Free Public Transport in Budapest for Seniors Over 65 — Open to Everyone Worldwide

Budapest has long been known as one of Europe’s most beautiful and affordable capitals, but in 2024 it became even more welcoming for senior travelers. Thanks to a major update in Hungarian transport law, anyone aged 65 and over — no matter where they are from — can now travel for free on Budapest’s entire public transport network. This includes buses, trams, trolleybuses, the metro, and local suburban trains.

This is not just a local perk or a temporary discount. It’s part of a national initiative designed to make public transport more accessible and affordable for older adults. The rule is simple: if you are 65 or older, you can ride public transport in Budapest without buying a ticket, regardless of your nationality or residence status.

A Law That Benefits Seniors Everywhere

The legal foundation for this change is Government Decree No. 38/2024 (II.29.), issued in early 2024. It clearly states that all individuals aged 65 and above are entitled to free travel on public transportation within Hungary. Crucially, this right applies universally — it does not depend on citizenship or residency. In other words, seniors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any other country are treated the same as Hungarian or EU citizens when it comes to transportation benefits.

This reform replaced older, more restrictive rules that limited free transport to citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area. The Hungarian government’s updated decree focuses entirely on age as the qualifying factor. Once you reach 65, you are automatically eligible for free travel, and all you need to do is carry a valid photo ID or passport showing your date of birth.

How Free Transport Works in Practice

Traveling for free in Budapest is incredibly straightforward. Seniors aged 65 and over simply board public transport vehicles — including metro lines, trams, and buses — without purchasing or validating a ticket. During random ticket inspections, you may be asked to show your passport or identification card to confirm your age. That’s it. There is no need to register, apply for a senior card, or carry special documents.

The free travel rule applies to all standard public transport services operated by BKK (Budapest Transport Centre)within the city limits. It also extends to many national and regional trains and buses operated by MÁV and Volánbusz throughout Hungary. However, some services are excluded. For example, international routes that cross Hungary’s borders, certain premium or reserved train classes, and tourist attractions such as the Buda Castle Funicular are not covered.

There has been some confusion about the airport connections, but as of 2025, the 200E bus from Budapest Airport to the city is included in the free travel benefit for seniors, while the 100E airport express bus still requires a ticket. It’s a good idea to double-check these details on the official BKK website before your trip.

Why This Matters for Senior Travelers

This change makes Budapest one of the most senior-friendly cities in Europe. Free public transport allows older travelers to explore the city easily and affordably, whether visiting iconic sights such as the Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, or the thermal baths of Széchenyi and Gellért. The policy also encourages sustainable travel by reducing car dependency and supporting the use of the city’s efficient and eco-friendly public transit system.

The inclusion of non-EU citizens is especially noteworthy. Many European countries offer similar benefits but restrict them to EU residents. Hungary’s open approach sends a welcoming message to the global travel community, recognizing that accessibility and respect for seniors should not depend on nationality.

Experiences from Around the World

Since the update in 2024, countless travelers from outside the EU have confirmed that the system works seamlessly. American, British, Canadian, and Australian visitors have shared that they simply boarded trams and metros, showed their passports when asked, and traveled without paying. Online travel communities such as Rick Steves’ Europe Forum and TripAdvisor are full of positive testimonials praising the simplicity of the rule and the friendliness of Budapest’s transport staff.

Occasionally, some inspectors or drivers may be unaware of the new regulation, especially if they are used to the older system. In such cases, calmly showing your passport and, if needed, mentioning the 2024 government decree usually resolves any confusion. Many travelers even recommend saving a screenshot of the official BKK “Kedvezmények” (Discounts) page on your phone as a backup.

Official Sources and Further Reading

The best way to confirm the details of this benefit is to consult official Hungarian sources. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) provides updated information on free and discounted travel options at bkk.hu/jegyek-es-berletek/kedvezmenyek. For those who want to see the legal basis directly, the government decree can be found in the Hungarian National Law Database at njt.hu/jogszabaly/2024-38-20-22.

Additionally, Hungarian Railways (MÁV) outlines the same age-based travel benefits for domestic train journeys on their official website, mavcsoport.hu.

Final Thoughts

Budapest’s decision to offer free public transport to everyone aged 65 and above, regardless of nationality, sets an inspiring example for other cities worldwide. It reflects Hungary’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for senior citizens. For older travelers, this means greater freedom to explore one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals — from the Danube riverbanks to the historic Castle Hill — without worrying about transportation costs.

So, if you’re planning a visit to Budapest and have celebrated your 65th birthday, you can leave your wallet in your pocket when boarding the metro or tram. Just bring your passport, enjoy the ride, and discover the beauty of Budapest — for free.

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I’m Betti, your private tour guide behind Betti Tours Budapest.

✉️ bettitoursbudapest@gmail.com

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