And if you’re planning on visiting Budapest, I imagine you might be asking yourself a similar question.

Whilst Uber doesn’t currently operate anymore in Budapest, there are plenty of alternatives making it really easy to get around and explore the city even if you do want to get a bit further out of the city.

We’ll cover all of the alternatives to Uber in this article and leave you feeling ready to take on your next adventure: exploring the city!

Is there Uber in Budapest: A Guide to Getting Around

No, there isn’t Uber in Budapest. Prior to 2016, there was Uber in Budapest. However, due to local taxi driver’s concerns that it was damaging their workforce, it left Budapest in 2016.

However, all is not lost yet! The popular taxi app: Uber is returning to Budapest. Despite the fact that Uber has not been in Budapest for the past 8 years, Uber has announced in February 2024 that it is coming back to Budapest in a partnership with Főtaxi. You can read all about it here.

What are the Budapest Uber alternatives?

Even though Uber isn’t in Budapest there are many alternatives in the city including traditional taxi drivers and other app-based taxis.

Bolt

Bolt works in a similar way to Uber, Grab or most other taxi platforms. You order on the app and you’ll be quoted an estimated price before your ride arrives, which you can accept or decline.

Bolt is the main alternative to Uber in Budapest. However, in the Hungarian capital, the app works a little differently. As rideshares were banned altogether in Budapest bolt drivers have to be registered taxi drivers.

Local Taxi Companies

Additionally, traditional taxi services are also available throughout the city, with several reputable companies to choose from. Főtaxi and City Taxi are two of the most trusted names in Budapest’s taxi industry you can easily flag one down on the street or order one beforehand through their websites.

Taxi prices are regulated across all taxi operators in Budapest. The fare consists of a base fee of HUF 1,100 (€3) plus a distance-based charge of HUF 440 per km (€1.25). Licensed cabs are yellow with their logos displayed on the side of them.

How to get a taxi in Budapest

Using an app: The main alternative to Uber in Budapest is the taxi company Bolt as they will provide you with the estimated journey cost before you get into the taxi. However, Főtaxi and City Taxi, also both have a designated app that allows you to order a taxi.

By Phone: One of the most common methods is through a phone call to the taxi company. This traditional method is reliable; however, it may require some basic Hungarian. Most taxi companies, such as Főtaxi and City Taxi, also have English-speaking operators, so don’t be too concerned about language barriers.

Hail a Taxi: You can hail a taxi directly from the street. However, it’s important to note that as per Hungarian law, traditional taxis (and app-based taxis) can only stop in designated areas, so look out for taxi ranks in this circumstance.

Getting from Budapest airport to the city centre 

The journey time from Budapest Airport (BU) to the city centre can be done in as little as 35 minutes making the capital a great option for a weekend away. 

Taxis from Budapest Airport

The Főtaxi taxis are the exclusive taxi transfers from and to Budapest International Airport. Főtaxi is known for being the oldest taxi company in Budapest dating back to 1913 and is known for being reliable and for offering a fair price. If you’re wondering how much is a taxi from Budapest airport to the city centre then the answer is around €26 depending on the time of day and the amount of traffic.

Shuttle Bus from Budapest Airport

An alternative to getting a taxi from Budapest airport is the official shuttle transfer company that the airport has: the miniBUD company. A journey to your accommodation should cost about 5000HUF (12.50€/12.80$). Of course, if you are travelling in a large group then you can split this between you to keep the cost down. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

Public Bus from Budapest Airport

There are two main bus companies that operate a service between Budapest Airport (BU) and the centre. One route goes directly to the city centre and one doesn’t.

Bus 100E departs almost every 30 minutes from the bus stop in terminal 2. This bus goes directly to the city centre and takes around 45 minutes.

The bus operates 24/7and costs 1500HUF (€3.80). Tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket booths or automatic vendors, from the driver inside the bus, or via the BKK mobile app.

The alternative to this bus is line 200E this bus leaves terminal 2 from 3:46 am to 11:04 pm and from 3:20 am to 11:04 am on weekends and public holidays and heads to Kobanya-Kispest Station, making intermediate stops. It takes around 25 minutes. Tickets cost 387HUF (€1).

The best way to get around Budapest

Budapest is the capital and most populous city of Hungary. It is the ninth-largest city in the European Union by population within city limits. Therefore, if you are only visiting for a weekend or a short amount of time it can be hard to see all of the city without either jumping in a taxi or using public transport.

Public buses in Budapest

The public transport system in Budapest is great. You can hop on a mixture of buses, trams and the Metro. A single fare costs HUF 450 (~€1.25). One-day, three-day and weekly tickets are also available. Plus, if you are over 65 and from an EU country then public transportation system is totally free! Once you have brought your ticket, you need to validate it by scanning the barcode on the bus and tram doors and the driver’s booths. If you would rather not use the app, then you can also find ticket vending machines at most stations or buy your ticket directly from the bus driver. However, these can be slightly more expensive and can end up holding up the journey, so if you can, try and purchase your ticket before getting on the bus or tram.

If you prefer to see more of the city on foot (after all, it’s the best way to get to know a city), then luckily, Budapest is also an extremely walkable city.

The use of Lime electric scooters are becoming very popular in Budapest, you can rent them by downloading the Lime app on your smartphone. It’s a nice alternative to public transport and a quicker way of getting around the city whilst still seeing the local spots.

If you enjoy a train ride or need to travel a further distance then the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) operates most services, connecting Budapest with other major towns and cities. All necessary information like schedules, ticket prices, and booking options can be found on their website.

Conclusion on Is there Uber in Budapest?

There is currently no Uber taxi in Budapest, however, there are many alternatives to the taxi company. Bolt Budapest is the nearest competitor. However, there is talk of Uber returning to Budapest in partnership with Főtaxi. The details of this are still unknown and it is yet to be finalised.

Budapest is also an extremely walkable city and has great public transport links that are efficient and affordable. It’s an easy city to explore, despite the fact that Budapest does not have Uber.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Is there Uber in Budapest?