Before you decide whether to bring your own bike to Budapest or hire one locally, you should consider a few important factors. Budapest offers a diverse and exciting environment for students, and cycling is a popular way to explore the city. Here are some reasons why it often makes more sense to rent a bike in Budapest instead of bringing your own:
1. no risk of theft: Budapest, like many other large cities, has a certain risk of bicycle theft. By renting a bike locally, you can minimize this risk and move around the city in a more relaxed manner without having to constantly worry about the safety of your own bike.
2. no need for a secure parking space: If you bring your own bike, you also have to take care of a secure parking space, be it at home or at your university. This can mean additional work and stress. Renting a bike locally eliminates this need, as you can simply return it to one of the many stations in the city.
By renting a bike in Budapest, you benefit from the flexibility and convenience of a well-organized rental system. One of the best known and most popular bike rental systems in Budapest is the MOL Bubi rental system. Behind this rental system is the Budapesti Közlekedési Központ (BKK), the Hungarian capital’s public transport company, in cooperation with Csepel Kerékpárgyártó Zrt, a renowned bicycle manufacturer. The MOL Bubi rental system offers a large fleet of bicycles at 207 stations in the city, allowing students and locals alike to explore Budapest in a comfortable and environmentally friendly way.
Prices and conditions for the MOL Bubi bike rental system:
For students who want to explore Budapest by bike, the MOL Bubi bike rental system offers a practical and inexpensive option. Here are the current prices and conditions of use:
Prices:
- Day ticket: 500 HUF (approx. 1.30 EUR)
- Monthly ticket: HUF 1,000 (approx. EUR 2.60)
- Annual pass: HUF 8,500 (approx. EUR 21.00)
- Pay as you go (for those without an address in Hungary): 40 HUF / min (approx. 6 Euro / hour)
Conditions:
- The bikes can be rented and returned at one of the 207 stations in the city.
- The first half hour of each journey is included, after which there is an additional charge of 40 HUF per minute, the equivalent of 6 euros per hour. If you leave your bike at one of the stations after 30 minutes, you can of course start another ride afterwards, which is then again 30 minutes free of charge.
- The bikes are intended for short distances in the city and should not be used for more than 30 minutes per trip to avoid additional costs.
- To be able to rent a bike, you need to register via the MOL Bubi app or at the station terminals.
Conclusion:
For students studying in Budapest, cycling with the MOL Bubi rental system is a practical and inexpensive way to get around the city. With a well-developed network of stations and attractive prices, it is a convenient alternative to riding your own bike. The flexibility of the rental system also eliminates the need to worry about the safety and parking of the bike at home. This allows students to explore Budapest in an environmentally friendly and stress-free way – for the equivalent of 30 cents per day.
