Budapest Card Management Transfer: What Tourists Need to Know
The Budapest Card, one of the city’s most popular tourist products, has undergone a significant management change as of July 1, 2025. The Budapest Transport Center (BKK) has taken over operations from Budapest Brand Nonprofit Ltd., bringing new organizational structure while maintaining the same services for visitors.
Management Restructuring Details
Following an April decision by the Budapest Assembly, the city has redistributed various tourism-related responsibilities across multiple municipal institutions. This reorganization aims to improve operational efficiency and service quality. The Budapest Cultural Center now handles cultural and public education tasks, while the Mayor’s Office manages tourism-related professional duties. Budapest Roads Ltd. oversees the tourist information signage system, and BKK manages the Budapest Card operations.
The restructuring has simplified the product portfolio by discontinuing the Tourist Pass and e-XPLORER Pass options, leaving only the Budapest Card as the city’s official tourist card.
Service Continuity for Tourists
The Budapest Card continues to operate under identical conditions as before the management change. Tourists can purchase cards for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120-hour durations at unchanged prices. The card provides unlimited access to Budapest’s entire public transportation network and offers free or discounted admission to over 30 tourist attractions throughout the city.
Both international and domestic tourists can use the card under the same terms as previously established. All existing sales points remain operational, with the primary location still situated at Deák Ferenc Square.
Budapest Card Benefits and Features
The Budapest Card functions as a comprehensive city card that combines transportation and attraction access. Cardholders receive unlimited travel on all BKK public transport services, including metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus networks throughout the validity period.
Beyond transportation, the card provides access to numerous Budapest attractions, including museums, thermal baths, and cultural sites. Some locations offer completely free admission, while others provide significant discounts. The card also includes complimentary walking tours and free Danube river cruises, depending on the specific package selected.
Pricing Structure
The Budapest Card is available in five different duration options:
- 24-hour card: 16,990 HUF
- 48-hour card: 21,990 HUF
- 72-hour card: 27,990 HUF
- 72-hour PLUS card: 47,990 HUF (includes MiniBUD airport shuttle service)
- 96-hour card: 34,990 HUF
- 120-hour card: 38,990 HUF
The 72-hour PLUS option includes round-trip airport shuttle service between the city center and Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, providing additional value for air travelers.
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How to Use the Budapest Card
The Budapest Card becomes active from the date and time printed on the card and remains valid for the purchased duration. To access public transportation, simply present the card when boarding or use it at validation machines where required.
For attraction discounts and free admissions, present the card at ticket counters or entrance points at participating venues. The card must be shown during ticket purchase or entry to receive the designated benefits.
Purchase Locations and Methods
The Budapest Card can be purchased through multiple channels:
Online Purchase: Available through the BKK website at bkk.hu. Online purchases generate a voucher that must be exchanged for the physical card at designated pickup points.
Physical Locations:
- BKK Customer Center – Budapest Card Centre, Városháza Park/Deák Ferenc Square
- BKK Customer Centers at Budapest Airport Terminal 2A and 2B
- BKK Customer Center at Deák Ferenc Square Metro Station
- BKK Customer Center at Kelenföld Railway Station
- BKK Customer Center at Baross Square M4 underpass
- BKK Customer Center at Déli Railway Station
Authorized Retail Partners: Various hotels, travel agencies, and tourist information points throughout the city also sell Budapest Cards.
Planning Your Budapest Card Usage
To maximize the card’s value, tourists should plan their itinerary in advance by reviewing the complete list of participating attractions and discounts available on the BKK website. The card works best for visitors planning to use public transportation frequently and visit multiple paid attractions during their stay.
Strategic planning can result in significant savings, with some tourists reporting savings of up to 60 euros when using the card effectively across transportation and attraction costs.
Additional Information and Support
Current information about the Budapest Card, including updated attraction lists, pricing, and terms of use, is available on the BKK website. The transition to BKK management ensures continued professional oversight by Budapest’s transportation experts, potentially leading to enhanced integration with the city’s mobility services.
The Budapest Card remains Budapest’s official tourist card, offering comprehensive access to the city’s transportation network and cultural attractions under unified management by the Budapest Transport Center.
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