Uber in BUD Airport

Are you familiar with using Uber for your rides? Do you enjoy requesting transfers quickly and conveniently through the Uber app instead of looking for a regular taxi at the taxi ranks? You’re definitely not alone! Uber is present in more than 10.000 cities, offering efficient services to millions of customers around the world. Budapest is one of them. In fact, Uber operates at Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport as well. If you want all the details to make your already convenient Uber journeys from the airport even easier, just read this handy guide!

Uber Services at Budapest Airport

Uber is a leading global company that also provides its services at Budapest International Airport. However, this wasn’t always the case. Indeed, Uber ceased its operations in 2016 following protests from local taxi companies, only resuming in 2024. However, the Uber system in Budapest isn’t the usual. Uber actually collaborates with Főtaxi, one of the primary taxi companies in Hungary. Thus, Uber (called Uber Taxi) uses regular taxi vehicles to provide its services, while drivers are authorized taxi drivers with official licenses. Expectantly, Uber and taxi fares and prices are approximately the same.

Are you flying to Budapest Airport? Do you want to catch an Uber to reach your destination in Budapest? Uber is available around the clock at BUD Airport, picking up passengers from designated points outside both terminals’ (sub-terminals 2A and 2B) Arrivals areas. That being said, keep in mind that waiting times are longer early in the morning or late at night. If you arrive during these hours, expect to wait a few minutes for your Uber to reach the pick-up location.

Booking your Uber: an Easy Process

Have you collected your luggage and are ready to leave the airport? Open the Uber app, or download it if you are a first-time user and create an account. Now, it’s time to request a ride.

Overall, the Uber app is easy to use and provides clear directions and guidelines through every step of the booking process. You’ll be asked to set Budapest Airport as your pick-up point and enter the exact address of your destination as your drop-off location. Once you do that, you’ll see the available options, including estimated fares and waiting times. In detail, you can choose among the following Uber options for your ride from Budapest Airport:

• Uber Taxi: It can accommodate up to 4 passengers with limited luggage. It is the most common alternative. Therefore, it typically has the shortest waiting times.
• Uber Taxi Comfort: With a 1-4-passenger capacity, this Uber category offers rides with premium and new (or as-good-as-new) vehicles. Moreover, cars are more spacious, providing extra leg space for passengers.
• Uber Taxi Green: Environmentally conscious travelers usually choose this category. Rides are provided via electric or hybrid vehicles (plug-in hybrid, 100% battery electric, etc.), which have a significantly lower impact on the environment.
• Uber Taxi XL: The ideal option for groups of travelers, as Uber Taxi XL can accommodate up to 6 passengers and more luggage.

No matter which category you choose, Uber fares are generally similar. This is the result of Uber’s collaboration with local taxis, which leads to similar fare regulations. You can see the estimated cost next to each category, confirming they are the same. Once you choose the most suitable category for you, you’ll need to set the pick-up location. Are you picking up your Uber from terminal 2A or terminal 2B? In both cases, you’ll receive clear instructions to the exact pick-up point at each terminal’s Arrivals level, and you can also view the location on the map. In fact, you can track the taxi’s route to the pick-up point in real time, staying updated. Additionally, you’ll receive your driver’s name, along with the vehicle’s license plate, brand, and color, ensuring you get into the assigned car.

Always verify the driver’s and vehicle’s details before entering the taxi to avoid being scammed.

Unfortunately, Uber doesn’t offer flat fares, since regular taxis are metered as well. However, you’ll be provided with the estimated cost of the ride to give you an idea of the fare. Factors such as traffic, any toll fees, and the exact destination always affect the final price. Moreover, if you’re late to the pick-up point, extra fees for waiting time may apply. Payments can be made in cash or via a credit or debit card directly through the app. Paypal payments are also accepted. As for tipping, it is always appreciated. You can leave a small tip in cash or add it through the app as well. Finally, if you enjoyed your ride, Uber invites you to rate it to help future customers and provide feedback on your driver.

Optimize Your Uber Ride

Here are a few tips and guidelines to enjoy your Uber ride to the fullest:

• If you have any questions or specific information to share, you can directly contact your driver through the Uber app.
• If you carry lots of luggage, you should contact the driver to make sure it fits in the vehicle’s trunk.
• You should also contact the driver if you’re traveling with a pet.
• Do you want to book several rides? Choose the “order for someone else” option to book the ride that isn’t for you.
• You can add in-between stops during the booking process.
• Children’s seats aren’t always available. However, you are welcome to use your own.
• Uber drivers generally take the fastest route to the passenger’s destination. Still, you can ask the driver to follow the route of your choice.
• Uber lets you share your ride details and real-time location with loved ones for safety reasons.

Other Transfer Options from BUD Airport

Undecided about using Uber for your ride? Let’s explore your alternatives. Airport taxis offer direct journeys at the same price as Uber. However, they fall short in terms of safety, as you won’t know your driver’s details in advance, nor can you share your trip information. Additionally, Uber informs passengers of the approximate fare of their ride. This makes scamming and overcharging less likely. On the other hand, private airport transfers are also favored among BUD travelers. However, they are slightly more expensive than Uber and taxi rides due to the premium services provided. Travelers on a tight budget typically opt for a bus ride to their journey’s end. While bus journeys can be time-consuming and inconvenient, they remain the most affordable option. Nevertheless, families and groups sharing taxi rides often pay fares roughly equivalent to bus journeys. Last but not least, travelers who enjoy autonomous rides usually rent a car at Budapest Airport.

My Tip: BUD Airport doesn’t house a railway station. However, many passengers take a bus to the nearby Ferihegy Train Station to catch the traffic-independent train to Nyugati Station. Should you want to catch the train as well, you’ll need to board the Bus 200E to reach Ferihegy Station.