Budapest Airport Departures

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

Budapest Airport is the major airport in Hungary, serving its capital city, Budapest. It can be found 24km/14.9 miles from the city center, and is efficiently connected to downtown Budapest and the surrounding areas. It is officially named Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport after the well-known Hungarian composer, Franz Liszt. The airport saw a significant fall in its passenger traffic as a result of Malév Hungarian Airlines’ bankruptcy in 2012 and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is now back on its feet, welcoming numerous flights and passengers and ranking among the top 40 busiest air hubs in Europe. Therefore, during busy times, the airport can be crowded, making the departure procedures more time-consuming.

The Terminals at Budapest Airport

Only terminal 2 is currently operating at BUD Airport, as terminal 1 never reopened after its closure due to the bankruptcy of MALÉV Hungarian Airlines in 2012. Terminal 2 is divided into two sections that operate as separate airlines. T2A is dedicated to airlines arriving from Schengen destinations, while T2B handles flights from non-Schengen countries, although this isn’t a hard rule. Both sub-terminals house Departures on their upper levels. A new terminal is also expected to be added to the airport complex in the future, reconstructing the old terminal 1 and creating a brand-new terminal 3 in its place.

Airlines Present at BUD Airport

How Early to Get to BUD Airport

The general guideline for BUD passengers is to arrive at the airport around 2 hours before the flight’s departure. That time frame usually allows enough time to complete the departure procedures and board the plane stress-free. That being said, travelers who don’t have hold luggage to check in and are traveling to a Schengen destination often get to the airport 1.5 hours before their flight. While 1.5 hours is often considered enough, waiting lines at security screening can still disrupt plans. On the other hand, if you’re flying to a non-Schengen destination, you’ll also have to go through passport control. Therefore, allowing a slightly longer time frame (around 2–3 hours) is recommended to be on the safe side.

Departures from Budapest Airport

To begin with, it is very important to check your departing terminal and arrive at the correct one for your flight. Schengen flights depart from T2A, whereas non-Schengen destinations are served from T2B. Still, this isn’t always the case. Thus, you should check the terminal number on your air ticket before heading to BUD Airport. This way, you won’t waste time transferring between terminals.

Travelers must check in once they arrive at Budapest Airport. Although check-in counters can be found at the Departure halls of both terminals and information screens display which desks serve each airline, passengers typically check in online, through their airline’s website or app. Online check-in usually opens a few days before the departure date. Travelers can select their seats and either print their boarding passes or save them on their electronic devices. Alternatively, they can use the check-in desks, keeping in mind that they’ll have to wait in line. Moreover, some airlines—mainly low-cost carriers—charge fees for check-in at the counters or printing boarding passes. Finally, the airport also features automatic check-in machines, where travelers can easily and quickly check in and receive their boarding passes. Are you traveling with hold luggage? You can either wait in line at the check-in counters to drop it off or use the automatic bag drop machines. In either case, you should follow the airline’s guidelines on maximum luggage weight and the airport’s instructions on prohibited items to avoid wasting time during the drop-off procedure. During the self-service bag drop, you’ll need to weigh your bags, print their luggage tags, and drop them off at the designated points. There are 19 self-service machines printing luggage tags (Tagomats) —8 located at the check-in area of T2A and one at the terminal’s entrance—, along with 9 drop-off points (Bagomats), also situated at the check-in hall. T2B features 18 Tagomats and 13 Bagomats. Additionally, there are 10 Tagomats for Ryanair passengers and 3 for travelers flying with Emirates. The airportHUB, located in the centrally situated Kálvin Square, also has 3 automatic machines for luggage tag printing. Please keep in mind that only certain airlines offer self-service bag drop-off services.

After checking in and dropping off luggage, travelers must go through security screening, passing through metal detectors, while their personal items (placed in trays) and hand luggage are checked via X-ray machines. Security control at Budapest Airport isn’t considered time-consuming, with passengers generally needing up to 10 minutes to complete it. Correct packing—avoiding prohibited items and complying with liquid restrictions—certainly speeds up the process. The official airport website provides information on the average waiting times at any given moment. Once they complete security screening, they enter the airside part of the terminal. They can then explore the dining and shopping options while enjoying the amenities provided. That being said, don’t let yourself be absorbed by the services. Make sure you locate your boarding gate in advance, allowing enough time to reach it, even if it’s at the far end of the terminal. Once the gate opens, you’ll be asked to present your ID or passport and your boarding pass before joining the line to board the plane. It’s important to frequently check the flight information screens as your boarding gate may change without prior warning.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling to a non-Schengen destination, you must go through passport control as soon as you complete security screening, regardless of your nationality. You’ll need to present your passport or ID and, depending on your destination, possibly additional documents such as a visa, ETA, or vaccination certificate. There are two lines at the passport control points: one for EU/EEA passport holders and another for all other travelers. Passengers holding a biometric passport issued by an EU/EEA country who are older than 12 can use the automatic gates to complete the process more quickly. The same applies to travelers with UK, South Korean, and United Arab Emirates passports. Once border control is completed, passengers can proceed to their boarding gate. Border control will change for non-EU passengers from 2026. The EES system (Entry/Exit System), already applied at arrival passport control, will also be used for departure procedures. Passengers will need to submit to facial and fingerprint scanning and provide their passport details. The data will be collected in a central database, allowing faster entry and exit from the EU in the future.

