Hungary and Budapest

How to get to Hungary

Hungary lies at the crossroads of the main tourist traffic flows in Europe. About 25 airline companies operate regular flights to and from Budapest. Railway connections from all European countries are excellent, while there are also bus and boat connections with countries in the vicinity of Hungary. Budapest can be reached by car on motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7.

Arrival by air

Participants arriving at Ferihegy International Airport have several possibilities to get to the city center:

- The Airport Shuttle Minibus (LRI) shuttle service to hotels runs in every 10 minutes for approx. 5-6 persons. The fare for each person is 2300 HUF (9 euro) one way or 3900 HUF (15 euro) for a return ticket.

- The licenced airport taxi is called Zona Taxi. The fare is 4100 HUF or 19 euro to the center of Budapest.

- The budget option: city bus No 200 starts from the terminal building and arrives to metro station Köbánya-Kispest in 25 minutes. The bus ticket can be purchased at the driver (260 HUF, 1 euro). The metro goes from Köbánya-Kispest to the city center in 20 minutes. The general single ticket for public transport in Budapest costs 230 HUF (0.9 euro), but it is a better deal to buy a three-day tourist ticket (3100 HUF, 12 euro) or a seven-day tourist ticket (3600 HUF, 14 euro). The tickets can be bought at every metro station.

Arrival by train

There are 3 major international railway stations in Budapest (Deli pu., Keleti pu. and Nyugati pu.), located in the city centre and within easy reach of the Conference hotels either by public transport or by taxi.

Currency, exchange, credit cards

The official currency in Hungary is Hungarian Forint. Exchange facilities are offered to participants at the airport, in hotels, at the exchange desk of the banks or at the registration desk of the Conference at around the daily rate indicated by the Hungarian National Bank.

American Express, Visa, Diners, Eurocard/Master Card are accepted at the registration desk, in hotels, first class restaurants and city stores, but you should ask or look for the logo before ordering a service.

Insurance

The Organizing Committee can not assume responsibility for injuries or losses occurring to persons or personal belongings during the Congress. Participants are therefore advised to travel with a valid insurance package.

Local transportation in Budapest

Public transport in the city is well organized. Trams, buses and metro trains operate without conductors. Tickets must be purchased in advance at tobacco shops or metro stations. Weekly passes allowing free travel on all means of transportation within the city limits can be bought at each metro station.

Taxis

We suggest that you use only taxis equipped with a taximeter, such as Fõtaxi, City Taxi, Buda Taxi, Tele 5 Taxi, 6 x 6 Taxi etc… Beware of private cabs, especially those without a taximeter.

Tipping

It is customary to give a tip of 10% over the amount of the bill at restaurants and in taxis.

Electricity supply

In Hungary, electricity is supplied at 230 V, 50 Hz. The 2-pin connecting plug is different from that used in some other countries, e.g. the USA, the UK, Italy and Japan.