When visiting Hungary’s capital, you’ll quickly come across the Budapest Card, a sightseeing pass that bundles unlimited public transport with museum entries, walking tours, and discounts. On paper, it promises savings and convenience — but does it really deliver?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on how long you’re in the city, what you want to see, and how much you plan to move around. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can decide if the Budapest Card is worth buying for your trip.
What Is the Budapest Card?
The Budapest Card is the city’s official travel pass. Unlike third-party discount passes, it’s run by the city itself and is designed to make sightseeing easier for visitors.
What’s Included
- Unlimited public transport on buses, trams, metro lines, and suburban trains within the city limits.
- Free entry to certain museums and the Lukács Thermal Bath.
- Free walking tours in English on both the Buda and Pest sides.
- Discounts (usually 10–50%) at many attractions, baths, restaurants, and tours.
Card Duration Options
- 24-hour
- 48-hour
- 72-hour
- 96-hour
- 120-hour
The longer cards offer better daily value.
Cost of the Budapest Card
Prices vary slightly with updates, but as of the most recent figures:
- 24-hour card: €33
- 48-hour card: €49
- 72-hour card: €63
- 96-hour card: €77
- 120-hour card: €92
That works out to roughly €15–€25 per day, depending on duration.
Free Attractions You Get with the Budapest Card
Here’s where the card can make a real difference.
- Budapest History Museum – Exhibits covering the city’s medieval past and Ottoman occupation. Normal ticket: €7.
- Hungarian National Museum – Hungary’s story from prehistory to modern times. Ticket: €6.
- Aquincum Museum – Roman ruins and artifacts in northern Budapest. Ticket: €6.
- Lukács Thermal Bath – Less famous than Széchenyi but popular with locals. Ticket: €12.
- Walking Tours – Guided tours of Buda and Pest included on alternating days. Equivalent value: €10–15 each.
If you plan to visit these anyway, the card quickly starts paying for itself.
Discounts with the Budapest Card
Beyond free entries, the card gives partial discounts at dozens of sites. Popular ones include:
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath – 20% off entry (normal price around €18–20).
- Gellért Bath – Discounted tickets, though not free.
- House of Terror Museum – Around 10–20% off.
- Danube River Cruises – 10–30% off depending on provider.
- Restaurants and cafés – Up to 20% off at partner venues.
These add up if you’re active every day, but savings are smaller if you only visit one or two.
Public Transport Savings
Budapest’s transport is cheap and efficient. Here’s how regular tickets compare:
- Single ticket: €1.20
- 24-hour travelcard: €5.50
- 72-hour travelcard: €14
- Weekly pass: €16
That means a 72-hour travel pass on its own costs €14, while the 72-hour Budapest Card costs €63. The card needs to cover an additional €49 in attractions to break even.
Who Should Buy the Budapest Card?
First-Time Visitors Who Love Museums
If you’re already planning to visit multiple museums, the card pays off quickly. For example:
- Budapest History Museum: €7
- Hungarian National Museum: €6
- Aquincum Museum: €6
- Lukács Bath: €12
- Walking tour: €10
That’s €41 in value, plus unlimited transport. Add a discounted bath or river cruise, and you’re saving money.
Travelers Staying at Least 3 Days
The 72-hour option offers the best balance of price and inclusions. Shorter cards are harder to maximize unless you pack in attractions aggressively.
Independent Travelers
If you prefer public transport over taxis and like having structure (with walking tours included), the card simplifies logistics.
Who Should Skip the Budapest Card?
Short-Stay Visitors
If you’re only in Budapest for a day or two, you won’t have time to see enough included attractions. A simple 24- or 72-hour transport pass is cheaper.
Budget Travelers
If your plan is free sites — Parliament from outside, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica (cheap entry), markets, and street exploring — the card is unnecessary.
Luxury Travelers
If you plan to use taxis, private guides, and high-end dining, the discounts won’t matter to you.
Comparing Budapest Card to Buying Separately
Let’s test a 3-day scenario.
What you’d do:
- Unlimited transport: €14
- Budapest History Museum: €7
- Hungarian National Museum: €6
- Aquincum Museum: €6
- Lukács Bath: €12
- Walking tour: €10
- Széchenyi Bath (discounted): €18 – 20% = €14
- Danube cruise (discounted): €12 instead of €15
Total separate cost: €67
Budapest Card 72-hour price: €63
In this case, you save €4 plus the convenience of one card.
But if you only do transport, one bath, and a single museum:
- Transport: €14
- Széchenyi Bath: €18
- Museum: €7
Total: €39. A card would cost €63, so you’d lose money.
Real Traveler Examples
Example 1: The Culture Lover
Spends 4 days in Budapest, visits 3 museums, takes both walking tours, goes to Lukács Bath, and rides public transport daily. The card easily saves €15–20.
Example 2: The Casual Visitor
Has 2 days, spends most of the time walking around the city, sees Parliament from outside, pays separately for Széchenyi Bath. Without museums, the card is a waste.
Example 3: The Family Traveler
Parents and kids spend 5 days, using public transport daily, visiting museums, and taking a river cruise. The discounts add up across multiple tickets, so the card pays off well.
Pros and Cons of the Budapest Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited public transport | Expensive if you don’t maximize attractions |
| Free entry to select museums | Top attractions like Parliament excluded |
| Free Lukács Bath entry | Széchenyi Bath only discounted, not free |
| Walking tours included | Savings often small on discounts |
| Easy to use, official pass | Short stays rarely worth it |
Tips for Maximizing the Budapest Card
- Start early: Activate in the morning to get a full day.
- Plan your museums: Cluster them on the same days to get maximum free value.
- Use transport frequently: Hop between Buda and Pest using trams and metro.
- Check partners list: Eat at discounted restaurants and book discounted cruises.
- Choose 72 hours or longer: These versions give the best value per day.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary Using the Budapest Card
Day 1:
- Start with a Pest walking tour.
- Visit the Hungarian National Museum.
- Use the tram to Gellért Hill for views.
- Evening Danube cruise with discount.
Day 2:
- Take the Buda walking tour.
- Explore Budapest History Museum.
- Head to Aquincum Museum in the afternoon.
- Evening soak at Lukács Bath (free).
Day 3:
- Morning tram ride to City Park.
- Discounted entry at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
- Stroll Vajdahunyad Castle grounds (free).
- End with dinner at a discounted partner restaurant.
This schedule easily pushes your card’s value beyond break-even.
Conclusion
So, is the Budapest Card worth it? For travelers spending at least 3 days in the city who enjoy museums, baths, and public transport, yes, it can be a smart purchase. It saves you money and bundles everything in one pass.
But if your plan is mainly free sightseeing, or if you’re only in Budapest for a short time, you’ll do better with a simple transport pass and paying individually for a bath or two.
The Budapest Card isn’t a universal must-buy — but with smart planning, it can add real convenience and value.
FAQs
Does the Budapest Card include Parliament tours?
No. Entry to the Parliament requires a separate ticket.
Which thermal baths are free with the Budapest Card?
Only Lukács Bath is free. Széchenyi and Gellért are discounted but not included.
Is the Budapest Card worth it for 24 hours?
Rarely. You won’t have enough time to maximize museums, tours, and baths in one day.
Can families use one card?
No. Each traveler needs their own card.
Where do you buy the Budapest Card?
Online, at the airport, and at major tourist information centers in Budapest.
