Transit Options from Budapest Airport to City Center
Passengers arriving at BUD Airport can benefit from the many transfer options for their journey to the city center. Are you looking for comfort and convenience? Budapest airport taxis offer high-quality rides, while private transfer companies provide premium, top-rated transfer services. Is independence a top priority for you? Compare the numerous car hire companies operating at Budapest International Airport and choose your car rental. Last but not least, do you need a low-cost transit option? Opt for the BUD airport buses. You’ll find a direct airport line and a non-direct yet 24/7 bus serving the airport. Alternatively, you can take the bus to the nearby Ferihegy Station and use one of the trains running frequently to the city of Budapest.
| Options | Price (HUF) | Price (€) | Price ($) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 10800HUF | 27.48€ | 30.46$ | 35 minutes |
| Direct Bus (100E) | 2200HUF | 5.60€ | 6.21$ | 45 minutes |
| Bus 200E | 900HUF | 2.29€ | 2.54$ | 45-55 minutes |
| Train | 950HUF | 2.42€ | 2.68$ | 35 minutes |
Budapest Airport to City Center by Taxi
The Főtaxi vehicles exclusively handle the taxi transfers from and to Budapest International Airport. Főtaxi is the oldest taxi transfer company in Budapest, dating back to 1913, and offers prime, fast, and safe services to its customers. The yellow cabs with the “TAXI” sign on their roof and the “Főtaxi” sticker at the left front door are always available at BUD Airport, queuing up at the official taxi rank located outside the Arrivals area of T2A and T2B. Make sure that your taxi has the above features, proving that is an official airport cab, and don’t trust individuals or non-official providers as it is highly likely to get overcharged.
Overall, an airport taxi will transfer you fast and comfortably to the exact location of your accommodation in about 35 minutes, depending on the roads’ congestion. Budapest airport taxis are metered, and their tariff depends on the traversed distance and the transfer duration. However, the price for this ride is usually 10800HUF (27.48€/30.46$). The time of the day and the departure or arrival point doesn’t affect the fare. In any case, payments in forints are safer, as the taxi exchange rate from forints to euros is usually not favorable.
We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your transfer from Budapest Airport based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.
- Local English-speaking drivers
- Flat, pre-paid fee
- Flight monitoring for delays
- 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Budapest Airport to City Center by Bus
Bus transfers from and to Budapest International Airport are being handled by two bus lines. The direct Bus 100E departs every 10-15 minutes (every 30 minutes during the night) from the bus stop that is to be found between the terminal 2 buildings on the Arrivals level and reaches Deák Ferenc tér in 45 minutes, under normal traffic conditions. The bus operates 24/7 and costs 2200HUF (5.60€/6.21$). Tickets can be purchased from the airport ticket booths or automatic vendors, inside the bus, or via the BKK mobile app. You should keep in mind that the 100E airport shuttle ticket must be validated once entering the bus and that no other type of ticket is acceptable for this line.
On the other hand, Bus Line 200E doesn’t reach the city center. Still, it’s a popular option as it runs 24/7. The Bus 200E leaves the T2 from 3:45 am to 11:04 pm and from 3:20 am to 11:04 am on weekends and public holidays and heads to Kobanya-Kispest Station, making many intermediate stops. Its travel time is around 25 minutes. Its ticket has 450HUF (1.15€/1.27$) and must be validated. From Kobanya-Kispest Station, the Blue Metro Line M3 runs to the city center in approximately 17 minutes. Note that during the night shift (11:05 pm -3:44 am), the bus finishes its route at Határ út Station. Thus, if you are a late-night traveler, you’ll have to change to Bus Lines 914, 914A, 950, or 950A to get to the city center. A ticket for the metro costs 450HUF (1.15€/1.27$). Therefore, you’ll have to pay 900HUF (2.29€/2.54$) for your 45-55-minute bus ride to Budapest downtown. Otherwise, you can buy a 30-minute ticket, which offers free onward rides for a 30-minute time frame, costing 530HUF (1.35€/1.50$). Finally, for “public transportation lovers”, Budapest travelcards and passes, available at the airport tourist info desks, are an excellent option as they provide unlimited transfers.
Our Tip: The airport has an official shuttle transfer company, the miniBUD company, which provides personalized shuttle services to BUD passengers. A transfer to your accommodation should be regarded as rather costly if traveling alone but quite affordable if traveling with a large group of people and should last around 40 minutes.
Budapest Airport to City Center by Train
There isn’t a train connecting the BUD Airport to the city of Budapest. However, you can easily hop on the Bus 200E running 24/7 outside the T2, and head to the nearby Ferihegy Train Station. The bus ride lasts about 12 minutes and costs 450HUF (1.15€/1.27$). Once arriving at the Ferihegy bus stop, you’ll have to cross the pedestrian bridge. Once crossing the bridge, you’ll find yourself at the train station. Trains are frequently departing from the station with the Nyugati Station as their destination. The train journey to the Nyugati Station, located 2km/1.2 miles from the city center, lasts 22-25 minutes (depending on the type of the train) and costs 500HUF (1.27€/1.41$).
Hence, the total cost of the bus and train ride from Budapest Airport to city center is 950HUF (2.42€/2.68$).
The bus tickets can be bought at the airport and onboard. However, the train tickets are available online or via the automatic machines and the ticket office of the Ferihegy Station. Budapest cards and passes can also be used for those transfers.
Car Rental from Budapest Airport to City Center
Renting your car is also an option for your transfer from Budapest International Airport to the city center. Many airport car rental providers are present at BUD Airport, offering premium rental services. Thus, if you are going to drive your way to Budapest downtown, you’ll have to take the Fő út to Vecsés and reach the route Ferihegyi Repülőtérre vezető út. After 6km, turn left to Üllői út until the road’s name turns to Múzeum krt. From that point, you’ll have to navigate yourself to find your exact destination in the city center of Budapest.
Private Airport Transfers from Budapest Airport to City Center
Reaching your destination in the city center is far more relaxed and pleasant with a Budapest airport private transfer. Making your choice among the numerous private transfer companies that offer their services at BUD Airport allows you to benefit from meet & greet services, door-to-door transfers, and many other extra amenities depending on the chosen transfer provider.
FAQs
How far is Budapest from the airport?
Budapest International Airport lies 24km/14.9 miles, southeast of the city center. Thus, a transfer with a taxi or a car rental to downtown lasts about 35 minutes, while a journey with the direct Bus 100E takes 45 minutes to reach Deák Ferenc tér.
How much is a taxi from Budapest Airport to city center?
A Budapest airport taxi will take you to your destination in the city center in about 35 minutes. The taxi tariff isn’t set but depends on the taximeter’s indication. In general terms, you should expect to pay 10800HUF (27.48€/30.46$) for your ride to Budapest downtown.
How do I get from Budapest Airport to city centre?
Budapest airport taxis and private transfers are the most comfortable way to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can use the direct Bus 100E leaving the T2 bus stop and heading to Deák Ferenc tér, or the 24/7 Bus Line 200E that reaches Kobanya-Kispest Station. From that station, the Blue Metro Line M3 can take you to the city center. Finally, BUD airport trains are not an option. However, you can take the Bus 200E to the nearby Ferihegy Station and change to one of the numerous trains going to the Nyugati Station.