Taxis, apps and public transit
Don't flag down a taxi. Order one, or take public transit.
Never flag down a taxi on the street, and never hop into an unknown cab: it's a guaranteed rip-off. Order your ride through an app instead. Uber and Bolt are safe, and so is any other trusted app.
Public transit is amazing, even at night: night buses run every 15 minutes in most directions.
I recommend getting a pass, either a three-day one or whatever length suits your stay. That way you don't have to buy a new ticket every time you hop from bus to tram to metro. And if you forget to validate a ticket, the inspectors will happily fine you 25,000 HUF or more (check the BKK penalty fare page for current amounts).
The easiest way to buy one is the BudapestGO app, which also has schedules, maps and a trip planner.
For short hops there is MOL Bubi, the city's bike-share run by BKK, which has just launched a new generation of bikes. Visitors can pay as they go. If you hold a BudapestGO pass valid for at least 30 days, you get a discount on the monthly Bubi pass and ten free rides a month on classic bikes.
Lime e-scooters are everywhere too. When I last checked, unlocking a scooter cost about 250 HUF, plus 50 HUF per minute, and the app has cheaper passes under "Lime-bérlet". One catch: in some central districts you can ride a scooter but can't end the ride, so check the parking map in the app first. Dott is the other scooter app you'll see around town. It shows the local price on its map, and it offers minute passes in some cities, so compare Dott and Lime before you ride. New to Dott? Enter my code 0TEW4YM in the app for a free 20-minute ride, unlock included. I get a free ride too, so everyone wins. Prices change, so look in the apps before you go.
Walking around is very safe too. Just bring a jacket when it's cold.
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