Budapest Airport: All You Need to Know
Budapest Airport, officially known as Ferenc Liszt International Airport, is the largest and busiest one in Hungary, handling over 16 million passengers annually. Located 16 km southeast of Budapest’s city center, it serves as a key gateway for both European and long-haul international flights.
While the airport primarily focuses on international routes, connecting Budapest with major cities across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, it also plays a crucial role in Hungary’s domestic air travel.
Whether you’re arriving for business or leisure, our guide provides all the essential details to help you navigate Budapest Airport with ease!
Table of Contents
General Information
IATA code: BUD
ICAO code: LHBP
Number of passengers: around 16 million annually
How to get from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Center
Airport Shuttle – Minibus
The airport operates its official miniBUD shuttle service, providing door-to-door transfers to any address in the city, including Népliget Coach Station. You can pre-book your ride online or arrange it upon arrival at the miniBUD counter in the Arrivals hall.
Shuttles depart every 30 minutes, and travel time depends on traffic and passenger drop-offs, which may cause delays. If you’re in a hurry, a taxi or private transfer might be a faster option.
The miniBUD staff is available at the airport for any additional details or questions.
Public Transportation
Budapest Airport is connected to the city center by bus lines 100E and 200E.
Bus 100E: A direct shuttle from Terminal 2 to Deák Ferenc tér, stopping at Kálvin tér and Astoria. Buses run every 10 minutes during the day and less frequently at night. The journey takes around 35 minutes, and a special ticket is required.
Bus 200E: Connects the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, where you can transfer to Metro Line M3 to reach the city. Buses operate 24/7, with frequent departures. Standard public transport tickets are valid for this service.
Tickets can be purchased at BKK service points, ticket machines, or the post office. Various travel passes, including 24-hour and 72-hour tickets, are also available. If you plan to use public transport extensively, consider getting a Budapest Card at the airport.
Also, it is advisable to carry Hungarian Forints (HUF) for most transactions since it is the official currency, and the tickets for public transport must be purchased in it. Have the exact fare in cash, as bus drivers may not always provide change.
Transfer
A private, door-to-door transfer from the airport offers a convenient way to reach your accommodation.
You can also pre-book transfers to various destinations across Hungary, ensuring a hassle-free journey. Below is a list of popular routes where you can reserve your transfer and pay upon arrival.
Another way to travel to Budapest is with a private, door-to-door transfer from the Airport to your accommodation in the city.
| BUD to Budapest | BUD to Budajeno | BUD to Budakeszi |
| BUD to Györ | BUD to Bratislava | BUD to Vecses |
| BUD to Pécs | BUD to Szigethalom | BUD to Fot |
Taxi Services
Főtaxi is the official taxi provider at Budapest Airport, with booths located at the exits of Terminals 2A and 2B. All taxis are equipped with POS devices, allowing payment by credit card.
Since 2013, taxi fares have been regulated, ensuring consistent pricing for rides to the city center. Beware of unlicensed drivers around the terminal – always use official airport taxis to avoid scams.
Renting a Car
Several car rental companies, including Sixt, Avis, and Europcar, operate at BUD, with offices located in Terminals 2A and 2B. To save time, it’s best to compare options and book online in advance.
Renting a Bus
For larger groups, renting a bus in advance is a convenient way to travel from the airport to Budapest or other destinations. Make sure to book early to secure availability and coordinate the pick-up location, as rental companies typically provide guidance on this.
Airport Airlines
Currently, 43 airlines operate flights to and from BUD, connecting the city to 142 destinations worldwide. In addition to year-round carriers, several airlines operate seasonal flights to and from Budapest:
- AirCanada
- Air Baltic
- Arkia
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Smartwings
- SunExpress
Facilities
This airport has a range of facilities and services that can be useful while you’re waiting for your layover or flight.
We’ve listed some of the services offered by the airport:
- WiFi service (available for 2 hours)
- Exchange Office
- Bank
- Children area
- Duty-free shops
- ATMs
- Restaurants and Caffe Bars
- Lounges and VIP services
- Baggage wrapping
- Post office
Accommodation
Rest before or after your flight at some available accommodation units near the airport. Check out the map below for more information.
Budapest Airport FAQs
You can take the 100E airport shuttle, 200E bus + metro, a taxi, or a private transfer. Public buses are the most budget-friendly option, while taxis and transfers offer more convenience.
No, you won’t have trouble getting to the city at night. Bus 100E runs 24/7, with departures every 30 minutes during the night. If you prefer a faster option, taxis and private transfers are available 24/7 at the airport.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal for a limited time. After the time limit expires, you may need to reconnect or purchase extended access.
Yes, Budapest Airport has several VIP lounges offering comfortable seating, refreshments, and business facilities. Access is available for business-class passengers, frequent flyers, or those who purchase a lounge pass.
