest by air, you can purchase the card at the airport. There are public transportation and ticket desks located at the arrival terminals. You can start using the card as soon as you land, giving you easy access to public transport from the start of your trip.
2. Metro Stations – Most major metro stations in Budapest have ticket vending machines or customer service desks where you can buy the 72-Hour Travel Card. The vending machines are user-friendly, and you can switch the interface to English to make the process easier.
3. Online Purchase – For added convenience, you can buy the travel card online through Budapest’s public transport website. Once purchased, you can either collect the card at designated points in the city or, in some cases, opt for an e-ticket that you can use via your mobile device.
4. Tourist Information Centers—Tourist information offices located in the city center and key tourist spots also sell the 72-Hour Travel Card. These centers are helpful if you want additional information or guidance on using the card to explore the city.

The 72-Hour Budapest Travel Card costs 5,500 HUF (Hungarian Forint). This provides unlimited travel on buses, trams, metros, trolleybuses, and certain boats within the city for 72 hours, offering a cost-effective and convenient way to explore Budapest.

The card is activated upon first use and valid for 72 hours, allowing unlimited travel.

72 Hours Budapest Itinerary with Budapest Travel Card

Day 1: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Gellért Hill

Morning: Buda Castle District

• Start your day by taking Bus 16 from the city center to Buda Castle. The bus drops you right near the historic Buda Castle.
• Explore the Castle District, walking through its cobblestone streets. Visit the Budapest History Museum and enjoy panoramic views of Pest from Castle Hill.
• Tip: Don’t miss the stunning Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, known for its fairy-tale towers and sweeping views over the Danube.

Lunch:

• Grab a bite at a local café in the Castle District or cross over to Pest for a riverside lunch.

Afternoon: Gellért Hill and Citadella

• Take Bus 27 to Gellért Hill. Climb up to the Citadella for breathtaking views of the entire city. The Liberty Statue here symbolizes Budapest’s resilience.
• Descend to the Gellért Thermal Bath for a relaxing soak. You can get there using Bus 7 from the foot of the hill.

Evening: River Cruise

• Use your travel card to hop on one of the public D11 boat rides on the Danube. It’s a scenic and budget-friendly way to experience Budapest’s illuminated skyline at night.

Day 2: Parliament, Margaret Island, and Heroes’ Square

Morning: Hungarian Parliament and Shoes on the Danube

• Begin the day by taking the Tram 2, which runs along the Danube, to the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building. You can book a guided tour to explore its beautiful interior.
• Afterwards, walk to the Shoes on the Danube memorial nearby, which pays tribute to Holocaust victims.
• Alternatively, you can do the Budapest Walking Tour, which covers most of these attractions.

Midday: Margaret Island

• Take Tram 4 or 6 to Margaret Island. Explore the island’s green spaces, visit the musical fountain, or rent a bike.
• Enjoy a light lunch at one of the park’s cafés.

Afternoon: Heroes’ Square and City Park

• Take the Metro Line 1 (the oldest metro in continental Europe) to Heroes’ Square (H?sök tere), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the statues of Hungarian leaders.
• Wander into Városliget (City Park) and visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe’s largest and most famous baths.
• If you have time, explore the Vajdahunyad Castle within the park or visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

Evening: Andrássy Avenue

• Stroll down Andrássy Avenue, lined with stunning 19th-century buildings, cafes, and designer shops. This boulevard is perfect for an evening walk or a quick stop at a café.
• Enjoy a Hungarian dinner at a restaurant in the area or near the Opera House.

Day 3: Great Market Hall, Jewish Quarter, and Thermal Baths

Morning: Great Market Hall

• Take the Metro Line 3 or Tram 47/49 to the Great Market Hall. This is Budapest’s largest and oldest indoor market, where you can try traditional Hungarian foods and shop for local souvenirs.

Midday: Jewish Quarter

• From the market, walk or take Bus 9 to the Jewish Quarter. Start with a visit to the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe.
• Take some time to explore the area’s street art, boutique shops, and historic ruin bars.

Lunch:

• Try lunch at one of the Jewish Quarter’s famous street food spots or enjoy a meal in a cozy restaurant.

Afternoon: House of Terror and Opera House

• Use Metro Line 1 to get to the House of Terror, a museum dedicated to the history of fascism and communism in Hungary. It offers a moving insight into Hungary’s turbulent 20th century.
• After the museum, walk to the nearby Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour or admire its architecture from outside.

Evening: Rudas or Széchenyi Thermal Baths

• End your trip with a relaxing evening at one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. If you haven’t visited the Széchenyi Baths, now is a great time to unwind there.
• Alternatively, visit the historic Rudas Thermal Bath for a night soak. Its rooftop pool offers stunning views over the Danube.

Tips for Using the 72-Hour Travel Card

• With this card, you can use Buses, Trams, Metro, and even certain public boats. You won’t need to worry about buying separate tickets for different journeys.
• The card is valid for 72 hours from the first validation, so make sure to validate it as soon as you board your first transport.
• When entering the metro station or boarding a street-level transport vehicle through the front door, use the BudapestGO app by scanning the QR code or holding your phone near the NFC sticker. After scanning, display the animated image to the staff. If a ticket inspector requests, tap on the ticket details and show the code there for verification.
• You can use the card on Tram 2, which runs along the riverbank and is often considered one of Europe‘s most scenic tram routes.
• If you plan to use the airport bus, you must buy a separate ticket for the 100E airport shuttle.

