Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre

Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre

Marko Jovanović, 10 Jul 2025

The nearest airport to Budapest City Centre is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). It sits about 16 kilometers southeast of the city. This airport has flights to many cities in Europe and other parts of the world. Budapest is the capital of Hungary. The city sits along the Danube River and has many old buildings, bridges, and hot springs. People visit famous places like Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. There are also markets, cafes, and wide streets for walking. You can ride buses, trams, and the metro to move around the city easily.

Budapest Airport is the main airport in Hungary. It has two terminals and is easy to get around. Travelers can find places to eat, shops, and spots to sit and rest. Many airlines fly from here, including low-cost and full-service carriers. Flights go to cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Istanbul.

About the Airport

Official Name: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Location: About 16 kilometers southeast of Budapest City Centre, Hungary.

Airport Facilities: The airport has restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and places to charge phones. You can get help at the information desk. There are ATMs, car rentals, and options to book a private taxi.

So, how do you get from Budapest Airport to the city centre?

When you travel from Budapest Airport to the city center, you have a few choices. You can take the train, bus, taxi, or a private airport transfer. The easiest way is to book a Budapest Airport Taxi in advance.

Photo by <a href=Ljubomir Žarković on Unsplash" />

Photo by Ljubomir Žarković on Unsplash

Traveling from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to the city center brings you close to some of the capital’s most iconic locations. Váci Street, a bustling pedestrian shopping avenue, lies in the heart of downtown, lined with cafes, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Nearby, Oktogon is a major intersection known for its vibrant nightlife and central location along the Grand Boulevard. The elegant Elisabeth Bridge connects Buda and Pest over the Danube, offering direct access to historic landmarks. Keleti Train Station, one of Budapest’s main railway hubs, serves as a gateway for domestic and international rail travel. Close to the river, Corvinus University stands as one of Hungary’s most prestigious institutions, surrounded by cultural attractions and scenic views. All these destinations are within 30 to 45 minutes from the airport by taxi or private transfer, making Budapest’s center both accessible and full of character.

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Bus from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre

Journey Time: The bus ride from Budapest Airport to the city centre takes about 40 minutes.

Key Point: You can take the Airport Express Bus (100E) from Budapest Airport. This bus runs every 30 minutes and goes to Deák Ferenc tér in the middle of the city. It runs all day and all night, every day.

You can also take Bus 200E. It runs every 20 to 60 minutes. This bus stops at Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. From there, you can take Metro Line 3 to reach the city centre.

Both buses run during the day and at night. The Airport Express runs every 6 to 10 minutes during the day and every 30 to 40 minutes at night.

Bus Fare from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre

The bus fare from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre is about €5.55 (HUF 2200) per person.

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MiniBUD Shuttle from Budapest Airport Shuttle Service

MiniBUD is the official airport shuttle service operating exclusively at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). It offers shared ride option to virtually any address within Budapest and even to nearby towns. As the airport’s designated partner, MiniBUD provides a budget-friendly transportation service ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.

You can pre-book online or use the self-service kiosks at the airport, or go to the MiniBUD desk located in the arrivals hall.

As a shared service, the shuttle may stop at multiple hotels or addresses, which can significantly increase the total journey time, especially during busy hours or if you're one of the last drop-offs. Even with a pre-booked ride, you may have to wait for other passengers to arrive and board, causing delays right after landing. The service runs on fixed routes and scheduling; it might not suit travelers who need more immediate or customized transport.

MiniBUD Shuttle Fare from the Airport

Shared Ride: Starting from €10–€12 per person, depending on destination and number of passengers.

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Train from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre

There is no train station at the airport, so you must take both a bus and a train to reach the city.


Journey Time: The full train trip from Budapest Airport to the city centre takes about 35 to 40 minutes.

Key Point: First, take Bus 200E from the airport. This bus leaves every 20 to 60 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to reach Ferihegy Train Station. You will get off there. Next, get on the S50 train toward Nyugati Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and the ride takes 25 to 30 minutes. Nyugati sits in the middle of Budapest.

Train Fare from Budapest Airport to Budapest City Centre

The total fare from Budapest Airport to the city centre is about €2.40 (HUF 950) per person.

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Taxi from Budapest Airport to City Centre

Journey Time: The taxi ride from Budapest Airport to the City Centre takes about 35 minutes.

Key Point: You can find taxis just outside the Arrivals area at Budapest Airport. Rides at night cost more. From June to September, taxis can take longer to arrive. You can pre-book a private taxi to avoid waiting.

Főtaxi is the exclusive licensed taxi company operating at Budapest Airport. In addition to Főtaxi, several reputable local taxi companies operate in the city, and you can use them via phone, app, or hotel concierge: City Taxi Budapest, 6x6 Taxi, TaxiPlus Budapest, BudaTaxi and Tele5 Taxi.

