ON THIS PAGE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT:
• Travelling from the border
• Travelling by train in Hungary
• Free public transport in Budapest
• Travelling to other EU countries
Travelling from the border
If you just arrived at the Hungarian-Ukrainian border and you want to travel to Budapest, please follow this page.
Travelling by train in Hungary
Trips where solidarity tickets are not valid are not free for Ukrainian citizens. However, there are standard discounts available. Tickets can be purchased in the MÁV app, on the https://jegy.mav.hu/ website, and at any ticket machine or cash desk.
| Eligibility Criteria | Required Documentation | Travel Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Adults with refugee or subsidiary protection status who are over 65 years old | ID and legal status documents (residence permit and foreigner ID) | 100% discount on 2nd class travel |
| Children under 6 years old travelling with an adult | No certificate needed | 100% discount on 1st or 2nd class travel |
| Children aged 6 to 14 years | ID or any document proving age | 50% discount on 2nd class travel |
| Individuals under 26 years old | ID or other identification | 33% discount on 2nd class travel (Friday 10:00 to Sunday 24:00, excluding some holidays) |
| Small families with children under 18 years old and one or two adults (group discount) | Document proving the child's age | 33% discount on 2nd class travel |
| Large families with at least 3 children. Eligible family members include parents, children under 18, children under 26 with a valid student card, and any child, regardless of age, if they receive higher family allowance due to disability or chronic illness (confirmed by payment agency) | Document proving identity (student card or card from Hungarian State Treasury for higher family allowance) | 90% discount on 2nd class travel |
Free public transport in Budapest
As a refugee from Ukraine you can travel for free within Budapest if you are younger than 14 years of age, or 65 years or older. The previous for-free-transport option for all refugees from Ukraine, has ended on 30 June 2025.
Eligible children older than 6 years should prove the refugee situation by presenting a Ukrainian identity document (e.g. a Ukrainian passport or Ukrainian identity card proving Ukrainian citizenship) and a residence permit issued by the Hungarian authorities during ticket control. The discount is not granted to dual citizens who have one of their citizenships in Hungary, but who are unable to present a document certifying Ukrainian citizenship for verification in addition to their document certifying their Hungarian citizenship.
Eligible senior citizens are required to provide an ID or national passport, driving license or residency permit; proving their age. This service exists for all persons older than 65 years, regardless of nationality.
When using public transport, you need to show one of these documents to the drivers or controllers. Some transportation services are excluded from this offer, including the airport express, funicular, nostalgic rides, boats, HÉV outside Budapest, and buses outside of Budapest.
Other useful public transportation tips are available in Ukrainian language too on the BKK website including information about BudapestGo application, which can help to plan your routes within Budapest.
Travelling to other EU countries
In most cases, refugees from Ukraine can travel to other EU countries. If you have a biometric passport you can stay for up to 60 days, while if you do not have a biometric passport but you are under temporary protection, you will get a short term visa valid for a maximum of 15 days at the border of the first EU country. If you are a citizen of a third country check whether you are subject to visa requirements before you travel.
Further information about travelling within the EU can be found at the webpage of the European Commission.
