a Hungary

Buses: Bus routes cover all cities and most settlements in the country. In major cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, and Miskolc, buses are an important part of the transport system, providing connections between districts and suburbs.

Trams: Tram networks operate in Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, and Szeged. In Budapest, tram lines 4 and 6 are considered among the busiest in the world, with frequent intervals and high passenger capacity.

Trolleybuses: Trolleybus lines operate in Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged, complementing bus and tram routes and providing an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Metro: The Budapest Metro consists of four lines connecting key areas of the city. Line M1, opened in 1896, is one of the oldest in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Suburban trains: The HÉV suburban train system connects Budapest with its suburbs and nearby towns, providing convenient service for daily commuters.

Intercity trains: The railway network covers the entire country, connecting major cities and regions. Trains range from local to high-speed InterCity services.

Water transport: River trams and ferries operate along the Danube River in Budapest, offering both regular and tourist routes.

Air transport: Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest is the main aviation hub of the country, providing domestic and international flights.

Most transportation means are equipped for the convenience of passengers with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

Thus, a well-developed public transportation system in Hungary allows efficient travel across the country without the need for owning a personal car.

Ticket vending machines

   - Location: More than 300 machines are installed at key transport hubs and stops, including all metro and suburban train stations.

   - Payment: Cash (coins and banknotes) and bank cards are accepted. Some machines only accept bank cards.

   - Interface languages: The menu is available in several languages, including English.

Mobile applications

   - BudapestGO: The official application for route planning and ticket purchases in Budapest. Available for iOS and Android devices.

   - MÁV App: The Hungarian State Railways application for purchasing train tickets and certain types of city transport tickets.

Ticket offices and sales points:

   - Ticket offices: Located at major stations and transport hubs.

   - Retailers: Some kiosks and stores sell public transportation tickets.

Types of tickets and passes:

Single tickets: Valid for one trip on the chosen mode of transport.

Period passes: 24-hour, 72-hour, weekly, and monthly passes allowing unlimited travel within the specified time frame.

Group tickets: For example, a 24-hour group pass for groups of up to 5 people.

Features of use:

Ticket validation: Single tickets must be validated before the trip by using validators at stations or in the transport. Period passes usually do not require validation.

Inspection: Regular ticket inspections are conducted on public transportation. Failure to present a valid ticket may result in a fine.

Additional tips

Discounts: Students, pensioners, and other categories of citizens may be eligible for discounts upon presenting the relevant documents.

Taxis

Licensed taxis: Several licensed taxi companies operate in Budapest, such as Főtaxi, City Taxi, and Bolt. All official taxis are yellow, with "minősített budapesti taxi" (qualified Budapest taxi) indicated on the left front door, and have a taxi lamp on the roof.

- Fares: The city has fixed fare rates, including a base fare for boarding, a fare per kilometer, and hourly charges. Payment can be made in cash or by bank card.

- Taxi Booking: It is recommended to order taxis through official applications or by phone to avoid unlicensed carriers.

Car Sharing

MOL Limo: Offers hourly car rentals. The fleet includes both electric and gasoline vehicles. Registration and booking are done via a mobile app.

GreenGo: A rental service exclusively for electric cars. Users can book and unlock cars through the app.

Features: To use car sharing, it is necessary to register in the app, provide a driver's license, and a bank card. Parking within the service area is usually free.

E-Scooter Rental

Lime: An international e-scooter rental service available in Budapest. Scooters can be found and unlocked through a mobile app.

Blinkee.city: Offers rental of e-scooters and mopeds. Registration and payment occur via the app.

Usage Rules: Users must follow traffic rules, not leave scooters on the road, and park them in permitted areas.

Bicycle Rental

MOL Bubi: A city bike rental system in Budapest. Stations are located throughout the city, making it easy to take and return a bike. Registration and payment are possible via a mobile app or at stations.

Features: The first usage period (usually 30 minutes) can be free or at a reduced rate. Bicycles are equipped with built-in locks for convenient parking.

General Recommendations

Registration: To use car sharing, e-scooter, or bike rentals, registration in the relevant apps with the provision of necessary documents is required.

Safety: Always follow traffic rules. When using scooters and bicycles, it is recommended to wear a helmet.

Parking: Park vehicles in permitted places to avoid creating obstacles for pedestrians and other traffic participants.

Living in Hungary without a personal car is quite feasible, especially in large cities with developed public transport infrastructure. Alternative modes of transport and modern services make commuting convenient and efficient. However, in rural areas, more careful planning may be needed. Weigh your needs and capabilities to choose the optimal way to move around.

