Airport transfer Budapest- the top 6 Budapest airport transfer choices

Are you interested in the best airport transfer Budapest? Learn about the best transfer options from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport to anywhere in the city – private transfer, taxi, public transportation and more.

TOC
T
O
C

Arriving in a foreign land by air is always an exhilarating experience. As you peer out of the airplane window, catching a first glimpse of your destination from above, the anticipation of the adventures ahead fills you with excitement. At the same time, you can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief that the long flight has finally ended and you’re about to touch down. However, before you can dive into the joy of your journey after the arrival, there’s the inevitable chore of figuring out how to get from the airport to your accommodation. We’re here to make your life easier by presenting you with a curated list of the finest transportation options to and from Budapest International Airport.

Summary Table of Budapest Transfer Prices:

Passangers: 1x ☺ 2x ☺ 3x ☺ 4x ☺ 5x ☺ 6x ☺ 7x ☺ 8x ☺ Time Pros and Cons
Private car 45 Eur 45 Eur 45 Eur 45 Eur 50 Eur 50 Eur 55 Eur 55 Eur 45 min + no hidden fee
+ flexible
Taxi 30-45 Eur 30-45 Eur 30-45 Eur 30-45 Eur 60-90 Eur
(need two cars)
60-90 Eur
(need two cars)
60-90 Eur
(need two cars)
60-90 Eur
(need two cars)
45 min – Extra costs may apply
Minibud 20 Eur 23 Eur 24 Eur 26 Eur 42 Eur 46 Eur 46 Eur 52 Eur 45-120 min – Can be very slow
– The travel time can be as long as 3 hours
100E Express Bus
Bus ticket + 1 ticket
7 Eur 14 Eur 21 Eur 28 Eur 35 Eur 42 Eur 49 Eur 56 Eur 45-65 min – NOT Door to Door
200E Bus with underground transfer required
1+1 ticket
3.5 Eur 7 Eur 10.5 Eur 14 Eur 17.5 Eur 21 Eur 24.5 Eur 28 Eur 45-60 min – NOT Door to Door
Our Mercedes V-Class minivan, available for private airport transfers.
Our Mercedes V-Class minivan, available for private airport transfers.

Leave it to us – that’s right, we do private transfers from the airport to anywhere in the city and back! Just tell us when you land and hop in our VIP cars at the airport with your family or friends like real VIP guests!

To Budapest city center or anywhere else in the city? Of course, every location is easily and comfortably accessible with our help!

What’s more, as experienced tourism professionals, we can give you tips, tricks, and recommendations while we’re taking you to your accommodation. In fact, as trusted partners of several long-established and trending companies specialized in tourism, you’ll be able to get tickets to tons of attractions and things to do at discounted prices. And to top it all off, you can also call us to take you places while you’re in the city – we’re happy to help!

Advantages to having your own private airport transfer to the city center (or anywhere else in the city)

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits you’ll get from our private airport transfer service, there are a number of other upsides to choose this option:

  • Share the price – the more friends you travel with, the less each of you needs to pay
  • Room for your luggage – you can comfortably place your luggage and rest assured it’s safe
  • There are no surprises – we work at a fixed rate, so no matter the traffic or distance, you’ll only need to pay what you agreed to in advance
  • Professional drivers
  • Excellent service

Budapest airport transfer – how much does it cost?

  • 1-4 persons: €45
  • 4-6 persons: €50
  • 6-8 persons: €55

Meeting Point at the Budapest Airport

If you choose a private transfer service, it’s recommended to request a welcome sign or name board. In this case, the driver will already be waiting for us in the hall, and there’s nothing else to do. This service usually costs 10 euros, generally covering the parking fee at the airport. The inner road in front of the airport is divided into nine zones (indicated by large, orange signs). After arriving and walking out of the airport, notify the private driver in which zone you are, and they will arrive at the location within minutes. You just need to watch for the car. This is usually the case because parking at the airport is very expensive, and most drivers wait near the airport. Again, it’s recommended to request a welcome sign or name board for a private transfer service. The driver will wait for us in the hall, with no further action needed. This 10 euros, generally covering the parking fee at the airport. The inner road in front of the airport is divided into nine zones (indicated by large, orange signs). After arriving and walking out of the airport, notify the private driver in which zone you are, and they will arrive at the location within minutes. You just need to watch for the car. This arrangement is typical because airport parking is very expensive, and most drivers wait near the airport.

