Budapest has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. Yet, with so many options, it can be a bit confusing to figure out how return to Budapest airport for first-time visitors.
I wrote this guide based on plenty of research and using my real life experience as a tourist in Budapest. It’ll keep you away from common scams and unreliable options like Flibco buses, so you can get to the airport on time and at a fair price!
Public transport to Budapest airport
I recommend using Budapest’s public transport over any private services. It’s affordable, regular, timely, and easily accessible. You can buy tickets using Budapest Transit Center’s (BKK) BPPay&Go app, or via any ticketing devices at stops, on buses, or trains.
Bus
Direct Bus, 100E: The 100E is an express line to the airport. It departs almost every 30 minutes from Deák Ferenc tér in the city center and reaches the airport in 45 minutes, under normal traffic conditions. It operates around the clock, 7 days a week. A single trip ticket is 2200 HUF (EUR 5.57 / USD 5.99). Read more details about the 100E here.
*Note: This bus is not included in the public transport travel pass.
200E: The 200E is not an express bus, and has 13 stops on the way to the airport. It departs from Kobanya-Kispest Station in the city center and takes approximately 55 minutes. Tickets for this bus are included the public transport travel pass. If you’re not using the travel pass, a single trip ticket will cost approximately 450 HUF (EUR 1.14/ USD 1.23)
Train
There is no direct train to the airport. However, if you prefer a train journey, you can take the train from Nyugati Station to Ferihegy where you can get the 200E bus for 11 minutes to terminal 2 of Budapest airport.
Note: Steer clear of any third party services that place Google ads for train services. These are privately owned mini buses that are falsely advertising themselves as trains.
Airport shuttle services to Budapest airport
BKK
Direct Bus, 100E: I’m listing this again because it’s the most reliable and affordable shuttle service to the airport. Alternative bus services are either more expensive, or will not arrive on time.
miniBud
miniBud is Budapest Airport’s own airport shuttle provider. It will take you door-to-door from your accommodation to the airport, starting from 8990 HUF ( EUR 22 / USD 24) for a single person. It’s becomes a more affordable option for groups or couples. You can read more about miniBud on its official website.
Taxi services
Budapest has a few reliable taxi services to help you get around. All cabs are required by law to accept credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash.
Bolt
Bolt is the most popular taxi app in Budapest in 2024. A taxi from the city center to the airport will cost approximately 11840 HUF ( EUR 30/ USD 32). The Bolt app can be downloaded from the Google Play or App Store.
City Taxi and Főtaxi
Budapest has plenty of taxi services to choose from, many of which have mixed reviews from tourists. While some of these taxi services also offer apps, they are nowhere near as user friendly as Bolt.
If you want to try a local service, you can call them and speak to an English operator.
City Taxi: +36 1 211 1111
Főtaxi: +36 1 222 2222
Unreliable and scam options to Budapest airport
Like any big city, Budpaest is not without its fair share of scams. Try to avoid these common scams when you plan your return trip to the airport.
Flibco
Flibco is a Luxembourgish company with a poor bus services and dishonest marketing tactics. They offer a shuttle bus from Népliget Bus Station, Keleti Railway Station and a few other spots throughout the city. However, the buses do not arrive and Flibco does not offer refunds. Yikes!
A quick look at their low Trustpilot, Tripadvisor, and Google Reviews tells you everything you need to know –– Flibco buses are a no-show, and most likely a scam.
Freelancer taxis
Avoid taxis with the words “freelance” and/or “független szolgáltató” written in black on the doors. Often, the roof sign will just say “taxi” and won’t have a company name. These are independent taxi drivers are locally known as hyenas, and are known to run rigged meters to scam unknowing tourists out of money.
Common questions, answered
- How do I get from Budapest city center to airport?
The 100E or 200E are the most reliable airport transport modes. - Does the Metro in Budapest go to the airport?
No. There is no direct metro or train to the airport. You can get a train that connects you to the 100E or 200E bus lines which will take you to the airport. - How much is a taxi from Budapest City Center to airport?
It depends on the customer demand and supply of taxis on a given day. It can start from 11840 HUF ( EUR 30/ USD 32). - How much is the shuttle bus from Budapest airport?
A single trip ticket for the 100E is 2200 HUF (EUR 5.57 / USD 5.99). A single trip ticket with miniBud is 8990 HUF ( EUR 22 / USD 24) for one person.
Other services like Flibco are illegitimate and unreliable services that will not arrive to pick you up.