Liszt Ferenc Airport at a Glance
Budapest Airport is the main aviation hub in Hungary. Located 24km/14.9 miles southeast of the Budapest city center, in the Ferihegy area, it serves both global, low-cost, and local airlines and welcomes international and domestic flights. The airport’s footprint used to be much more significant before 2012, when Malév Hungarian Airlines, one of the main -if not the major – airlines operating at Budapest Airport, went bankrupt. This fact had a huge impact on the airport’s functioning leading to cutbacks and the closure of BUD terminal 1. Moreover, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the BUD’s operation was severe. Nowadays, the airport seems to have completely recovered, as in 2023, its passenger traffic was more than 14.7 million passengers. However, only terminal 2 is in operation, and terminal 1 is still out of use.
The official name of Budapest Airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, as a tribute to the famous Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. Nevertheless, until 2011 the airport used to be called Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, named after the area of its location. Thus, referring to the airport as “Ferihegy Airport” is still a thing in Budapest.
Airport Name: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
IATA Code: BUD
ICAO: LHBP
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Airport Map: Budapest Airport at Google Maps
Airport’s Layout
BUD Airport has two terminal buildings, T1 and T2. Nevertheless, it is actually a single-terminal airport as T1 has remained closed for almost one decade, irredeemably damaged by the MALÉV Hungarian Airlines’ bankruptcy and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, for the moment, Budapest Airport has only one operational terminal, T2. Still, T2 is divided into two sections, interconnected via the SkyCourt, the 5-story building housing the majority of BUD stores and eateries. That being said, T2A and T2B are regarded as two separate terminals, serving different airlines and handling flights from and to different destinations.
Nevertheless, nowadays, BUD Airport sees its passenger flow rising. Hence, plans are made for the reopening of T1 as well as the construction of a brand-new third terminal building.
Airlines
The largest out of the 4 Hungarian commercial airports couldn’t but house all the major airlines, along with many low-cost providers and domestic air carriers. Verily, Budapest Airport serves a wide variety of airlines (conventional, budget, international, or Hungarian), being the hub for Wizz Air and a base airport for Ryanair. Moreover, it handles Arrivals and Departures not only across Europe but also to Africa, the Middle East, and North America.
Parking Facilities
BUD’s passengers shouldn’t worry about parking their vehicles. Verily, the Terminal Parking, with a capacity of 746 parking spots, lies close to T2 and is ideal for short stays, pickups, or dropoffs, whereas the Premium Parking is the closest to the terminal and -expectantly- the most expensive parking facility. The City Break Parking is also available. As far as long-term parking is concerned, passengers have two options on their hands: the Holiday Parking and the Smart Parking Lot.
Transit Options
There are various transit options that link BUD Airport to downtown Budapest and other city regions. For instance, passengers heading from BUD Airport to the city center can catch:
- an airport taxi
- a private Budapest airport transfer
- a car rental
- a public bus
- or opt for a bus and train ride
Services and Amenities
Overall, layovers at Budapest Airport are enjoyable. The airport serving the Hungarian capital, Budapest, provides its passengers with all the necessary services and amenities and offers even more modern features. Here you can check out the most important of them:
- Many retail options and Duty-free areas
- Restaurants / Bars
- Baggage wrapping / Luggage storage
- BUD Conference Center
- Pharmacies /Medical services
- Banks / ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Family services / Playground
- Lost & Found offices
- Chapel / Room of Silence
- BUD Gallery
- Visitor Terrace
- Lounges / Spa facilities
- Airport hotel
- Wi-Fi
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Official Contact Info
Address: 1185 Budapest, BUD Nemzetközi Repülőtér
Phone Number: +36 (1) 296-7000
Email: info@bud.hu
Official Website: https://www.bud.hu/en
The City of Budapest
Budapest is one of Europe’s most-visited destinations, and there are various reasons for this fact. From the magical scenery created by the Danube River to the numerous sightseeing and attractions (the Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge that links the two cities -Buda and Pest-, and the Hungarian Parliament Building, just to name a few), Budapest leaves no visitor untouched. Verily, the city has something for everyone: foodies simply fall for its culinary scene, relishing unforgettable gastronomic experiences at local taverns or fancy restaurants, art lovers enjoy visiting the several museums and galleries, while tourists and wellness enthusiasts highly appreciate its thermal baths. Overall, whatever your preferences might be, Budapest simply won’t disappoint you.
FAQs
How many international airports are in Hungary?
Hungary has 6 international airports in total. However, the vast majority of flights are served by Budapest International Airport, which is the leading aviation hub in the country.
How many terminals does Budapest Airport have?
Budapest Airport used to have two terminal buildings, terminal 1 and terminal 2. However, terminal 1 is not operational since 2012. Terminal 2 now handles all the flights and gathers all the passenger traffic. Terminal 2 is subdivided into 2 sections, T2A and T2B.
What terminal does Ryanair fly into in Budapest?
Budapest Airport currently has only one terminal in use, terminal 2. Terminal 1 closed due to the cost-cutting needed to be done when Malév Hungarian Airlines went bankrupt in 2012. Therefore, Ryanair flies from and to terminal 2.
Do they take euros in Budapest?
Hungary’s official currency is the Hungarian Forint. Therefore, you’ll have to convert your euros to forints during your stay in Budapest. However, euros are widely accepted in the city. Nevertheless, it is better to always have foreign exchange with you, as several places don’t follow this practice.