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Information about Hungary and Budapest |
Transport
Because of the favourable geographical situation of the country, Hungary can be reached easily by any form of transport.
Arrival to Budapest: By Air
The Airport minibus service is popular and relatively cheap: for 2300 HUF it will drop passengers anywhere within the city limits. A return ticket (3900 HUF) is valid for six months.
| Airport information: |
| Central information |
(+36-1) 296-9696 |
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| Flight information |
(+36-1) 296-7000 |
| Luggage search service: |
| Ferihegy 2A |
(+36-1) 296-8108
(+36-1) 296-7217 |
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| Ferihegy 2B |
(+36-1) 295-3480
(+36-1) 296-7948 |
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| Telephone reservations by Malév flights |
(+36-1) 235-3888 |
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| Airport minibus service |
(+36-1) 296-8555 |
Arrival to Budapest: by Train
Budapest has direct rail links to 25 capitals. There are more than 50 international connections each day. Trains depart every three hours between Budapest-Vienna, with a travel time of less than two and a half hours. Intercity links running between the capital and the major towns around Hungary are extremely popular and comfortable.
There are three major international railway stations in Budapest:
- Eastern Railway Station Budapest (Keleti pályaudvar) (VII. Baross tér)
- Western Railway Station Budapest (Nyugati pályaudvar) (VI. Nyugati tér)
- Southern Railway Station Budapest (Déli pályaudvar) (I. Krisztina krt. 37/a)
Information on international rail links: (36+1) 461-5500, www.elvira.hu
All rail stations can be accessed by the metro ('Keleti pu.' , Déli pu.' stop on Metro line 2, 'Nyugati pu.' stop on Metro line 3).
Arrival to Budapest: by Passenger Car
Of the four motorways and four highways in Hungary, seven depart from Budapest (motorway No.8 is the exception). Drivers are obliged to purchase a motorway sticker for the motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7 (obtainable at border crossing points and major petrol stations).
The Hungarian Highway Code (KRESZ) is based on the Vienna and Geneva Convention, and as such, traffic signs and road markings are similar to those found in other European countries. However, it is important to highlight a few key traffic regulations that tourists visiting Hungary must observe at all times: use of seatbelts in the font and rear seats is compulsory; only mobile phones fitted with loudspeaker and microphone may be used in cars, and it is recommended that drivers making or receiving a call pull over to the side of the road in a safe area; drivers may not consume any alcohol before driving, and drunk drivers can be fined upwards of HUF 30,000 (USD 130); the speed limit in built-up areas is 50 kph, outside built-up areas 90 kph, on the roads 110 kph and on motorways 130 kph; use of the horn in towns is only permitted in moments of danger (despite of which, unfortunately, Hungarian drivers frequently use their horns without proper reason).
Hungarian Automobile Club (Magyar Autóklub) 24 hour helpline: (+36-1) 345-1755
Roadside breakdown service: 188
Transportation from/to the airport
How to reach your hotel?
From the airport – by Airport minibus or taxis
In case of arriving by train – please get in contact with the Conference Secretariat in order to find the best solution (congress@motesz.hu ).
Public transportation
Budapest has an efficient public transport network made up more than 180 bus, 14 trolleybus, 29 tram, and three metro lines. In general buses, trams and trolleybuses operate between 4.30am and 11 p.m. The three metro lines intersect at Deák Square in the centre of town. Metros run at 2-15 minutes intervals from 4.30 a.m. to 11.10 p.m.
The local suburban train (HÉV) can be used to travel out to Csepel island in the south of the city, and to nearby Szentendre, Gödöllő and Ráckeve.
Maps sited at the entrances to metro stations give a comprehensive overview of the entire public transport network in Budapest. Conditions of travel are also included in German and English.
For more information: www.bkv.hu, English version.
Climate
The climate is continental. The coldest month is January (average temperature –1,3 Co ), the warmest month is July (average temperature 23,2Co). At the time of the conference, it is early summer in Hungary. Usually the weather is warm with daily temperatures between 15 and 20 Celsius. Rain is possible, so a raincoat is recommended.
For more information: www.weather.yahoo.com
Time
Greenwich mean time + 1 hour.; U.S. (EAST) +6 hours
Health requirements
No vaccinations are required.
Entering the country
In order to enter the country it is necessary to have a valid passport. If your country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Hungary, then it is wise to arrange an entry visa before leaving home.
Currency, credit cards, banking
The currency in Hungary is the Forint (HUF).
As at the end of September, 2006 – 1 Euro » 275 HUF
International credit cards are accepted for payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Exchange offices and machines are available throughout the town and at the Budapest Ferihegy Airport as well.
Opening hours
Shops: food shops are open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., clothes shops between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Shopping malls centres are also open on Sunday.
Office hours: generally from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday to Friday
Post offices: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (for details see Postal services section)
Banks: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Events / Programmes
Hungary offers a stunning selection of programmes, and not only in the high season. Budapest has musical events every day of the year, while there is also a vigorous cultural life in all the major towns and cities. Major events are covered in the Event Calendar (published every year), while details of what's on during the month are available in Budapest Panorama and Programmes in Hungary.
For more information: www.budapestinfo.hu
Evening entertainment
There are plenty of evening entertainment spots in the capital and countryside: besides the bars with shows, discos, jazz clubs and dance houses there are more than 20 casinos throughout the country.
Electricity
220 Volt, standard European 2 round-pin plugs are used.
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