The condition of the capital's three major train stations is a cause for national embarrassment, or it should be. These huge depots are the first thing many travellers see of Hungary, and what they see are magnificent but unkempt and dirty old buildings, teeming with hustlers. Step off the train and onto the platform, and you'll likely be accosted by illegal taxi operators, money changers and panhandlers. You're not in any danger especially if you give these types a wide berth, it's just not much of a first impression. In any case, each station is handily located in west and eastern Pest, and over in Buda. Each of them have connections to the metro system as well as to other public transport. For international information call tel. 461 55 00; for domestic information call tel. 461 54 00 (English spoken).