Which city is cheaper, Budapest or Vilnius?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples
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Should you visit Vilnius or Budapest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Budapest. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Vilnius
Vilnius is a religious, surprising, and undiscovered city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Budapest
Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Vilnius and Budapest: Pros and Cons
Vilnius
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Budapest
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
How is Vilnius different from Budapest?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest and Vilnius. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Vilnius
Budapest
Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Vilnius and Budapest.
Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.
Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Food?
Vilnius
Budapest
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Vilnius and Budapest can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.
Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Nightlife?
Vilnius
Budapest
Evening events are similar in both Vilnius and Budapest.
Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.
Budapest has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Shopping?
Vilnius
Budapest
Both Vilnius and Budapest are good shopping destinations.
Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Families?
Vilnius
Budapest
Both Vilnius and Budapest are family-friendly destinations.
Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.
Budapest is a family-friendly city. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Couples?
Vilnius
Budapest
Vilnius and Budapest both fun destinations for a couple.
Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.
Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Vilnius
Budapest
Both Vilnius and Budapest are popular destinations for backpackers.
Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.
A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Students?
Vilnius
Budapest
Budapest is a more popular city for students.
Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.
Is Vilnius or Budapest Better for Public Transit?
Vilnius
Budapest
While Vilnius and Budapest both provide public transit, overall the system in Budapest is considered to be better.
Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.
Is Vilnius or Budapest a more walkable city?
Vilnius
Budapest
Budapest is considered more walkable than Vilnius.
It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.
Should I spend more time in Budapest or Vilnius?
How long in Vilnius or Budapest?
In either Vilnius or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Vilnius because of the overall number of sights and activities.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Vilnius is 1-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Budapest is 2-5 days.
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How many days in Vilnius or Budapest? Ideal Length of StayVilnius 1-4Budapest 2-5
One day in Vilnius or Budapest?
The beautiful city of Vilnius offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Vilnius or Budapest?
Vilnius is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer.
Five days in Vilnius or Budapest?
Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Vilnius or Budapest?
Vilnius is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVilnius €76Budapest €65
The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €76, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €65. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vilnius and Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVilnius €34Budapest €35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVilnius €68Budapest €70
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Budapest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vilnius €6.64Budapest €7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:
- Private transfer: Vilnius Airport (VNO) to Vilnius: $622
- Private transfer: Vilnius to Vilnius Airport (VNO): $622
- Vilnius to Riga transfer with Sightseeing: $347
- Private transfer from Vilnius to Riga or Riga International Airport: $323
- Private transfer Vilnius - Riga: $319
- Private Transfer Vilnius - Minsk: $319
- Riga to Vilnius Private One-Way Transfers: $283
- Private low cost transfer from Vilnius to Minsk: $254
- Private Minivan Transfer from Vilnius to Riga: $208
- Private transfer from Vilnius to Kaunas: $118
- Luxury Car Transfers from Vilnius to VNO Airport Vilnius - Departure: $92
- Luxury Car Transfers from VNO Vilnius Airport to Vilnius - Arrival: $92
Typical Local Transportation prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
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Short Taxi Ride€6.23
-
Metro Pass€3.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer Service in Budapest, Hungary: $18
- Budapest Private Transfer: Hotel or Apartment to Airport: $19
- Transfer from Train Station/Pier to Hotel: $19
- Budapest Private Transfer: Airport to Hotel or Apartment: $20
- Budapest One Way Private Transfer to or from Airport: $20
- Private Departure Transfer: Budapest City - Budapest Airport: $21
- Private Arrival transfer from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Center: $21
- Private Transfer from Budapest City Center to Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport(BUD): $22
- Private Airport Transfer: from Budapest to Budapest International Airport (BUD): $22
- Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $22
- Private Transfer from Budapest city to Budapest Airport - departure: $22
- Private Transfer from Budapest Airport to the city - arrival: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest and Vilnius change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayVilnius €32Budapest €16
Typical Food prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:
-
Dinner for Two€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.
