Useful: Everything you need to know after arriving to Budapest Airport in 2025 – shuttle bus, taxi, public transport
Arriving at Budapest Airport (officially Liszt Ferenc International Airport) puts the vibrant heart of Hungary within easy reach. Whether you’re heading downtown for tourism, business, or connecting travel, there are several efficient options to get you into the city quickly and comfortably. Here’s everything you need to know, from convenient shuttle buses to reliable taxis and budget-friendly public transport.
Table of Contents
Shuttle bus: 100E airport express
For speed, simplicity, and great value, the 100E Airport Express shuttle bus is the go-to choice for most visitors. It runs directly from Budapest Airport Terminal 2 to downtown, stopping at Kálvin tér, Astoria, and Deák Ferenc tér: the city’s key transport hubs close to many hotels, landmarks, and nightlife spots.
The service operates 24/7, with departures every 6–10 minutes during the day, 10–15 minutes in the early mornings and evenings, and every 30–40 minutes overnight. The journey time is typically 35–45 minutes. A special ticket is required, costing HUF 2,200 (around EUR 6), and can be bought at airport ticket machines, on the bus with a bank card, or via the BudapestGO app. The bus accepts both cash and card payments, making it easy to simply tap your card for fast, fuss-free travel.
An alternative is the miniBUD shuttle service, which offers an official shared shuttle taking you straight to your hotel or any city address. The cost is roughly EUR 12 per person, and while you can book at the miniBUD counter upon arrival, pre-booking is recommended to minimise waiting time. Shuttles run every 30 minutes, with travel time depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions.
Taxi services: Fast & hassle-free
For travellers who are tired, jet-lagged, or carrying heavy luggage, taxis offer a comfortable, door-to-door solution. The official taxi provider at Budapest Airport is Főtaxi, with taxi stands located right outside the arrival halls at Terminals 2A and 2B. The service runs 24/7, and the process is simple: you just approach the taxi booth, state your destination, and receive a printout with your fare estimate.
Typical fares to the city centre range from HUF 8,000 to 14,000 (EUR 20–35), depending on traffic, and are based on metered fares rather than fixed rates. Most taxis accept both card and cash, but it’s best to confirm with the driver before setting off. It is strongly advised never to accept unofficial taxi offers inside the terminal: always use the airport booth for safety and price transparency.
There are also app-based and private transfer services such as Welcome Pickups and TXB Airport Taxi Budapest, which provide English-speaking drivers, online booking, meet-and-greet at the arrivals area, and fixed fare rates for a more personalised travel experience.
Public transport: Budget-friendly choices
For those looking to save money, public transport from the airport into the city is fast and inexpensive. The 100E Airport Express mentioned above is the best option for a direct route to downtown. Another choice is bus 200E, which runs from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station (M3, blue line). From there, passengers can transfer to the metro and reach the city centre.
Tickets for this service cost around HUF 450–600, and the bus operates 24/7 with frequent departures. The total journey to the centre takes about 45–50 minutes, depending on connections. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines, BKK service points at the airport, or via the BudapestGO mobile app, which is also highly recommended for planning routes across the city.
Key tips for Budapest Airport arrivals
Many services at Budapest Airport accept international credit and debit cards, but it’s still useful to have some Hungarian forints for smaller purchases or public transport tickets. The BudapestGO app is an invaluable tool for buying tickets and planning your journey.
Those travelling with children should note that taxis from the official airport ranks do not always carry child seats, so arrangements may need to be made in advance. If you arrive late at night, both the 100E shuttle bus and taxis operate around the clock, although service frequency can be reduced in the early hours.
Quick comparison table
| Option | Route | Cost (to city center) | Duration | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100E Express Bus | Airport → Deák/Kálvin/Astoria | HUF 2,200 (EUR 6) | 35–45 min | Direct, cheap, 24/7 |
| miniBUD Shuttle | Airport → any city address | ~EUR 12 per person | Varies | Door-to-door, advance booking |
| Főtaxi Taxi | Airport → any city address | HUF 8,000–14,000 (EUR 20–35) | 35 min | Door-to-door, comfort |
| Bus 200E + Metro | Airport → M3 → city center | ~HUF 800 (EUR 2) | 45–50 min | Cheapest, more transfers |
Budapest Airport offers seamless transport options to every visitor, whether you want to spend less or arrive comfortably at your destination. With this guide, you’ll hit the city streets with confidence, ready to explore all that Budapest has to offer.
Read more Budapest Airport-related news stories on Daily News Hungary!
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