Last updated: May 11, 2023
Author: Adam Dimitrov — Budapester, Hungarian & City Expert/Guide
As a Hungarian who lives in Budapest and has traveled to and from the airport countless times, I'm here to give you a comprehensive guide on how to get from Budapest Airport to the city center.
I'll be sharing my firsthand experiences with all the methods I've tried, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences and budget.
The Airport Express 100E is Budapest's public service airport bus. It's cheap, easy, and comfortable to use. There's more than enough space to put your luggage.
The bus stop will be 100m to the right after you exit the 2A terminal building. The bus drops you off in the city center at either Deák Ference Square, Astoria, or Kálvin Square.
I use the 100E most of the time since I live in the city center of Budapest and I like saving money. 🤑
💡 This ride is excluded from all public transport passes (i.e., the Budapest Travel Card). You can buy a Airport Express bus ticket with the BudapestGo app (Android or IOS) or at a ticket vending machine near the bus stop.
Minibud is the biggest and most affordable door-to-door private transfer company in Budapest. It's more comfortable than the 100E bus but less expensive than a taxi if you're traveling solo.
You can reserve a ticket online or buy them at one of their kiosks at the airport. You can't miss the pickup point at the airport — it's just in front of you as you exit the 2A airport terminal.
Bolt is the equivalent of Uber or Cabify in Hungary. It's much more comfortable and convenient but pricier than the other options if traveling solo. However, it can be economical if split between 3-4 passengers.
You download the app, type in the destination, and a Bolt driver will arrive within minutes. You're given a price range and pay in-app, so it's impossible to be ripped off.
It's also reliable between 00:00-05:00, in case you have a late departure.
Way better than in a taxi! When traveling with Bolt, you feel like a high-end hotel guest - the driver is dressed-well, cordial, and helps you with your luggage. It's not a sketchy taxi feeling we got used to.
💡 Avoid hailing taxis off the street, as they are notorious for ripping off tourists (mainly freelancers). Instead, always use Bolt or Főtaxi's app, where you pay in the app to avoid getting scammed.
I don't use taxis with Bolt around. However, if you're like me, you take pride in being prepared. For example, what do you do if you've got a flight to catch at 3.30am and no Bolt driver is around?
No worries, download Főtaxi's app (Android or IOS) and call a proper taxi. The app works the same principle as Bolt, but the latter is better in every way. You pay in-app to pay a fair price. It's a great fallback option.
This option I'm only including for the sake of completeness. I don't advise this for any tourist visiting the city for a few days - you will get lost! It's only used by locals who can get to their homes this way faster or want to save a few bucks.
Take the regular bus 200E (not airport bus 100E) to KöKi (Kőbánya-Kispest Terminal). Once there, transboard to Metro Line 3 and get off at your stop. Between 11pm-4am, M3 is closed, so use night bus 914/914A or 950/950A instead.
The fare costs two regular-priced tickets for each ride, or you can travel for free with the Budapest travel card or pass. The airport express tickets are not accepted on these regular rides.
Traveling from the Liszt Ferenc International Airport to Budapest's city center (Deák Ference Square stop) is a 20.7km trip or around 13 miles.
It takes approximately 20-45 minutes to get from Budapest Airport to the city center. Options include the 100E airport express bus (45 min), airport transfer (30-45 min), and Bolt ridesharing (20-30 min).
You can either take the airport express 100E (cheapest and most popular), use MiniBud airport transfer (best value), or opt for Bolt ridesharing or a taxi (most convenient and fastest).
