Budapest’s Beloved Bike-Share Is Getting a Major Upgrade: Meet the New Bubi 3.0

If you have ever spotted those cheerful green bicycles gliding through Budapest’s streets and thought about hopping on one, now is a very exciting time to be paying attention. The city’s iconic public bike-share system — known affectionately as Bubi — is about to get its biggest transformation yet, and the first new-generation bikes are already making their appearance around the Hungarian capital.

A Budapest Success Story on Two Wheels

Before we get to what’s coming, it is worth appreciating just how far Budapest’s cycling culture has come. Bubi 2.0, the previous iteration of the city’s bike-share scheme, was nothing short of a phenomenon. It attracted over 300,000 unique users, clocked up a staggering 14 million rides, and saw usage grow nearly tenfold over its lifetime. For a city that was not traditionally associated with cycling, that is a remarkable shift — and proof that when you give people a convenient, affordable way to get around on two wheels, they embrace it wholeheartedly.

What’s New with Bubi 3.0?

The new system, which is rolling out right now, represents a serious step up in ambition. Bubi 3.0 will launch with a total fleet of 3,300 bicycles — more than double the previous capacity — making it one of the larger urban bike-share systems in Central Europe. Of those, 2,500 will be traditional mechanical bikes, while 800 will be electric-assist bicycles, which is genuinely game-changing for a city built on both flat Pest streets and the hilly, scenic terrain of Buda. No more arriving at your destination drenched in sweat after tackling a cobbled incline — the e-bikes take the effort out of the uphills while keeping all the fun of cycling through one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Testing Has Already Begun

As of mid-June 2026, the new-generation Bubis are already visible on Budapest’s streets, though right now they are in a closed testing phase. BKK (Budapest’s Centre for Transport) staff and partners — including the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club — are putting the bikes through their paces to fine-tune the system before it opens to the public. So if you spot a sleek new Bubi and wonder why you cannot dock or rent it just yet, that is why. The city is making sure everything works seamlessly before handing the handlebars over to the public.

Free Rides in July — Here’s How to Get Yours

The testing phase will be followed by something genuinely exciting for visitors and locals alike. In July 2026, anyone holding a valid pass on the BudapestGO app will be able to try out the new Bubis completely free of charge. All you need to do is register, and BKK will send the details directly to your inbox. For tourists, this is a particularly brilliant opportunity — if you are planning to visit Budapest in July and have already downloaded BudapestGO for public transport (which is highly recommended), you may well be able to explore the city by bike without spending an extra forint.

Why Cycling in Budapest Is Worth Your Time

Budapest is a wonderfully cyclable city, especially along the flat, scenic stretches of Pest. The riverside promenade along the Danube, the broad boulevards of the 7th and 8th districts, the green expanses of City Park (Városliget) and Margaret Island — all of these are best experienced at bicycle pace, slow enough to soak in the architecture and atmosphere, fast enough to cover real ground. With the new e-assist option, even the climb up to the Castle District becomes manageable, opening up panoramic views of the Parliament and the river that are simply unmissable.

The BudapestGO app, which integrates metro, tram, bus, and now Bubi into a single platform, makes navigating the city on a mixed-mode journey remarkably straightforward. You can hop on a tram, jump off at a Bubi dock, cycle to your next destination, and continue by metro — all managed from one app.

What to Expect Going Forward

After the free July trial period, the full Bubi 3.0 fleet will roll out across the city gradually, with docking stations expanding to cover more neighbourhoods than before. BKK has committed to keeping the public informed at every stage of the rollout, so it is worth following their updates via the BudapestGO platform if you want to stay ahead of the curve.

The city’s motto for this launch captures it perfectly: “Where it’s good to cycle, it’s good to live.” And right now, Budapest is working hard to make sure that applies to every visitor and resident who wants to explore it on two wheels.