In short: BUD is 25 km from the centre. 100E Airport Express bus: 2,200 HUF (~€5.50), 40 minutes to Deák tér. 200E + M3 metro: cheaper for pass holders. Bolt from pickup zone: ~€15–20. Főtaxi: €25–35.
Your Options
100E Airport Express: Direct to Deák Ferenc tér (M1/M2/M3 hub), stopping at Astoria (M2) and Kálvin tér (M3). Buy at BKK desk, purple vending machines, or tap bank card via Budapest Pay&GO. Every 20 minutes, 03:40–01:20. 40 minutes. Requires its own ticket — NOT included in standard BKK passes.
200E + M3 combo: Bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest M3 terminus (04:00–23:00), then metro. Covered by standard BKK tickets and travel passes. Slower total journey but free with passes.
Bolt: Follow signs to designated Bolt pickup in parking lot (not directly outside arrivals). Typically 30–50% cheaper than Főtaxi, €15–20. Highly recommended.
Főtaxi: Official airport taxi rank outside arrivals. €25–35 to central Budapest. Pre-booking possible via website.
EES Note (2026)
Since April 2026, Budapest Airport is a full EES biometric border point for non-EU arrivals from outside Schengen. First entry: budget 15–30 extra minutes for biometric registration before reaching arrivals.
FAQ
Is there a train from Budapest Airport?
Not directly from the terminal. Budapest Airport does not have an in-terminal train station, but you can use public transport connections through the city using the BKK journey planner. For most visitors, the simpler airport option is the direct 100E Airport Express bus into central Budapest.
Can I use contactless payment on the 100E airport bus?
Yes. Budapest Pay&GO allows you to tap a bank card or smart device directly on the validator when boarding the 100E Airport Express. BKK’s Pay&GO guide explains how contactless ticket purchase and validation work.
Is there night service from Budapest Airport?
Yes, but always check the live schedule before relying on late-night transport. The 100E Airport Express is the main direct airport bus, while taxis and Bolt are the easiest fallback options late at night or after flight delays.
Do I need to book Főtaxi at Budapest Airport?
No. Főtaxi is the official contracted taxi provider at Budapest Airport, and taxis are normally available from the airport rank on demand. Pre-book through the Főtaxi online order page if you want guaranteed availability at unusual hours.
Related Articles
- Eastern Europe Train Travel Guide 2026
- Budapest to Bucharest: Overnight Train Guide
- Best UK Airports for Eastern Europe Flights 2026
- Eastern Europe Summer Travel Deals 2026
- Eastern Europe Travel Guide 2026
- Eastern Europe Travel Guide for Vegans 2026
Created by WanderGuide Travel Desk
Practical travel planning, built for independent travellers.
WanderGuide articles are created using official tourism and transport sources, route research, hotel-area checks, cost comparisons, local travel context and practical itinerary planning for first-time and budget-conscious travellers.
Read our editorial approach