Travel Information

Travel Information

Getting There

Flying to Budapest, you will arrive at Liszt Ferenc International Airport, approximately 40 minutes from the city centre. There are plenty of options to get to the heart of Budapest, such as taking an Uber, Bolt or airport shuttle. Still, the most straightforward option is to take the public bus 100E (for this ride, you will need an Airport bus ticket for 2200 HUF = €5.5, as travel cards are not valid on this bus). Another but slower option is to take the 200E bus from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest station using a standard line ticket (400 HUF = €1), where you can transfer to the metro that will take you to the city centre.

Conference Locations

All Sessions (except Day 1 Keynote)
Eötvös Loránd University Faculty of Education and Psychology
Budapest, Kazinczy u. 23-27, 1075
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xV1WeqcGSVAwV3ok8

Day 1 Keynote Session
Aula Magna (1st floor)
Budapest, Egyetem tér 1-3, 1053
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtPEp6LTeZhZkzr38

Social Event Location
Budapest, Jégverem u., 1011
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BYXnnnWE5AMntJjP6

Getting Around

Using public transport in Budapest

BKK runs public transport in Budapest. Usually, buses are blue, trolleys are red, and trams and taxis are yellow. There are many purple-white ticket machines where you can buy your ticket, but the best option is to use the application Budapest GO. The application is all-inclusive; you can plan your trip, buy your ticket, and validate your ticket using the app. We recommend you get a travel card. Otherwise, if you travel with single tickets, prepare to validate it before each ride.

It’s wise to purchase your ticket/travel card in advance to quickly start your trip to the city when you get to the airport (in the app go to My Tickets > Purchase > Airport Shuttle bus single ticket).

Public transport is safe; you can find all the instructions in English. Generally, it’s the most convenient way to travel in the city. The primary public lines run during the night as well. The BKK’s webpage can help you with any questions about public transportation. Always have a form of ID on you because it is part of the validation process.

Read about the accessibility of public transport in Budapest here.

Other methods of getting around

Uber and Bolt are the best options when you need a lift. We recommend ordering the taxi beforehand instead of hailing it off the street, as it is not a local custom, and this way, you can be sure of the fare. Budapest is bike-friendly, MOL Bubi is an excellent and relatively cheap choice if you need a bike. Electric scooters such as lime are available. MÁV manages trains, but you won’t need them if you stay in Budapest. You are welcome to explore other sights; for example, Lake Balaton is one and a half hours away.

Where to Stay

The conference will be hosted by Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Pest, on the East-of-Danube side of Budapest. A few events (e.g., keynotes) will be held at ELTE BTK ‘Gólyavár’ but the majority of sessions will be at ELTE PPK (Faculty of Education and Psychology). These locations are around a 10-minute walk from each other, and also a few minutes from the Deák Square (Deák tér) and Astoria metro stops.

Getting to the conference venue is relatively easy from most areas of Budapest. Many hotels in Pest are within 5-10 minutes of the venue, and most will be at most 30 minutes away by public transport. TripAdvisor and Booking are useful tools for finding a hotel, but it’s hard to go wrong with any big franchise hotel in the city. Airbnb is also a good option in Budapest.

Another option is to look for accommodation in Buda (West side), which is the hilly, green, peaceful, and historical side of the city. SIPSers coming with family or looking to explore non-touristy spaces might prefer accommodations in Buda. In this regard, peaceful neighbourhoods in Buda are Virányos, Pasarét, Rózsadomb, Mártonhegy, Istenhegy, and Víziváros.

Pest, in contrast to Buda, has a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere. It’s the commercial heart of Budapest, with bustling streets, lively nightlife, and a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Pest is where many of the city’s major landmarks are located, such as the Parliament and the Great Market Hall. The streets are often filled with locals and tourists, creating a dynamic and sometimes noisier vibe, but one that’s full of excitement and constant activity.

Money

The Hungarian currency is the forint (HUF/Ft), but you can get around without any cash as you can pay by card anywhere. Credit cards are not very common in Hungary but they are most likely just as accepted as debit cards. There are several exchange shops downtown, but the best is to just use cards. Try to exchange HUF in the city, as airport rates may be worse. Avoid Euronet ATMs if possible. Touristy places accept EUR as currency but generally at a worse rate.

Diversity and Inclusion

SIPS and ELTE, the hosting university, are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or orientation. We believe in equality, respect, and the right to feel safe and valued. We remain dedicated to providing a supportive space for all, including the LGBTQIA+ community. Our doors are open to everyone, and we celebrate diversity in all forms.

Resources & Further Information

Other Useful Information

  • The country’s climate is continental; the summers are hot and dry, and temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are not uncommon.
  • General emergency number: 112.
  • The standard voltage in Hungary, just as in Continental Europe, is 230 volts. Plugs are F-type (“Schuko plug”), earthed on both sides. 
  • Time zone: UTC+2 in summer (March to Oct) [same as in Central Europe]
  • More info about traveling to Budapest

Cultural life in Budapest

We Love Budapest is a useful website for surfing cultural spaces in Budapest. Cultural life is rich in Budapest, especially in Pest.

A few points of interest:

  • Buda Castle
  • Heroes Square
  • Saint Stephen Basilica
  • Thermal baths: Gellért, Lukács, Rudas, Széchenyi
  • Margaret island
  • Sights related to Ottoman and Jewish history
    • Gül Baba’s Tomb and Rosegarden
    • Great (Central) Synagogue in Dohány Street
    • Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue
    • Rumbach Street Synagogue
    • Tree of Life monument
    • Jewish Museum