Budapest Airport Guide

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is Budapest's main airport, southeast of the city. Its normal passenger journey centres on the connected Terminal 2 complex:

• Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B are the two check-in and arrival halls.
• SkyCourt is the central post-security shopping and circulation area between them.
• Pier 1 and Pier B, plus contact and bus gates, extend beyond the central complex.

Schengen and non-Schengen passenger flows separate around border control, but the letter on a check-in hall is not a dependable substitute for the live gate. Use Budapest Airport's terminal map and the flight screens for the actual route.

Terminal 2A, Terminal 2B, SkyCourt, Pier 1, and Pier B form one walkable passenger complex; there is no terminal train. Follow Transfer signs and the live gate rather than using the old A-gate/B-gate walk-time table.

Schengen and Border-Control Routes

• Schengen → Schengen: no border control is required.
• Schengen → non-Schengen: pass through exit border control before the non-Schengen gate area.
• Non-Schengen → Schengen: pass through entry border control before joining the Schengen flow.
• Non-Schengen → non-Schengen: follow the signed transfer route; security and document checks depend on the origin and onward flight.

Budapest Airport is rolling out the EU Entry/Exit System for eligible non-EU travellers, so do not rely on an old fixed passport-queue estimate. The airport's passport-control page gives current document and automated-gate eligibility.

Baggage and Separate Tickets

Ask at the origin whether the bag is tagged to the final destination. If it is not, plan to enter Hungary if required, collect it, check in again, and clear security. A self-transfer on separate tickets needs substantially more buffer than a protected connection.

Budapest Airport does not publish the old airport-wide minimum-connection table in its current passenger guidance. Use the operating airline's minimum for the exact itinerary and add time for border control, baggage, remote-gate buses, or separate-ticket check-in.

The simplest public-transport option for most central addresses is the 100E Airport Express, which runs directly between Terminal 2 and Deák Ferenc tér around the clock. The cheaper network option is 200E to the M3 metro at Kőbánya-Kispest during metro hours, with an overnight connection at Határ út.

There is no passenger railway station at Terminal 2. For main-line trains, take 200E to Ferihegy railway station. Taxis, app-based rides, and the official miniBUD shared shuttle use road routes whose travel times vary with traffic.

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 Airport Express runs 24/7 between Terminal 2 and Deák Ferenc tér, serving Kálvin tér and, during the published overnight window, Astoria. The bus stops are on the arrivals level between Terminal 2A and 2B.

1. Buy the dedicated airport shuttle ticket in BudapestGO, at a BKK machine or customer point, or with a bank card through Pay&GO on the bus.
2. Validate before or as you board, following the instructions for the ticket type.
3. Board the city-bound 100E and use the live display for the correct central stop.

The current BKK fare is 2,500 HUF for one uninterrupted 100E journey. It does not include a transfer. Holders of specified Budapest, Pest County, or Hungary passes can instead buy the current 1,000 HUF add-on ticket. Check BKK before travel because airport-bus fares are volatile.

Bus 200E + Metro M3

The 200E is part of the regular BKK network and also runs around the clock.

1. During metro hours, take 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest.
2. Transfer to Metro M3 for central Pest.
3. At night, stay on 200E to Határ út, then use night buses 914, 914A, 950, or 950A as directed by BKK.

A regular single ticket does not cover a bus-to-metro transfer. Use separate tickets, a time-based ticket that covers transfers, or a valid travelcard/pass. The dedicated 100E ticket is not valid on 200E. BudapestGO is the safest place to compare the current fare products and plan the overnight connection.

Ferihegy Railway Station

Bus 200E also stops at Ferihegy railway station, where MÁV trains serve Budapest-Nyugati and destinations east of the capital. This is a bus-to-train connection; there is no railway platform at Terminal 2.

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.