General
Overview
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is Hungary’s primary aviation gateway. It features two connected terminals: Terminal 2A (Schengen flights) and Terminal 2B (non-Schengen flights), linked by the central SkyCourt hall.
Transfer Options
The following transport options are available from/to Budapest Airport:
Luggage Storage
Excess Baggage Co.: Located on the Terminal 2B Arrivals level. They offer staffed storage for suitcases and oversized items. Open 24/7.
Visitor Cards and Passes
Budapest Card
Includes unlimited public transport (excluding 100E), free entry to St. Lukács Thermal Bath, and 30+ museums. Prices valid from May 2026.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 24h | 17,990 HUF |
| 48h | 23,990 HUF |
| 72h | 29,990 HUF |
| 72h Plus | 39,990 HUF |
Travelcards & Tickets
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Ticket | 500 HUF |
| On-board Ticket | 700 HUF |
| Time-based (30 min) | 600 HUF |
| 24h Travelcard | 2,750 HUF |
| 72h Travelcard | 5,750 HUF |
Public Transit
100E Airport Express
The 100E Express runs from the airport to Deák Ferenc tér in 35–45 minutes. It operates 24/7. Tickets (2,500 HUF) can be bought in the app or via Budapest Pay&GO devices on the bus.
Bus + Metro (200E + M3)
Take Bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest, then transfer to Metro Line M3. This is the cheapest option using a standard ticket or travelcard.
Free travel for passengers aged 65+ is restricted to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. Others must purchase tickets.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Budapest Airport is fully step-free and accessible. Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) can request assistance via their airline or at any of the yellow PRM call points throughout the terminals.
The M4 (Green) metro line (accessible from Keleti) is the most modern and fully barrier-free line in the city. Avoid the M2 line if you struggle with steep escalators, as several older stations lack elevators.
Safety
Budapest is generally safe, but be vigilant against these common transit scams:
- The ‘Official’ Imposter (Taxi Hyenas): Ignore individuals inside the arrival halls holding “Taxi” signs. These are unlicensed drivers who significantly overcharge. Head to official kiosks (Főtaxi) or use app-based rideshares.
- The ‘Money Police’ Scam: Be wary of plain-clothes individuals posing as “currency police” asking to inspect your wallet. Real police are always in uniform and will never handle your cash on the street.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost Property Office is located in Terminal 2B (Arrivals) on the ground floor. If you lost an item at security, visit the information desk in the SkyCourt.
First Aid & Pharmacies
- First Aid: A 24/7 medical service is available on the Arrivals level of Terminal 2B. Contact any staff member or use the information desks in the SkyCourt for assistance.
- Pharmacy: BENU Pharmacy is located on the Gallery Level (2nd floor) of Terminal 2B (pre-security).
In the event of a serious medical emergency at any hub, dial 112 for an ambulance.
Arrival
Official Taxi
Official Budapest taxis are bright yellow with yellow license plates. They use fixed rates: a base fare of 1,100 HUF plus 440 HUF per km.
Főtaxi is the only official airport partner.
- Location: Booths are located immediately outside the arrivals doors of Terminal 2A and 2B.
- Process: State your destination at the kiosk to receive a printed voucher with an estimated price.
- Price: A ride to the city center typically costs 12,000–15,000 HUF.
Ignore drivers offering rides inside the terminal or station halls. These are unlicensed “hyenas” who often overcharge.
Rideshare
Rideshare services like Uber and Bolt at Budapest Airport operate in partnership with licensed taxi companies. Pickups are located directly outside the arrivals level of Terminals 2A and 2B.
Terminal 2A (Schengen Arrivals)
Location: Exit the terminal and proceed to the first curb.
Process: Request your ride in the app to receive a 6-digit PIN. Walk to the designated Uber/rideshare stand and provide the PIN to the first available driver to begin the trip.
Terminal 2B (Non-Schengen Arrivals)
Location: Exit the terminal and walk to the second curb.
Best For: This area is the primary pickup for larger vehicles, such as Uber XL, which accommodates up to six passengers.
ATMs and Currency
Avoid blue/yellow Euronet ATMs. Use bank-affiliated ATMs like OTP, UniCredit, Raiffeisen, or Erste Bank. Always select “Decline Conversion” to let your home bank handle the rate.
Best ATMs at Hubs
- BUD: OTP Bank ATMs are located in both terminals.
- Keleti: OTP Bank branch/ATM in the underpass.
- Nyugati: Erste Bank or OTP ATMs near the main entrance.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
For trans-atlantic or non-Schengen flights (e.g., USA, UK, Asia), arrive 3 hours before departure. For European Schengen flights, 2 hours is sufficient.
- Terminal 2A: Serves Schengen zone destinations.
- Terminal 2B: Serves all non-Schengen destinations.
Check-in desks are located on the upper level of both terminals. If you only have carry-on luggage and a mobile boarding pass, you can proceed directly to security in the SkyCourt.
Once through security, you enter the SkyCourt. This is the main area for dining and shopping. If your flight departs from the B-Pier (non-Schengen), complete your meal here before passing through passport control, where seating is much more limited.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Security screening is located on the upper level of the central SkyCourt building.
- Electronics: Modern CT scanners are in use; you generally do not need to remove laptops or large tablets from your bag.
- Liquids: The 100ml limit for individual containers in a single 1L transparent bag remains strictly enforced due to EU regulations.
Passport Control
If your flight departs from Terminal 2B (non-Schengen), you must pass through passport control after security. Automated EasyPass gates are available for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with biometric passports to speed up the process.
VAT Refunds
Procedure
- Customs (VÁM): The desk is located in the corridor connecting Terminal 2A and 2B, before security. You MUST present your unused goods and get your tax-free forms stamped BEFORE you check your luggage.
- Refund: After security, visit the Interchange desk in the SkyCourt or B-Pier to receive your refund in cash or via credit card.
Customs officers frequently ask to see the physical items (with original tags). Ensure these are easily accessible at the top of your suitcase or in your carry-on luggage.