How to get from Budapest airport to city

Landing at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and wondering how to reach the heart of the city? Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, knowing the best ways to get from the airport to the city center can save you both time and money. Fortunately, Budapest offers several reliable and affordable transfer options — from direct airport buses and metro connections to taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttles.Plus, once you’re settled, there’s no shortage of amazing Sightseeing cruises and Danube cruises to enhance your visit.

Public Transportation from Budapest Airport
Private & Semi-Private Transfers
Budapest Transportation Tips
Best Way to Reach Budapest City Center
Public

Public Transportation from Budapest Airport

Public transportation is the most affordable and efficient way to travel from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the city center. The airport is well-connected to downtown Budapest through a combination of direct buses and metro lines. Below are the most commonly used public transport options, including daytime and night services.

1. Bus 100E – Direct Airport Shuttle to City Center

The Bus 100E is the simplest and most direct public transportation option from the airport to downtown Budapest. It runs exclusively between Terminal 2 and Deák Ferenc Square, a major transit hub in the city center.

Frequency: Every 10–20 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:20 AM
Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Stops Along the Way: Kálvin tér, Astoria

Deák Ferenc Square is not only a key transport hub, but also a great starting point for exploring Budapest's historic core. From here, it's just a short walk to the Hungarian Parliament Building—an architectural icon and one of Europe’s grandest legislative buildings.

Location: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Budapest
Hours: Open daily, tours available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Guided tours starting from €18 per person
Features: Iconic neo-Gothic architecture, home to the Hungarian crown jewels, and located along the Danube River; tours available in multiple languages.

Tickets can be purchased:

From vending machines at the airport
At the BKK information desk in Terminal 2
Through the official BudapestGO mobile app

This is an ideal option if you're looking for a direct and low-cost transfer without needing to change lines.

2. Bus 200E + Metro M3 – Cheapest Transfer Option

If you’re traveling on a tight budget and don’t mind a transfer, Bus 200E + Metro M3 (Blue Line) is the cheapest way to reach the city center.

Step 1: Take Bus 200E
- Route: Airport Terminal 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest (M3 Metro terminus)
- Frequency: Every 7–8 minutes during the day; every 30 minutes overnight
Step 2: Transfer to Metro Line M3
- Route: Kőbánya-Kispest to Deák Ferenc tér or any central stop
Total Travel Time: 50–60 minutes

While it requires a transfer, this is the best choice for travelers prioritizing price over convenience. Just be mindful if you're carrying heavy luggage, as metro stations may not always have elevators or escalators.

3. Night Bus 900 – Late-Night Public Transport

For late-night arrivals, the Night Bus 900 is your go-to option.

Route: Airport Terminal 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest
Operating Hours: 12:30 AM – 4:00 AM
Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes

From Kőbánya-Kispest, you can catch other night buses like 914, 914A, 950, and 950A toward the city center, since the metro does not run overnight.

While slower and requiring a connection, the night bus system ensures you're not stranded at the airport even in the early morning hours.

Private & Semi-Private Transfers

If you prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free ride directly to your hotel or apartment, private and semi-private transfers from Budapest Airport are excellent alternatives to public transport. These options are especially convenient for travelers with luggage, those arriving late at night, or anyone seeking a direct journey without transfers.

1. Taxi or Ride-Hailing (Bolt)

Taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app like Bolt is the fastest and most straightforward way to reach your destination in Budapest.

Travel Time: Around 25–30 minutes (depending on traffic)
Estimated Cost: €18–€24
Availability: 24/7 outside the terminal

The airport’s official taxi partner is Főtaxi, which operates with standardized rates. You can request a ride at the taxi kiosk near the exit of Terminal 2. Alternatively, Bolt offers similar pricing with the convenience of app-based booking.

Pros:

Direct, door-to-door service
Reliable and comfortable
Ideal for groups or travelers with luggage

Cons:

More expensive than public transport
Prices may vary slightly during peak hours

2. Minibus Shuttle Service

The airport minibus shuttle is a shared transfer option that takes passengers from Budapest Airport directly to their accommodations in the city.

Travel Time: Approximately 40–50 minutes
Cost: Around €10 per person
Service Type: Shared ride with hotel drop-off
Frequency: Every 30 minutes (advance booking recommended)

This is a smart choice for solo travelers or couples looking for comfort at a reasonable price. It offers the convenience of a hotel drop-off for significantly less than a taxi.