Obtaining a local driver's license in Hungary for foreigners depends on their citizenship and residence status. 

Citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area 

Use of national licenses: EU/EEA citizens can use their national driver's licenses in Hungary without restrictions.

License exchange: Exchanging national licenses for Hungarian ones is not mandatory but is possible if desired. For this, it is necessary to contact the local transport management office with the appropriate documents.

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries

Use of international licenses: Foreign nationals from non-EU/EEA countries can use their national driver's licenses along with an international driver's license for one year from the date of obtaining a residence permit in Hungary.

License exchange: After this period, it is necessary to exchange a foreign driver's license for a Hungarian one.

Driver's License Exchange Procedure

1. Document preparation:

   - Valid foreign driver's license.

   - Official translation of the license into Hungarian, done in an accredited translation bureau.

   - Valid passport or ID card.

   - Residence permit or residence authorization in Hungary.

   - Proof of address in Hungary.

   - Medical certificate of fitness to drive, issued by a Hungarian doctor.

2. Application submission: Contact the local transport management office or a government office.

3. Fee payment: Pay the state fee for exchanging the driver's license. 

4. Taking exams (if necessary):

   - In some cases, it may be required to take a theoretical and/or practical driving test according to Hungarian traffic rules. This depends on the country where the initial license was issued and the agreements between countries.

5. Obtaining a Hungarian driver's license.

Additional notes:

Timeframe: The exchange process may take from a few weeks to several months, depending on individual circumstances and the necessity of taking exams.

Training: If you do not have a driver's license or cannot exchange an existing one, it is necessary to undergo training at a driving school, and pass theoretical and practical exams to obtain Hungarian driving rights.

Relevance of information: It is recommended to confirm the current requirements and procedures on the official websites of Hungarian state agencies or consult with local transport management offices before starting the exchange or obtaining a driver's license.

Owning a personal car in Hungary provides freedom of movement and convenience but also comes with certain requirements and responsibilities. 

Buying a car

New and used cars: In Hungary, there is a wide selection of both new and used cars. When buying a used car, it is recommended to check its history through the Jármű Szolgáltatási Platform (JSP) system to avoid issues with debts or hidden defects.

Documents upon purchase: You will need to conclude an official sales contract, which must be drafted in Hungarian and signed by both parties.

Insurance

- Mandatory insurance: All cars in Hungary must have mandatory third-party liability insurance. It covers damage caused to third parties.

Additional insurance: You can get casco insurance, which provides additional protection for your car.

Traffic rules

Speed limits:

  - In built-up areas: 50 km/h.

  - Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h.

  - On expressways: 110 km/h.

  - On motorways: 130 km/h.

- Alcohol while driving: Hungary has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol — the permissible blood alcohol content is 0.0‰.

- Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.

- Daytime running lights: Low beam headlights must be on outside built-up areas even during the day.

Toll roads

Electronic vignettes (E-matrica): To use motorways and some express roads, you need to purchase an electronic vignette. They are available for periods from 10 days to a year and can be purchased online or at gas stations.

Parking

Paid parking: In cities, especially in Budapest, there are paid parking zones with hourly rates.

Parking rules: Pay attention to road signs and markings. Incorrect parking can lead to fines or towing of the vehicle.

Road assistance

Assistance services: In case of a breakdown, you can contact road assistance services such as Magyar Autóklub or private companies.

Useful links

Government portal: (https://www.magyarorszag.hu)

Toll road information: (https://www.toll-charge.hu)

Road assistance service: (https://www.autoklub.hu)

In Hungary, adherence to traffic rules is strictly monitored, and significant fines and penalties are imposed for violations. Below are the main types of violations and corresponding penalties:

Speeding

Fines: As of September 1, 2023, the minimum fine for speeding is 39,000 forints (about 100 euros), and the maximum is 390,000 forints (about 1,006 euros).

Running a red light

Fine: A fine of 65,000 forints (about 167 euros) is provided for running a red light. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Fines and penalties: Hungary has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving. Driving under the influence is considered a criminal offense and can lead to heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and even imprisonment.

Parking Violation

Fines: Improper parking may lead to fines ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 forints (from 25 to 75 euros). In some cases, the vehicle may be towed, resulting in additional costs. 

Using a Mobile Phone While Driving

Fine: Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system while driving is prohibited and can lead to a fine of 10,000 forints (approximately 25 euros).

