BASICS - The Rough Guide to Budapest - page 43

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Driving
If you're coming just to Budapest, it's unlikely you'll need, or want, to drive around the city,
especially given the excellent public transport system. In any case, driving in Budapest can't
be recommended; road manners are nonexistent, parking spaces are scarce and traffic jams
are frequent - careering trams, bumpy cobbles, swerving lane markings and unexpected one-
way systems make things worse. In addition, access to the Castle District and parts of the
Belváros are strictly limited.
Ifyouaredriving,however,themostimportant rules tobearinmindare:youmustgiveway
to cars on your right if there are no road markings to indicate otherwise; at night, many traffic
lights go into flashing orange mode, which means that priority is given to the right; drinking
and driving is totally prohibited, as is the use of a hand-held mobile phone. The speed limit in
built-up areas is 50kph (30mph), and 90kph (60mph) outside built-up areas. On main roads,
it's 110kph (68mph), and on motorways 130kph (80mph).
In terms of parking , you might be better off leaving your car outside the centre and using
public transport to travel in - there are park and ride facilities at most metro termini. If you
must park in the centre, the best options are the underground car parks in Szent István tér by
the Basilica and underneath Szabadsag tér, both in Lipótváros. Parking on the street in the
central districts typically costs 120-440Ft per hour - you get a ticket from the nearest ma-
chine; alternatively, there are an increasing number of car parks that have been set up in areas
where blocks of buildings have been knocked down.
Renting acar is easy, with prices inevitably cheaper the further in advance you book - ex-
pect to pay around €45 for a day's rental (unlimited mileage) and upwards of €250 per week.
When checking prices, make sure the price quoted includes the twenty-percent ÁFA (VAT).
Before signing, check on mileage limits and any other restrictions or extras, as well as what
you're liable for in the event of an accident.
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES
All these companies have offices at the airport, except for Regina.
Avis V, Szabadság tér 7 1 318 4240, avis.hu .
Budget Hotel Mercure Buda, I, Krisztina körút 41-43 1 214 0420, budget.hu .
Europcar V, Erzsébet tér 7-8 1 505 4400, europcar.hu .
Hertz V, Váci utca 135-139 1 237 0407, hertz.hu .
Regina X, Regina köz 1 1 367 3663, reginaauto.hu .