Free & Reduced Buda Castle Tickets

Under-6s, EU residents under 26, over-70s, disabled visitors and their companions, Hungarian teachers with a Pedagógus Igazolvány, and ICOM card holders — they all enter free or at a reduced rate. Here's exactly who qualifies, what to bring, and how to book the right ticket type.

Buda Castle has a generous free-entry and reduced-fare policy — particularly broad for EU residents — and the outdoor courtyards are entirely free for everyone, every day. The eligibility list for the indoor museums and St Stephen's Hall is broader than most visitors realise. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related information.

Who qualifies

Who enters free

    • The outdoor courtyards, ramparts and lion gates: Free for everyone, 24 hours a day, all year.
    • Under-6s: Free at the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum and St Stephen's Hall.
    • EU/EEA residents aged 6–26: Free at the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum with valid ID showing age and residence.
    • EU/EEA residents over 70: Free at both museums with valid ID.
    • Disabled visitors: Free at all palace museums with a valid disability card. One companion also enters free.
    • ICOM and ICOMOS members: Free with a valid professional card.
    • Hungarian teachers (Pedagógus Igazolvány): Free year-round at both museums.
    • Journalists with press card: Free at both museums.

Who gets a discount

The reduced rate (~1,900 HUF / ~€5) at the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum applies to: visitors aged 6–26 (non-EU), visitors aged 62–70, Hungarian students with a valid student card, and group bookings of 10+ people. Combination tickets bundling the National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum and St Stephen's Hall save approximately 10–15% vs buying separately.

How to claim a free or reduced ticket

Under-6s: book a free timed-entry ticket online — it's in the same flow as the paying tickets, just choose the 0 HUF option for the child. Bring an ID document with date of birth on the day.

EU residents 6–26: book a free timed slot on the official site, then bring valid ID showing both your age and your EU/EEA residence — passport, national ID card, or residence permit. Non-EU residents under 26 do not qualify for the free rate; the rule is strict.

Over-70s (EU/EEA): book a free timed slot and bring photo ID showing your date of birth on the day. Same rule as for under-26s — must be EU/EEA.

Disabled visitors and companions: book the disabled visitor's ticket first; the companion ticket is added automatically at no extra charge during checkout. Bring a valid disability card or equivalent proof on the day.

Bring proof: ID with date of birth for under-6s, ID + proof of EU residence for 6–26 and over-70s, the relevant card or pass for everyone else. Staff at the entrance check randomly — having proof on you avoids any awkward conversations.

Free & Reduced FAQ

Eligibility, documents, and edge cases

Do under-6s really enter free?
Yes. A free timed-entry ticket is still required — book it in the same order as paying adults. ID with date of birth may be requested.
Are EU residents under 26 free?
Yes — but only EU/EEA residents, and only at the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum (not the funicular). Non-EU citizens aged 6–26 pay the reduced rate, even with a student card. Bring a passport, national ID card or residence permit as proof.
Are over-70s really free?
Yes, for EU/EEA residents at both museums. Non-EU over-70s pay the reduced rate (~1,900 HUF / ~€5).
Do students get a discount?
EU students under 26 enter free at both museums. Non-EU students pay the reduced rate with a valid international student card (ISIC or equivalent). Hungarian students with a domestic student card always get the reduced rate.
Can carers enter free?
Yes — one companion of a disabled visitor is admitted free at all palace museums, and the disabled visitor themselves enters free with a valid disability card. See our accessibility page.
Is there a family ticket?
No single family ticket — under-6s are always free and EU residents 6–26 are free at the two main museums, so you typically only pay for the adults in the group. Group rates (10+) give an additional ~10% discount.
Does the Budapest Card cover Buda Castle?
Partially — the Budapest Card gives a discount on the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, free use of public transport including bus 16, and various other discounts in the Castle District. It does not include free entry to St Stephen's Hall.
Are teachers free?
Hungarian teachers with the Pedagógus Igazolvány enter free year-round at both museums. Foreign teachers do not qualify unless they hold an ICOM, ICOMOS or equivalent professional museum card.
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