Sound good? Book your Budapest airport transfer with us now.

The waiting area of Főtaxi, the only taxi company authorized to idle at Budapest Airport.
The waiting area of Főtaxi, the only taxi company authorized to idle at Budapest Airport.

Getting into a cab is probably the most widespread way of leaving or arriving at an airport – or in movies it is anyway – and it’s for a reason. Taxis are available both in the city and at the airport 24/7, which eliminates the need to plan far ahead like you need to with private transfers, but still they offer a door-to-door service so you don’t need to hassle with and watch out for your luggage.

Bolt Taxi at the Airport

Many travelers are aware that in Budapest, the most reliable taxi is the “bolt” taxi (with a green logo on a yellow background). This is true, but I don’t recommend it for transfers from the airport to the city. In Budapest, all taxis work with a fixed fare, so traveling with a bolt taxi will not be cheaper. Moreover, you have to order a bolt taxi in advance, and it can take a lot of time for them to arrive since they cannot park at the airport area but wait nearby or come from the city, which can make finding the ordered taxi difficult. There’s also a chance that the driver might charge extra for entering the airport as they are only allowed free entry twice a day. Therefore, if you insist on taking a taxi to the city, I recommend the main taxi service.

Be careful of the route the driver chooses to take in the city. It can significantly affect the price! Depending on the time of day, it can be very quick or very slow to get to the city center. However, taxis can use bus lanes and reach the destination faster. Some taxis use the M0 motorway, which is a significant detour. It’s not always a scam; sometimes, their navigation system shows this as the fastest route, even if it’s double the distance in kilometers.

Most taxi drivers travel between the city center and the airport several times a day. They aim to drop off passengers as quickly as possible to start a new fare. They usually drive quite fast until the city limits. If this bothers us, we should encourage the driver to slow down.

At Budapest airport, the only taxi company authorized to idle on the premises is Főtaxi (literally ‘main taxi’).

Transfer booking: how to get a Főtaxi

Get a taxi from their airport booths located outside both terminals:

When you’re up next, go to the booth, tell the coordinator where you want to go, and take the little paper slip they hand you. Then, go to the taxi waiting area, check the number on the paper slip, and look for the taxi that’s going to pick you up. The driver will have already been informed of the address they need to take you to, but of course, there’s no harm in cross-checking it.

Tip

There are two booths located 150 meters apart (one outside Terminal 2A and one outside Terminal 2B), so if there’s a huge line in front of one of them, it might be worth checking if there are less people at the other.

Cost of transfer

11,000-15,000 Ft (€30-40) depending on distance and duration of journey. There’s a credit card terminal in all cabs, so you don’t need to worry about exchanging money at the airport (plus money exchange offices usually work with higher rates at airports, so we definitely recommend you don’t exchange money as soon as you land).

Naturally, Főtaxi isn’t the only taxi company in Budapest, so you can request a cab from other companies, too. However, since they’re not authorized to wait at the airport, they are usually parked a bit further out and only drive into the premises when they have somebody to pick up, which means you’ll probably need to wait a bit after you call them. There are two roads running parallely in front of the terminals, you’ll want to wait for your taxi by the outer one, as the first one is reserved for the city’s airport buses and authorized taxis. The good news is taxi fares are regulated at city level, so whichever company you choose, you’ll be charged at the same rates. However, beware of the so-called ‘taxi hyenas’ who appear to claim to be licensed taxi drivers but are actually frauds trying to rip off their passengers (mostly unsuspicious tourists) with unreasonably high prices. It’s best to always get a taxi from an official taxi company via phone or an app.

Keep in mind that most taxis can only fit up to 4 people (which is already kind of crowded) and the ones that can pick up 6 passengers don’t have any room for luggage. If you’re traveling in a group of 5 or more, it’s already worth opting for private transfer rather than getting two cabs, so pre-book now, if you can plan ahead your private car.

