Yes, you read that correctly. On June 13th, Uber returns announcement to the Hungarian capital, eight years after being banned in 2016 due to pressure from the local taxi driver lobby and government regulations. This time, the world-renowned ride-sharing company is partnering with Főtaxi, a local Budapest taxi company.
This collaboration offers more options for residents and tourists in Budapest, potentially expanding the city’s transport network. Despite the service being unavailable, the Uber app was opened almost 100,000 times in Budapest in 2023, highlighting the demand.
In Hungary, taxi fares are regulated by law with fixed tariffs. To comply, Uber’s service in Budapest will differ from its usual dynamic pricing model. Instead, it will operate on a fixed-price system. For example, a ride from the airport to the city center will typically cost between Ft11,535 and Ft15,256 HUF ($28 to $41 USD), depending on traffic conditions.
This partnership marks Uber’s first collaboration with a local taxi operator in Europe. Eszter Kardos, Uber’s Country Manager in Hungary, stated, “Uber works with taxi companies around the world, and the feedback is clear: Uber and taxis can do more together. The partnership is a win-win for everyone: it helps taxi drivers earn more money, people have more travel options, and Budapest transport becomes more efficient.”
Uber is currently running a promotion for passengers in Budapest: get up to Ft5,000 HUF ($13 USD) off your next three trips. Rides are made easy through the Uber app. So, if you’re heading to Budapest, you can now ride with licensed taxi drivers using your favorite on-demand ride-sharing app!
