Budapest Airport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Budapest Airport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for those who like to gather all the information before the trip. We have collected the questions that our guests visiting Budapest by plane often ask us. We hope that the listed questions and answers will be useful for you.
My plane arrived late to Budapest. Will it be difficult to get to the city center?
No, night buses departs from the airport to the city center every 60 minutes even after 23:00, so only the waiting time and the transfer can be an issue, because this bus does not go directly to the center of Budapest (you have to change buses at the Határ út bus station). If this seems complicated, we recommend a taxi transfer. The service is always available (0-24), every day of the week, and during the night it can be used to reach accommodation in the city center in about 25 minutes. IMPORTANT: You should only travel with the airport’s official taxi partner (Főtaxi) or with a reliable taxi company booked in advance (for example: Bolt)! Be careful, because there are a lot of fraudulent taxi drivers at the airport!
My flight departs early in the morning, is there an airport hotel where I can stay?
Yes, there are many hotels near the airport, but since 2021 you can also book a room at the Ibis Styles Hotel in the airport area. From here, you can easily get to the area of Terminals 2A and 2B of Ferenc Liszt International Airport on foot in a few minutes. The address of the hotel: 1185 Budapest Hrsz. 0723. (Ferenc Liszt International Airport Terminal 2)
I would like to visit Budapest between 2 flights during the transfer. Is this possible?
Of course, it is possible if you have enough time. During the day, you need about 1 hour to get to the city center and another hour to get back to the airport by public transport or other shuttle services. You can spend the rest of your time exploring Budapest! All the employees of the VIP Limuzin airport transfer company wish you a pleasant stay in Budapest!
Can I exchange money in Budapest at the airport?
Yes, money can be exchanged at the Interchange counters on the Arrival levels of terminals 2A and 2B, but there are also several ATMs in the terminals of Liszt Ferenc International Airport, which provide the opportunity to withdraw cash 24 hours a day.
Is it possible to travel by bus from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the big cities of neighbouring countries? For example, to Vienna, Zagreb, Bratislava or even Prague?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. There are no international bus services from the airport. The only way to do this is to travel from Budapest’s major bus stations using international buses. Such large bus stations in Budapest are Népliget and Kelenföld bus stations. In addition to international routes, buses depart from here to most major cities in Hungary.
How can I get from Budapest airport to the city center?
The easiest and most convenient way to get to the center of Budapest from the airport is the airport taxi transfer. It will cost you around €26 (HUF 8045). Depending on the traffic, the price can be more, and the journey will take at least 35 minutes. The cheapest way to get to the city center is the airport shuttle bus. This takes more time but it’s a good option if you already have some local knowledge.
Are Uber services available in Budapest or at the airport?
In 2016, Uber was banned in Hungary. The taxi organizations succeeded in preventing carpooling companies from operating in Budapest.
Can I take the train from Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the city center?
Yes, but the train does not depart directly from Budapest Airport, but from Ferihegy Railway Station. It is a 7-minute bus ride from the airport with Bus 200E. From here, nearly 100 trains leave for the city center to Nyugati railway station. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
How much does the direct bus service (bus shuttle), airport bus (100E bus) cost in Budapest?
The ticket price for the 100E bus is HUF 1,500 (EUR 3.7). This ticket is only valid on this bus, cannot be used on other buses, and is valid for one trip only! No other tickets are accepted on this shuttle bus!
Where does the direct shuttle bus (Bus 100E) stop in Budapest?
Based on the official schedule of bus 100E, towards the city center, the bus stops all day at Astoria, Kálvin tér, and finally at Deák Ferenc tér (final destination). More information about the schedule: https://bkk.hu/utazasi-informaciok/kozossegi-kozlekedes/repteri-jarat/
Can I use the services of Bolt in Budapest and at Ferenc Liszt International Airport?
Bolt Taxi can be used anywhere in Budapest, including the airport, but in this case you have to order it by phone or via an application. Bolt taxi fare from the airport to the center of Budapest is approximately HUF 10,000-11,000 (~25-30 EUR) depending on traffic. It is a popular taxi service provider in the capital city of Hungary.
Do I have to tip taxi drivers and other service providers in Budapest?
You don’t have to, but everyone is happy if you appreciate and acknowledge their work by a small tip. With this, you can motivate them to do their work even better, at an even better quality and standard. However, it is important to tip only if you were truly satisfied with the service! The rate of tipping in Budapest is 10-12% of the total price of the service. However, there are service providers who charge a fee, in which case you don’t have to tip more!
Can you pay by debit/credit card everywhere in Budapest?
In larger places in Budapest, you can pay with a debit/credit card, but many small companies do not have this option, so it’s a good idea to keep cash with you at all times. If you order any service in advance, find out about the payment methods!
Do I need to use cash in Budapest?
Small businesses may have limited payment options, so it is not uncommon for them to only accept cash (HUF, EUR). Therefore it is worth keeping both currencies in your wallet. If you don’t have them, don’t worry, there are many ATMs and banks in Budapest. It is worth checking with the companies in advance about the payment options!
What currencies can be used for payment in Budapest?
In addition to the Hungarian forint, euro is also widely accepted in Hungary, especially in Budapest. However, the exchange rate at most companies is horrible, and unfortunately sometimes they even ask for double the price if you want to pay in euros. It is therefore worth choosing HUF. the local currency, or agree on the fee in advance if you want to pay in euros.
I have a private transfer booked, but my plane is delayed. What will happen?
Serious service providers, such as VIP Limuzin, which provides an airport transfer service, ask for the flight number of your plane in advance. The limousine driver constantly monitors when the plane lands in Budapest. The airport transfer price usually includes a half-hour delay + half-hour check-out time. Of course, if you want to make sure, it is possible to buy a longer waiting time at an affordable price. However, in the event of an extreme delay, the service provider do not guarantee availability and may refuse to provide the service.
My plane landed. How much time do I have until the departure of the shuttle?
In case of private transfers, the base price includes a half-hour wait from landing. During this period the service providers guarantee available cars, taxis, and limousines. So please don’t exchange money or go shopping at the airport after landing if you have ordered an airport shuttle service.
Does Budapest Airport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) not contain the answer to your question?
Do not panic! Contact us so that our staff can help you!