Unfastened Seat Belt

Fine: An unfastened seat belt for the driver or passenger may result in a fine of 15,000 forints (approximately 38 euros).

Lack of Mandatory Equipment

Fines: Lack of mandatory equipment in the vehicle, such as a first aid kit, warning triangle, or reflective vest, may lead to a fine of 5,000 forints (approximately 13 euros).

Using Toll Roads Without Payment (Vignette)

Fines: Using toll roads without a valid electronic vignette may result in a fine ranging from 50 to 200 euros. 

Additional Measures

Point System: Hungary has a point system for traffic violations. Accumulating 18 points results in driver's license suspension, with reinstatement only possible after completing a course and a six-month driving ban. 

Payment of Fines: Fines can be paid on-site, in banks, or online via official portals. Late payment may increase the fine amount.

Online Fine Payment 

You can pay administrative fines imposed by the Hungarian police via the official Hungarian police portal www.ugyintezes.police.hu. This service allows online payments using a bank card.

Please note that successful payment requires information from the received fine resolution.

1. Vehicle Registration

For vehicles purchased in Hungary

Documents required for registration:

  - Purchase agreement or invoice.

  - Certificate of conformity.

  - Insurance policy (mandatory liability insurance).

  - Document proving payment of registration tax.

  - Personal identification and proof of residence.

Registration procedure:

  - Contact the local transport management office or a government office.

  - Provide the necessary documents.

  - Pay registration fees.

  - Receive license plates and registration certificate.

For vehicles imported from abroad

Additional requirements:

  - Documents proving legal importation (customs documents).

  - Certificate of deregistration in the country of origin.

  - Certificate of compliance with European standards (if applicable).

2. Technical Inspection

Periodicity:

  - New vehicles: first inspection 4 years after registration.

  - Vehicles older than 4 years: every 2 years.

Procedure:

  - Schedule an inspection at an accredited technical inspection center.

  - Provide the vehicle for a technical condition check, including the braking system, lighting, emissions, and other parameters.

  - If successfully passed, receive the corresponding mark in the registration certificate and sticker on the license plate.

Cost: The cost of the inspection varies depending on the vehicle category and may range from 55 to 80 euros. 

Additional Recommendations

Consultation: It is recommended to seek advice from specialists or official bodies for current information and assistance in the registration and inspection process.

Temporary use of foreign-registered vehicles

Duration of stay: Foreign nationals may use a vehicle with foreign plates in Hungary without registration for up to 6 months. 

Documents: If the car belongs to another person, notarized consent from the owner is required in Hungarian, English, or German. 

Insurance: Valid international insurance (Green Card) recognized in Hungary is required.

Vehicle Registration for Long-Term Stay

Registration Requirement: If a stay in Hungary is planned for more than 6 months, a car with foreign registration must be registered with Hungarian plates.

Registration Procedure

  - Technical Inspection: The car must undergo an inspection at an accredited center.

  - Customs Procedures: When importing a car from outside the EU, payment of customs duties and VAT may be required.

  - Documents: Documents confirming ownership, a certificate of conformity, an insurance policy, and proof of tax payment are necessary.

  - Registration: Contact the local transportation management office to complete the registration and obtain Hungarian license plates.

Features for Residents

Residence Permit: Foreigners with a residence permit in Hungary are required to register their car with foreign plates for Hungarian plates if they plan to use it for more than 6 months.

Taxes and Fees: When registering a vehicle, a registration tax may be required, which depends on the age and characteristics of the vehicle.

Charging Stations

Number and Location: As of 2024, Hungary has over 1,500 public charging stations located in major cities, along highways, and near shopping centers. This ensures convenient access to charging for most users.

Types of Charging Stations:

  - Slow Charging Stations (AC): Provide charging up to 22 kW, suitable for long-term parking, such as overnight or at work.

  - Fast Charging Stations (DC): Provide charging starting from 50 kW and above, allowing the battery to be charged up to 80% in 30–40 minutes.

Service Centers

Official Dealers: Hungary has official dealers for most major electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Tesla, Nissan, BMW, and Volkswagen, offering a full range of maintenance and repair services.

Independent Services: With the growing popularity of electric cars, the number of independent service centers specializing in electric vehicle maintenance is increasing.

Initiatives and Support

Government Programs: The Hungarian government actively supports the development of electromobility through subsidies for electric vehicle purchases and investments in charging infrastructure.