Our Tip: Pregnant women, passengers with disabilities, children younger than 3, and seniors are eligible for Fast Track security screening free of charge. Additionally, all passengers can buy a Fast Track voucher, either online or via the kiosks located at the Departure halls. It costs 2700HUF (6.75€/7.80$). Some airlines also offer the service for free to their premium passengers or as an option during booking. In all cases, eligible travelers can use a dedicated line, saving time during the security check.

How to Spend Your Free Time

Have you completed all departure procedures (apart from boarding) and have some time to spare? The impressive SkyCourt, the terminal’s part connecting the two sub-terminals, offers a wide range of shopping and dining options. You can also enjoy beauty treatments, playgrounds, or access the luxurious lounges available at both T2A, T2B, and the SkyCourt. Finally, if you want to catch some rest, you can check in at the airport hotel, which is located landside, just a 5-minute walk from Terminal 2.

How to Get to Budapest Airport

Choosing your transportation mode for the airport transfer is important, as you’ll need to factor in the travel time when planning your journey. A car ride—via taxi or private airport transfer—usually takes around 35 minutes, but it can be considerably longer if roads are congested. On the other hand, Bus 100E, connecting downtown (Deák Ferenc tér) to BUD Airport, takes approximately 45 minutes, while Bus 200E travels from Kőbánya-Kispest Station to the airport. Alternatively, you can take the train from Nyugati Station, get off at Ferihegy Train Station, and transfer to Bus 200E to reach the airport. Your journey should last around 35 minutes.

Parking at Budapest Airport

Travelers arriving at the airport with their own vehicles need to park before their departure. Although the airport offers ample parking options, it is generally advised to book your parking spot in advance to save time searching for a space and benefit from more, often more affordable, options. Terminal Parking and City Break Parking are located near the terminals, making them ideal for short stays. Holiday Parking and Smart Parking cater to long-term parking needs. Finally, Premium Parking, with 70 spots, is the closest to the terminals. It is the most convenient, but expectantly, also the most expensive alternative.

The Drop-Off Points

If you want to drop off passengers at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport, you’ll find two designated zones outside the Departures of both T2A and T2B. The two zones are actually part of the Premium Car Park, offering free parking for the first 5 minutes, while parking fees apply after that. You must issue a parking ticket upon entering the parking lot, and pay the parking fees using the automatic machines located on the terminal’s doors. The Terminal Parking Lot is also situated near the entrance doors. Although it doesn’t offer a free parking period, it is definitely more affordable than the designated drop-off areas.

Stay Informed on the Flight Timetable

Are you flying from Budapest Airport? Do you accompany travelers departing from the airport? Keeping track of the Departures from BUD Airport can help you plan your journey to the airport stress-free. Stay informed on changes to scheduled flights and rearrange your transfer to your departing terminal if needed. Check our flight status table to keep updated on flight delays and cancellations. The official airport website also offers flight information, providing constant updates on the Departures status. Flight information screens are also scattered throughout the terminal. Should you need additional information, you can call +36 (1) 296-7000.

FAQs

What terminal is Departures at Budapest Airport?

Both terminals at Budapest Airport (T2A and T2B) house Arrivals and Departures. In general, T2A serves Schengen destinations, while T2B handles flights outside the Schengen zone, though there are exceptions. As a result, your flight may depart from either sub-terminal. In both cases, Departures are located on the upper level.

How early do you have to be at Budapest Airport?

Overall, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport around 2 hours before their flight. However, that time frame depends on several factors. Thus, if you don’t have checked luggage to drop off and have checked in online, 1.5 hours should be enough. On the other hand, if you’re flying to a non-Schengen destination and have to go through border control, allowing 2.5–3 hours is usually recommended.

Is Ryanair at 2A or 2B in Budapest?

Terminal 2A serves Schengen destinations, while T2B handles flights from international destinations. Ryanair typically flies from T2B. In any case, you should always check the information on your air ticket to arrive at the correct terminal for your flight.