General Information about Budapest Airport
Name: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
Location: 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Budapest’s city center.
Terminals: Terminal 2A (Schengen flights) and Terminal 2B (non-Schengen flights). “Upstairs are departures, and downstairs are arrivals.”
Relaxing and Shopping at Budapest Airport
So, you’ve just arrived at Budapest Airport and want to relax before heading to the city center. You have a variety of options available to make your wait comfortable and enjoyable.
On the first floor of the departure area, you’ll find a SPAR supermarket, perfect for picking up any essentials or snacks. Adjacent to SPAR, there’s a Flocafe upstairs, offering a cozy spot to unwind with a cup of coffee. Flocafe serves a range of beverages, sandwiches, and light meals, and you can enjoy your refreshments on their outdoor terrace, providing a pleasant view and a bit of fresh air.
Transfer Options from Budapest Airport to the City Center
- Bus:
- 100E Bus: Directly connects the airport to Deák Ferenc Square in the city center. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs approximately 2200 HUF (around €5.50). Buses operate every 20 minutes in the morning and every 10 minutes during the day, with service available around the clock.
- Bus 200E The bus travels from the airport to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, where passengers can transfer to the M3 (blue) metro line for access to various parts of the city. Services are typically available every 10-20 minutes, with a journey time of about 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The 200E operates daily, with services beginning early in the morning and continuing until late at night. For the latest information, checking the Budapest public transportation website or local resources before your trip is recommended.
- You can buy a ticket:
- Vending Machines: located at the bus stop outside the terminal. These machines accept cash (Hungarian forints) and card payments.
- Customer Service Points: There are customer service points within the airport terminal where you can purchase tickets and get more information.
- Online: BudapestGO App: You can purchase tickets through the BudapestGO app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. This app allows you to buy and validate your ticket digitally.
- Taxi:
- FőTaxi: The official taxi service at the airport. A ride to the city center costs about 9800 HUF (around €25) and takes around 35 minutes. Fares are consistent regardless of the time of day, and you can pay with cash or card in either Hungarian Forints or Euros.
- Private Transfers:
- Welcome Pickups: Offers pre-arranged private transfers with local English-speaking drivers, a flat pre-paid fee, flight monitoring for delays, and 24/7 customer support. Prices start at €29 for a ride to the city center.
- Transfeero: Provides a range of private transfer options, including standard sedans and luxury vehicles. A transfer to the city center costs around €43 and offers door-to-door service with professional drivers.
- Shuttle Services:
- GetYourGuide: Offers shared shuttle services to and from the airport. Prices vary, but they typically provide a more budget-friendly option compared to private transfers.
- Train:
- Route: Take the 200E bus from the airport to Ferihegy train station. From there, you can catch a train to Nyugati Railway Station in the city center.
- Cost: The combined cost of the bus and train ticket is approximately 720 HUF (€2.06).
- Duration: The total journey takes about 35-40 minutes, depending on connections and waiting times.
Additional Services at the Airport
Budapest Airport also offers numerous other amenities to enhance your travel experience:
- Wi-Fi: Free internet access throughout the terminals.
- Currency Exchange and ATMs: Available in both arrival and departure areas.
- Lounges: Several lounges provide a comfortable space to relax, with complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
- Shopping and Dining: A wide array of shops and restaurants, including duty-free stores, fashion boutiques, and eateries offering local and international cuisine.
- Car Rental: Numerous car rental companies operate at Budapest Airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. The car rental center is located in Terminal 2B, making it convenient to pick up and drop off vehicles. Booking in advance online often secures better rates and vehicle availability. Make sure to check the fuel policies and insurance options before finalizing your rental
- Luggage Storage: If you have some time before heading to the city, Budapest Airport offers luggage storage facilities. This service allows you to safely store your belongings and explore the airport or nearby areas without being burdened by your luggage.
With these facilities and services, Budapest Airport ensures that your travel is both convenient and enjoyable from the moment you land until you reach your destination in the city.
Transportation Options from Budapest Airport to the City Center
| Option | Price (HUF) | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfers | 9800 | 29 | 27 | 30 minutes |
| Direct Bus (100E) | 2200 | 5.53 | 6 | 45 minutes |
| Bus 200E | 700 | 2 | 1.92 | 55 minutes |
| Train | 720 | 2.06 | 2 | 35 minutes |
| Airport Shuttle | 4700 | 12 | 13 | 30 minutes |
Left Image: 100E bus schedule Right Image: Bus ticket vending machine
Intercity Travel with FlixBus
Budapest Airport is also a convenient starting point for travel to other European cities with FlixBus. The bus stop is located at Terminal 2A on the ground level. FlixBus offers affordable and comfortable connections to numerous destinations, including:
- Vienna, Austria: Direct buses are available, with travel times around 3-4 hours.
- Berlin, Germany: Direct buses are available, with a journey time of approximately 11 hours.
- Bratislava, Kosice, Presov Slovakia: Direct buses with travel times around 2.5-3 hours.
- Strasbourg, France: Direct connections are available, with travel times around 12 hours.
Tickets for FlixBus can be purchased online, with prices varying based on the route and time of booking. FlixBus provides amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms onboard.
By Train
Budapest’s train stations provide extensive rail connections across Europe:
- Nyugati (Western) Railway Station: A major hub for international trains. Destinations include Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague.
- Keleti (Eastern) Railway Station: Another significant station serving international routes to cities like Munich, Berlin, and Bucharest.
- Déli (Southern) Railway Station: Primarily serves domestic routes but also has some international connections.
Tickets for trains can be purchased at the stations, online, or via travel agencies. The journey times vary based on the destination, with high-speed trains offering faster travel options.