Summary of
Főtaxi

Opening hours
0-24h Open
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
Budapest, Kerepesi út 15, 1087 Magyarország

3. Transfer from Budapest Airport: MiniBUD – the official Budapest Airport shuttle service

MiniBUD, the official transfer service provider of Budapest Airport
MiniBUD, the official transfer service provider of Budapest Airport

MiniBUD is the official shuttle service provider of Budapest Airport, transporting passengers from the airport to their homes and vice versa. As such, they’re a reliable means of airport transfer with great customer service, tons of helpful hostesses, and multiple locations at the airport.

You can use miniBUD both individually and in a group, but if you’re traveling alone, it might take a while till you get home or to the airport. MiniBUDs pick up several passengers from the same area before they head to the airport and, similarly, wait for several passengers at the airport before they leave and start dropping them off one at a time. If you’re the last on the driver’s list, it might even take 1.5-2 hours.

If you need a ride to the airport, you can book a miniBUD way ahead of time and on relatively short notice as well (but make sure you book your seat on their website or on the phone no later than 5 hours before your flight departs). If you need a lift from the airport, all you need to do after you land is looking for a miniBUD customer service counter – they’ll assist you right away.

Cost of transfer

Seats in a miniBUD are available from as low as €20 (depending on number of passengers and transport destination), but it’s also possible to book a whole van for approximately €51.

Find more information on: https://www.minibud.hu/ (you might need to change the language manually).

Summary of
MiniBUD

Opening hours
0-24h Open
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media

4. Car rental – the most independent airport transfers in Budapest

Budapest is full of car rentals
Budapest is full of car rentals

Most car rental businesses in Budapest have offices at the airport, so going into town by car is a piece of cake, however, it’s worth looking around prices on the Internet, as most car rentals work with increased prices at the airport. In extreme cases, it might even be cheaper to take a taxi to the city and rent a car there.

Prices can vary on a broad spectrum depending on the car of your choice, the duration of your holiday, and more, so for the most accurate information, check out our article on car rental.

5. Bus – the most local way of transportation

A BKK vending machine offering all types of tickets and passes for moving around the city
A BKK vending machine offering all types of tickets and passes for moving around the city

Choosing bus as airport shuttle transfer is alsp very popular. Those who like getting familiar with their holiday destination’s public transportation (and don’t mind dragging their luggage around) will be happy to learn that BKK, the capital’s public transport service operates 2 buses to and from Budapest Airport: 100E and 200E. Let’s cover them in increasing order:

100E Airport Express bus– the fast airport bus transfer

100E is an express bus transfer service racing through the south-eastern regions of Budapest connecting its center with the airport. It only stops twice in each direction:

  • Budapest Airport – Kálvin Square – Astoria – Deák Ferenc Square
  • Deák Ferenc Square – Kálvin Square – Budapest Airport

The airport stop is located in front of the airport’s exit, about halfway between the two terminals – you can’t miss it! Whichever bus you choose, you can buy all types of tickets and passes using the BKK vending machines placed outside the terminals (or the company’s official app). And you don’t need to worry about cash either: all the machines accept card payment.

  • Cost of transfer: 100E has its own ticket which costs 2200 forints (approximately €5,8).
  • Pro: it’s a lot faster than the other bus line and takes you directly to the city center without the need to transfer.
  • Con: the cost of 100E is significantly higher than 200E which can be used with a generic single ticket.

The bus service runs 24/7 every day of the week,

  • on Mondays and Fridays, during the day, every 6-10 minutes,
  • on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, during the day, every 7-10 minutes,
  • in the morning and evening, every 10-15 minutes,
  • at night, on average, every 30-40 minutes.

With the pay-and-go devices on the bus, you can also purchase and validate tickets with a bank card, even for multiple people.

pay-and-go-budapest

E100 Pay-and-Go for Ticket Purchases: This card reader is also found on the M1 (yellow) metro line.

This reader does not issue tickets; you simply set the number of tickets you wish to buy and tap your bank card against it. A light signal and beep indicate the completion of the transaction. Many people repeat the payment process because the system doesn’t dispense a physical ticket, leading to multiple charges. Ticket validity on the vehicle can be checked by the inspectors using the card number shown on the bank card.

