The airport is relatively far from the city cenre (15 km), but travel in to the centre is simple. The Airport Minibus is a popular and reasonably priced means of transport between the airport and the city (transport to any address in the capital costs 2100 HUF. Sign up and pay at the minibus counter inside the arrivals hall. The public airport bus is the cheapest option. Exiting the airport, walk to your right from Terminal A, or left from Terminal B, to find the bus stop that says BKV Plusz Reptér busz. The bus goes to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station (on the blue line), 20 minutes away.
- Central number: (+36-1) 296-9696
- Flight information: (+36-1) 296-7155
- Ferihegy 2A: (+36-1) 296-8108
- Ferihegy 2B: (+36-1) 296-3480
- Airport Minibus service: (+36-1) 296-8555
Budapest has direct rail links to 25 capitals. There are more than 50 international connections each day. There are three major international railway stations in Budapest, and each has connections to the metro system as well as to other public transport: Keleti Train Station ( VIII. Baross tér) Nyugati Train Staion (VI. Nyugati tér) Déli Train Station (I. Krisztina krt 37/A)
- International information - Phone: (+36-1) 461-5500
- Domestic information - Phone: (+36-1) 461-5400
All buses from abroad now arrive at Népliget Bus Station, tel: (+36-1) 264-3939. Open Mon-Fri: 06:00-18:00, Sat, Sun: 06:00-16:00. This station is located near to Népliget metro station (blue line).
Hydrofoils run scheduled services from Vienna and Bratislava to the heart of Budapest between April and October. Information on Mahart Passnave sailings: (+36-1) 484-4025
Drivers are obliged to purchase a motorway sticker for the motorways M1, M3 and M7 (obtainable at border crossing points and major petrol stations). Ont he M5 motorway a toll fee has to be apaid at booths on leaving the motorway. The Hungarian Highway Code (KRESZ) is based on the Vienna and Geneva Convention, a sas such traffic signs and road markings are similar to those found in other European countries. However, it is important to highlight a few important traffic regulations that tourists visiting Hungary most observe at all times: - use of seatbelts in the front and rare seats is compulsory, - only mobile phones fitted with loudspeaker and microphone may be used in cars, and it is recommended that drivers making or receiving a call pull over to the side of the road in a safe area, - drivers may not consume any alcohol before driving (blood-alcohol level has to be 0,00% - any drinking before driving is illegal, - speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on main roads, 90 km/h outside built-up areas and 50 km/h in built-up areas, - use of the horn in towns is only permitted in moments of danger (despite which, unfortunately, Hungarian drivers frequently use their horns without proper reason).
- Hungarian Automobile Club 24 hour helpline: (+36-1) 345-1755
- Roadside breakdown service: 188
The Hungarian currency is the forint (Ft). Coins in circulation are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 forints. Banknotes come in denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 Ft. Exchanging money is only permitted in licensed, designated places. Do not take the risk of changing money on the street. The best exchange rates are to be found in the city centre. Banks generally give a middle rate, and the airport and hotel exchange rates are not so competitive. The Hungarian National Bank gives official daily foreign exchange and currency rates on 23 currencies. Most banks have 24-hour banknote exchange ATMs. Credit Cards: Paying by credit card is not the routine experience it is in much of the West. Cards are accepted by most tourist-related businesses such as restautants, hotels and travel agencies. Emblems ont he door of the establishment detail which credit cards are accepted. Stopping a credit card: in general use the telephone numbers given by the bank which issued the card, or use the following numbers:
- VISA Global: (00-80) 011-272 (free-phone)
- VISA Centre - London: (00-44) 1-719-381-031
- EC-Card centre - Frankfurt: (00-49) 69-740-987
