Budapest Airport to City: how to get to the center
Landing at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and wondering how to reach the city center? Whether you’re a budget traveler looking for the cheapest route or someone who prefers comfort and convenience, there are plenty of options to suit your style.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting from Budapest Airport to the city — from public transport and express buses to shuttles and taxis — plus practical tips on location, tickets and payment.
How to get from Budapest Airport to the city
There are several ways to travel from the airport into Budapest, depending on your budget and how much convenience you want. From cheap public transport to direct buses, shared shuttles, and taxis, each option has its own advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to get into the city center:
Public Transport (Bus 200E + Metro)
The cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center is by using Budapest’s public transport system. It’s straightforward once you know the steps:
- Buy a regular public transport ticket (500 HUF in 2025 / ~ €1.30) from the purple ticket machines right outside the airport (you can use cash or card) or through the BudapestGO app;
- Take bus 200E from the stop right beside the machines to Kőbánya-Kispest;
- Validate your ticket properly: if you bought a paper single ticket, insert it into the small orange machine inside the bus, and if you purchased through the BudapestGO app, scan the QR code located next to the bus door (outside) before boarding;
- At Kőbánya-Kispest, transfer to the M3 metro line and ride it straight into the city center.
@budapestfortourists The cheapest way from Budapest Airport to City! Instead of taking a taxi or shuttle, you can get to the city center with just two single tickets (€2,50 total): 🚌 Bus 200E + 🚇 Metro M3 → straight to Kálvin tér, Ferenciek tere, and Deák Ferenc tér. Perfect for budget travelers who want to explore Budapest without spending too much right after landing! #budapest #budapestairport #traveltips #travelingonabudget #budapesthungary ♬ City - Key Kam
The journey from the airport to the city center takes about an hour in total, including the bus ride and the metro connection. It’s not the fastest option, but it’s the most affordable way to reach downtown Budapest.
Bus 200E runs frequently throughout the day. On weekdays, it operates until 23:13. On weekends, it starts earlier, from 4:00 am, and runs until 00:13.
Tip: the M3 metro has many stops across the city. It’s worth checking in advance which station is closest to your accommodation. Popular stops for visitors include Corvin-negyed, Kálvin tér, Ferenciek tere, Deák Ferenc tér, and Arany János utca.
Airport Express Bus (100E)
If you prefer a more direct option, the Airport Express Bus 100E takes you straight from the airport to the city center without any transfers. It’s faster and more convenient than the 200E + metro combination, and it runs 24/7, making it especially useful if your flight arrives late at night or very early in the morning.
Here’s how it works:
- Buy a special airport ticket (currently 2,500 HUF / ~€6.40 in 2025). This ticket is different from regular Budapest public transport tickets. You can purchase it at the purple ticket machines, through the BudapestGO app or simply tap your contactless card (or phone) on the validator inside the bus;
- Find the 100E bus stop right outside the arrivals area at the airport;
- Ride directly into the city center.
@budapestfortourists Did you know Budapest has a direct Airport Express Bus (100E)? It always runs the same route, from the airport to the city center and back. The ride takes around 40 minutes. Super easy, reliable and available 24/7. Perfect if you want a stress-free way to get straight to downtown! #budapest #budapestairport #traveltips #budapesthungary ♬ Flower Moon - Durand Jones & The Indications & Aaron Frazer
The bus makes just two stops in central Pest:
- Kálvin tér (connection to metro lines M3 + M4);
- Deák Ferenc tér (the main transport hub, connection to M1, M2, and M3).
The journey usually takes 35–45 minutes depending on traffic.buses run every 10–30 minutes throughout the day and night, so you’ll never have to wait too long.
miniBUD Airport Shuttle
miniBUD is the official airport shuttle service at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. It’s a shared door-to-door transfer, meaning the shuttle picks you up at the airport and drops you off directly at your hotel or apartment in the city.
You can book a seat at the miniBUD desks in the arrivals hall or in advance through their website. In 2026, prices start at €6 per person, but the final fare depends on your destination in Budapest. The service includes one large suitcase and one piece of hand luggage per passenger.
