Long-awaited airport rail link project finally kicks off: Fast track from the capital to Budapest Airport!

Hungary is moving ahead with plans to build a fast rail connection between Budapest and Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport), with construction expected in two phases. The section between Kőbánya-Kispest and the airport could be completed by 2030–31, while the stretch linking the airport to Monor may be operational by 2033–34. However, the project could also be built simultaneously. According to Máté Lóga, State Secretary at the Ministry of National Economy, around 40–50% of air passengers (nearly 10 million people annually) would likely choose the rail link, even based on current traffic levels.

The European Union’s official procurement portal published the concession notice for the airport railway on Wednesday. The project was first announced on 27 October 2025 by Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy and Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár, who confirmed the line would be built as a concession with an investment of around EUR 1 billion (approximately HUF 400 billion). Máté Lóga, State Secretary responsible for economic development and industry and chairman of Budapest Airport Plc, provided further details at a background briefing on Wednesday, as reported by AIRportal.hu.

According to Lóga, the Hungarian government has identified the airport as a strategic hub within the Central European transport and logistics network. A key component of this strategy is the construction of a rail link to Terminals 2 and the future Terminal 3.

Connecting Budapest Airport to the national railway network will improve access not only from the capital but also for people across the country. It is also expected to boost regional tourism, he added.

The planned line will run for approximately 27 kilometres between Kőbánya-Kispest and Monor, forming part of the national railway network. Some trains could continue via the airport towards Kelenföld or the Balaton region, while others will provide direct connections to Budapest’s Nyugati railway station.

Timetabling and rolling stock will be the responsibility of MÁV, Hungary’s state railway operator. Preliminary studies indicate MÁV currently has, and will continue to have, sufficient capacity to serve growing passenger numbers. A Service Level Agreement (SLA) will govern cooperation between the concessionaire and MÁV.

The Kőbánya-Kispest–airport section is scheduled for completion by 2030–31, with trains potentially running every 15 minutes to the city centre. The airport–Monor section could open by 2033–34, with services arriving every six minutes. However, the concessionaire may choose to construct both sections simultaneously, potentially allowing an earlier launch.

The airport station will be built directly beneath the current Holiday parking area, near the terminals. Around 160 parking spaces will need to be relocated. Ensuring that Budapest Airport remains fully operational during construction (particularly with Terminal 3 being built at the same time) is a key priority.

Additional works include acquiring the land from Budapest Airport, relocating certain facilities operated by HungaroControl, HungaroMet, and the airport operator, adding several billion forints to the total project cost.

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Budapest Airport handled over 19.5 million passengers in 2025. Preliminary studies indicate that 40–50% of the current 20 million annual passengers would use the rail link. The concessionaire will assume all development, financing, operational, and demand risks, with the state not paying an availability fee but receiving a concession fee from the operator.

The Hungarian state will participate as a financial investor with a 20% stake, while the concessionaire will raise the remaining funds from domestic and international investors. The total investment is expected to reach roughly EUR 1 billion. The 35-year concession will see ownership transfer to the Hungarian state once the term ends.

Independent assessments classify the project as a hybrid rather than a traditional greenfield investment, as it builds on existing passenger flows. This reduces financing risk and increases bankability, making it attractive to both concessionaires and investors.

Revenue will come from two main sources: track access charges paid by railway companies and a “platform fee” for airport passengers boarding or alighting at the station, which could account for 80–90% of total revenue. The platform fee will be integrated with Budapest Airport’s access control system.

Preliminary calculations suggest the rail service could be competitive with taxis and other road options in both price and journey time, combining a passenger fare with the approximate HUF 4,000 platform fee.

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Although the project already has an environmental permit, the building permit must be resubmitted due to changes in railway regulations. Land acquisition will be minimal, but compulsory purchases will be carried out by the state.

The concession notice launched a participation phase running until 6 February, after which a selection stage will involve around three international and/or domestic bidders.

Project overview

At a press briefing, the Ministry of National Economy confirmed:

• The project’s primary goal is to enhance national economic competitiveness.
• Surveys indicate 40–50% of Budapest Airport passengers would switch to rail and public transport, a market currently worth around 10 million passengers annually, expected to grow.
• The 27 km electrified double-track line will run from Kőbánya-Kispest to Terminals 2/3 and Monor, connecting to the MÁV network. Works include a new underground station, 16 bridges, and a railway crossing at Csévéző Street.
• Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2028.
• Scheduled completion: Kőbánya–Terminals 2/3 by 2030–31, Terminals 2/3–Monor by 2033–34. The concessionaire may construct both phases simultaneously, subject to capacity.
• Total cost: EUR 1 billion.
• Environmental permit obtained; building permit to be resubmitted.
• 35-year concession; 20% state stake, 80% domestic/international consortium. Ownership transfers to the state at the end of the term.
• Construction of the rail link and Terminal 3 will be coordinated to avoid operational disruption.

Technical details

The 27 km line will include over 60 track-kilometres, with speeds ranging from 80 to 200 km/h depending on the section. The concessionaire is responsible for constructing 29 structures, including three tunnels and 16 bridges, two of which will cross the M0 and M4 motorways at lengths of 87.5 m and 44.7 m respectively. The line will intersect high-voltage and hydrocarbon pipelines, which will need to be relocated.

The winner of the concession will operate and maintain the line for 35 years, including upgrades if requested by the state. Applicants must be registered professional entities with at least HUF 150 billion in net revenue from transport infrastructure over the past three years and relevant project references from the last decade.

Applications are due by 11:00 on 6 February, accompanied by a bid security of HUF 1.6 billion. Selection criteria include the level of station access fees, concession fee, availability of project management, and pre-approved personnel.

Revenue for the operator will come from train operators using the line and the platform fee charged to passengers boarding or alighting at the airport station. Government sources have suggested a total fare from Nyugati station to Budapest Airport of around HUF 4,000, combining ticket and platform fee.