Budapest's Tram network is extensive and reliable. As of October, 2010, Budapest has over 30 tram lines throughout the city that run from 4:30 a.m. until approximately 10:45 p.m. on weekdays. Tram tickets must be bought in advance and validated on the tram. You can buy tram tickets only from either red punch-machines or orange automated machines.
Although Budapest has over thirty tram lines, a number stand out. As of October, 2010, trams No. 4 and 6 are the busiest lines in Europe and run along Grand Boulevard. Tram No. 2 runs along the Danube and comes every three to five minutes from approximately 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Tram No. 2 gives passengers magnificent views of the Gellert Hill, Castle Hill and the Budapest Parliament.
The fastest way to travel through Budapest is by the metro. The Budapest Metro has three lines: yellow (M1), red (M2) and blue (M3). As of October, 2010, Budapest is currently constructing a fourth line. The yellow line was built in 1896 and is one of the oldest metro lines in Europe. Its Line 1 was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002. As of October, 2010, each metro line runs between 4:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Tickets must be bought in advance as pass controllers frequently request to inspect metro tickets. A single ticket costs 320 Hungarian forint (HFU) in 2010. A single ticket is valid for a single ride with no transfer and is valid for 30 to 60 minutes. Travelers may also purchase one day, two day, one week, two weeks, 30 days or year tickets. Tourists intending to visit many historical sites by metro should purchase a Budapest Card, which allows travelers to use public transportation for free.
The Budapest HÉV is a system of railways and 81 stations that connects the Budapest city center to the outskirts or suburbs of Budapest. The HÉV, which stands for Helyiérdeku Vasút ("Railway of Local Interest"), has four commuter rail lines: Szentendre HÉV, Gödöllo HÉV, Csömör HÉV and Ráckeve HÉV. It also consists of two rapid transit lines: Csepel HÉV and Békásmegyer HÉV.
The Hungarian MÁV is the national railway company, with lines running through Budapest. MÁV Start Zrt is the passenger transport; whereas, MÁV Cargo Zrt is freight transport. Budapest houses the Déli, Keleti, Nyugati and Kelenföld Railway Stations. The Keleti Railway Station is the largest MÁV station in Budapest, located in the 8th district on Baross Square. The Keleti Railway Station, whose beautiful facade was built between 1881 and 1884, connects Budapest to international destinations such as Vienna, Belgrade, Prague, Berlin, Venice and Zurich. The Kelenföld Station, although smaller than the other three, is known for being overcrowded as all passengers and cargo must pass through this station to access the western part of Hungary. The Nyugati Station is known for its shopping and is adjacent to a shopping mall.
