TRAVELING TO BUDAPEST: A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Embarking on a journey to study abroad is an exciting and enriching experience. We warmly welcome international students to our vibrant campus in Budapest. To ensure a smooth transition to your new home away from home, here's a guide on how to travel to Hungary.
ARRIVING BY PLANE
Budapest is well-connected to major cities worldwide through its international airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Students can book direct flights or connect through major European hubs.
Upon arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, students can easily reach the city center using various transportation options, including taxis, airport shuttles, public buses (Bus 200E), or the airport express bus (Airport Shuttle 100E).
While you are planning your arrival it's worth considering flights to Vienna, Austria, too. With excellent transportation connections between Vienna and Budapest, flying into Vienna International Airport provides a convenient and efficient route to our campus. From Vienna, travelers can easily access Budapest via train or bus.
ARRIVING BY BUS OR TRAIN
Alternatively, Budapest is also accessible by train, bus, or car from neighboring European countries. Check for convenient routes and transportation options based on your location. For students arriving by train or bus, Budapest's Keleti Railway Station (“Keleti pályaudvar”) and “Népliget” Coach Station serve as major transportation hubs with connections to domestic and international destinations.
PUCHASING TICKETS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
As of 2024 getting around as a student in Budapest by public transport is one of the cheapest compared to other big cities. Based on a newly introduced ticket and pass system, students can purchase monthly passes ( called “vármegyebérlet”) for 945 HUF (~2.5 EUR) that are valid for almost all means of transport of not even just within Budapest, but also its surrounding (Pest County). That’s right! Unlimited travel for a price of a coffee. In comparsion if you have no student passes, the price of a single ticket is 450 HUF (~1.15 EUR) if you buy it preliminary, 600 HUF (~1.5 EUR) if you purchase it on board of a vehicle.
The pass can be used by students attending full-time or evening classes with a student ID card, and by beneficiaries with a travel voucher.
More info: Pest County Pass (discounted) (bkk.hu)
GETTING TO THE CITY CENTER
- From Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport with bus line 200E:
The cheapest option to get to the city centre from the airport. Bus 200E will take you to “Kőbánya-Kispest” station. From there you can take the metro line M3 (blue line) to get to the city center. With a single ticket you are able to switch between metro lines in Budapest. Thanks to this, at “Deák Ferenc tér” you can change to metro lines M2 (red line) or M1 (yellow line), or you will find your connection to metro line M4 (green line) at “Kálvin tér” if needed.
Detailed information: bud.hu
- From Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport with bus line 100E (Airport Express):
Airport Express operates between Liszt Ferenc International Airport and “Deák Ferenc tér”, one of Budapest’s major transport hubs, running via “Kálvin tér”, another important location in the city centre. This express bus service operates 24/7. Please note that using the Airport Express requires you to purchase a special ticket valid for this line only, it costs 2,200 HUF (approximately 6 EUR).
More info: Airport Express (bkk.hu)
- From Népliget coach station with metro line M3
From “Népliget” you should take the metro line M3 (blue line) and travel a few stations to get to the city center. by purchasing a single ticket you are able to switch between metro lines at transfer hubs in Budapest; at “Deák Ferenc tér” you can change to metro lines M2 (red line) or M1 (yellow line), also you will find connection to metro line M4 (green line) at “Kálvin tér” if need be.
- From Keleti Railway Station (“Keleti pályaudvar”) with metro line M4 and M2
“Keleti Pályaudvar” is located close to the center of Pest and is itself a transfer hub. From here you can take the metro line M4 (green line), or M2 (red line), by travelling 2-3 stations you will also find the connection to the M1 and M3 lines, too.
HOW TO GET TO THE CAMPUS
- Location:
The faculties of Pázmány Péter Catholic University are scattered in the 8th district of Budapest, all being just a few minutes away from one another.
You can easily reach the campus of the Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics of Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE ITK). The Faculty is centrally located in the Pest side of the city, in the 8th district.
- Address of the campus:
1083 Budapest, Práter u. 50/a.
- Nearby stops:
The Faculty building is easily accessible by public transport – eg. M3 (blue) metro line; trams 4/6, bus 9, trolley buses 72/83.
“Semmelweis Klinikák” is a metro station of the metro line M3 (blue line). From here it takes a few minutes' walk to reach the main building of the faculty.
"Kálvin tér” serves as a bustling transfer hub, facilitating connections between two metro lines (M3 and M4) as well as tram and bus routes. From there it takes approximately 15 minutes’ walk to get to the campus.
From “Kálvin tér” there are other options to access the campus; it might be convenient to take one of the following busses: bus no. 9 or trolley bus no. 72 or no. 83 to “Muzsikus cigányok parkja” (4 stops). It takes 3 minutes’ walk to get to the main building.
“Corvin negyed” is also a smaller transportation hub which is served by metro (M3) and tram lines (no. 4 and no. 6) as well. It is a good 10 minutes’ stroll from here to get to our campus.
- Go Green!
Considering greener travelling methods, it is important to note that there is a MOL Bubi (public bike-sharing) station right next to the Faculty building. If you use your own bike, it can be stored on the Faculty premises.
NAVIGATING IN BUDAPEST
Exploring the enchanting city of Budapest is made easy with its efficient and extensive public transportation network. Whether you're commuting to class, exploring cultural landmarks, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife, Budapest's buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries offer convenient and affordable options to get around.
Budapest has four metro lines (M1, M2, M3, M4) that cover the city's major districts and attractions. The metro runs from early morning until late evening, with trains arriving every few minutes during peak hours. The city’s extensive bus and tram network provides connections to areas not covered by the metro. With numerous routes crisscrossing the city, buses and trams offer a flexible and convenient way to reach your destination.
Purchase single-ride tickets or multi-day passes from ticket vending machines located at metro stations, major bus and tram stops, and newsstands throughout the city. Remember to validate your ticket or pass upon boarding to avoid fines.
The best option is to buy a monthly student pass, which entitles you to unlimited travel in Budapest. The pass can be used with a valid student ID card only.
For detailed schedules, route maps, and ticket information, visit the official website of Budapest's public transportation company, BKK or download the BudapestGO mobile app for your Android or iOS device. Additionally, Google Maps offers reliable public transportation directions for navigating Budapest: Google Maps.
Please note: Budapest's public transportation system is partly wheelchair accessible, with designated spaces on buses, trams, and metro trains. For more information about accessibility in regard to the public transportation in Budapest, please visit the website of BKK Accessibility (bkk.hu)
Considering greener travelling methods, it is important to note that there is a MOL Bubi (public bike-sharing) station all over the city. Also, if you use your own bike, it can be stored on the Faculty premises.
EXPLORING THE COUNTRY
While you are in the largest and certainly the busiest city of Hungary, you might want to explore other parts of the country as well. Plan your travels to other cities with ease by checking the timetables of buses and trains connecting Budapest to various destinations across Hungary. For detailed schedules and routes, visit: Menetrendek.hu
