Budapest Airport Arrivals

The BUD Terminals

Budapest Airport consists of one terminal complex, subdivided into two buildings, which actually operate as separate terminals. Thus, terminal 2 splits into T2A and T2B, interconnected via the 5-storey Skycourt, which houses dining and shopping facilities. T2A handles Schengen flights, while T2B serves non-Schengen destinations. However, this isn’t a strict rule. Both sub-terminals house Arrivals on their Ground floor. The old terminal 1 at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport was permanently shut down after MALÉV Hungarian Airlines’ bankruptcy in 2012, which highly affected the airport’s operation, as its major air carrier. It remains closed. Plans are made to construct a new terminal, T3, in its place. Construction works are expected to be completed by 2034-2035.

Airlines Operating at Budapest Airport

The Arrival Procedures at BUD Airport

The arrival procedures are straightforward for EU nationals and citizens of Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland arriving at Budapest Airport from another Schengen destination. After disembarking the plane, they simply follow the signs toward the baggage claim area and the Arrivals hall. Provided they have checked luggage, they must wait at the baggage reclaim zone to retrieve it. There are several baggage belts, along with information screens displaying the correct carousel for each flight. Once they have collected their luggage, they can proceed to the terminal exit to catch their preferred mode of transportation to Budapest.

Taxi ranks can be found outside the Arrivals area of both terminals (T2A and T2B). Thus, as soon as you exit the Arrivals hall of your terminal, you can easily catch a Főtaxi vehicle, the only official taxi company operating at Budapest Airport. Alternatively, Bus 100E, which travels to the city center, and Bus 200E, which heads to Kőbánya-Kispest Station, stop at the bus stop situated between the two sections of T2, on the Arrivals level. Trains don’t depart directly from the airport. Still, passengers can catch the Bus 200E to the nearby Ferihegy Train Station to take the train to Budapest. Finally, the official airport shuttle, miniBUD, also stops close to the Arrivals doors, while private airport transfers pick up passengers outside the terminals as well.

If you are an EU citizen (or a national of Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland) arriving at Budapest Airport from a non-Schengen destination, the first thing you must do after disembarking is go through passport control. E-gates are also available to speed up the process, which can sometimes be time-consuming, especially when several flights arrive at the same time. There are 12 automated gates where passengers scan their biometric passports and have a photo taken. Data is collected to verify identity matches and undergo background checks. Therefore, you can use the e-gates only if you hold a biometric passport. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait in line for the standard border control operated by officers. Once you complete passport control, follow the signs to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Afterward, you’ll proceed to customs. There are two channels: one for passengers who have items to declare and one for those who do not. Customs officers ensure that no prohibited items or goods requiring certification or exceeding the permitted limits enter the territory of Hungary. Moreover, if you carry more than 10.000€/11.560$, you must declare it. After customs clearance, you can exit the Arrivals hall to start your journey to your final destination in Budapest.

Are you a non-EU national traveling from a non-Schengen destination to BUD Airport? A new system has replaced the standard passport stamping from November 12, 2025. The EES (Entry/Exit System) aims to simplify and speed up border control procedures in EU countries and create a database allowing authorities to check arrivals within the EU, as well as compliance with the maximum time allowed in the Schengen Area. It applies to travelers planning to stay in the EU for a short period of time (a total of 90 days within a 180-day time frame). Passengers must provide their biometric data through facial scanning and fingerprint scans, along with the details of their passports. Data is automatically checked, while border control officers may ask further questions depending on the case. After the passport control, they collect their luggage, go through customs clearance, and exit their terminal to continue to Budapest.

The Baggage Claim Areas

There are baggage claim areas in both BUD terminals, each equipped with several baggage carousels. Travelers can check which carousel is handling their flight via the information screens located throughout the baggage claim zone. The baggage claim areas are on the first floor of the terminals. Complimentary baggage trolleys are available at both baggage claim zones. They can be used to transport luggage to the pick-up area, the taxi rank, the bus stop, or even the car park. Airport personnel continuously collect trolleys that are not returned to the designated points to ensure availability at all times.

The Pick-Up Zones

Do you need to pick up passengers arriving at Budapest Airport? There is a designated pick-up area located outside the Departures of both T2A and T2B (actually lying within the premises of the Premium Car Park). Passengers must go to the upper floor to reach the pick-up location after entering the Arrivals hall of their terminal. The first 5 minutes are free of charge, while parking fees apply after that. You must take a ticket upon entering the zone and pay the parking fees at the machines located at the terminals’ entrances. Alternatively, if you plan to park for more than just a few minutes, you should use the Terminal Parking, located within a 2-3-minute walking distance from the terminals, as it offers lower rates.

Keep Track of Flight Changes

Why waste time waiting at the airport in case of flight delays or cancellations? Our arrivals table keeps you constantly updated on every change in the BUD flight timetable. Track delays and cancellations and plan your ride accordingly, without spending unnecessary time at the airport or paying for longer parking than expected. Do you know the flight number? Even if you don’t, you can search by destination, airline, or scheduled arrival time.

The airport’s official website also offers a continuously updated flight status table, while numerous flight information screens throughout the airport keep passengers and their companions informed about flights. Additionally, if you have any questions or need to contact the airport, you can call +36 (1) 296-7000.

FAQs

How long does it take to get through Budapest Airport on arrival?

The duration of the arrival process depends on several factors, such as the time of day, the season, the departure airport, and the passenger’s nationality. On average, it takes around 20–30 minutes for flights arriving from the Schengen zone, with luggage retrieval usually being the main source of delays. On the other hand, procedures are more time-consuming for travelers arriving from a non-Schengen country, as they must also go through border control and customs clearance. In these cases, it may take up to one hour to complete the arrival process.

Is there passport control at Budapest Airport?

All passengers arriving at Budapest Airport from a non-Schengen destination must go through passport control (immigration). However, for non-EU travelers, the standard passport stamping has been replaced by the Entry/Exit System (EES), which automatically collects their biometric data and passport information.

How long does it take to clear customs in Budapest?

If you have goods or cash to declare, you must wait in the appropriate channel. Overall, the procedure usually doesn’t take long and is minimal if you have nothing to declare. You should expect to spend approximately 15-20 minutes in customs clearance, with the duration varying depending on the passenger traffic.