Budapest Metro: How to Get Around by Subway

The Budapest metro has four lines: M1, M2, M3 and M4. Knowing the line numbers helps you follow station signs and plan where to change trains. Budapest-Kelenföld is one of the M4 termini.

The M4 runs between Kelenföld vasútállomás and Keleti pályaudvar. Stops include Móricz Zsigmond körtér, Fővám tér and Kálvin tér. These station names can help you match a destination to the line before setting off.

At a station, use the line number and direction shown on the signs to find the right platform. The M4 timetable names its endpoints, Kelenföld vasútállomás and Keleti pályaudvar, so check which direction matches your journey. Station maps and signs can help you confirm where to change.

A paper single ticket allows one uninterrupted trip. On the metro, you can transfer between metro lines in the same direction without buying another single ticket. The ticket does not cover a return trip or a break in your journey, so plan to stay within the paid area while making a metro-to-metro transfer.

Fővám tér is an M4 stop for the Great Market Hall. The M4 also serves Kálvin tér, but the facts here do not provide route details to other sights.

Choose a ticket based on how you expect to travel. A single ticket suits one uninterrupted journey, while Budapest 24-hour and 72-hour travelcards allow unlimited trips within Budapest during their validity period.

Travelcards do not need validation after purchase. Budapest passes are valid on M1, M2, M3 and M4 within Budapest; a full-price pass must be used with the photo ID number recorded on it.

BKK tickets and passes are available from ticket vending machines, the BudapestGO app, BKK customer service centres and ticket offices. BKK says vending machines are at every metro station, accept cash or bank cards and operate around the clock.

• Paper single ticket: Validate it at a station entrance before entering the paid area. Validators are placed at metro-station entrances. A validated ticket is valid for 80 minutes on the metro network, or 120 minutes on night services.
• Mobile ticket or pass: Activate or validate it as instructed before entering the station, then show the resulting animation to station control staff.
• Budapest Pay&GO: Available at metro stations on M1, M2, M3 and M4. Tapping a bank card or compatible device buys and validates one single ticket at the same time. During inspection, tap that same card or device on the inspector’s checker.

Start by identifying the station and line that fit your destination, then choose a ticket before going into the paid area. Móricz Zsigmond körtér and Budapest-Kelenföld are both relevant M4 stations. From Classic Hotel, Bikás park is about 28 minutes on foot or about 15 minutes by car, offering a time estimate for a green-space stop.

If you’re heading to a destination served by M4, check whether it is one of the line’s stops: Kelenföld vasútállomás, Móricz Zsigmond körtér, Fővám tér, Kálvin tér or Keleti pályaudvar. For destinations not covered here, consult the current network map rather than assuming a direct metro connection.

Bikás park is a green space; read the guide to Bikás park for more about the park.

The M4 serves several central destinations. Fővám tér is the stop for the Great Market Hall; Kálvin tér is another stop on the same line. The Hungarian Parliament visitor guide covers the building itself.

At the street, look for a metro entrance and confirm the line and direction before descending. A station name on the M4 stop list is useful for planning, but your complete route may require details from the current map.

Every M4 station has step-free access from street level to the train, including Kelenföld vasútállomás and Móricz Zsigmond körtér. This provides a step-free route between the street and train at those stations.

Service intervals and disruptions can change. Check the official site before you go: BKK’s live BKK Info page is the official place to check current service changes and disruptions.