Budapest is unusual among major European cities in that no railway or metro line connects the airport terminals directly with the city center. That’s a slight inconvenience, but certainly no reason not to visit the wonderful Hungarian capital. So let’s see how to get from Budapest Airport to the city center and what airport transfer options you have.
The Two Main Options for Tourists
Even without a rail link, there are several ways to get from Budapest Airport (BUD) to the city center. For most tourists, however, the two most practical and popular options are:
- Taking a taxi
- Taking the direct 100E Airport Express bus
Let’s look at both options in more detail.
100E Airport Express Bus
Don’t be discouraged by the fact that the 100E Airport Express is a bus rather than a train. Most of the time, it is surprisingly fast, and it runs 24/7. Unless there is a serious traffic jam, you can get from Budapest Airport to the heart of the city in about 35–40 minutes.
The bus stop is on the arrivals level, between Terminals 2A and 2B. The 100E runs directly toward the city center, stopping at Kálvin tér, Astoria, and finally Deák Ferenc tér. For most tourists, Deák Ferenc tér is the most convenient destination, as it is right in the center and connects with three metro lines.
The 100E requires a special airport shuttle bus ticket, so a regular Budapest public transport ticket is not enough. The easiest solution is to tap your contactless bank card on the Pay&GO device when boarding. This buys and validates the ticket at the same time. You can also purchase the special ticket in the BudapestGO app, but make sure to validate the mobile ticket when you board. Check the current fare before traveling, as ticket prices can change.
The return journey works almost exactly the same way. Take the 100E toward the airport from Deák Ferenc tér or Kálvin tér, buy or validate another airport shuttle ticket, and stay on the bus until the terminal. Astoria is generally only a boarding point toward the airport during the night, so during the day, use Deák Ferenc tér or Kálvin tér instead.
The service runs around the clock, although buses are naturally less frequent late at night. Still, for one or two travelers who want a direct and reasonably priced connection, the 100E is usually the most practical way to travel between Budapest Airport and the city center.
Taking a Taxi From Budapest Airport
A taxi is the easiest option if you have heavy luggage, arrive late at night, or simply want to be taken directly to your hotel. Depending on traffic and the exact location of your accommodation, the journey to central Budapest usually takes around 30–40 minutes. During rush hour, however, it can take considerably longer.
The official taxi partner of Budapest Airport is Főtaxi. After leaving the arrivals hall, go to the official taxi pavilion outside the terminal and give the staff your destination. They will arrange a car for you, so there is normally no need to book one in advance.
Airport taxi journeys are metered rather than sold at a fixed transfer price. Licensed taxis in Budapest use the same officially regulated tariff, although the final price still depends on distance, traffic, and waiting time. You can pay by bank card or cash, and it’s always worth asking for the printed receipt at the end of the journey.
Can Taxi Drivers Rip You Off in Budapest?
Budapest taxis had a rather bad reputation among tourists in the past, but today the risk is quite low if you use the official airport taxi pavilion or order a licensed taxi through a reputable app or dispatch service. Official Budapest taxis are yellow, have yellow license plates, and display the words “Licensed Budapest taxi” on the front door.
The main rule is simple: don’t accept an unsolicited ride from someone approaching you inside or outside the terminal. Go directly to the official taxi pavilion instead. If you follow that rule, getting deliberately overcharged is unlikely.
For the journey back to the airport, order a licensed taxi through an app, by phone, or ask your hotel to arrange one. Allow extra time during weekday rush hours, as traffic on the road to the airport can be unpredictable.
Other Ways to Get From Budapest Airport to the City Center
If neither the 100E nor a taxi suits you, there are a few other possibilities.
The cheapest public transport option is usually bus 200E. It takes you from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest, where you can change to metro line M3 toward the city center. Regular Budapest public transport tickets and passes are valid on this route, but the journey is slower and less convenient with luggage than taking the direct 100E. If you use single tickets, remember that you need another ticket when changing to the metro.
Another option is miniBUD, the airport’s official minibus shuttle. It takes passengers to their accommodation for a fixed, pre-booked price. As it is often a shared service, the journey may take longer while other passengers are dropped off, but it can be practical if you want door-to-door transport without paying for a full taxi.
You can also arrange a private transfer in advance, which offers a fixed price and direct service to your accommodation. This can be a good choice for families or larger groups who want a smooth, hassle-free arrival.
Rental cars are available directly at Budapest Airport from several international and local companies. Renting a car can be useful if you plan to explore areas outside the city or continue your journey elsewhere in Hungary. However, for a stay in central Budapest, driving is often less convenient due to traffic, limited parking, and parking fees, so it is usually not the most practical option for getting into the city center.
Budapest Airport and the Missing Rail Link
For those of you who are interested in public transit from more than just a practical point of view, Budapest remains one of the relatively few major European capitals where no railway or metro line reaches the airport terminals directly.
Dublin is another well-known example. Its planned MetroLink will connect the city center with Dublin Airport, although the exact completion date still depends on the progress of the project. Earlier official plans anticipated that it could enter operation in the early 2030s.
Budapest is also planning to fix its missing link. The Hungarian government has announced the construction of a direct railway connection to the airport, alongside other major improvements to the infrastructure surrounding it. However, until firm dates and completed plans are available, travelers still need to rely on buses, taxis, or other road-based transfers to reach the terminals.
We are eagerly waiting for both cities to finally complete these long-awaited connections. Considering their importance in international business and tourism, a direct train or metro to the airport would make life considerably easier for millions of passengers.
