Budapest Card: complete guide to benefits, prices, and how it Works

If you’re planning a trip to Hungary’s capital, you’ve probably come across the Budapest Card. It’s one of the city’s most popular tourist passes, combining unlimited public transportation, free museum entries, discounts, and even thermal bath access.

But with so many versions available and dozens of benefits to compare, it’s normal to feel unsure about whether it’s actually worth buying.

Budapest is a city full of history, spas, art, cafés, and amazing viewpoints. And depending on your travel style, the Budapest Card can help you explore all of that while saving money and avoiding the hassle of buying individual tickets for every attraction or ride.

For travelers who enjoy visiting museums, relaxing in thermal baths, or moving easily around town, the card is often one of the most convenient options!

Still, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all pass. The value depends on what you plan to see, how much time you have in the city, and how much you’ll use public transport. That’s why comparing the benefits, prices, and included attractions is essential before deciding.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Budapest Card: what it includes, where to buy it, how much it costs, how to use it, and whether it’s the right choice for your trip. Let’s dive in!

What is the Budapest Card?

The Budapest Card is the official city pass of Budapest, designed to make sightseeing easier, cheaper, and more convenient. It works as a 3-in-1 card: a public transport pass, an attraction pass, and a discount card.

With it, travelers get access to dozens of museums, unlimited rides on the city’s transportation network, free walking tours, and exclusive deals at restaurants, guided tours, and cultural sites.

Budapest Card options (24h to 120h)

The Budapest Card is available in multiple durations, allowing you to choose the option that best matches the length and rhythm of your trip.

All versions include the same main benefits (unlimited public transport, free museums, walking tours, and discounts), with the difference being how long the card stays valid once activated.

Here are the available versions:

• 24-hour Budapest Card: ideal for quick visits, long layovers, or travelers who plan to see a few key attractions in one day;
• 48-hour Budapest Card: great for weekend trips or short stays where you can group museums, walking tours, and thermal baths;
• 72-hour Budapest Card: one of the most popular options, perfect for travelers who want to explore both Buda and Pest at a comfortable pace;
• 96-hour Budapest Card: a good choice for longer trips or travelers who enjoy combining sightseeing with slower days;
• 120-hour Budapest Card: the best value for travelers staying a full week, offering maximum flexibility and time to enjoy many of the included museums.

Budapest Card 72h Plus

The Budapest Card 72h Plus is a special version of the card available only for the 72-hour duration. It includes all the standard benefits of the regular Budapest Card, but adds a handful of premium experiences that are especially useful for first-time visitors or travelers who want more comfort and convenience.

Here’s what the Budapest Card 72h Plus adds on top of the regular version:

• Door-to-door airport transfer (miniBUD): a private shuttle service that picks you up at the airport and takes you directly to your accommodation;
• Free lángos in the city center: a classic Hungarian street food experience included at a partner location;
• Free kürtőskalács (chimney cake): one of Hungary’s most famous pastries, included at Molnár’s Kürtőskalács;
• Free entry to Matthias Church: one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, located in the Buda Castle District;
• Free ride on the Buda Castle Funicular: a major highlight for tourists, offering a scenic ride up Castle Hill.

The 72h Plus is usually worth considering if you were already planning to visit Matthias Church, try chimney cake, ride the funicular, or need an airport transfer.

In many cases, the bonus experiences alone can offset the price difference.

What does the Budapest Card include?

The Budapest Card includes a wide range of benefits that cover transportation, museums, thermal baths, guided tours, and discounts across the city.

All the information below reflects the official inclusions for 2025/2026, so travelers can rely on up-to-date details when planning their itinerary.

Unlimited public transportation

One of the biggest advantages of the Budapest Card is that it gives you unlimited access to the entire public transport network within the city limits.

This makes it incredibly easy to move between Buda and Pest, visit attractions, and explore neighborhoods without having to buy single tickets or worry about validation rules.

With the Budapest Card you can use:

• Metro lines;
• Trams (including the scenic Tram 2 along the Danube);
• City buses, including day and night routes;
• Trolleybuses;
• Suburban Railway (HÉV) within Budapest city limit;
• Local trains operated by MÁV-START within Budapest zones.

The card covers unlimited rides during its validity period, whether 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h or 120h. It’s especially useful for travelers staying farther from the city center or planning to explore more than one district per day.

Just keep in mind that the Budapest Card does not include the 100E Airport Express Bus, as it requires a special airport ticket.

Free entrance to top museums

The Budapest Card gives access to an impressive selection of museums across the city, covering history, contemporary art, photography, religion, and even underground railway heritage.

