Student travel discount for domestic and international travel

Domestic travel discounts for students
Of course, you can travel within Hungary as well, and here you're not just boarding a bus or train for leisure: as a university student, many travel between home and school every week, while those living a bit closer to their college might even commute between two cities daily.

Even at full price, this can be cheaper than driving, but thanks to student discounts, public transport can be used at an even more favorable price—let’s see how.

MÁV discounts
For travel within Hungary, you can use both trains and buses, and the ticket purchase rules are the same for both. As a student, you’re entitled to significant travel discounts in both cases, which are definitely worth taking advantage of—here are the options available to you.

Travel up to age 14
Children under the age of 6 who are not yet in school can travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 6–14 can travel alone with a valid ID. The rules differ between Budapest and other parts of the country: in the capital, you can travel for free until August 31 of the year you turn 14, while in the rest of the country, the discount is valid until your actual birthday.

Travel over age 14
If you’re over 14 but not yet 25, you can purchase tickets at a 50% discount with a valid photo ID.

The benefits described above—including the right to travel for free—apply to everyone, regardless of nationality or student status, but they only apply to single ticket purchases.

Over the age of 14, additional discounts are also available for students when purchasing passes. Full-time and evening students, as well as those participating in vocational or adult education programs, can purchase passes with a 90% discount, without an upper age limit, provided they have a valid Hungarian student ID or a certificate issued by their institution in accordance with the relevant government regulation.

Your student ID can be linked to full-time, evening, correspondence, or distance education programs, making the option available even for those with unique schedules.

Of course, the student ID must be valid: after reaching school-leaving age, it is considered valid until October 31 each school year, and in higher education, until March 31 or October 31—even if you've completed your studies in the meantime.

If you’re not studying anymore but are still under 25, you’re still entitled to buy single tickets at a 50% discount.

County and nationwide passes for students
If you regularly commute between Budapest and the countryside, it may be worth purchasing a national travel pass, which is valid on MÁV, HÉV, and GYSEV lines—and also allows travel on BKK services, so urban travel won’t be an issue either.

While the monthly national pass costs 18,900 HUF and the monthly county pass costs 9,450 HUF, students can buy them with a 90% discount for just 1,890 or 945 HUF. If you’re over 14, travel often, and spend a lot of time in the capital, you won’t find a better deal than this.

Travel discounts abroad
Student discounts are also available in the European Union and many other countries around the world, allowing you to travel by train, bus, or plane at lower prices, book cheaper accommodation, or visit attractions for less. Here are the most important options.

ISIC International Student Identity Card
You can get this ID card for just 5,500 HUF if you’re over 12 years old and enrolled in full-time education, whether in elementary, secondary, or higher education. It’s accepted in nearly 130 countries and gives you access to discounts at more than 150,000 locations, including shops, transportation services, accommodations, entertainment venues, and museums.

Unlike the Hungarian student ID, the ISIC is valid until December each year, which is something to keep in mind. You can apply for the card easily online with a photo and the required documents, and pick it up at an OTP Travel office—or have it delivered by mail for a small additional fee.

With this card, you can get discounts of 10–20% or more on accommodation, service subscriptions, dining, car rentals, or sightseeing. Before you travel, it’s worth exploring your options carefully, as this can save you a lot of money.

Interrail pass
If you want to explore the world—or at least Europe—by train, the Interrail pass is perfect for you.

You can buy passes valid for 15 or 22 days, or 1, 2, or 3 months, and there are also flexible options that allow you to travel freely on selected days within a month.

Prices vary depending on the type of pass, but if you’re a student aged 12 to 27, you can travel on international trains with a 25% discount.

Make travel truly liberating
If you're commuting weekly between home and college, and also using public transport in the capital, you can expect significant monthly expenses. Of course, a student job can help you earn some extra money, but your hard-earned savings could be better spent on more important things than train passes. Explore your options and calculate whether a county or national pass—or a regular MÁV pass—is the better deal for you. As a student, all of them are available at extremely favorable prices, so you don’t need to worry about the cost.

But student life is about more than just studying. This is also the time when you have the chance to explore the world around you—so it’s worth using your breaks to travel. In these cases, you might need to dig a little deeper into your wallet, but as a student, you’re eligible for serious discounts—not only on travel expenses, but also on accommodation and meals.

Before booking your next flight, get your international student ID and check available train routes too. With a discounted rail pass, you can not only travel more affordably but also see more of the world around you. So browse the latest student jobs, start saving and planning—if you make the most of your opportunities, a world of unforgettable experiences awaits.