Traveling to Budapest, Hungary

To travel inside Hungary everyone needs a passport that is valid for at least three months. Citizens of European and most South-American countries, the United States, and Canada do not need a visa and may stay in the country for 90 days without special permission.

Some countries' citizens may enter with a valid identification card (ID). Hungary became a member of the EU, though it hasn't changed the border regulations significantly yet. Citizens of most EU countries may travel with their identity card, but for others passport is still obligatory. Be sure to check the entrance requirements in connection with your country with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( www.kum.hu ).

By Plane

A fast, though among Hungarians, not so popular way of traveling. Ferihegy, Hungary's international airport is a modern establishment that fulfills all requirements. Its two terminals host freight transport (Terminal 1) as well as the flights of Malév Hungarian Airlines (Terminal 2A) and of most of the world's well-known airways (Terminal 2B).

Ferihegy is easily and directly accessible from anywhere in Europe and from overseas, though in some cases transfer is necessary at some of Europe's biggest airports. Ferihegy lies at a 28 km distance at the southeast part of Budapest, and the city is easily accessible with an airport minivan (3000 HUF) or public transport. Taking a taxi from the airport is definitely not recommended.

www.malev.hu
www.bud.hu

By Car

Budapest is the center of the country, due to its location and importance in many ways. The highway system is concentrated around it, too, and on most of the country's roads the kilometer stones show the distance from the capital. The “0” stone is in the middle of Budapest, on a square below the Castle.

A modern highway connects Budapest with Vienna and the western part of the country, highways lead towards Serbia and Romania, and good quality international roads go throughout the country. Use of the highways is permitted only with pre-purchased highway stickers, which are valid for all highways. Stickers are available at the border and at all gas stations. Waiting time at the border is usually not significant, though it is recommended to use smaller but still convenient crossing points.

By train

Budapest's three busy railway stations (northern, eastern and western) welcome international trains from all over Europe. If you have time it is worth traveling by train, as it is a cheap, comfortable and adventurous way of traveling and discovering a new country at the same time. Any train from any part of Europe gets here in two days.

For further information: www.mav.hu

By boat

Traveling by boat is a unique way of getting to Budapest, as in this case the traveler approaches the city from the water. This transportation form was extremely popular in the first decades of the 20 th century, the privilege of the upper class, then it lost its significance, which has retrieved a few years ago and now travelers are happy to try the special hydrofoils.

This kind of transportation is only available between Vienna and Budapest, from April to November but certainly is worth its price, as it takes just a bit longer than a train trip and noone can controvert the fact that it is a unique experience to ship along the beautiful Danube river, on which's one bank there is Hungary, the other one there is Slovakia.

Information in Budapest: Mahart Tours, V. Belgrád rakpart, International Boat Station.
(+36-1) 266-4201

http://www.portofbudapest.hu/mahart/angol/index.html

By coach

Volánbusz Rt., being a member of Eurolines, operates scheduled services from and to 15 countries, such as Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, the Ukraine, Yugoslavia. Their buses are air-conditioned, modern ones that make the long journey really comfortable.