Budapest Airport (BUD) to the city centre
The simplest way from the airport to central Budapest is the airport bus 100E. It runs around the clock between Liszt Ferenc Airport, Kálvin tér and Deák Ferenc tér. A licensed taxi is the other common choice, and a pre-booked transfer is the third. From the centre you continue to the castle district by funicular or bus.
If you want your first day organised, a guided walk through the castle district is an easy way to start, see Buda Castle tours.
Budapest airport to city center compared
Bus, taxi and transfer for the way into town.
| Option | Route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Airport bus 100E | Airport, Kálvin tér, Deák Ferenc tér | Around the clock; about 40 minutes to the centre; special fare of HUF 2,500 |
| Bus 200E | Airport to the city | Regular BKK fare; runs around the clock |
| Licensed taxi | Door to door | Metered; HUF 2,100 airport starting fee; no fixed total to hotels |
| Pre-booked transfer | Door to door | Price agreed in advance; check what it includes |
For most visitors, the 100E is the simplest choice. A taxi suits groups with luggage, or arrivals when you do not want to change vehicles.
Our pick: shared airport shuttle
A shared minibus from Terminal 2 that drops you at your accommodation, so there is no change of vehicle with luggage.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Budapest tours and transfers
Castle district walks, airport transfers, river cruises and day trips from Budapest, with live prices and availability. Check what each offer includes before you book.
Airport bus 100E
Times, fares and who rides free.
Timetable
The 100E runs around the clock. Daytime it comes every 6–10 minutes on Mondays and Fridays and every 7–10 minutes on other days. Mornings and evenings it runs every 10–15 minutes, and at night about every 30–40 minutes on average. Traffic can change all of this, so there is no fixed journey time.
Fare
A single ticket costs HUF 2,500 since 1 October 2025 and does not include onward travel or transfers. An additional ticket at HUF 1,000 is possible only with an eligible Budapest pass, not with the half-month pass. A standard day ticket is not automatically enough on this line.
Children and seniors
Children under 14 travel free only with a Hungarian school ID, so do not count on a free ride for foreign children. People over 65 ride free with proof of age.
Bus 200E
The 200E runs around the clock at the regular BKK fare. The airport special ticket and the additional ticket of the 100E do not apply here.
Taxi and transfer from Budapest Airport (BUD)
Metered taxis, not a fixed city price.
Taxis run on a meter made up of a base fee, a distance rate and a time rate. Since August 2026 the airport starting fee is HUF 2,100. The distance rate is about HUF 520 to 521 per kilometre and the time rate HUF 130 per minute. There is no fixed price between the airport and hotels, so the total depends on traffic and your destination.
Use a licensed taxi: a yellow car and plate, with the official tariff stickers and identification details. A pre-booked transfer agrees the price in advance, so check the meeting point and what the price includes. For the area around your hotel, see where to stay in Budapest.
Book a private transfer from Budapest Airport (BUD) to the city at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Top-rated hotels in Budapest
Car rental and parking
For trips beyond the city, such as the Danube Bend.
Car rental
Car rental companies are available at the airport. Compare price, deposit and age conditions before you book, and ask whether a car makes sense for your plans. Driving into the palace area needs a permit, so on the castle hill a car does not help.
Terminal Parking
For short stays and for pick-ups. The walk to the terminal is under 1 minute.
City Break Parking
For short and medium stays. The walk to the terminal is 2–5 minutes.
Holiday Parking
For longer stays. The walk to the terminal is 4–9 minutes. Check the actual position of your space when you arrive.
Check the price for your car park type and your dates before you go. For trips by public transport instead, see day trips from Budapest.
From the airport to Buda Castle
The way up from the city centre.
Take the 100E to Deák Ferenc tér or Kálvin tér, then continue by public transport. The funicular runs from Clark Ádám tér at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge to Szent György tér near the Sándor Palace. Bus 16 is an alternative, and the night bus 916 serves the castle district after hours. Do not plan on a fixed total journey time from the airport to the castle, because the legs depend on traffic. Read about the funicular on the Castle Hill funicular page.
Budapest Airport (BUD): frequently asked questions
How do I get from Budapest Airport to the city centre?
The simplest way is the airport bus 100E, which runs around the clock to Kálvin tér and Deák Ferenc tér. A licensed taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the alternative.
How much is the airport bus 100E?
A single ticket costs HUF 2,500 since 1 October 2025. It does not include onward travel, and a standard day ticket is not automatically enough.
How much is a taxi from Budapest Airport?
Taxis are metered. Since August 2026 the airport starting fee is HUF 2,100, plus about HUF 520 to 521 per kilometre and HUF 130 per minute. There is no fixed total to hotels.
How long does the airport bus take?
About 40 minutes to the centre, depending on traffic. Treat it as an estimate, not a guarantee.
Is there a car park at the airport?
Yes. Terminal Parking is for short stays and pick-ups, City Break Parking for short and medium stays and Holiday Parking for longer stays. Check prices for your dates.
Do children travel free on the airport bus?
Children under 14 only with a Hungarian school ID. Do not assume foreign children ride free. People over 65 travel free with proof of age.