Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is Hungary's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 16 km southeast of Budapest city center. Named after the renowned Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, the airport serves as the main hub for Wizz Air and handles around 16 million passengers annually.

The airport has two connected terminals in a single building complex:

• Terminal 2A: Schengen flights (EU/EEA destinations)
• Terminal 2B: Non-Schengen flights (international destinations outside Schengen zone)

Both terminals share the same building and are connected airside. After security, passengers can walk between gate areas without leaving the secure zone. Terminal 2A and 2B are essentially two wings of the same building, making connections straightforward.

Note: The original Terminal 1 (a historic Bauhaus building from 1950) is currently closed and undergoing renovation. All commercial flights operate from Terminal 2.

Budapest Airport is located 16 km (10 miles) southeast of Budapest city center.

Travel time overview:

• Bus 100E: 30-40 minutes to Deak Ferenc ter (city center)
• Bus 200E + Metro M3: 45-55 minutes to city center
• Taxi to city center: 25-40 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Bolt to city center: 25-40 minutes

The airport does not have a direct rail connection, though one is planned for future construction. The primary public transit option is the dedicated airport bus.

Taxi

Official airport taxis (Fotaxi) queue outside the arrivals hall. Fares are regulated with fixed prices to city zones.

Destination	Fare	Time
Budapest city center (District V)	9,900 HUF (€25)	25-35 min
Keleti Railway Station	8,900 HUF (€23)	20-30 min
Nyugati Railway Station	9,900 HUF (€25)	25-35 min
Buda Castle area	10,900 HUF (€28)	30-40 min

Fares are fixed by zone and displayed at the taxi dispatcher booth. Pay the dispatcher, who will assign you a taxi.

Important: Only use the official Fotaxi service from the dispatcher booth inside arrivals. Avoid approaching drivers who solicit fares inside the terminal.

Rideshare

Uber does not operate in Hungary. The service withdrew from the country in 2016.

Bolt is the primary rideshare alternative and works well at the airport:

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup area outside arrivals
• Services available: Bolt, Bolt Comfort
• Typical fare to city center: 6,000-9,000 HUF (€15-23)
• Wait times: Usually 5-10 minutes

Tip: Download the Bolt app before arriving and add a payment method. Bolt is widely used throughout Budapest and often cheaper than official taxis.

Bus 100E (Airport Express)

The 100E is a dedicated express bus connecting the airport directly to the city center. This is the recommended public transit option.

To Deak Ferenc ter (city center):

1. Exit arrivals and find the bus stop on the ground level
2. Purchase ticket from machine at the stop, BKK app, or from the driver (cash)
3. Board Bus 100E direction "Deak Ferenc ter"
4. Exit at Deak Ferenc ter (30-40 minutes, non-stop or limited stops)

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Single ticket (100E)	2,200 HUF (€5.50)	Airport bus only
Return ticket	4,400 HUF (€11)	Valid for 2 journeys
From BKK app	2,200 HUF (€5.50)	Mobile ticket

Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes Operating hours: Approximately 04:00-01:00 (check current schedule)

The 100E stops at:

1. Airport Terminal 2
2. Kalvin ter (optional stop)
3. Astoria (optional stop)
4. Deak Ferenc ter (terminus, main central hub)

Bus 200E + Metro M3 (Budget Option)

For a cheaper option using regular transit tickets:

To city center:

1. Take Bus 200E from the airport to Kobanya-Kispest metro station (25 minutes)
2. Transfer to Metro M3 (blue line) toward Ujpest-Kozpont
3. Exit at Deak Ferenc ter or your destination (15-20 minutes)

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Single ticket	450 HUF (€1.15)	Valid 80 min, one vehicle
Transfer ticket	530 HUF (€1.35)	Valid 100 min with one transfer
24-hour travel card	2,500 HUF (€6.30)	Unlimited travel
72-hour travel card	5,500 HUF (€14)	Tourist option

Frequency: Bus 200E runs every 7-10 minutes during the day Operating hours: 04:00-23:00 (night bus 900 continues overnight)

Tip: The 24-hour travel card is good value if you plan multiple journeys and costs similar to a single 100E ticket.

Night Service

After midnight:

• Night bus 900: Replaces 200E to Kobanya-Kispest, then connect to night buses/trams
• Night bus 950: Direct service to Deak Ferenc ter (limited schedule)

Check current night schedules on the BKK website or app.

Budapest Airport offers multiple parking options.