- Vilnius - City of Contrasts - The Original City Tour by bicycle (bike+food tour): $32
- National Dinner with Folk Show in Vilnius: $49
- Dinner in local family: $66
- Cooking Class in Vilnius: $71
- Cooking Class: $74
- Vilnius Dinner in the Darkness: $115
- Dinner in the Dark Dining Experience in Riga: $281
Typical Food prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
-
Lunch€3.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lángos (hungarian streetfood) cooking class: $19
- Dinner & Cruise on the Danube in Budapest: $23
- Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $27
- 3-Hour Dinner Cruise and Piano Battle Show: $31
- Vegan Food Tour / Local delights: $36
- Private Budapest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $37
- Live from Hungarian Online Cooking class: $39
- Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Night & The City Budapest: $47
- Food Tour in Budapest: $50
- Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour of Trendy Budapest: $51
- BBQ dinner and a Quiz Night - welcome shots (hungaricums) and 88 craft beers: $52
- 2-Hours Strudel Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Central Budapest: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vilnius €7.78Budapest €16
Typical Entertainment prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:
-
Walking Tour€5.79
Tours and Activities in Vilnius
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:
- 10-Day Self-Driving Tour to Baltic States: $912
- 2-Hour Segway Tours in Vilnius: $57
- 2-Night Amber Spa Experience in Vilnius: $956
- 3 Hour Vilnius Food Walking Tour: $83
- 3-Hour Vilnius Food Insider Walking Tour and Tastings: $96
- 3.5-Hour Taste of Vilnius Beer Trail Tour: $71
- 6-Hour Trakai National Park Private Walking Tour from Vilnius: $187
- 8 Days Baltic Tour: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia: $1,095
- 9-Day Lithuania and Latvia Small-Group Tour from Vilnius: $1,680
- Audio Tours to Curonian Spit UNESCO sand dunes: $399
- Audio Tours to Geographical Center of Europe: $96
- Audio Tours to Grutas Park Soviet Time Museum: $239
Typical Entertainment prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Entrance to the Baths for Two€6.11
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Budapest Private Tour: Buda Castle District Exploration Game: $3.72
- Discovering Explore the city's hot pools and heroes on an audio tour: $5.00
- Private Budapest Ghost Tour: Haunted City Exploration Game: $5.65
- Digital 100-Sights City Tour: $5.67
- Urban Tour of the Outer viii district Budapest: $6.22
- Guided Tour in Budapest Castle District: $6.22
- The Legendary Vampires at the Castle's Court Audio Tour: $6.59
- Alternative Street Tip Based Walking Tour of Budapest: $6.77
- Aeropark Admission Ticket: $6.91
- Budapest Downtown and Inner City E-Scooter Tour: $7.46
- Skip the Line: Aeropark Aviation Museum Entrance Ticket: $8.01
- Robert Capa Contemporary Photograhy Center Visit Ticket: $8.71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVilnius €5.10Budapest €12
Typical Alcohol prices in Vilnius
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:
-
Beer€4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius
Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Vilnius Pub Crawl: $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $15
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $15
- Original Budapest Pub Crawl and VIP Club Entrance: $16
- Ultimate Ruin Pub Crawl: $18
- Generation Pub Crawl Budapest: $19
- Ruin Pub Crawl - Your Keys to the Nightlife of Budapest: $21
- Budapest Pub Crawl: $24
- Pest side Pub Crawl - Unlimited drinks for an hour, discover hidden ruin pubs: $25
- Re-opening Pub Crawls 2020 Summer-Autumn: $25
- Budapest Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access: $26
- Epic Local Insider Pub Crawl in Budapest - Every weekend: $30
- Party Cruise with Pub Crawl option: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Budapest, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius than you might in Budapest.
When is the best time to visit Vilnius or Budapest?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Vilnius or Budapest in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vilnius is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The temperature in Vilnius is usually 18°C (65°F) in July, and Budapest stays around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVilnius 18°C (65°F)Budapest 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Budapest in the Autumn?
Both Budapest and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Vilnius is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October are around 8°C (46°F), and Budapest is about 12°C (53°F).
Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Budapest. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVilnius 8°C (46°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Budapest in the Winter?
Both Budapest and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Vilnius can be very cold during winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Budapest. Temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Budapest stays around -1°C (31°F).
In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Budapest. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVilnius -5°C (23°F)Budapest -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Budapest in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
Vilnius is much colder than Budapest in the spring. The temperature in Vilnius is usually 7°C (45°F) in April, and Budapest stays around 12°C (53°F).
Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Budapest. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVilnius 7°C (45°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Budapest and Vilnius
| Vilnius | Budapest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (26°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (33°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
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