Have you ever dreamed of visiting Europe and Hungary? We can safely say that Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and in the world.
Tens of thousands of tourists visit the capital of Hungary every year, and the numbers are still growing, so it is not a coincidence that at the beginning of 2019, more than 62.000 travelers voted for Budapest to be the Best European Destination for 2019.
The wonderful natural conditions, the unique cityscape, the vibrant artistic-cultural life and the unbelievably diverse gastronomy coupled with twisted history have turned out to be a spectacularly successful combination: Budapest won the first place, preceding popular destinations like Prague, Paris, Athens, London, Florence, Malaga and Geneva.
Week by week, hundreds of thousands of travelers add the capital of Hungary – with amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites – to their bucket list, making Budapest one of the most popular destinations around the world.
“Budapest Experience” means intimacy and intensity at the same time: the majestic beauty of the Castle District rising above the city, the healing energies of the impressive historic baths, but the vibrant museum life, the bustling shopping streets, the amazing Jewish Quarter and the sophistication of Michelin-starred restaurants. This is Budapest – and many more.
No matter how brilliant the capital of Hungary is, sometimes it can be confusing to find the most convenient and fastest way from Budapest Airport to City Center. In this article you will find useful tips and pieces of information about how to get from the airport to the city center.
The fastest and most convenient ways to get from Budapest Airport to City Center:
Believe it or not, there are a lot of different ways to get to Budapest downtown from Budapest Airport, depeding on your budget and your individual needs and preferences.
The list below shows the possible travel options you can choose from after arriving to Terminal 2A or 2B of Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).
1. Express bus 🚌 – the fastest budget-friendly way
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, take bus line 100E that stops in front of Budapest Airport Terminal 2 that provides direct link to the city center.
The special ticket costs 900 Ft (2.4 GBP, less than 2.7 EUR) that you can buy in advance with the help of a smartphone app or at one of the BKK customer centres at Terminal 2A or 2B. You can also find multi-language ticket vending machines at the bus stop.
Cash and card payments are accepted everywhere. The express bus departs every 10 minutes during the day and the journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
The bus stops at Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér. Note that sometimes the bus can get crowded easily (but usually there are plenty of room for your luggage) and you cannot use express bus 100E with ordinary single tickets, monthly passes or Budapest-travelcard.
2. Taxi service 🚕 – if you are not a fan of public transport
If you have too many suitcases or you prefer travelling privately, you can book a taxi from Budapest Airport to city. It is important to know that the airport’s official taxi company is called Főtaxi.
After leaving Terminal 2A or 2B, there is a small office at the exit where you can book a taxi. Of course, you can book a taxi in advance online on the website of the taxi company.
The official taxi fares are the following: base fare: 700 Ft (approx. 2 EUR), kilometre-based fare: 300 Ft/km (approx. 1 EUR), time-based fare: 75 HUF/minute (approx. 0.22 EUR). The journey from Budapest Airport to City Center (Deák Ferenc tér) costs roughly 7500 Ft (~ 25 Euro) and usually takes 35 minutes from the airport to Budapest downtown.
Airport shuttle service is also available for travelers. There are several service providers who offer door-to-door transfer service to the city center and back to the airport for a fixed price. You can book airport shuttle service in advance or at the airport.
3. Limousine with chauffeur 😎 – pure luxury and comfort
Have you ever dreamed of renting a limo with a professional chauffeur for airport transfer?
Now the time has come to make your dreams come true! Boost your travel experience with a limousine ride!
Planning to celebrate you birthday or wedding anniversary in Hungary? Budapest is your dream destination for your bachelorette or bachelor party? A business partner is coming to Hungary for an important meeting?
Search no more! Limousine rental is the ideal solution for you! Travel from Budapest Airport to the City Center – or anywhere else in Hungary – like a movie star and enjoy the comfort of a Lincoln Town Car!
Comfy leather seats, personalized air conditioning, plenty of room for passengers and suitcases, and the extra services – like the fully stocked minibar, LED lights and music – make the journey even more enjoyable!
Remember, everyone deserves a moment of luxury once in a while! If you are interested in renting a limousine, but not sure where to start, read this article about some of the most important things you should pay attention to when hiring a limo.
4. Train 🚈 – if you prefer railways
At the moment there are no direct trains to the city center, and there is no train station at Budapest Airport. Plans have been approved, construction has been started, but the opening date is still uncertain.
However, there is another option: take bus line 200E at the airport (ordinary single ticket costs 350 Ft (approx. 1 EUR) and go to Ferihegy vasútállomás bus stop where you can take a train to Nyugati Railway Station (another single ticket should be purchased).
The entire ride costs 700 Ft (approx. 2 EUR). It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance from ticket machines or at BKK customer centers. The journey takes 60 minutes; the waiting time is approximately 20 minutes. Note that express bus line 100E provides a faster and more convenient direct access to the city center.