Terminal Parking

Location	Type	Price
P1 Premium	Short-term, closest	From 600 HUF/30 min, 9,900 HUF/day (€25)
P2 Standard	Covered parking	From 4,500 HUF/day (€11.50)
P3 Economy	Long-term value	From 2,900 HUF/day (€7.50)
P4 Budget	Furthest, shuttle	From 2,500 HUF/day (€6.50)

Tips:

• Book online at bud.hu for discounts (up to 20% off)
• P1 is directly connected to the terminal
• P3 and P4 require shuttle bus (runs every 10-15 minutes)
• Electric vehicle charging available in P1

Kiss & Fly

Free drop-off zone on departure level. Maximum 10-minute stop for passenger drop-off only.

Budapest Airport offers dining options reflecting Hungarian and international cuisine in both terminals.

Airside (After Security)

Sit-down restaurants:

• Hemingway Bar & Restaurant: Hungarian and international dishes, full meals
• Pilvax: Traditional Hungarian cuisine, goulash available
• Upper Crust: Casual dining, sandwiches and hot dishes

Quick bites:

• Spar: Convenient store with sandwiches, snacks, drinks
• Relay: Sandwiches and beverages
• Burger King, McDonald's: International chains
• Costa Coffee, Starbucks: Coffee options
• Caviar & Bull: Premium fast food

Bars:

• Hemingway Bar: Cocktails and Hungarian wines
• Craft Beer Station: Hungarian craft beers

Landside (Before Security)

• Upper Crust: Sandwiches and pastries
• Spar Express: Convenience store
• Various cafes: In check-in area

Hungarian Specialties to Try

• Goulash (Gulyas): Hungary's famous beef and paprika soup
• Langos: Deep-fried flatbread with sour cream and cheese
• Chimney cake (Kurtoskalacs): Sweet spiral pastry
• Hungarian salami: Pick up at duty-free
• Palinka: Traditional Hungarian fruit brandy

Free WiFi is available throughout Budapest Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	BUD Free WiFi
Registration	Accept terms, no email required
Time limit	Unlimited
Coverage	Both terminals

Quality: Generally reliable for browsing and email. Speeds can vary during peak hours. For faster connections, the airport lounge offers premium WiFi.

Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport in the arrivals area.

Where to Buy

• Relay stores: Multiple locations in arrivals and departures
• Vodafone: Kiosk in arrivals area
• Telekom (T-Mobile Hungary): Available at airport shops
• Yettel (formerly Telenor): Various vendors

Prices

Provider	Price	Data
Vodafone	From 3,000 HUF (€7.50)	Various data packages
Telekom	From 3,500 HUF (€9)	Good coverage
Yettel	From 2,500 HUF (€6.50)	Budget option

EU roaming: If you have an EU SIM card, you can use it in Hungary at domestic rates.

Tip: eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly offer instant activation if your phone supports them.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal on all levels. Major Hungarian banks represented include OTP Bank, K&H, and CIB.

ATM Locations

• Arrivals hall: Multiple ATMs near exits
• Check-in area: Near entrances
• Airside: After security in shopping areas

Currency

Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While Hungary is an EU member, it has not adopted the Euro.

Exchange rate: Approximately 395 HUF = €1 (check current rates)

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters (Valutavalto) are available in arrivals and departures areas. Airport exchange rates are typically 5-10% worse than city center rates.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw HUF from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (select HUF, decline dynamic currency conversion)
• Use Wise, Revolut, or similar services for better rates
• Exchange in city center for better rates
• Credit cards widely accepted in Budapest (though some smaller shops and markets prefer cash)

Warning: When using ATMs, always choose to be charged in HUF (local currency), not your home currency. Dynamic currency conversion rates are unfavorable.

Budapest Airport offers duty-free and retail shopping in the airside area.

Duty Free

Location	Hours
Heinemann Duty Free (main shop)	04:30-22:00
Gate area shops	05:00-21:30

Products: Hungarian wines (Tokaji, Egri Bikaver), palinka (fruit brandy), Pick salami, paprika, Herend porcelain, folk crafts, chocolates.

Notable Stores

• Herend: Famous Hungarian porcelain brand
• Memories of Hungary: Traditional souvenirs, paprika, food products
• Pick Salami Shop: Hungary's famous winter salami
• Zwack: Unicum (Hungarian herbal liqueur) and palinka
• Magyar Posta: Stamps and postal souvenirs

Tips

• Hungarian wines, especially Tokaji (sweet wine), are excellent value at duty-free
• Paprika (both sweet and spicy) makes a great edible souvenir
• Pick salami is vacuum-packed for travel
• Herend porcelain pieces are handcrafted and collectible
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over 74,000 HUF

Budapest Airport has several lounge options available.