Pros:

Affordable and reliable
Comfortable shared ride
Direct to hotel or Airbnb

Cons:

Slightly longer due to multiple drop-offs
Short waiting time before departure

If your shuttle drops you near the Buda side, consider starting your sightseeing with the majestic Matthias Church—a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that stands proudly beside Fisherman’s Bastion.

Matthias Church

Location: Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Budapest
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Entry tickets start at €6
Features: Stunning Gothic architecture

Budapest Transportation Tips

Once you’ve made it into the city, getting around Budapest is easy thanks to its efficient and budget-friendly public transportation system. From metro lines and trams to buses and travel cards, here’s everything you need to know to move around like a local.

1. Budapest Metro & City Transport System

Budapest’s public transport network is operated by BKK and includes metro lines, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The metro system is especially useful for getting across the city quickly.

Many visitors also take tram line 2 for a scenic ride along the Danube, offering views of landmarks such as Gellért Hill—a perfect blend of panoramic views and cultural heritage.

Metro Lines:

M1 (Yellow Line): Oldest metro line in continental Europe, runs from Vörösmarty tér to Mexikói út
M2 (Red Line): Connects Déli pályaudvar (Buda) to Örs vezér tere (Pest)
M3 (Blue Line): Useful for airport transfers via Kőbánya-Kispest; runs north–south
M4 (Green Line): Links Budapest’s two main train stations (Kelenföld & Keleti)

For instance, the M2 Red Line is perfect for reaching the Buda Castle area—offering sweeping views of the Danube and the city below. It’s one of the must-see spots when using the metro to explore Budapest’s historic layers.

Location: Szent György tér 2, 1014 Budapest
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Castle grounds are free; museum entry starts at €8
Features: UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery; offers breathtaking views of the Danube.

Metro Operating Hours:

Daily: 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Trains every 2–15 minutes depending on time of day

Ticket Prices:

Single ticket: €1.00 (350 HUF)
Transfer ticket: €1.50 (530 HUF)
Tickets can be bought from vending machines, kiosks, or via the BudapestGO mobile app

Important: Tickets must be validated at the start of your journey using the orange machines on buses or at metro station entrances.

2. Budapest Travel Cards & Day Passes

If you plan to use public transport frequently during your stay, purchasing a Budapest travel card is both cost-effective and convenient.

Budapest Travel Card Options:

24-Hour Travel Card: €5.00
72-Hour Card: €13.50
7-Day Card: €16.50

These passes offer unlimited travel on buses, trams, metros, and trolleybuses within city limits. They are ideal for sightseeing and day trips around Budapest.

Note: These cards do not cover the 100E airport bus, which requires a special ticket.

3. Budapest Card (Tourist Discount Pass)

The Budapest Card is a city tourism pass that includes:

Free unlimited use of public transport (excluding Bus 100E)
Free entry to select museums
Discounts on restaurants, thermal baths, guided tours

Budapest Card Prices:

24-Hour Card: from €33
48-Hour Card: from €49
72-Hour Card: from €63

Ideal for first-time visitors planning to explore the city’s top attractions and save on entry fees and tours.The Budapest Card covers free entry to several cultural attractions such as the Budapest History Museum and discounts at top sights like the Széchenyi Thermal Bath—Europe’s largest medicinal spa and a quintessential local experience.

Best Way to Reach Budapest City Center

There are several ways to travel from Budapest Airport to the city center, and the best option depends on your priorities: price, speed, or comfort.

Most Convenient: Bus 100E

Bus 100E is the easiest and most direct public transport option. It runs frequently from Terminal 2 to Deák Ferenc Square in the city center. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs €2.40. No transfers are required, making it ideal for most travelers, especially those with light luggage.

Cheapest: Bus 200E + Metro M3

For the lowest fare, combine Bus 200E with Metro Line M3. The total journey costs just €2 and takes around 50 to 60 minutes. Bus 200E connects the airport to the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, where you can transfer to the metro and continue to the center. It’s the most budget-friendly option but less convenient if you have luggage or prefer a direct route.

Most Comfortable: Taxi or Shuttle

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt offer the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city. A typical ride takes 25 to 30 minutes and costs between €18 and €24. For a more affordable alternative, airport shuttle minibuses provide hotel drop-off service for about €10 per person. Both options are recommended for travelers with luggage, arriving late at night, or heading to accommodations not easily reached by public transport.

Summary