Budapest 72 Hour Travel Card – FAQ

Q: What does a 72 Hour Budapest Travel Card include?

The 72-Hour Budapest Travel Card includes many benefits for tourists exploring the city. Here’s what it offers:

1. Unlimited Travel – The card allows unlimited access to all forms of public transport in Budapest for 72 hours. This includes:
   • Buses
   • Trams
   • Metro lines
   • Trolleybuses
   • Suburban railway (HÉV) within the city’s designated zones. You can hop on and off these services as often as you need during the 72 hours, making it ideal for easy sightseeing.
2. Certain Boat Rides – The card also covers some public boat services, allowing you to enjoy a scenic ride along the Danube. While these boats mainly operate during warmer months, they offer a unique way to view the city’s landmarks from the water.
3. Airport Transfer Exclusion – While the 72-Hour Travel Card covers most forms of public transport, it’s important to note that the card does not include the airport shuttle (100E). For airport transfers, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket.
4. Trains within the City – The card is valid on suburban trains within the city’s boundaries. This is useful if you’re staying in outer districts or want to visit attractions further from the city center.
5. No Additional Fees – Unlike single-use tickets, there are no additional fees or restrictions on how many times you can use the card during the 72-hour window, providing a hassle-free travel experience.

Q: Are Budapest Travel Cards worth it?

Budapest Travel Cards, especially the 72-Hour Travel Card, are worth it for most tourists. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Cost Savings – The card offers significant savings compared to buying tickets for every ride. If you plan to use public transport regularly to explore the city, the 72-Hour Travel Card is more economical than purchasing single tickets. It eliminates the hassle of calculating fares for each journey.
2. Unlimited Travel – The card provides unlimited access to buses, trams, metro lines, trolleybuses, and suburban trains within Budapest, making sightseeing convenient. You can explore as many places as you want without worrying about ticketing or time limits.
3. Convenience—With the 72-Hour Travel Card, you don’t need to purchase tickets every time you board public transport. This saves time, especially when you’re hopping on and off to visit multiple attractions. It also benefits tourists unfamiliar with the local language or ticketing system.
4. Access to Major Tourist Spots – Public transport in Budapest connects all the major attractions, from Buda Castle and the Parliament Building to thermal baths and Andrássy Avenue. The card ensures you can visit these locations without arranging or paying for separate transport.
5. Flexibility—The card allows you to explore the city quickly. Whether you want to spend a whole day sightseeing or take a quick tram ride to a local café, the card makes traveling easy and stress-free.

For tourists planning to move around the city extensively, the 72-Hour Travel Card offers great value for money and convenience.

Q: Which travel card should you buy in Budapest?

The best travel card to buy in Budapest depends on the length of your stay and how much you plan to use public transport. Here are the main options to consider:

1. 72-Hour Travel Card

• Best for: Tourists staying for 3 days.
• Benefits: 72 hours of unlimited travel on buses, trams, metros, and certain boats. It’s ideal for those who want to explore the city extensively and make the most of public transport.
• Cost-effective: This card offers convenience and savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions and need frequent rides.
• Cost: 5,500 HUF (Hungarian Forint).

2. 24-Hour Travel Card

• Best for: Short visits or layovers.
• Benefits: This card allows unlimited travel for a single day, perfect for travelers who have just one day to explore the city. It offers great flexibility without the need for multiple tickets.
• Consideration: If you’re staying more than a day but using public transport minimally, buying a 24-hour card for the days you need it might work better than a longer pass.
• Cost: 2,500 HUF (Hungarian Forint).

3. Single Tickets or 10-Trip Tickets

• Best for: Light public transport users.
• Benefits: Single tickets or a pack of 10 tickets might be better if you only plan to take a few trips. Each ticket allows one uninterrupted journey, making this option more suited to minimal transport use.
• Cost for 10-Trip Tickets: 4,000 HUF (Hungarian Forint).

Which Should You Choose?

• For a short stay (1-3 days) in Budapest, the 72-Hour Travel Card is the most convenient and cost-effective option for a 3-day trip.
• For a one-day visit to Budapest, the 24-Hour Travel Card is perfect if you stay briefly and need quick, easy access to public transport.
• The 7-Day Travel Card offers great value for a week-long stay, especially for those planning to use public transport frequently during an extended visit.

Closing Notes

In just 72 hours, the Budapest Travel Card allows you to seamlessly explore the city’s rich history, breathtaking architecture, and unique cultural experiences. From the stunning Buda Castle and panoramic views from Gellért Hill to relaxing in thermal baths and cruising along the Danube, this itinerary covers all the essential highlights while taking full advantage of the convenience and flexibility the travel card offers.

With unlimited access to public transport, you can move around Budapest efficiently, saving time and money while making the most of your stay in this vibrant city. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the best of Budapest hassle-free.

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