If you flying to Liszt Ferenc Airport, (the airport of Budapest), and you are looking for a Budapest airport transfer, there are affordable public transportation options to help you reach your destination in the city. One of the popular options for people travelling to and from Budapest, is the Budapest Airport Shuttle. This transport service has two bus lines: 100E and the 200E Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. The shuttle ride will only cost you as low as 3€ (900 HUF), and the travel time is somewhat similar to the taxi, which is around 35 minutes.
100E Bus Shuttle ride
The 100E bus line from the airport will take you to the city center, (Kálvin Square, Astoria and Deák Ference Square), and as it will get you there quite quickly, this is the most preferred route. The bus route is the primary airport route and thus a bit more expensive than other bus options. But, it is a cheap alternative when compared to a taxi. This shuttle ride operates between 5 in the morning up to 1:20 am every day. The bus leaves every thirty minutes.
200E Bus Shuttle ride
This route traditionally took passengers to the Kőbánya-Kispest station and transferred them to the M3 Metro, which took them to the city center. However, at the time of writing, due to renovation of the M3 Metro line, the route takes you a little further into the city, delivering you to Nagyvárad Square M3 Metro station. This service is a bit cheaper than the 100E bus option: it operates at the standard rate of buses in the city at 350 HUF or 1.15€. 200E line runs between 4 in the morning to 11 at night.
Convenience
Travelling from the Budapest airport to the city is not so difficult: the routes are accessible with many options available. The relevant buses operate day and night, which is helpful, especially for those with early or late flights. This method of transportation is popular both with tourists and locals when going to the center of Budapest. So expect the bus to be sometimes crowded and busy, and also be aware, that this may lead to some delays in getting on the buses.
A night bus operates between 00:30 in the morning to 4 am (N900). But, this bus follows the 200E bus route and takes you to the nearest M3 Metro station. But it’s worth noting that the M3 Metro line only operates between the hours of 4:00 am and 11:00 pm.
Ticket information
If you wish to take the airport shuttle, tickets are readily available in many areas, so you will not have a hard time finding a ticket machine. Tickets can be bought at ticket machines at the bus stop, at the Post Offices in the city, and Relay stores. You can also purchase the tickets onboard. However, they may charge 100HUF extra if you take the 200E. Thus, the ticket will cost 450HUF instead of 350HUF.
And please be aware: you can buy the tickets with cash only.
Where to find the Bus Shuttles at the Airport
The shuttle can be found just outside Terminal 2A and 2B. The bus 100E leaves from the BKK station situated at the center of the two terminals. For the 200E, go to the bus stop just outside Terminal 2.
Airport Bus Shuttle v Taxi Service
The shuttle service at the Budapest Airport of Liszt Ferenc, is affordable, but it comes with some drawbacks: you need to wait for around 20 minutes until the next bus arrives. Some people might not be so eager to wait, especially after a long flight. Also, going by taxi is probably quicker, and of course, with a taxi you get the door-to-door service that you’re paying for.