Taxi Fare from Budapest Airport to City Centre

A one-way taxi from Budapest Airport costs about €70 to the right bank. If you go to the left bank, the fare is about €80.

While Budapest does not have Uber or Bolt for regular ride-sharing, the city provides regulated, licensed taxi services, including Free Now as a digital platform, Főtaxi for airport pickups, and several trusted local firms. Whether you choose a private transfer, or private shuttle, reaching the city from the airport is straightforward and safe.

Budapest Airport Taxi to Budapest City

Budapest Airport Taxi to Budapest City

Private Transfers at Budapest Airport

Journey Time: A private Budapest Airport Transfer to the city centre takes about 30 to 35 minutes.

Key Point: A private transfer is one of the fastest ways to travel from Budapest Airport. Your driver will meet you right at the airport and take you straight to your hotel or address. You don’t need to worry about signs, directions, or language barriers. If it’s your first time in Budapest, signs and non-English-speaking drivers can be confusing. Many travelers use AirportTransfer.com for English-speaking drivers who know the city.

For simple booking, use the AirportTransfer.com mobile app—available on AirportTransfer App on Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store. Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours in advance, with a 100% refund.

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Group Bus Transfers at Budapest Airport

AirportTransfer.com offers Budapest Coach Transfer services which are perfect for travel agents and group travellers. Our services seamlessly connect Budapest Airport with various destinations and offer more than just transfers. You can pre-book chauffeured bus rental in Budapest and personalised bus hire options tailored to your group's needs. Whether you're planning multiple stops, a multi-day trip or a bespoke itinerary, our AT Bus Transfer Budapest services are designed to meet your requirements. Contact us to arrange private bus hire at Budapest Airport.


Budapest River Cruise Port Transfers

Budapest River Cruise Port Transfers

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Budapest Airport to River Cruise Port

Budapest is one of Europe's most popular river cruise hubs, with its scenic Danube River ports welcoming vessels from world-renowned operators such as Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Tauck, and Uniworld. The city’s main river cruise terminals—including the Mahart – International Passenger Port, Vigadó Square Dock, and Belgrád Rakpart docks—are all centrally located along the Pest and Buda sides of the Danube, offering stunning views of the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge.

These docks are situated just 4–6 km (15–20 minutes) from Budapest city centre and approximately 20–25 km (35–45 minutes) from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), depending on traffic.

The area surrounding the cruise ports is lively and well-equipped, with nearby landmarks such as Váci Street, Gellért Hill, Central Market Hall, and a wide array of restaurants, boutique hotels, and cultural sites.

For smooth and reliable ground transportation, AirportTransfer.com offers private, door-to-door Budapest River Cruise Port Transfer services between the airport and all major river cruise docks. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a larger group, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles. Arrive at your Budapest river cruise port in comfort and style. Skip the stress of navigating taxis or public transport, and start your Danube journey the right way with AirportTransfer.com.

Budapest Hotel Transfers with a Reliable Transportation Service

Budapest Hotel Transfers with a Reliable Transportation Service

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Budapest Hotel Transfers

If you're getting to your hotel from the airport, pre-book Budapest hotel transfer. We offer a variety of vehicle options, including sedans, electric cars, and minivans, ensuring a hassle-free journey to top hotels such as:
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, Corinthia Budapest, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Aria Hotel Budapest, Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge, InterContinental Budapest, Marriott Hotel Budapest, Iberostar Grand Budapest, and boutique options like Hotel Moments Budapest, New York Palace Hotel, and luxury stays like Matilda Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

Budapest Airport to HUNGEXPO

Located in District X (Kőbánya), HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center is the city’s largest and most important event venue, hosting international trade fairs, exhibitions, business summits, and cultural events throughout the year. It spans a vast area within the Budapest Fairgrounds and includes modern pavilions, conference halls, and event infrastructure. HUNGEXPO is a key destination for business travelers and exhibitors arriving from around the world.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is located approximately 18–20 km (11–12 miles) from HUNGEXPO, with a typical travel time of 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The most convenient way to get there is by private transfer or taxi, offering direct and comfortable door-to-door service. Public transport is also an option—passengers can take bus 100E or 200E from the airport to the M3 metro line, transfer to Kőbánya-Kispest or Puskás Ferenc Stadion stations, and then take a tram or bus to Expo tér, located just outside the venue. For those seeking ease, privacy, and punctuality, AirportTransfer.com offers reliable and tailored transfers from the airport to HUNGEXPO, with a variety of vehicle options and 24/7 customer support.

The best Budapest Airport transfer reviews are at airporttransfer.com!