Budapest Card: what's included and how much it costs
All about the Budapest Card: what's included (transport, museums, Lukács baths, cruise), prices by duration, where to buy it and whether it's worth it.
Miriam4 min readVerified · June 2026
What is the Budapest Card?
The Budapest Card is the classic tourist card you find in most cities around the world, with which you can save on your trips. I'll give you all the details on what it is, how to use it and how much the Budapest Card tourist card costs.
The Budapest Card at a glance
- What it is: Budapest's official tourist card.
- Includes: unlimited public transport, free museums, the Lukács baths, a Danube cruise, 2 guided walking tours and discounts at more than 100 attractions.
- Durations: 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours (1 to 5 days).
- Price: from ~€45 (24h); under-6s free.
- Doesn't include: the 100E airport bus.
- Is it worth it?: yes, if you're going to use transport a lot and visit several museums.
What does the Budapest Card include?
The Budapest Card includes unlimited public transport, free access to the city's main museums, entry to the Lukács Baths, as well as discounts on some Budapest attractions.
What's more, the Budapest Card now includes a Danube cruise and two guided walking tours (in English).
The Budapest Card includes unlimited access to the city's entire public transport network: metro, buses, underground railway, trams, cog railway and suburban trains. But bear in mind that it doesn't include the 100E bus that connects Terminal 2 of Budapest Airport with Deák Ferenc square.
The free attractions included are:
- Budapest History Museum
- Hungarian National Gallery
- Hungarian National Museum
- Memento Park
- Kiscelli Museum
- Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park
- Vasarely Museum
- Budapest New Gallery
- Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Center
- Mai Manó House of Photography
- Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asiatic Arts
- Béla Bartók Memorial House
- Museum of Customs and Finance
- Szentendre Public Transport Museum
- Zugliget Chairlift
Some of the discounted attractions are:
With the Budapest Card you'll enjoy discounts at tourist attractions, restaurants, etc.
- Széchenyi Baths – 20% discount
- Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden – 25% discount
- Budapest Summer Festival – 20% discount
- Fisherman's Bastion – 10% discount
- Miniversum Theme Park – 30% discount
- Holocaust Memorial Center – 10% discount
- Hard Rock Café – 10% discount
How much does the Budapest Card cost?
The price of the Budapest Card tourist card varies depending on the number of days you want to book.
You can book your Budapest Card for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours (1 to 5 days).
| Duration | Approx. price (2026) |
|---|---|
| 24 hours (1 day) | from ~€45 |
| 48 hours (2 days) | from ~€60 |
| 72 hours (3 days) | from ~€75 |
| 96 hours (4 days) | from ~€97 |
| 120 hours (5 days) | from ~€110 |
Approximate 2026 prices; they vary by season and where you buy it (the official card is sold in forints). Under-6s go free. Check the exact price when you book.
How do you use the Budapest Card?
Once you've received at your hotel, or collected at the agreed point, your Budapest tourist card, all that's left is to activate it. The card activates the first time you use it and lasts for the time you bought it for.
If, for example, you've bought the Budapest Card 24-hour and use it for the first time on Friday at 09:45, you can use it until Saturday at 09:45.
The card can only be used once per included attraction.
Is the Budapest Card worth buying?
In my opinion, the Budapest Card is really worth it. It's not a very expensive card, and with even a little use you'll already have made your money back.
Where can I buy the Budapest Card?
OK, I've convinced you of the card's wonders and now you want to know where to buy the Budapest Card. You can do it directly through this link.
They'll send it to your hotel in Budapest for free!
You can also collect it at:
- Kazinczy Street Synagogue: 10:00 to 15:00, Sunday to Friday.
- Pálinka Museum Budapest: 17:00 to 23:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Ibis Styles Airport Hotel: open every day of the year, around the clock.
And remember, the best way to start discovering a destination without breaking the bank is with a free walking tour.
I hope this post and these tips have been useful for making the most of the Pearl of the Danube.
FAQ
What does the Budapest Card include?
Unlimited public transport, free entry to several museums, access to the Lukács baths, a Danube cruise and two guided walking tours (in English), plus discounts at more than 100 attractions, restaurants and shops.
How much does the Budapest Card cost?
It depends on the duration: from around €45 for 24 hours to around €110 for 120 hours (approximate 2026 prices). Under-6s go free. It's worth checking the current price when you book.
What durations are available?
It's sold for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours — that is, 1 to 5 days.
Does it include airport transport?
It doesn't include the 100E bus that connects the airport with Deák Ferenc square; the rest of the network (metro, tram, bus, HÉV) is included.
Is the Budapest Card worth it?
If you're going to use public transport a lot and visit several museums, yes: it pays for itself quickly. If you're only going to see the main sights on foot, it may not be worth it.
How is it activated and up to what age do children go free?
It activates the first time you use it and is valid for the hours purchased. Under-6s go free accompanying an adult.
