How to Get Tickets for the 100E Airport Shuttle Bus in Budapest
- Betti Tour Guide in Budapest
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6
If you're traveling between the airport and the city center in Budapest, the 100E Airport Shuttle Bus is one of the easiest and most convenient options. The only slightly confusing part? The ticket system. But don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it so you can start your trip stress-free.
🎫 Option 1: Tap to Pay on the Bus
This is by far the simplest option—especially after a long flight.
Just tap your contactless bank card or phone when boarding, and you’re good to go. No need to download anything or stand in line.
Good to know:
One tap = one ticket (so each person needs their own card or device)
Most international cards and Apple/Google Pay work smoothly
This is always the full-price ticket (no discounts here)
👉 Perfect if you just want to get into the city quickly without overthinking it.
📱 Option 2: Buy a Ticket on the App
If you prefer having everything ready in advance, the BudapestGO app is a great option.
One important tip: You’ll need to register with an email address to use the app.
👉 It’s a really good idea to set this up before you arrive in Budapest, so you’re not dealing with registration at the airport when all you want is to get moving.
How it works:
Download the app
Register your account
Buy a “100E Airport Shuttle Bus” ticket
Activate it before boarding
Scan it when you get on
It’s simple once you’re set up, and it saves you from waiting at ticket machines.
🎟️ Option 3: Ticket Machines
If you prefer a physical ticket, you can buy one from the purple ticket machines operated by BKK.
You’ll find them:
At the airport
At major transport hubs around the city
Helpful tips:
They accept both card and cash
You can switch the language to English
Make sure to select the 100E airport bus ticket (not a regular ticket)
🚪 A Quick Heads-Up at Boarding
One thing that often surprises visitors:
There are staff members standing at the bus doors when you board.
They’re there to:
Check and scan tickets
Make sure everyone has a valid fare
Help if you need to use tap-to-pay
👉 So just have your ticket ready—or your card in hand—when you step on. It’s all very smooth and organized, just a bit more structured than some people expect.
💡 Monthly Pass vs Other Passes (Easy to Mix Up!)
This is where it can get a little confusing, so let’s keep it clear:
✅ If you have a monthly pass
You don’t need to pay full price. Instead, you can buy a discounted extension ticket (1000 HUF).
Just remember:
You need to show both your monthly pass and the extension ticket
One without the other isn’t valid
👉 It’s a great little saving if you’re staying longer in the city.
❌ If you have a 24-hour or 72-hour pass
These are not valid on the 100E bus.
You cannot use them on this line
You cannot buy an extension ticket with them
You’ll need to purchase a separate 100E ticket
👉 This is a very common misunderstanding, so it’s worth double-checking before you board.
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong choice here—just what feels easiest for you:
Want quick and effortless → Tap to pay
Like being prepared → Use the app (just register in advance!)
Prefer something physical → Ticket machines
And if you’re using public transport a lot:
Monthly pass → discounted extension option
24h / 72h passes → separate airport ticket needed
A tiny bit of preparation goes a long way here—and makes your arrival in Budapest feel smooth from the very first moment.
If you’d like, I can also help you figure out which 100E stop is best based on where you’re staying—sometimes that alone can save you quite a bit of time.
Enjoyed this post? Let’s explore Budapest together!
I’m Betti, your private tour guide behind Betti Tours Budapest.
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