Passengers using taxis in Budapest will pay higher fares from Saturday, August 1, after new tariffs approved by the Municipal Council came into force. The increase affects the base fare, distance and time-based charges, while a new airport surcharge has also been introduced.
The revision reflects rising operating costs faced by taxi operators, including higher labour, fuel and maintenance expenses, and marks the first significant adjustment in years.
Base fare increases by nearly 20%
Under the new pricing structure, the base fare rises from HUF 1,100 to HUF 1,300, representing an increase of around 18%. The per-kilometre charge increases from HUF 440 to HUF 521, while the per-minute waiting and traffic charge rises from HUF 110 to HUF 130.
New airport surcharge introduced
Passengers travelling to or from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport will also face a new HUF 800 airport surcharge. As a result, the base fare for airport journeys increases to HUF 2,100, combining the standard base fare with the additional airport fee.
The surcharge is intended to compensate drivers for the additional costs associated with airport services, including waiting times, access procedures and operational expenses.
Higher inflation, increased vehicle operating costs and wage pressures have significantly raised the cost of providing taxi services over the past two years. Industry representatives argue that updating the regulated fare structure was necessary to maintain service quality and ensure the long-term viability of licensed operators.
