Arrival & Transport
Arrival by Plane
Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport (BUD)
Budapest's international airport is located 16 km southeast of the city center. Well connected with low-cost carriers and network airlines.
Flight Connections from Germany
- Ryanair / Wizz Air: From many German cities (Berlin, Dortmund, Cologne, Nuremberg, Memmingen, etc.), often from 15–25€ one-way. Be mindful of baggage rules.
- Eurowings / Lufthansa: From Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Hamburg. Flight time: 1.5–2 hours.
- LOT / Austrian: Via Warsaw or Vienna.
From the Airport to the City Center
| Option | Price | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus 100E (Airport Express) | 2,200 HUF (5.50€) | 35 Min. | Direct to Deák Ferenc tér (city center). Every 20 Min. Best option for most. |
| Bus 200E + Metro M3 | 750 HUF (2€) | 50–60 Min. | Bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest, then M3 to the city center. Cheaper but slower. |
| Taxi | 9,000–11,000 HUF (23–28€) | 25–40 Min. | Only take official FőTaxi cabs at the exit! Fixed price to the city center. |
| Minibus / Transfer | 7,000–9,000 HUF (18–23€) | 30–50 Min. | Minibud (shared shuttle) or private transfers bookable online. |
Achtung
NEVER take a taxi at the airport that is not at the official FőTaxi stand. Unofficial taxis charge three to five times more. Only use the official taxi company (FőTaxi, at the exit, with fixed prices)!
Local Transport
Metro
Budapest has 4 metro lines:
- M1 (yellow): The oldest subway on the European mainland (1896) — runs under Andrássy Avenue from Vörösmarty tér to Heroes' Square/Széchenyi Bath. Historical stations in their original state. An experience in itself.
- M2 (red): East-West, under the Danube. Main connection: Keleti pályaudvar (Eastern Railway Station) – Batthyány tér (Buda, HÉV to Szentendre) – Déli pályaudvar (Southern Railway Station).
- M3 (blue): North-South through Pest. Recently renovated. Airport connection via Bus 200E.
- M4 (green): The newest line (2014) with spectacular architecture. Connects Keleti pályaudvar with the Gellért Bath (Fővám tér / Great Market Hall) and Buda (Kelenföld).
Tram (Villamos)
Budapest's tram network is excellent — and the Tram 2 along the Pest Danube bank is the most beautiful tram ride in Europe: From Jászai Mari tér to Fővám tér with views of the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and Elizabeth Bridge. Free sightseeing with a regular public transport ticket.
Tickets & Cards
| Ticket | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | 450 HUF (1.15€) | 75 Min., one direction, one mode of transport |
| 10-Trip Block | 4,000 HUF (10€) | 10 single rides, cheaper than individually |
| 24-Hour Card | 2,500 HUF (6.40€) | Unlimited metro, bus, tram, HÉV (Zone 1) |
| 72-Hour Card | 5,500 HUF (14€) | Usually the best deal for 3 days |
| Budapest Card (72h) | 26,900 HUF (68€) | Public transport + 30 museums + 2 city tours + discounts |
On Foot
Pest is flat and pedestrian-friendly — most sights in Pest are within a 20-minute walk. Buda has hills (Castle Hill, Gellért Hill) — comfortable shoes are a must.
Taxi
Budapest taxis are affordable: Base fee 1,100 HUF (2.80€), then 400 HUF/km (1€/km). A ride across the city rarely costs more than 3,000–5,000 HUF (8–13€). Only use licensed taxis (yellow license plate, taximeter, FőTaxi or Bolt app). Bolt (Uber alternative) is widespread in Budapest and often cheaper than traditional taxis.
Tipp
Buy a 72-hour card (5,500 HUF / 14€) — this allows unlimited travel on metro, bus, and tram. Tram 2 along the Danube is a must: hop on, sit by the window, and enjoy the most beautiful free city tour in Europe.
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