Best apps and online tools for life in Hungary (public transport, food delivery, bureaucracy help)
Life in Hungary, whether as a local, foreign student, expat, or simply someone interested in the country, is made much easier today thanks to a variety of handy apps and online tools. From navigating public transport to ordering food and managing bureaucratic tasks, these digital solutions help you save time and reduce hassle. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best apps and tools you should consider.
Life in Hungary: Public transport apps
Getting around Hungary’s cities, especially Budapest, is convenient with several reliable apps designed to help you plan routes, buy tickets, and get real-time updates.
- BudapestGO: This is the official app from BKK, Budapest’s public transport authority. It offers real-time route planning for buses, trams, metro, and suburban trains. You can buy and validate digital tickets and passes directly in the app, receive personalised transport updates, and check traffic information. The interface is user-friendly and supports automatic pass renewal. It also covers many municipalities across Hungary, not just Budapest.
- menetrend.app: A versatile app useful for commuters and tourists alike, it includes real-time data for Budapest’s public transport, suburban trains, and even the city’s bike-sharing system (MOL Bubi). It works offline for most features, which is handy when you have limited internet access. You can save frequent routes, stops, and trip plans for quick access, and the app’s lightweight design ensures fast performance.
- Uber: The Uber app in Budapest offers the same user-friendly experience as elsewhere: you can book rides, track your driver, split fares, and access English-language customer support. The app also includes safety features such as GPS tracking and anonymous communication with drivers.
- Bolt remains a popular alternative, providing similar app-based ride-hailing services with transparent pricing and a reliable driver network. Both Uber and Bolt are especially convenient for non-Hungarian speakers, as the apps are available in English and allow for easy, cashless payments.
Life in Hungary: Food delivery apps
Ordering food in Hungary has never been easier, with a range of apps catering to different tastes and locations.
| App | Key Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wolt | Wide restaurant selection, user-friendly, real-time tracking | Leading platform in Hungary |
| Foodora | Extensive listings, loyalty programs, frequent offers | Covers most of Hungary |
| Marwa Foods | Food and grocery delivery; fast, reliable, and affordable | Available in Budapest and Debrecen |
| Kifli.hu | Grocery and meal delivery, combine orders | Flexible for groceries/meals |
| Falatozz.hu | Focus on small towns, low commissions | Good for rural areas |
Wolt and Foodora are the most widely used, offering a broad range of cuisines and reliable service in major cities. Marwa Foods connects users with a wide variety of local restaurants and grocery stores, providing everything from traditional Hungarian meals to international cuisines and essential groceries. Kifli.hu stands out for combining grocery and meal delivery, while Falatozz.hu is a niche option for smaller towns and local eateries.
Life in Hungary: Apps for bureaucracy and administration
Hungary has made significant progress in digital administration, making it easier to handle official matters online or via mobile apps.
- Digital Citizenship App (DÁP app): The new DÁP app is Hungary’s digital citizenship solution, allowing users to identify themselves, sign contracts, and access government services from their smartphones. It consolidates various forms of ID and enables digital signatures, appointment bookings, and more. The app is being rolled out with new features throughout 2025, aiming to make most administrative tasks fully digital.
- Ügyfélkapu+ (Client Gate Plus): Ügyfélkapu+ is an enhanced version of the long-standing Client Gate (Ügyfélkapu), serving as the main gateway to Hungary’s electronic administration. With two-factor authentication, it provides secure access to tax, healthcare, immigration, and other government portals. Registration can be done at any government office or consulate.
- Egészségablak (Health Window): Egészségablak is the official mobile app for accessing your Hungarian healthcare data. Available in English, it allows users to view medical records, vaccination certificates, and other health-related information managed by government agencies. Logging in requires Ügyfélkapu+ or DÁP credentials, and biometric login is supported for convenience.
Life in Hungary: Other useful tools
- MOL Bubi: Budapest’s bike-sharing system, accessible via its own app or integrated into menetrend.app.
- Google Maps: Widely used for navigation, walking, and driving directions across Hungary.
- Translation apps: Google Translate, DeepL and similar tools are invaluable for non-Hungarian speakers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re navigating the streets of Budapest, ordering your favourite meal, or dealing with official paperwork, Hungary’s digital ecosystem offers efficient solutions for everyday needs. With these apps and online tools, locals, expats, and visitors can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience in Hungary – no matter where they are.
Find more guides and important information for expats in Hungary HERE.
Read also: