How to Get from Budapest Airport to the City Centre (All Transport Options Explained)

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is located about 16–18 km from the city centre, and luckily, getting into town is simple, affordable, and well organized. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a longer stay, or arriving late at night, there’s an airport transfer option that fits your budget and comfort level.

This guide covers all ways to get from Budapest Airport to the city centre, including public transport, ride-hailing apps, shuttles, and private transfers — with tips to help you choose the best option.

1. 100E Airport Express Bus – The Most Popular & Tourist-Friendly Option

The 100E Airport Express is hands down the easiest way to get from Budapest Airport to downtown.

Why travelers love it:

• Direct route with no transfers

• Stops at major central locations:

  • Kálvin tér

  • Astoria

  • Deák Ferenc tér (main transport hub)

• Modern buses with air conditioning

• Space for luggage

• Frequent departures (every 10–15 minutes during the day)

⏱ Travel time: 35–45 minutes (traffic dependent)

🎟 Ticket price: 2,500 HUF

⚠️ Important: this is a special ticket and not included in regular daily or multi-day passes

Tickets can be purchased from airport ticket machines or via the BudapestGO app.

👉 Best for: first-time visitors, short stays, anyone who wants a simple and direct transferű👉 Not ideal for: travelers staying far from the city centre

2. 200E Bus + Metro Line M3 – The Cheapest Airport Transfer in Budapest

If budget is your top priority, this is the cheapest way to get from Budapest Airport to the city.

How it works:

1. Take the 200E bus from the airport

2. Ride to Kőbánya-Kispest

3. Transfer to Metro Line M3

4. Continue toward the city centre (Nyugati, Deák area, etc.)

⏱ Travel time: 50–60 minutes🎟 Tickets needed:

• 2 single tickets (one for the bus, one for the metro), or

• A 24-hour / 72-hour travel pass

💸 This option costs a fraction of the 100E bus and is ideal if you plan to use public transport

during your stay.

👉 Best for: budget travelers, backpackers, longer stays

👉 Heads-up: less convenient with large luggage and late-night arrivals

3. Bolt and Uber – App-Based Ride Services from the Airport

Budapest supports app-based ride services, with Bolt being the most commonly used. Uber also operates, but Bolt is generally more established locally.

What to expect:

• Clearly marked pick-up zones at the airport

• Estimated price shown before booking

• Card payment through the app

• No language barrier

⏱ Travel time: 25–40 minutes

💰 Price: comparable to official taxis (varies by traffic and demand)

👉 Best for: convenience, door-to-door travel, late-night arrivals

👉 Tip: download the app and set it up before landing

4. miniBUD Shuttle – Shared Door-to-Door Service

miniBUD is an official airport shuttle service offering shared transfers between the airport and hotels or private addresses.

Key features:

• Door-to-door drop-off

• Shared ride with other passengers

• Assistance with luggage

• Advance booking required

⏱ Travel time: depends on number of stops

💰 Price: mid-range (cheaper than private car, more than public transport)

👉 Best for: solo travelers, those who want help with luggage

👉 Not ideal for: travelers in a rush or with tight schedules

Booking for minibud: https://www.minibud.hu/hu

5. Private Car Transfer – The Most Comfortable Option

For maximum comfort and zero stress, a private airport transfer is the premium choice.

What you get:

• Fixed price (no surprises)

• Meet-and-greet service at arrivals

• Door-to-door transport

• No waiting, no sharing

⏱ Travel time: 25–40 minutes

💰 Cost: highest, but predictable and comfortable

👉 Best for: families, business travelers, night arrivals, travelers with lots of luggage

Comparison: Budapest Airport Transfer Options

Option	Price	Comfort	Speed
100E Airport Express	Medium	High	Medium
200E + Metro M3	Very low	Low–Medium	Medium
Bolt / Uber	Medium	High	Fast
miniBUD Shuttle	Medium	Medium	Variable
Private transfer	High	Very high	Fast

Practical Tips for Arriving at Budapest Airport

• Always validate public transport tickets

• Avoid unofficial taxi drivers inside the terminal

• Credit cards are widely accepted

• If unsure, 100E Airport Express is the safest choice

• Late-night arrival? Ride-hailing or private transfer is often easier

Final Verdict: What’s the Best Way from Budapest Airport to the City?

• First time in Budapest? → 100E Airport Express

• On a budget? → 200E bus + Metro M3

• Want comfort & flexibility? → Bolt or Uber

• Need door-to-door without stress? → miniBUD or private transfer

Budapest is one of Europe’s easiest capitals to navigate — and your airport transfer doesn’t have to be complicated.