All entries listed below are fully free with the Budapest Card:

• Hungarian National Museum
• Hungarian National Gallery
• Budapest History Museum – Castle Museum
• Saint Stephen’s Hall
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Kunsthalle Budapest (Műcsarnok)
• Budapest History Museum – Aquincum Museum
• Budapest History Museum – Kiscell Museum
• Budapest History Museum – Budapest Gallery
• Budapest History Museum – Medieval Jewish Prayer House
• Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art
• Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center
• House of the Hungarian Photographers – Mai Manó House
• Vasarely Museum Budapest
• Memento Park – The Statue Park
• Hungarian Museum of Trade and Tourism
• Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts
• Underground Railway Museum
• Museum of Óbuda

These museums are spread across both Buda and Pest, making it easy to combine several of them in a single day depending on your itinerary. If you’re planning to visit at least two or three, the Budapest Card often pays for itself quickly.

Sightseeing experiences

Budapest Card also covers a variety of sightseeing experiences that let you explore the city from different perspectives: by river, by bus, on foot, or even by cable car. Several of these activities are completely free, while others come with generous discounts.

Free activities:

• BKK Public Transportation
• BKV Riverboat Service*
• Sightseeing Cruise*
• Danube River Cruise*
• Duna Bella Daytime Cruises*
• Zugliget Chairlift
• Official Budapest Castle Bus
• Walking Tour Buda
• Walking Tour Pest
• Historic Vehicles
• Brick – charge on-the-go, wherever you are

*You can pick one free boat tour from the four options

Discounted activities:

• Universal AirportHUB – 40%
• Bike Carriage (Bringóhintó) – 25%
• Legenda City Cruises – 25%
• BKV Evening Riverboat Service – 20%
• Door-to-door Airport Transfer – miniBUD – 20%
• EURAMA Sightseeing Tours – 20%
• Danube Bend Tour – 20%
• Budapest Flyride – 10%
• Jewish Heritage Tours – 10%

Thermal baths and pools

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, and the Budapest Card gives travelers access to one of them for free, plus discounts at several others.

Free entry:

• St. Lukács Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool: the only fully free termal bath included with the Budapest Card;
• Lupa Beach: a popular summer destination with clear water lake and a beach-resort vibe.

Discounted entry (20% off):

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool
• Rudas Thermal Bath and Swimming Pool
• Palatinus Thermal Bath, Public and Wave Pool
• Római Bath
• Aquaworld Resort Budapest

Attractions and cultural experiences

The Budapest Card also offers free admission or discounts to a variety of attractions across the city. These include historic landmarks, churches, palaces, museums, family-friendly activities, escape rooms, viewpoints, and even unique experiences like boat rentals and indoor skydiving.

Free entry:

• Goldberger Textile Collection – Óbuda Museum
• Pál-völgyi Cave
• Margaret Island Water Tower and Panoramic Lookout Tower

Discounted entry:

• Pesti Vígadó | Historic walk tour – 50%
• Museum Fradi – 50%
• Museum of Ethnography – 25%
• St. Stephen’s Basilica – 20%
• The Main Parish Church of the Assumption in downtown (Belvárosi Plébániatemplom) – 20%
• Gödöllő Royal Palace – 20%
• House of Music Hungary – 20%
• Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden – 20%
• House of Unicum – 20%
• Madame Tussauds Budapest – 20%
• Timetrap Exit Game – 20%
• Ferris Wheel of Budapest with champagne – 20%
• City Park Boating Lake – 20%
• Indoor Skydiving (flying in the wind tunnel) – 20%
• Museum of Illusion – 15%
• Light Art Museum – 15%
• Tropicarium – The Shark Zoo – 15%
• IKONO Budapest – 15%
• Cinema Mystica – 15%
• Hospital in the Rock – Nuclear Bunker Museum – 10%
• Synagogue in Kazinczy utca – 10%
• Dohány Street Synagogue – 10%
• Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives – 10%
• Organ Concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica – 10%
• Premier Outlet Budapest – 10%

Restaurants, cafés, and gastronomy

Hungarian food is a big part of the Budapest experience, and the Budapest Card also brings savings on tastings, traditional Hungarian dishes, brunch spots, and well-known restaurants around the city. The card offers a free tasting ate GastroCellar and discount at many places:

20% discount:

• LÁNGOS in the heart of the city!
• Molnár’s Kürtőskalács
• Parisi Passage Restaurant Experience
• Zsolnay Café
• Yellow Bistro & Bar
• Café Astoria & Restaurant
• Láng Restaurant
• Hard Rock Café

15% discount:

• Halászbástya Restaurant
• VIRTU Restaurant

10% discount:

• TATI farm-to-table Restaurant
• Nokedli – The Hungarian Noodle
• Eggcuse Me? Brunch & Bistro

Budapest Card prices

The price of the Budapest Card depends on the duration you choose, and all versions include the same core benefits: unlimited public transportation, free museums, walking tours, discounts, and more. The only exception is the 72h Plus, which adds extra premium experiences.