Mastercard Business Lounge

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Mastercard (selected tiers), day pass (approximately 12,000 HUF/€30)
• Location: Terminal 2A, Schengen area, after security
• Facilities: Hot and cold buffet, bar, WiFi, seating, power outlets
• Hours: 05:00-21:00

Platinum Lounge

• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, day pass available
• Location: Terminal 2B, non-Schengen area
• Facilities: Buffet, beverages, WiFi
• Hours: Based on flight schedules

Airline Partner Lounges

Several airlines offer lounge access for business class passengers and elite status holders through partner arrangements. Check with your airline for specific access.

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: Mastercard Business Lounge, Platinum Lounge
• LoungeKey: Same lounges as Priority Pass
• Amex Platinum: Check current partner lounge availability
• Diners Club: Various lounge access

Day Passes

Day passes typically cost 10,000-15,000 HUF (€25-38) at lounge reception if membership not held.

Several hotels are located near Budapest Airport.

At/Near the Airport

Ibis Styles Budapest Airport

• Directly opposite terminal (5-minute walk via covered walkway)
• 3-star, modern and convenient
• Restaurant, bar
• From 25,000 HUF (€65)/night

NH Budapest Airport

• 10-minute shuttle ride from terminal
• 4-star, full-service
• Restaurant, bar, fitness center
• From 35,000 HUF (€90)/night

Airport Hotel Budapest

• 5-minute drive from terminal, shuttle available
• 4-star, quiet location
• From 30,000 HUF (€75)/night

Budget Options

B&B Hotel Budapest

• 15-minute drive from airport
• Budget-friendly
• From 18,000 HUF (€45)/night

Ibis Budapest Aero

• Near the airport area
• Budget chain
• From 16,000 HUF (€40)/night

In Budapest (For Longer Stays)

For overnight stays before early flights, consider staying in the city and taking Bus 100E or Bolt to the airport. The city center offers better dining, entertainment, and hotel value compared to airport hotels.

Budapest is Hungary's capital and largest city, straddling the Danube River with Buda (hilly, historic) on the west bank and Pest (flat, commercial) on the east. The city is famous for its thermal baths, grand architecture, ruin bars, and vibrant nightlife.

Getting to the City Center

• Bus 100E to Deak Ferenc ter: 30-40 minutes (2,200 HUF/€5.50)
• Bus 200E + Metro M3: 45-55 minutes (530 HUF/€1.35 transfer ticket)
• Bolt to city center: 25-35 minutes (6,000-9,000 HUF/€15-23)

Top Attractions

Attraction	Travel Time from Airport	Highlights
Buda Castle	40 min by bus + walk	UNESCO site, Hungarian National Gallery, history museum
Parliament Building	35 min by bus	Neo-Gothic masterpiece on the Danube, tours available
Szechenyi Thermal Bath	45 min by bus	Largest medicinal bath in Europe, outdoor pools
Fisherman's Bastion	40 min by bus + walk	Fairy-tale terraces, panoramic views of Pest
Ruin Bars (Szimpla Kert)	35 min by bus	Unique nightlife in abandoned buildings
Central Market Hall	35 min by bus	Grand market, Hungarian food and souvenirs
Chain Bridge	35 min by bus	Iconic 19th-century suspension bridge

Layover Recommendations

• 5-hour layover: Bus 100E to city center, walk along Vaci utca (pedestrian street), see the Danube and Chain Bridge, quick look at Central Market Hall
• 7-hour layover: Add Buda Castle or Fisherman's Bastion, lunch at a traditional Hungarian restaurant (try goulash)
• Day trip from airport: Vienna (2.5 hours by train), Bratislava (2 hours by train)

Budapest Specialties

• Goulash (Gulyas): Hearty beef and paprika soup, Hungary's national dish
• Chicken paprikash: Chicken in creamy paprika sauce with nokedli (dumplings)
• Langos: Deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese
• Kurtoskalacs: Chimney cake, sweet spiral pastry
• Dobos torta: Layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream
• Palinka: Fruit brandy, traditional digestif
• Unicum: Herbal liqueur, acquired taste

Practical Tips

• Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF). €1 = approximately 395 HUF. Cards widely accepted but carry some cash for markets and smaller establishments.
• Language: Hungarian. English widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations.
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants is standard if service not included. Round up for taxis.
• Uber: Does not work in Hungary. Use Bolt instead.
• Public transit: Budapest has metro, trams, and buses. Buy tickets from machines or use the BKK app. Validate tickets or risk fines.
• Thermal baths: Bring swimwear and flip-flops. Szechenyi and Gellert are most popular.
• Ruin bars: Best experienced at night. Szimpla Kert is the original and most famous.
• Tap water: Safe to drink throughout Hungary.
• Sunday closures: Most shops closed on Sundays. Restaurants, baths, museums, and attractions remain open.