Shuttles and Buses from Budapest Airport
BUD Airport is adequately connected to the city of Budapest via bus. In fact, a direct public bus line (100E) departs from the airport bus station and heads downtown, while the Bus 200E travels between the airport and the Kőbánya-Kispest Metro Station, the only station that lies above the ground. On the other hand, there is miniBUD, the company that offers personalized shuttle services and is known as the official shuttle provider of Budapest Airport.
The Public Budapest Airport Buses
The two public buses are undoubtedly the cheapest options for your transfer from Budapest Airport to the city of Budapest. The Bus Line 100E directly heads from T2 to Deák Ferenc tér, in the heart of the city. Deák Ferenc tér is considered one of the main transportation hubs of Budapest, as well as one of the most popular areas of the city. Moreover, the Bus Line 200E may offer a straight ride to the city center, but it reaches Kobanya-Kispest Station, the terminus of the Blue Metro Line M3. Hence, you can easily hop on the Blue Metro Line from that station and travel to the city center.
The Public Buses Time Schedule from Budapest Airport
The direct Bus 100E departs approximately every 10-15 minutes,depending on the time of the day (every 30 minutes during the night) from Budapest airport T2 and operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The 45-minute travel to Deák Ferenc tér usually gets longer during peak hours, due to the road’s congestion. In any case, the Bus 100E makes only 3 stops during its journey, to Kálvin tér Metro Station, Astoria Station, and Deák Ferenc tér. Thus, its route is fast and comfortable.
On the other hand, the Bus 200E may not be direct, but it also runs 24/7. From 3:45 am to 11:04 pm during the weekdays and from 3:20 am to 11:04 am on weekends and public holidays, the 200E Buses get to Kobanya-Kispest Station in about 25 minutes, stopping at many bus stops along the way. From there, the Metro M3 needs 17 minutes to get to the city center. Therefore, the transfer from BUD Airport to Budapest takes about 45-55 minutes in total. However, during the night (11:05 pm – 3:44 am from Monday to Friday and 11:05 pm to 03:19 am on weekends), the Bus 200E heads to Határ út Station. Thus, to reach the city center, you’ll have to transit to Bus Lines 914, 914A, 950, or 950A.
Where are the Bus Stations Located at Budapest Airport?
The bus stops for both the bus lines are located just outside terminal 2 of BUD Airport. Specifically, the stops are to be found between the 2 sections of T2 (T2A and T2B) on the Arrivals level.
Bus Tickets from Budapest Airport
The ticket for Bus 100E is not an ordinary bus ticket. To travel on Bus 100E, you’ll need to buy an airport shuttle single ticket, and no other type of ticket is acceptable. This special ticket costs 2200HUF (5.60€/6.21$) and must be validated once entering the bus. It is available via the BKK mobile app, onboard via a bank card or electronic device using the BudapestPay&Go machines (buying and validating your ticket at the same time), or through the automatic machines and the BKK booths scattered around the airport terminals.
The Bus 200E costs 450HUF (1.15€/1.27$) for a single journey, without interruptions or transits. Hence, you’ll have to buy an extra ticket for the metro to the city center, paying in total 900HUF (2.29€/2.54$). Alternatively, you can buy a 30-minute ticket that offers unlimited bus, metro, and train (HÉV suburban lines) rides within a 30-minute time-frame and costs 530HUF (1.35€/1.50$). Those tickets must also be validated every time you enter another transportation mode, and can be bought only digitally. Overall, the Bus 200E is the least convenient yet the most affordable option.
Children younger than 6 travel for free.
If you are planning on using public transportation during your stay in Budapest, you can also buy tickets (travelcards) that offer unlimited transfers for multiple days. Those cards don’t need validation, but they are also personal and cannot be used by third persons. They are available through the tourist info desks at the arrivals area of both terminal’s 2 sections.
Our Tip: For more info, you can always visit the official BKK website.
The miniBUD Buses at Budapest Airport
The miniBUD company offers the official shuttle services from BUD Airport. If you are interested in traveling on a bus but also opting for more comfortable and fast services, then miniBUD buses should be your choice. With a miniBud vehicle, you can reach your exact destination in the city center. If you are traveling with a small group, then the miniBUD bus is an excellent option. You are going to travel comfortably and get dropped off right in front of your accommodation while paying a reasonable amount of money. Still, even if you are traveling alone, the cost should be bearable. The traveling time to Budapest downtown is about 40 minutes, depending on the other passengers’ destinations and the in-between stops. You can book your tickets online. You’ll have to pay them during the booking process.
FAQs
How much is the bus from Budapest Airport to city center?
The ticket for Bus 100E costs 2200HUF (5.60€/6.21$) and is valid for a single journey. Keep in mind that no other ticket/card/pass can be used for the direct line from BUD Airport to the city center. On the other hand, Bus 200E costs 450HUF (1.15€/1.27$), but you’ll have to pay 900HUF (2.29€/2.54$) in total for your transfer (one bus ticket and one metro ticket). Thus, a 30-minute ticket would be preferable as it offers unlimited journeys with buses, trains, and metro lines for 30 minutes, costing 530HUF (1.35€/1.50$).
How often does the 100E Bus run?
The airport Bus 100E leaves T2 approximately every 10-15 minutes. During the night, routes are scarcer. It runs all day long and reaches Deák Ferenc tér, in the heart of Budapest, in about 45 minutes.
How do you pay for buses in Budapest?
The tickets for the airport buses can be bought from the automatic vending machines at the airport bus stops, via the airport’s ticket counters, or inside the bus via a bank card or electronic device making use of the Budapest Pay&GO service. Note that tickets are also available through the BKK mobile app. All tickets must be validated on the machines inside the bus.