Is There Uber in Budapest? (2023) – Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Budapest and wondering – ‘is there Uber in Budapest?’

Well, you’re in the right place! I love visiting this historic city and found it very easy to navigate.

Budapest is without a doubt one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, with plenty to see and do, it’s a fantastic destination with lots of affordable options. Ever since I visited a few years ago, I’ve been itching to get back there.

To find out more about whether there is Uber in Budapest, as well as alternative modes of transportation, read on.

Is there Uber in Budapest?

The short answer is no, there is no Uber in Budapest.

Uber was banned in Hungary in 2016 and, as of 2023, there are no plans for this ban to be lifted. There are, however, alternative options that can be used in Budapest.

Coming from a country like the UK or the US, where Uber is such a popular mode of transportation, it can be easy to assume that it’s available everywhere. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in Budapest. Read on to find out why the Hungarian government banned Uber.

Why is there no Uber in Budapest?

Uber did previously operate in Budapest. However, this stopped in July 2016, following legislation changes made by the Hungarian government.

Like many other countries, in Hungary, taxi drivers were frustrated by Uber. They felt that Uber was operating without the same level of regulations that they were required to adhere to.

The primary issue was that Uber were not made to pay the obligatory deposit to the government that other taxi companies were made to pay. This was because they were registered overseas.

Uber’s cars also did not comply with strict environmental regulations and their drivers were not made to take the same tests as other Hungarian taxi drivers. These compounded issues angered local taxi companies, as Uber drivers took their business without adhering to the same strict policies.

As a result, local taxi drivers protested for change. In January 2016, the Hungarian Trade Union for Taxi Drivers created a blockade that stopped all traffic, in protest of Uber’s operation in Hungary. The Hungarian Government brought in a new law, following this, which banned transport services using Uber’s business model.

As they were unwilling to change the way they operated, Uber chose to withdraw from Budapest and the rest of Hungary.

Because of this, there are no Ubers in Budapest.

Alternatives to Uber in Budapest

Have no fear, there are plenty of excellent alternatives to Uber in Budapest.

If you’re looking for a taxi app in Budapest, you can use either Bolt or Főtaxi.

Bolt in Budapest

You may already be familiar with Bolt as they operate in a number of other countries, particularly across Europe. In fact, if you’re from the UK, you might already use them on a regular basis!

Bolt is my top recommendation for anyone looking for an Uber alternative in Budapest.

Ordering a Bolt is very similar to getting an Uber. You can download their app and order it in the exact same way.

The difference is that it uses available licensed taxis, instead of specific Bolt drivers. The taxis are metered and the Bolt app will provide you with an estimated cost.

Types of Bolt Vehicles

Bolt – these are standard taxis with 4 passenger seats

Child – this is a child-friendly taxi that has at least one booster seat for a child between 15-36kg

XL – this is a larger taxi that’s perfect for bigger groups of anyone travelling with luggage. These sit 6 passengers.

Pets – this is a pet-friendly option for those travelling with their furry friends.

Fotaxi

Fötaxi is the official taxi provider for Budapest Airport. You’ll see them zipping around the city thanks to their bright yellow colour.

They have now introduced their own app, which allows you to order taxis as you would with Bolt.

Like Bolt, their taxis are metered and you’ll be given an estimate of the cost within the app.

How to Get from Budapest Airport to the City Centre

As there’s no Uber in Budapest, you’ll need to make alternative arrangements to get from Budapest Airport to the city centre.

Airport Shuttle Bus

The easiest way to get from Budapest Airport to the City Centre is using an airport shuttle bus transfer. This is pretty cheap and will take you door to door, from the airport terminal to your hotel in central Budapest.

This one costs around £10.50 (£12.80) per person.

This is my favourite way to get from the airport to the centre of Budapest as it’s just so hassle free.

Taxis

Alternatively, you can get a traditional taxi. The official airport taxi provider is Fötaxi. They have a taxi stand at the airport and are hard to miss, thanks to their bright yellow vehicles.

Make sure to use a reputable company, such as Fötaxi or the Bolt app. These are metered, so you will be getting a fair price. Do not jump into any random car, as they may take advantage of you with high prices.

Public Bus

For those travelling on a budget, the public bus is definitely the cheapest option.

The 100E departs from the airport every 20 minutes and will take you into the city centre.

Tickets cost €3.80 (£3.28 or $4 USD) and can be purchased from the driver or from the booths at the airport).

Other Ways to Get Around Budapest

By Foot

Budapest is a very walkable city, especially if you’re sticking to the main central sites, as most tourists do. Walking was my favourite way to get around Budapest because it really helped to me to get my bearings on the city and also take in as much of its beauty as possible.

Public Transport Card

Budapest’s public transport system is very simple to use and includes the metro, trams, and buses.

You can purchase a 24 hour, 72 hour, 96 hour or 120 hour public transport card in advance, so that you’re ready to start exploring Budapest as soon as you arrive. Simply purchase online and collect your card from one of the designated pick-up points (there are two at the airport).

This card also grants you free access to the city’s best tourist attractions, including:

• Free guided walking tours
• Free admission to St. Lukács thermal bath
• Free entry to museums such as the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Budapest History Museum
• Discounts at restaurants and shops

Purchase your Budapest Card here for unlimited use of public transport and free entry into top attractions.

Metro

The Metro in Budapest is a really easy way to get around the city. There’s only 4 lines, so you shouldn’t get too confused. It’s much simpler than larger Metro systems that you might have used before in cities like London, New York, or Paris.

It also has excellent running hours, between 4:30am and 11pm.

Your Budapest Card will cover unlimited travel on all metro lines. You can purchase a card in advance here.

Tram

The tram in Budapest is much more extensive than the Metro, with over 40 lines across the city. You’ll see these as soon as you arrive in the city centre, as they’re all over the place.

Your Budapest Card will cover unlimited travel on all tram lines. You can purchase a card in advance here.

Electric Scooters

Like a lot of European cities, electric scooters are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around Budapest.

You can book an electric scooter tour in Budapest here.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

If you’re looking for a simple way to just see all the main sights of Budapest and you don’t mind paying a little more for the ease, the hop on hop off bus is a great option.

As the name suggests, you can get on and off as you please to get a closer look at the things that interest you.

This costs around £28 per person and can be booked online in advance.

Sightseeing Boat Cruise

When visiting Budapest, we loved going on a boat cruise along the Danube. We did this in the evening and loved seeing the incredible Parliament building all lit up. But if you want to get a closer look at the views, you can always go in the daytime.

This Budapest evening sightseeing tour has over 7,000 reviews at 4.6 stars and comes highly recommended.

Best Things to Do in Budapest

Uber in Budapest FAQs