When arriving in Budapest, you have several options for getting to the city. The choice depends on your budget, time sensitivity, and comfort needs. In this article, we will review the most common options, helping you start your stay in Budapest smoothly.
Official taxi ranks are usually located at the airport exits, clearly marked. It is advisable to ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare before getting in to avoid unpleasant surprises. Budapest taxis generally measure the fare with a taximeter, but a fixed price is also possible for airport transfers. A trip to the city center usually costs between 25-40 EUR, depending on traffic.
A private transfer is a more comfortable, personalized solution. It must be booked in advance, and the driver usually waits for you in the airport arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. It is important to confirm the meeting point during the booking and to check that the driver knows your flight number, even in case of delays. The price of a private transfer usually ranges from 30-60 EUR, depending on the type of vehicle and the destination.
A shared transfer is a more cost-effective solution, especially if you are traveling alone or in a small group. These vehicles carry multiple passengers, so the waiting time may be longer as the driver needs to stop at several locations. Minibuses generally operate to the city center or larger hotels. Prices generally range from 15-30 EUR.
Budapest has an excellent public transportation network. Direct bus services (100E) operate from the airport to the city center (Deák Ferenc tér). The bus journey time is approximately 30-40 minutes, and the ticket price is relatively low. Trains also depart from the airport to Nyugati pályaudvar (Western Railway Station), from where you can easily continue to any part of the city. Public transportation can be a good choice if you are not in a hurry and minimizing costs is the goal.
The travel time to the city depends on several factors, including traffic, time of day, and the amount of luggage. By taxi or private transfer, it usually takes 30-60 minutes to reach the city center, while with public transport this time can be 45-90 minutes. During peak hours (morning and afternoon), traffic can significantly slow down the journey.
| Mode of Transport | Duration (approx.) | Price (EUR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30-60 minutes | 25-40 |
| Private Transfer | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 |
| Shared Transfer | 45-75 minutes | 15-30 |
| Train/Metro | 60-90 minutes | 5-10 |
| Bus | 40-60 minutes | 5-10 |
The above times and prices are indicative and may vary depending on traffic and the season.
Popular destinations from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport: the city center (Váci Street, Parliament), hotels (e.g. near Váci Street), Nyugati pályaudvar, and other parts of the city.
Official taxi ranks are located at the airport exits, clearly marked.
A taxi to the city center usually costs between 25-40 EUR, depending on traffic.
Private transfers must be booked in advance, and the driver will wait for you in the airport arrival hall.
A shared transfer is a more cost-effective solution where multiple passengers are transported.
Direct bus services and trains operate from the airport to the city center.
Getting to the city by public transport can take 45-90 minutes.
It is advisable to ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare before getting in.
It is advisable to notify the private transfer provider of the delay so they can wait for you.
You can find information about bus and train schedules at the airport information desks or on the BKK website.
Taxis generally accept both cash and credit cards.
Airport transfers generally incur a higher fee than city taxis.