Travel time is usually 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic and how many stops the shuttle makes along the way. It’s a comfortable and environmentally friendly option if you want the convenience of a direct ride without paying taxi fares.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is the most comfortable door-to-door option, especially if you’re carrying heavy luggage or arriving late at night. In Budapest, the safest way to get a taxi from the airport is by using the Bolt or Uber apps. Unlike in many other cities, here these apps don’t send regular private cars — they dispatch the official yellow taxis.
Fares from the airport to the city center typically range , depending on traffic, distance, and time of day. You’ll be picked up right outside the arrivals terminal, and the ride into downtown usually takes 30–40 minutes.
Tip: avoid getting into taxis offered inside the terminal. These are often scams with inflated fares. Always stick to the official yellow taxis ordered through the apps or from the taxi stand right outside.
Read also: Complete Guide to Budapest Public Transport
Do you need cash at the airport?
The good news is that you don’t need cash to get from Budapest Airport to the city. All transport options, from public buses to the airport shuttle and taxis, can be paid by card. So if you’re arriving without Hungarian forints in hand, don’t worry.
That said, it’s always useful to have a little cash during your stay, especially for things like street food stalls or public toilets. The best strategy is to wait and exchange money in the city, where the rates are much better than at the airport.
Even then, don’t exchange too much — most places in Budapest accept card payments. In fact, you’ll probably find it easier to come across places that don’t take cash than the other way around!
Where is Budapest Airport?
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is located about 16 km southeast of the city center, in District XVIII.
It has two main passenger terminals, 2A and 2B, both well connected to the city. Depending on traffic and your choice of transport, the journey to downtown Budapest usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
How to buy transport tickets in Budapest
Budapest has a very efficient and safe public transport system that covers the entire city, and it works great even at night, which makes it reliable for everyone, including solo female travelers. To make the most of it, you’ll need to know how and where to buy your tickets or passes.
You can purchase them at the purple ticket machines found in metro stations, tram stops, and at the airport; or through the BudapestGO app.
While the app may seem more convenient, keep in mind that you’ll need both battery and internet to validate your digital tickets or show them to inspectors if requested. If you can’t guarantee that, it’s safer to buy a paper ticket from the machines and keep it handy — many locals even store theirs inside their phone cases for easy access.
Types of tickets and prices in 2026:
- Single ticket: 500 HUF (~€1.30) each;
- 24-hour travel card: 2,750 HUF (~€7.20);
- 72-hour travel card: 5,750 HUF (~€15);
- 15-day pass: 5,950 HUF (~€15.50);
- Monthly pass: 8,950 HUF (~€23.50).
If you plan to use public transport more than a couple of times, it’s always worth getting one of the passes instead of single tickets.
How to validate yout ticket:
- Single paper ticket: validate at the small orange machines before entering the metro, or inside buses and trams;
- Single digital ticket (BudapestGO): scan the QR code located by the door of the vehicle before boarding, or next to the escalators in metro stations;
- Passes (24h, 72h, 15-day, monthly): no validation needed, but always carry them with you to show to inspectors when requested.
Practical tips for arriving in Budapest
Planning your first steps after landing makes everything smoother. Here are some tips to help you avoid stress and get into the city without surprises:
- Download BudapestGO in advance: even if you end up buying paper tickets, the app is handy for checking routes, schedules, and ticket prices;
- Check your accommodation’s location: if you’re taking public transport (200E + metro), find out which M3 stop is closest to your hotel so you don’t overshoot your stop;
- Avoid unofficial taxis: only use the yellow taxis via Bolt or Uber apps, or from the official taxi stand outside the terminal;
- Travel time vs. budget: public transport is cheapest but takes about an hour; the 100E bus is direct and affordable; taxis are fastest door-to-door but the most expensive.
Now that you know exactly how to get from Budapest Airport to the city — whether you choose the budget-friendly bus, the express service, a shuttle, or a taxi — you’re ready to start your trip with confidence.
And the fun part begins once you arrive! Check out our guide to the must see and do in Budapest to discover the best sights, experiences and local favorites in Hungary’s vibrant capital!