You can sleep at Budapest Airport (BUD), but there is no hotel inside the terminal.
The airport is open 24/7, and some passengers choose to stay overnight in Terminal 2. Seating is limited and not very comfortable, with metal benches and bright lighting. For more rest, several hotels are located nearby.
Can I get a shuttle at three a.m. From Danubus Hotel Astoria City Centre to get to Budapest airport
Hi Sheila Burton,
You should for sure be able to get a private shuttle transfer between your hotel to the Airport in Budapest, but we can on unfortunately not provide you with the service, probably the Hotel has some sort of transport to the airport.
Kindest regards
GetByBus Team
Hello! I am travelling with a bike, how can I travel from the city centre to budapest airport with the bike (I can close also the bike in the box)
Dear Lorena,
I think it is possible to use any kind of public transport from city centre to Budapest Airport if you close the bike in the box.
Best regards!
Hello, how can i get to Astoria metro station?
On the metro map i can see Kobanya-Kispest has the blue line so i have to change the metro at Deanc Ferenk in order to get to Astoria, is that correct ?
My question is : the metro can be taken directly from the airport or do i have to take the bus 200E to the metro??
Thank you!
Dear Carmen,
You can take the bus line 100E which runs directly from Budapest Airport to Astoria station, the bus stops near the metro station.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
There is now a direct bus line: the 100E that takes u straight from Liszt Ferenc Airport to Deak Ferenc Ter
Hello,
Thank you for this article.
I am going to be in Budapest on the 17h of sep at 10:30 pm and willing to go to Ostrava. What is the best transportations I can take to arrive earlier and not spend a lot of money. Thanks a lot.
Dear Falenge,
You can check all the possible departures from Budapest to Ostrava on this link – https://getbybus.com/en/bus-budapest-to-ostrava
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Your site very beautiful.
Hi, how do i get to the airport after 12:00am midnight in Budapest city? I have a flight to catch at 06:20am in the morning. thanks in advance
Dear Koh,
As it is stated in the post, you can reach the airport by bus line 200E. It runs during the day and night, you can check the route map and schedule on the following link – https://goo.gl/XRe3Rj
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
How feasible is it to take the bus from the Art’Otel hotel (on Bem Rakpart 16-19 H-1011) for a 6:20 a.m Sunday flight?
Dear Lori,
The best way is to take M2 metro line from Batthyány tér station and exit at Deák Ferenc tér. Then transfer to bus line 100E to Budapest Airport. The journey takes around 1 hour in total, so I suggest to check out no later than 04:30.
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Hi. Can I use the 72 hour travel card on the 100E bus? Also, my wife is over 65 years and an EU citizen, so can she have free transport on this bus. Thanks.
Dear Bob,
BudapestCard does not include free transport on bus line 100E, however, the use of card is possible on line 200E. Senior citizens over 65 can travel for free on bus line 100E.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hello, do we need to make a reservation in advance for taxi from the hotel to the airport if we choose to take the official fotaxi, or just tell the hotel personal to call a taxi for us. will be the price always the same around 22 euro, or depends on the traffic? Can we pay in euros or by credit card.
Dear Tatjana,
You can make a taxi reservation on the official website of Főtaxi. The price is 26 euro and you can pay by credit card.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Do the one day travel cards you buy from the bus ticket machines cover the 100E airport service?
Dear Julia,
A 24-hour travel card does not cover the 100E airport shuttle.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
Hi I am in ors vezer utja,
Please how do I get a metro bus to the international airport,, or calling a taxi to pick me what’s the cost?
Thanks for your reply
Dear Austin,
Please follow the instructions under the section “Public transportation – bus” in the blog post and see which option is the most convenient for you.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Are there any late evening/night public transport from Budapest city centre to airport?
Dear Chris,
As it is stated in the blog post, there’s a night bus that connects Budapest Airport with the city centre, bus line 900.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Dear Melani,
I read that 65+ senior can ride the Budapest public transport free including the 100E bus between Airport to City vv.
My question is : is it free too for non EU citizen too, as I am holding Indobesian passport with Australian Driving License which is a valid ID in Australua.
Thank you
Dear Kian,
You can check all types of passengers entitled to free transport on line 100E on the following link: https://bkk.hu/apps/docs/ertekesites/helyi_kedvezmenyek_en.pdf
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Where do you buy tickets for the 100E shuttle bus from the airport and where do you buy them in Ferenc Square? Can you buy a return ticket?
Dear Paul,
Tickets for 100E can be bought at BKK Customer Service Points at the arrivals level of airport terminals 2A and 2B or directly from the driver. There’s only the possibility of buying a single ticket for 100E.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hey there. Can you take your bike on the bus if it’s in a box ?
Dear Tara,
If it’s in a box, you should be able to carry it in the bus, however, I advise you to contact directly the bus carrier for more detailed information.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Can I buy a ticket with a credit card at the airport?
