Budapest Airport bus may become much cheaper but more crowded
The 100E Budapest Airport bus is probably the most popular travel option for tourists coming to Budapest or going home from the Hungarian capital. The leadership of Budapest increased its fee in two steps, but Hungarians (or foreigners living or working in Hungary) can use the bus with the same conditions as tourists, paying a high fee for it, which is what former mayoral candidate and city council member Dávid Vitézy would like to change. Furthermore, Orbán’s Fidesz would increase the line’s frequency.
Budapest Airport bus can become cheaper
The 100E Budapest Airport bus is probably the quickest option to travel from Budapest’s downtown to Budapest Airport and vice versa, especially in the busiest hours of the day. The bus commuted on the high-speed road between Köki metro station and Vecsés, allowing 70 km/h travel speed. One of the main disadvantages of the high-speed route is that it only has one lane, so in case of an accident, it becomes blocked, which is why the Hungarian government plans to expand it; however, it could not find the money for that project.
The Fidesz leadership of Budapest introduced the 100E Budapest Airport bus in 2017 for HUF 900 (EUR 2.20), which was an expensive ticket even then. However, the leftist leadership of the capital increased that fee in two steps. Now, you must pay HUF 2,200 (EUR 5.37) for a ticket valid on the bus. Even if you are a pass holder, you have to pay that price.
As Dávid Vitézy, a city council member and a former Fidesz-backed mayoral candidate in Budapest, pointed out, it is worth travelling by taxi to the Budapest Airport or from the air gate provided three or more people pay the cab. That is not a sustainable solution and does not serve the interests of Budapest and suburban residents having a pass.
The Municipal Council can raise the frequency
Therefore, he would like the municipal council on 18 December to discuss his proposal to reduce the Budapest Airport bus ticket price for all those who obtain a pass valid in Budapest to HUF 450 (EUR 1.1). The new measure would apply to every pass holder regardless of nationality or citizenship.
Vitézy said the change could make the 100E line more attractive for those Hungarians who choose a taxi to the airport instead of taking the bus because it is too expensive. On the other hand, he would not change the price for tourists.
Alexandra Szentkirályi, the leader of the Fidesz councillor group in the Budapest municipal assembly, slammed leftist mayor Gergely Karácsony for increasing the Budapest Airport bus ticket price. She added they should further boost the frequency of the bus line. That is because the number of passengers would increase if the municipal council accepted Vitézy’s proposal.
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