Below are the official Budapest Card prices for 2025/2026, based on the Hungarian forint (HUF). Euro values may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate, but the estimates below help you understand the cost range.

Where to buy the Budapest Card?

The Budapest Card is easy to purchase, and you can choose between digital or physical shopping. The easiest option for most travelers is to buy it online, but you can also get it in person once you arrive in the city. 

You can buy the Budapest Card:

• Online on the official BKK website;
• At BKK Customer Centres located at major metro stations;
• At BKK ticket offices and ticket machines around the city;
• From official reseller partners.

The card is also available on GetYourGuide, which is a convenient option if you prefer keeping all your bookings in one app or want to purchase your pass before arriving in Hungary.

If you choose to buy through this link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — which helps me keep exploring Budapest and creating more free guides for the blog.

And if it’s your first purchase on GetYourGuide, you can use my code BUDAPESTFORTOURISTS5 for 5% off.

How to use and activate your Budapest Card

Using the Budapest Card is simple. After buying your pass, you’ll only need to exchange your voucher, activate it, and start exploring the city with unlimited transport and free or discounted attractions.

Here's what you have to do:

1. Buy your Budapest card;
2. Exchange your voucher for a physical card: if your purchase comes as a voucher, you’ll need to swap it for the physical Budapest Card at a BKK Customer Service Centre at the airport or at Deák Ferenc tér;
3. Start using your card across the city: show your card at attractions to receive free entry or discounts, and present it on public transport during inspections. No validation is required.

Museum of Fine Arts

Best attractions and experiences included

With more than a hundred benefits, the Budapest Card can feel overwhelming at first glance. To make it easier, here’s a curated list of the top 10 attractions and experiences that offer the best value and are consistently loved by travelers:

• Museum of Fine Arts: one of Budapest’s most important museums, featuring European masterpieces from antiquity to the 18th century;
• History Museum at Buda Castle (Castle Museum): a deep dive into Budapest’s past, set inside the castle complex;
• St. Lukács Thermal Bath: the only thermal bath fully free with the Budapest Card. A traditional spa experience loved by locals;
• Walking Tour – Pest Side: a guided walk through downtown, ideal for understanding the culture, architecture and everyday life of the city;
• St. Stephen’s Basilica (with tower access): with the Budapest Card discount, you can climb to the top for one of the most iconic views of Budapest;
• Dohány Street Synagogue: Europe’s largest synagogue and one of the most impressive landmarks in the Jewish Quarter;
• Danube River Cruise: a postcard-perfect way to see Parliament, the bridges and Buda Castle from the water;
• House of Music Hungary: a contemporary architectural highlight with immersive sound installations and beautiful design;
• Light Art Museum: a modern, immersive digital art space inside a former industrial building — one of the city’s coolest new experiences;
• Hospital in the Rock: a unique underground museum that once served as a secret wartime hospital and nuclear bunker.

Tips for getting the most out of your Budapest Card

The Budapest Card includes a long list of benefits, but the real value comes from knowing how to plan your days and combine attractions efficiently. With a bit of strategy, you can make the most of your transport pass, free museum entries, and included tours while still keeping your itinerary relaxed and enjoyable.

• Activate your card early in the day: since the card counts hours (not calendar days), activating it in the morning gives you more time to explore;
• Group attractions by area: museums in Buda, for example, pair well on the same day;
• Check opening hours in advance: many museums close on Mondays or have shorter hours outside summer, so planning helps avoid surprises;
• Take advantage of unlimited public transport: even short rides add up. With the Budapest Card, you can hop on trams and metros freely, making sightseeing much easier;
• Visit St. Lukács Bath early: mornings tend to be quieter, and you’ll avoid peak afternoon crowds;
• Bring your card or app everywhere: inspections on trams and metros are common, so keeping the card accessible saves time.

FAQ about Budapest Card

Before choosing your Budapest Card, here are the most common questions travelers have about how the pass works.

Is the Budapest Card worth it?

It depends on your itinerary. The card is worth it if you plan to use public transport often, visit museums, join the walking tours, or go to Lukács Bath. If you only plan outdoor sightseeing and don’t visit many attractions, it may not offer full value.

Can I use the Budapest Card to go to the airport?

The 100E Airport Express Bus is not included. But you still have two easy options:

• Public transport: take metro M3 + bus 200E (both included in the Budapest Card);
• miniBUD airport shuttle: free only for Budapest Card 72h Plus users.

How do I validate the Budapest Card?

There’s no validation step. Just show it during transport inspections or at attraction entrances.

Can two people use one Budapest Card?

No. Each card is personal and valid for one traveler only.