Good News for Cyclists: You Can Still Bubi in Budapest This Winter
The beloved green bikes aren’t going anywhere
If you’ve been planning a winter trip to Budapest and were worried that the city’s famous green Bubi bikes would disappear after the holidays, here’s the good news: you can still ride them. Even though the current generation of the Bubi bike-sharing system is officially ending its run on December 23, 2025, the city hasn’t left cyclists high and dry. Instead, Budapest is rolling into a short pilot phase that keeps the bikes available — and affordable — right through the festive season and into early 2026.
So whether you’re here for Christmas markets, a Danube cruise, or just to explore the city’s cozy cafés and thermal baths, you can still hop on a Bubi and enjoy the freedom of two wheels.
How Bubi works from December 24 onwards
From December 24, the classic Bubi system transitions into a pilot program that will run until February 15, 2026. During this time, you can still rent bikes using the MOL Bubi Pilot ticket, which costs just 500 HUF (around €1.30) and gives you 30 minutes of riding.
The ticket is valid from the moment you buy it until the end of the pilot period, so there’s no rush to use it all at once. If you’re planning a few short rides — say, from your hotel to the Christmas market, or from the city center to a museum — this ticket is a great deal.
To use it, you’ll need the BKK application (the official Budapest transport app). If you’re using the system for the first time in this pilot phase, you’ll need to register your bank card in the app. Once that’s done, you can unlock bikes at any remaining Bubi station and enjoy the city at your own pace.
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Why this pilot phase matters
This short pilot isn’t just a temporary fix — it’s actually part of something bigger. Budapest is preparing for the launch of the third generation of Bubi, a completely new, modern bike-sharing system that will be bigger, smarter, and more convenient than ever.
The city’s transport authority, BKK, is already finalizing the contract with the winning bidder of the new Bubi tender. If everything goes according to plan, the new Bubi system could hit the streets within six months, possibly even sooner.
During this pilot, BKK is also testing how people use shared bikes in District VI (Terézváros), one of the city’s most central and bike-friendly areas. In this district, bikes can now be picked up and dropped off not only at traditional Bubi stations but also at 168 designated Mobi-points — special spots around the city where shared micro-mobility vehicles (like bikes and e-scooters) can be parked neatly.
This test helps the city understand how people actually ride and park bikes, so the next Bubi system can be designed to be more flexible and user-friendly.
What’s coming with the new Bubi
If you’ve ever wished for more bikes, more e-bikes, or better coverage in the outer districts, the next Bubi generation is going to feel like a major upgrade.
The new system is expected to launch with a much larger fleet — at least 5,000 brand-new bikes, including around 1,000 e-bikes with electric assist. That means hills, longer distances, and colder days will be much less of a challenge, making cycling a realistic option for even more people, including those who haven’t tried Bubi before.
Coverage will also expand significantly. The goal is to gradually connect all major transport hubs, including every metro station, and reach key outer neighborhoods like Örs vezér tere, Kőbánya-Kispest, Újpest-városkapu, József Attila-lakótelep, Angyalföld, Zugló, and Őrmező.
And in the future, bikes will be available not just at classic stations, but also at Mobi-points across the city, giving you more flexibility to start and end your ride where it’s most convenient for you.
Practical tips for tourists using Bubi this winter
If you’re a visitor and want to give Bubi a try, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Download the BKK app before or right after you arrive. It works in English and shows all available bikes and stations.
- Buy the MOL Bubi Pilot ticket for 500 HUF if you plan to ride more than once. It’s a great value for short city trips.
- Check the weather. Budapest winters can be cold and sometimes icy, so dress warmly and ride carefully, especially on cobblestone streets.
- Stick to central areas for now. The pilot is focused on District VI, so bikes and stations are most reliable in the city center and around the main tourist spots.
- Use bike lanes where possible. Budapest has been expanding its network of bike paths, especially along the Danube and in the inner districts.
Why cycling is such a great way to see Budapest
Budapest is a surprisingly bike-friendly city, especially in the central districts. Riding a Bubi lets you:
- Move quickly between major sights like the Parliament, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Great Market Hall without waiting for trams or buses.
- Discover hidden courtyards, quiet streets, and local cafés that you might miss on foot or from a car.
- Enjoy beautiful views along the Danube promenade, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Save money on short trips while staying active and reducing your carbon footprint.
Even in winter, when the city is lit up for Christmas and the air is crisp, cycling through Budapest feels like a small adventure — a chance to feel like a local, not just a tourist.
The future of Bubi: bigger, greener, more accessible
The current pilot phase is really just the calm before the next big wave of change. With more bikes, more e-bikes, and better coverage, the new Bubi system aims to make cycling a natural part of everyday life in Budapest — for residents and visitors alike.
For tourists, that means that in the near future, you’ll be able to:
- Rent an e-bike near your hotel and easily reach attractions on the other side of the river.
- Combine Bubi with public transport (metro, tram, bus) for a seamless, flexible way to explore.
- Ride in more neighborhoods, not just the historic center, giving you a deeper, more authentic experience of the city.
Keep pedaling — Budapest is still Bubi-friendly
So, to answer the big question: yes, you can still Bubi in Budapest after December 23. The pilot program makes it easy and affordable to keep using the green bikes through the holidays and into February.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, don’t miss the chance to see the city from the saddle. With a little planning and the right ticket, a Bubi ride can be one of the most fun, flexible, and memorable ways to experience Budapest — even in winter.
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