Budapest Card Comparison 2026
Compare the verified price, confirmed inclusions, and booking rules for the Budapest Card against individual tickets.
| Feature | Budapest Card | Individual Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From €53.00 (24h) | Varies per site |
| Validity | 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours | Per ticket |
| Public Transport | Included (bus/metro/tram/trolleybus) | Separate transit ticket needed |
| Lukács Thermal Bath | Included (any tier) | From HUF 7,000 |
| Széchenyi Thermal Bath | 20% discount only | From HUF 13,200 |
| St. Stephen's Basilica | Discount only (10-50%) | From HUF 2,600 |
| Matthias Church | Included only on 72h/96h/120h tiers | HUF 3,400 |
| Buda Castle Funicular | Included only on 72h/96h/120h tiers | HUF 4,500-5,500 |
| Fisherman's Bastion | No discount at all | HUF 1,700 |
| Format | Mobile ticket | Varies by seller |
| 💡 Best For | Free entry to 33 museums and attractions plus unlimited transport, a free Danube cruise, and a free thermal bath — but its two most famous single attractions (Széchenyi Bath, the Basilica) are only discounted, and two more (Matthias Church, the Funicular) need the 72h+ tiers. | Best if you're only visiting Fisherman's Bastion or the Hungarian Parliament Building, since the Budapest Card offers no benefit at either. |
| Check price on Budapest Card | Check price on Individual Tickets |
Budapest Card
From €53.00 (24h)
💡 Free entry to 33 museums and attractions plus unlimited transport, a free Danube cruise, and a free thermal bath — but its two most famous single attractions (Széchenyi Bath, the Basilica) are only discounted, and two more (Matthias Church, the Funicular) need the 72h+ tiers.
See full comparison
- Validity
- 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours
- Public Transport
- Included (bus/metro/tram/trolleybus)
- Lukács Thermal Bath
- Included (any tier)
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- 20% discount only
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Discount only (10-50%)
- Matthias Church
- Included only on 72h/96h/120h tiers
- Buda Castle Funicular
- Included only on 72h/96h/120h tiers
- Fisherman's Bastion
- No discount at all
- Format
- Mobile ticket
Individual Tickets
Varies per site
💡 Best if you're only visiting Fisherman's Bastion or the Hungarian Parliament Building, since the Budapest Card offers no benefit at either.
See full comparison
- Validity
- Per ticket
- Public Transport
- Separate transit ticket needed
- Lukács Thermal Bath
- From HUF 7,000
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- From HUF 13,200
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- From HUF 2,600
- Matthias Church
- HUF 3,400
- Buda Castle Funicular
- HUF 4,500-5,500
- Fisherman's Bastion
- HUF 1,700
- Format
- Varies by seller
Data sources & verificationChecked against 5 official and provider sources. Every fact listed here was verified on or after 2026-09-17.
View sources
Checked against 5 official and provider sources. Every fact listed here was verified on or after 2026-09-17.
| Fact | Source | Last verified |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest CardPass details | Budapest Card (official) | |
| Budapest Card × Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)Pass inclusion | Budapest Card (official) | |
| Budapest Card × St. Stephen's BasilicaPass inclusion | Budapest Card (official) | |
| Budapest Card × Széchenyi Thermal BathPass inclusion | Budapest Card (official) | |
| Fisherman's Bastion (Halászbástya)Attraction details | Fisherman's Bastion / Buda Castle District municipality | |
| Hungarian Parliament BuildingAttraction details | Hungarian Parliament / Office of the National Assembly (official ticketing partner: jegymester.hu) | |
| St. Stephen's BasilicaAttraction details | St. Stephen's Basilica (official) | |
| Széchenyi Thermal BathAttraction details | Széchenyi Thermal Bath (official, Budapest Spas) |
"Last verified" means a person checked that specific fact against that specific source on that date. It is not a page-publication date, a file-modification date or a build date. Prices and rules can change at any time — always confirm the current figure with the provider before booking.
Pricing Analysis & Important Details
01. Go City does not currently sell a Budapest pass
Confirmed directly on gocity.com: Budapest is absent from Go City's 28-destination roster. If you've seen a "Go City Budapest" pass mentioned elsewhere, that information doesn't match the provider's current lineup.
02. The Budapest Card's two famous thermal baths get very different treatment
Confirmed directly on budapestcard.org: Lukács Thermal Bath is fully included (free) at every card tier, but the far more famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath is only discounted 20% — never free, at any tier. Don't assume 'thermal bath' means the same benefit everywhere.
03. Matthias Church and the Buda Castle Funicular are gated behind the longer card tiers
Both are only included on the Budapest Card's 72-hour, 96-hour, and 120-hour tiers — the cheaper 24-hour and 48-hour tiers don't include either, confirmed on the card's own comparison table.
04. Since January 1, 2026, the Hungarian Parliament Building charges non-EEA visitors double
A two-tier pricing system now applies: EEA citizens pay a lower rate, verified with a valid ID at check-in, while all other visitors pay exactly double. This applies regardless of any city pass, since the Parliament isn't part of the Budapest Card's inclusions at all.
Which Option Fits Your Visit?
Visiting Many Museums & Sights
The Budapest Card's free entry to 33 attractions plus transport pays off fast over 2+ days of sightseeing.
Prioritizing a Thermal Bath
If Lukács is on your list, the card covers it free. If Széchenyi is the priority, weigh the 20% discount against a standalone ticket.
Staying 3+ Days
The 72h+ tiers unlock Matthias Church, the Funicular, a free airport transfer, and a free lángos and chimney cake on top of everything else.
Only Visiting the Parliament or the Bastion
Skip the card for these two — individual tickets are your only option either way.
Detailed Attraction Guides
Verified prices, booking rules, and pass compatibility for Budapest's most-visited sites.
Hungarian Parliament Building Guide
EEA vs. non-EEA pricing, and why no city pass helps here.
Fisherman's Bastion Guide
Ticketed towers, free lower terraces, and no Budapest Card discount.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath Guide
Weekday vs. weekend pricing, and the Budapest Card's 20%-only discount.
St. Stephen's Basilica Guide
Church-hall vs. terrace pricing, and the new Dec 2025 entry ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best city pass for Budapest?
Does the Budapest Card include the Hungarian Parliament Building?
Is Fisherman's Bastion discounted with the Budapest Card?
Do I need the 72-hour card to see Matthias Church?
Spending 1, 2, or 3 days here?
Discover example itineraries with an integrated Google Maps route and travel tips.