Getting Around Szeged
Szeged has a well-developed public transport network for a city of its size, with multiple options available to visitors. The city's transport system includes trams, trolley buses, buses, and taxis, giving you flexibility in how you move around.
The Public Transport Network
Public transport in Szeged is operated by two companies. SzKT operates trams and trolley buses, while Volánbusz operates buses. The network includes tram lines, trolley bus lines, and a substantial bus network. During weekday rush hours, most public transport vehicles typically depart every 10–15 minutes, making the system reasonably frequent for getting around the city.
Szeged is one of only four Hungarian cities with trams, alongside Budapest, Miskolc, and Debrecen. The city is also one of only three Hungarian cities with trolley bus services, which operate alongside the tram and bus networks.
Tickets and Passes
There is no difference in ticket pricing between trams, trolley buses, and buses—you can use the same tickets across all three types of transport. You have several options for purchasing tickets:
- Buy individual tickets from the driver when boarding (always enter through the front door)
- On trams, you can purchase tickets onboard using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard only)
- Purchase weekly and monthly passes from kiosks and newspaper stands throughout the city
- Single-trip tickets are also available from kiosks and newspaper stands
Weekly and monthly passes are valid for all three types of public transport. Student and senior discounts are available.
Trams and Trolley Buses
Trams have been operating in Szeged since 1908 and remain an important part of the transport network. Trolley buses are a more recent addition, having started service in 1979. Both services provide reliable ways to move around the city and complement the bus network.
Buses
Buses form a substantial part of Szeged's public transport system. Bus service was introduced around the 1950s and quickly became popular with residents. The city has an extensive bus network that covers many areas of the city and surrounding regions.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Several taxi services operate in Szeged. You can call ahead to order a taxi to your location. While drivers may not speak English, they should be able to get you to your destination. Typical taxi fares within the city range around 1000–2000 Hungarian Forints.
Taxi services include:
- Szeged Taxi: +36 62 333-333
- Tele-4 Taxi: +36 62 444-444
- Gábriel Taxi: +36 62 555-555
- Bolt taxi (available via mobile app)
Walkability
Much of central Szeged is accessible on foot. The city's compact downtown area (Belváros) can be explored by walking, and public transport is readily available for reaching other districts or areas farther from the center.
Getting from Budapest Airport to Szeged
Most international visitors to Szeged arrive via Budapest's Liszt Ferenc International Airport. You have several transport options:
By Train
Train travel is a convenient option. Direct trains run from Budapest Nyugati train station to Szeged, with a journey time of about 2 hours. These trains also stop at Ferihegy, the station serving Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport, so you can board directly from the airport without needing to travel into central Budapest. Regional cross-border trains also connect Szeged to Subotica in Serbia.
By Car
If you choose to drive, the journey from Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport to Szeged takes approximately 1½–2 hours via the M5 highway heading south. You will need to purchase a highway sticker (matrica) for your vehicle before using the highway; these are available at gas stations throughout the region.
Once in Szeged, the city operates a parking zone system in the city center. Parking tickets can be purchased from newsagents and local stores. Multi-story paid parking facilities are available, and Park and Ride options exist near the beach with public transport connections to the city center.
By Plane
Szeged has a small airfield for private aircraft, but the nearest major international airport is Budapest's Liszt Ferenc International Airport. An alternative, though less convenient, option is Timișoara Airport across the Hungary-Romania border, which takes about an hour to reach by car.