Dear Emma,
It is possible to pay bus tickets with a credit card in the post office or at ticket vending machines, both located at the airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello GBB team
What is the best way to go by bus from the airport to Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall?
Dear Biger,
Take bus line 100E from Budapest Airport and get off at Kálvin tér M and from there walk for another 500m to Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello ,
How can I get from Budapest city Center to Airport Liszt Ferenc by bus? Does the 100E bus line get me from the city center to the airport?
Thank you in advance
Dear Nikolas,
Bus line 100E operates between Budapest Airport and Deak Ferenc square (both ways) so you can catch the bus to the airport at the square.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi there!
thanks for all these tips, I will be flying to Budapest from Barcelona.
I found a return to Barcelona but at 6 am from Budapest, is that too early? how do I get to Budapest airport before 6 am?
Thank you! and Merry Christmas!
Dear Carla,
The first departure of the shuttle from Deák Ferenc tér is at 3:40 a.m. and it runs to the airport every 20 minutes after that.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Can anyone help, we arrive in Budapest at 6 ish on the evening and are travelling to Prince apartments, what is my best route to my hotel
Dear Sophie,
First you need to catch shuttle bus 100E from Budapest Airport and get off at Kálvin tér M bus stop. Then catch either bus line 9 or 83 to Harminckettesek tere. This bus stop is only 1 min walk from your accommodation.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi there, is there a way to go to the Budapest-Keleti from from the airport? Thanks 🙂
Dear Sreenath,
yes, one option is to take a bus from the airport to Nepliget station (click here for more info on tickets and departures) and then continue from Nepliget to Keleti station by public transport (M4 and tram 2M).
Another option is to take a shuttle bus (100E) from the airport to Kálvin tér and then continue by metro (M4) to Keleti station.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
I will coming to Budapest for Christmas and arrive on the 24th, will there be a bus service running to the city centre.
Thanks, Alan.
Dear Alan,
on the 24th of December, services should be operating as usual. However, to make sure about that or any other change (that might be related to COVID) we suggest you send an inquiry directly to the Airport.
Best,
GBB Team
Voy mañana a Budapest al hotel Zenit desde Barcelona. ¿Cual es la mejor parada para bajar del autobus 100E?
Dear Narcis,
it looks like your accommodation is located about 5-10 minutes walking from Deak Ferenc Square, the last station of 100E bus.
Best regards,
GBB Team
Hi, how do I get to Ibis at Castle Hill from the airport at around 10.00 am
Thank you
Dear Lee,
the shuttle line 100E takes you from the airport to Astoria, then at Astoria, you need to change to a metro line M2 that takes you to Déli pályaudvar. From there, you are left with up to a 5-minute walk to your accommodation.
Best regards,
GBB Team
Hi,
I will use the train to get off at the Ferihegy stop. My understanding is that it is at terminal 1. How can I get from terminal 1 to terminal 2?
1) Would any local bus line be available? If so, where can I buy a bus ticket?
2) How much can I expect to pay for a taxi?
3) Is there any other transportation options?
Thank you!
Hi Viktoria,
the easiest option is to take a bus 200E to the Ferihegy stop (at Terminal 1). The bus connects these two terminals.
If you decide to take a taxi instead, expect to pay up to 10 euros.
Best,
GBB Team
How long will it take to get to BUD from Salkahazi Sara rkp 1093 during morning rush hour?
Hi Carol,
the approximate journey time is 30 min, but it can vary depending on the traffic.
Best,
GBB Team
Your Airport Bus bus was fine, but you should post correct information – I was charged 1500Ft each way, whether paying on the bus or paying in the machine.
Hi Rory,
thank you for your comment, we appreciate it!
It is possible that some information in the text is outdated, we will update it accordingly.
Best,
GBB Team
How can I move by a bus or a car from Budapest airport to Eger.
If there is any other best way, kindly provide.
Hi Kola,
you can take the 100E shuttle bus to Deák Ferenc Square and then catch a Volánbusz from Népliget Bus Terminal to Eger, or take the 100E to the city center and then a train from Keleti Station. You can also rent a car and drive via the M3 motorway, or book a private transfer directly from the airport. For speed and convenience, driving or transfer is best, while the bus or train is more budget-friendly.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
Hi there
Pls can you advice on the best currency to spend in Budapest, travelling from the UK
Also transportation wise from the BUD airport
Thanks
Hi Tolu!
In Budapest, the best currency to use is the Hungarian Forint (HUF) — while some places accept euros, you’ll get better value paying in forints.
From Budapest Airport (BUD), you can take the 100E Airport Express Bus which goes directly to the city center. Alternatively, bus 200E connects to the metro network if you’re heading elsewhere in the city. Taxis are also available and take ~30 minutes to central areas. For more details on transport options, read through the blog post.
Best,
Ivana, Traveling.com Team