For more information on the bus and its schedule, visit 100E Airport Express

100E Airport Express bus between the airport and the city center
100E Airport express bus

Airport transfers Budapest to city: 200E – the cheap airport bus transfer

Bus 200E runs between Budapest Airport and Kőbánya-Kispest, the terminus of metro line M3 (the blue one running across the city vertically), serving a large number of stops. For this reason, many people use it for their daily commute, so don’t get alarmed if the bus gets pretty crowded about halfway through the journey. As the terminus of the bus is Kőbánya-Kispest, chances are you’ll need to transfer to metro line M3 to get closer to the inner parts of the city. In this case, consider getting a transfer ticket which comes out to less than two single tickets combined or – if you’re planning to explore the city using public transportation a lot – a 10-ticket block for the price of 9 tickets, or even a multi-day pass that you can use on every line throughout the city during the whole duration of your stay.

  • Cost of transfer: you can use bus 200E with a single ticket which costs 450 forints (1.2 euro).
  • Pro: the cost of riding 200E is about a third of the price of a ticket for 100E.
  • Con: since 200E has a lot of stops, it takes a lot more to reach its terminus, and you also need to transfer to metro line M3.
Heads-up

Be aware that night services operate in the evening!

200E bus
200E bus

Budapest public transfer Tickets and Passes:

Budapest public transfer ticket and passes
Budapest Public Transfer Tickets and passes

Maps and departures for airport buses:

Budapest public transport bus timetable and night lines
From the City centre to the airport by public transport
Budapest public transport bus timetable
From the airport to the city centre by public transport
Budapest night public transport connection
Night buplic transport connections from the main railway stations to airport

Additional info for bus riders

Remember, public transportation isn’t a door-to-door service, so whether it’s 100E or 200E you choose, you might need to transfer to another metro, tram, or bus line, walk a bit, or do a combination of these. Don’t forget to check how you can reach your accommodation from the airport using BKK.

For more information on the bus and its schedule, visit https://bkk.hu/en/timetables/#200E.

Where Can I Buy Tickets at the Airport?

Tickets for the buses can be purchased at four locations:

  1. At the ticket counter located near terminal 2A at the airport, open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  2. From the ticket machines outside the airport, which operate non-stop.
  3. Through the Budapest Go app. This app is available for Apple and Android phones (currently not for Huawei). More information can be found at https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/budapestgo/. It’s advisable to download the app before leaving home.
  4. On the buses themselves.

6. Train – the quickest transfer option during rush hours from Budapest Airport to city

Ferihegy Railway Station, the fastest way to get to the city from Budapest Airport during rush hours
Ferihegy Railway Station, the fastest way to get to the city from Budapest Airport during rush hours

For those on the adventurous side, there is one more way of transportation from Budapest Airport to the city center: taking a train right to Nyugati Railway Station (Nyugati pályaudvar) which is about as central as a train station can get. With a direct connection to metro line M3, tram 4-6, and a bunch of bus lines, any part of the city is easy to reach from there.

Before you board the train, however, you do need to take bus 200E for a couple of stops (or bus 900 at night). You’ll want to get off at Ferihegy vasútállomás (Ferihegy Railway Station), which is theoretically 7 stops from the airport, but the bus might skip a few stops if no one wants to board or get off, so watch carefully. It’s best to keep an eye on the displays placed on the ceiling of the bus and listen to what stop is announced on the PA.

When you get off at Ferihegy vasútállomás, you can purchase your train ticket at a domestic ticket office (open every day from 6 AM to 6 PM), or from the ticket machines located on the platforms. The good news is that any train that stops at Ferihegy vasútállomás will be good for you, and what’s even better is that there are about 100 trains operating between the airport and Nyugati every day.

Cost of transfer: a single ride is 370-915 Ft (approx. €1-2.5) depending on train type and class

Pro tip:

and 72-hour, weekly and monthly travel passes for Budapest public transport are also valid for these trains. You can purchase any of these passes from the BKK ticket machines outside the terminals or online at https://bkk.hu/mobileticket/.

Fun fact

Believe it or not, but in rush hours, when private transfers, taxis, and cars easily get caught up in heavy traffic, taking the train is actually the quickest way to get to the city. So, if you arrive in Budapest in rush hours, and your hotel or other form of accommodation is anywhere near Nyugati pályaudvar, this transfer option may just beat all others on this list.

