Budapest airport transfers to central Pest and Buda
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is southeast of the city. The direct airport bus suits many central Pest stays, while the local bus and metro route takes more effort but is usually cheaper. A taxi helps with luggage or an address on the Buda side. Match the arrival stop to your accommodation before choosing, since the final walk can matter as much as the main journey.
The airports
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
- about 20 km southeast, roughly 30 to 60 minutes by road
Every way from the airport to Budapest
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus100E Airport Express | BUD | around 40 minutes to central Pest, depending on traffic | Central Pest stays near Deák Ferenc tér |
| Bus and metro200E and metro M3 | BUD | allow about 60 to 75 minutes to central Pest | Travelers prioritizing a cheap public transport route |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi | BUD | about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and address | Luggage, groups and direct journeys to Buda |
How each one works
Bus: 100E Airport Express
Follow signs outside Terminal 2 to the airport bus stop. The direct service links the airport with central Pest, including Deák Ferenc tér. Buy the specific airport bus ticket through an official sales channel and check current boarding and validation instructions.
Bus and metro: 200E and metro M3
Take bus 200E from Terminal 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest, then change to M3 for central Pest when the metro is running. Buy tickets or a suitable pass through official channels, checking transfer rules and validation requirements for both parts of the journey.
Taxi: Official airport taxi
Use the official taxi desk or rank outside arrivals and give the full accommodation address. Confirm the payment method before setting off. Pay the driver at the end of the journey and keep the receipt, especially if you need to recover a forgotten item.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the current 100E timetable for an overnight arrival and allow for the walk from its city stop. The 200E route needs different onward planning when M3 is closed. For an early flight, compare the official bus timetable with a taxi booked through your accommodation.
Before you land
- Save your accommodation address offline, including the district and street number.
- Check airport bus ticket rules before buying a general city transport pass.
- Allow extra road time during busy periods, especially when traveling to a flight.
Budapest airport transfers to central Pest and Buda
Which airport serves Budapest?
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, with code BUD, is the main airport for city visits. Its passenger terminals are outside the center, so plan a bus connection or taxi.
What is the cheapest way into the center?
The 200E bus with an onward metro connection is usually the cheapest option. Check current tickets and transfer rules, since the direct 100E service uses a specific airport ticket.
Is there a direct train from the terminal?
There is no railway station inside Terminal 2. For most central stays, the direct airport bus or the 200E and M3 combination is easier to organize.
Which transfer is easiest for Castle Hill?
A taxi takes you closest to your accommodation, subject to local vehicle access. Public transport involves an onward connection from Pest, so check the final uphill section before choosing.