Budapest’s popular 100E Airport Express is getting a major upgrade, with brand-new articulated buses featuring dedicated luggage storage areas set to make journeys between the city centre and the airport more comfortable. The first six new vehicles entered service on 2 November, with the entire new fleet expected to consist of 24 buses.
More room for suitcases on the 100E
The new MAN Lion’s City 18C articulated buses have been specifically designed to meet the needs of airport passengers. Their most notable feature is a dedicated luggage storage area inside the passenger compartment, located in front of the second set of doors.
Depending on the size of the bags, each bus can comfortably accommodate between 15 and 25 suitcases or larger backpacks. The new arrangement should make travelling with bulky luggage considerably easier, particularly for tourists arriving in Budapest or heading to the airport.
The low-floor vehicles also come with modern passenger information systems and onboard cameras. They comply with the latest transport safety requirements and are equipped with blind-spot monitoring systems to assist drivers.
The first six buses began operating on Monday, 2 November, as part of a new fleet of 24 vehicles dedicated to the airport service.
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Record passenger numbers drive improvements
The upgrade comes as the 100E Airport Express continues to attract growing numbers of passengers.
According to Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), an average of around 13,400 people used the service each day in August 2026, compared with approximately 10,800 in August 2025. This represents an increase of more than 20 per cent, or nearly 2,700 additional passengers per day.
Passenger numbers were also higher year on year in July, suggesting that demand for the direct connection between central Budapest and Liszt Ferenc International Airport is continuing to grow.
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Cheaper airport transfers for Budapest pass holders
BKK has introduced several measures to improve the service and make it more convenient for travellers.
The 100E was the first public transport route in Budapest to introduce Budapest Pay&GO, a contactless bank card payment system that allows passengers to buy tickets quickly and easily.
Since 1 October 2025, passengers with a valid Budapest Pass, Pest County Pass or Hungary Pass have also been able to purchase a discounted supplementary airport ticket for just HUF 1,000 through the BudapestGO app.
Another development, introduced in spring 2026, uses flight traffic monitoring data to predict passenger demand based on actual aircraft arrivals. This allows transport planners to arrange additional buses more quickly when necessary, helping to prevent overcrowding.
More than 380 new buses coming to Budapest
The arrival of the new airport buses is part of a wider renewal of Budapest’s public transport fleet. Under the programme launched in 2025, more than 380 new diesel and electric buses are expected to enter service by the end of 2027. So far, 289 vehicles have arrived and begun operating.
The modern buses are designed to provide more comfortable and reliable journeys while producing fewer harmful emissions, contributing to better air quality in the Hungarian capital.
Importantly, the existing buses currently serving the 100E will not be taken out of service. Instead, they will be transferred to other routes, including the 97E, 142E and 32, bringing improvements to passengers travelling elsewhere in Budapest as well.
