17 February 2025·4 min read
How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Budapest? (2025 Fare Guide)
Budapest taxis start at HUF 1,100 and charge HUF 450/km. A city centre trip costs HUF 1,500–3,000. Always book via app — never hail from the street.
Budapest taxi fares: HUF 1,100 flag fall, then HUF 450/km, with a waiting charge of HUF 75/minute. A typical 5km city centre journey costs HUF 3,500–4,500 (~€8.50–11). App-based taxis (Bolt, Főtaxi) are strongly recommended over street hailing.
Typical Budapest Taxi Fares (2025)
Ferenc Liszt Airport → city centreFixed rate: HUF 12,900 (~€31.50) — mandatory fixed price for airport pickups
Keleti Station → Buda CastleHUF 3,000–4,200 (~€7.30–10.25) via Bolt
Chain Bridge → ParliamentHUF 1,800–2,500 (~€4.40–6.10) — short hop
City centre to Memento ParkHUF 5,500–7,000 (~€13.40–17.10)
Night surchargeNone officially — Bolt/Főtaxi prices are consistent day/night
Which Taxi App to Use in Budapest
Bolt is the dominant ride-hailing app in Budapest and offers the best prices — typically 15–25% cheaper than metered Főtaxi for equivalent routes. Download Bolt before arriving in Hungary. FreeNow also operates and books Főtaxi cars via app. Uber does not operate in Hungary following a 2016 suspension after heavy driver protests. The airport fixed-fare (HUF 12,900) applies to all companies — don't expect to save money on airport runs via Bolt vs the official taxi desk.
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Budapest has a history of tourist taxi overcharging, particularly near the airport arrivals hall and popular nightlife areas. Private taxis approaching you with unsolicited offers should be declined. Only book via app or official taxi desks (Főtaxi, City Taxi).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber available in Budapest?
No — Uber suspended operations in Hungary in 2016 following sustained protests from local taxi drivers. Bolt is the closest equivalent and operates reliably across Budapest.
Is the Budapest Metro a better option than taxis?
For most city centre journeys, yes. The Budapest Metro (M1, M2, M3, M4 lines) covers all major tourist areas for HUF 350 per trip or HUF 1,650 for a 24-hour pass. Trams (especially Tram 2 along the Danube) are scenic and cheap. Taxis make sense late at night or for groups.
What is the fixed fare from Budapest Airport?
HUF 12,900 (~€31.50) is the mandatory fixed price for licensed taxis from Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport to any destination within the city limits. This applies regardless of which company you use. Pay at the official taxi desk inside arrivals or book Bolt/FreeNow via app — the price is the same.
Book a pre-arranged transfer in Budapest
Fixed price · no meter disputes · book in advance
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That's the general range — what's YOUR route?
Fares shift by exact pickup point, time of day, and traffic. Get a personalised estimate for your specific journey in Budapest, plus scam warnings and the phrase to say to your driver.
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