To get more info on trains or purchase your ticket in advance, visit https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en

Budapest Airport Transfer Cost

The transfer cost from Budapest airport to the city is around 10 euros per person on average. Two types of transfers should be distinguished: Door to door service: This is recommended when you have a lot of luggage or when three or more people are using the service. In case of multiple passengers, it can be much cheaper than public transport. Public transfer: Mainly recommended for backpackers, costing about 4 euros per head. Requires more attention.

Budapest Airport Transfer Time

Three time slots to consider:

Night: Mainly between 10 PM and 6 AM. By car: 25-30 minutes. By public transport: around 45 – 60 minutes, but longer due to less frequent services.

Daytime: Between 10 AM and 3 PM. By car: 35-40 minutes. By public transport: around 45-60 minutes. Rush hour:

Morning 7 AM to 9 AM: From the airport to the city by car takes 40-60 minutes, but it can be longer than an hour. Public transport might be faster at this time.

Afternoon 4 PM to 6 PM: From the city center to the airport by car takes 40-60 minutes. Airlines generally advise arriving at the airport at least two hours before the flight’s scheduled departure!

This message is mainly for those traveling from the city center to Liszt Ferenc International Airport. There is only one main road from the city center to the airport, known as the airport expressway. This long road has two entrances and two exits. Any accident on this road can make it unusable, so drivers can only reach the airport via surrounding small streets, which can add an extra 30 minutes of travel time! Unfortunately, incidents occur once or twice a month on this road.

Can I travel from Budapest airport to the city with Uber?

Many tourists visiting Hungary believe that the popular Uber service, available in many other countries, operates in Hungary. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead, it’s recommended to choose a private transfer service.

The most popular destination from the airport is usually Budapest city center. However, several other Hungarian cities are also popular destinations:

1. Airport transfer from Budapest Airport to Debrecen: Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city and also has an airport, officially named Debrecen International Airport (DEB).

2. Airport transfer From Budapest Airport to Hévíz: Hévíz is one of Hungary’s most popular resort towns, internationally known and recognized for its thermal baths.

3. Airport transfer  from Budapest Airport to Vienna: Vienna is the capital of Austria. Visitors to this city often prefer to reach Vienna International Airport, which is larger than Budapest Airport and offers more connections to various parts of the world.

  • Budapest Airport to Marriott Hotel: The Marriott Hotel is located on the banks of the Danube, between the Erzsébet Bridge and the Chain Bridge, closer to the Erzsébet Bridge.
  • Budapest Airport to Intercontinental Hotel: The Intercontinental Hotel is situated on the banks of the Danube, next to the Chain Bridge, and offers rooms with panoramic views of the Buda Castle.
  • Budapest Airport to Anantara New York Palace Hotel: The Anantara New York Palace Hotel is a recently renovated building that also houses the famous New York Café. Although not located in the city center, it is still considered a luxury hotel.
  • Budapest Airport to Hilton: The Hilton Budapest is located in the Buda Castle district on the Buda side. It is the farthest from the city center but offers a peaceful stay in a quiet neighborhood.

Q&A

What’s the best way to get to the city from Budapest Airport?
Make your journey comfortable, book a transfer now! The most convenient way of airport transfer is without doubt a private door-to-door service. Book your airport transfer with us and get discounts on attractions in Budapest.
What’s the quickest way to get to the city from Budapest Airport?
Generally, private transfers and taxis are the quickest way to travel between the airport and your accommodation, especially as they’re door-to-door services. However, rush hours can cause traffic jams which can affect these greatly, so taking a train from Ferihegy Railway Station might be faster at those times.
How can I get to the city from Budapest Airport?
There are multiple ways one can get to Budapest Airport, including private transfer services, taxis, and public transportation. If you want to arrive directly to your hotel (your hotel door) without any inconviniences,  we would highly recommend to plan ahaed.
Does Budapest have Uber?
Many tourists visiting Hungary believe that the popular Uber service, available in many other countries, operates in Hungary. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead, it’s recommended to choose a private transfer service.
Your experience is important.
Anything you have not found?

Ask a Question

    Please log in to write a review.

    There is no review yet.