How to Get From Budapest Airport to The City Centre (2023)

Map — Getting from Budapest Airport to City Center

💡 This ride is excluded from all public transport passes (i.e., the Budapest Travel Card). You can buy a Airport Express bus ticket with the BudapestGo app (Android or IOS) or at a ticket vending machine near the bus stop.

Quick Summary — Budapest Airport Express Bus

• Cost: 2200HUF (6€)
• Availability: 0-24h, every day
• Trip time: 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
• Frequency: every 7-10 minutes or every 30-40 minutes from 00:00 to 3:30. 
• Stops: Deák Ference Square - Astoria  - Kálvin Square - Liszt Ferenc International Airport
• Towards Liszt Ference International Airport, the bus only serves Astoria between 00:12-04:32.

‍Minibud is the biggest and most affordable door-to-door private transfer company in Budapest. It's more comfortable than the 100E bus but less expensive than a taxi if you're traveling solo.

You can reserve a ticket online or buy them at one of their kiosks at the airport. You can't miss the pickup point at the airport — it's just in front of you as you exit the 2A airport terminal.

Quick Summary — Minibud Private Transfer

• Cost: 4000-4500HUF (12€)
• Availability: 0-24h, every day
• Trip time: 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of passengers.
• ‍Tickets: Buy tickets online or in person at the Minibud kiosk at the airport.

Bolt is the equivalent of Uber or Cabify in Hungary. It's much more comfortable and convenient but pricier than the other options if traveling solo. However, it can be economical if split between 3-4 passengers.

How does it work?

You download the app, type in the destination, and a Bolt driver will arrive within minutes. You're given a price range and pay in-app, so it's impossible to be ripped off.

It's also reliable between 00:00-05:00, in case you have a late departure.

What is the vibe like using a Bolt?

Way better than in a taxi! When traveling with Bolt, you feel like a high-end hotel guest - the driver is dressed-well, cordial, and helps you with your luggage. It's not a sketchy taxi feeling we got used to.

💡 Avoid hailing taxis off the street, as they are notorious for ripping off tourists (mainly freelancers). Instead, always use Bolt or Főtaxi's app, where you pay in the app to avoid getting scammed.

Quick Summary — Bolt Rideshare

• Cost: 9-12.000HUF (25-30€)
• Availability: 0-24h, every day
• Trip time: 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
• Download app: Android or IOS

I don't use taxis with Bolt around. However, if you're like me, you take pride in being prepared. For example, what do you do if you've got a flight to catch at 3.30am and no Bolt driver is around?

No worries, download Főtaxi's app (Android or IOS) and call a proper taxi. The app works the same principle as Bolt, but the latter is better in every way. You pay in-app to pay a fair price. It's a great fallback option.

Quick Summary — Főtaxi

• Cost: 9-12.000HUF (25-30€)
• Availability: 0-24h, every day
• Trip time: 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions

This option I'm only including for the sake of completeness. I don't advise this for any tourist visiting the city for a few days - you will get lost! It's only used by locals who can get to their homes this way faster or want to save a few bucks.

Take the regular bus 200E (not airport bus 100E) to KöKi (Kőbánya-Kispest Terminal). Once there, transboard to Metro Line 3 and get off at your stop. Between 11pm-4am, M3 is closed, so use night bus 914/914A or 950/950A instead.

The fare costs two regular-priced tickets for each ride, or you can travel for free with the Budapest travel card or pass. The airport express tickets are not accepted on these regular rides.

Quick Summary — 200E BUS AND M3 METRO LINE

• Cost: 0-700huf (0-2€)
• Availability: 03:24-23:04h (weekends), 03:40-23:04h (weekdays) — outside this timeframe, the metro doesn't operate; instead, use the 914/914A or 950/950A buses.
• Trip time: 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions