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Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport Guide
Budapest is served by Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), Hungary's largest and busiest airport located just 16 km from the city center.
Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport (BUD)
BUD
Location: 16 km southeast of Budapest city center
Best for: European travel, Central European connections, budget airlines
Transport: Airport shuttle (100E), public bus, metro, taxis, rental cars
Airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, British Airways, LOT Polish
Terminals: Terminal 2A (Schengen) and Terminal 2B (non-Schengen)
Alternative Airports Near Budapest
- Vienna International Airport (VIE): 240km west, excellent connections with train to Budapest (2.5 hours)
- Bratislava Airport (BTS): 200km northwest, served by low-cost carriers with bus connection to Budapest
- Debrecen International Airport (DEB): 230km east, limited domestic and seasonal flights
Best Time to Book Flights to Budapest
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book European flights 2-4 months in advance for optimal pricing
- For peak season (June-August), book 4-6 months ahead
- For festival periods (Spring Festival, Christmas markets), book 3-5 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 2-3 days to find better deals
Best Time to Visit Budapest
- Spring (April-June): Mild weather, blooming parks, Spring Festival events
- Summer (July-August): Warm temperatures, outdoor festivals, highest prices and crowds
- Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather, wine harvest, beautiful foliage
- Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, thermal baths, lowest prices
Airlines That Fly to Budapest
Budapest is a popular Central European destination served by numerous international and low-cost airlines.
Major International Airlines
- Wizz Air (Largest carrier at BUD with extensive European network)
- Ryanair (Europe's largest low-cost carrier)
- Lufthansa (Connections from German hubs and beyond)
- British Airways (Multiple flights from London)
- Air France (Connections from Paris and French cities)
- KLM (Connections from Amsterdam)
- LOT Polish Airlines (Connections through Warsaw)
- Turkish Airlines (Connections via Istanbul)
Low-Cost and Regional Airlines
- easyJet (Extensive European network from Budapest)
- Eurowings (German low-cost carrier)
- Norwegian (Selected European routes)
- Swiss International Air Lines (Connections from Zurich and Geneva)
- Austrian Airlines (Connections from Vienna)
Budapest Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check Schengen Area visa requirements based on your nationality
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Check baggage allowances and fees, especially for low-cost carriers
- Pre-book airport transfers or research public transport options
At Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport
- Arrive at least 2 hours before Schengen flights, 3 hours for non-Schengen
- Have boarding passes and travel documents ready
- Use the efficient 100E Airport Shuttle to Deák Ferenc tér in 35 minutes
- Take advantage of airport facilities including lounges and duty-free shopping
- Use the free WiFi available throughout the airport
- Be prepared for security checks and passport control
Budapest-Specific Travel Tips
- Avoid flying during major events like Sziget Festival (August) for lower prices
- Consider the shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) for best weather and fewer crowds
- Research Budapest's excellent public transportation including metro, trams, and buses
- Learn basic Hungarian phrases for easier communication
- Purchase a Budapest Card for unlimited public transport and museum discounts
- Experience the famous thermal baths - bring your swimsuit
- Exchange currency at reputable exchange offices, not at the airport
Frequently Asked Questions About Budapest Flights
How far is Budapest Airport from the city center?
Budapest Ferenc Liszt Airport is located approximately 16 km (10 miles) southeast of the city center. The 100E Airport Shuttle takes about 35 minutes to Deák Ferenc tér.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Budapest?
January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to Budapest, as these are the coldest months with fewer tourists.
How early should I arrive at Budapest Airport for international flights?
For non-Schengen flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For Schengen flights, 2 hours is usually sufficient.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Budapest from the UK?
Wizz Air, Ryanair, British Airways, and easyJet offer direct flights from various UK cities including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol.
What is the best way to get from Budapest Airport to the city center?
The 100E Airport Shuttle is the most convenient option, taking 35 minutes to Deák Ferenc tér. Public bus 200E combined with metro M3 is a cheaper alternative.
Is there public transportation from Budapest Airport to the city?
Yes, bus 200E connects to metro line M3 at Kőbánya-Kispest station, providing access to the entire city. The journey takes about 45-60 minutes.
What is the flight time from London to Budapest?
The flight from London to Budapest takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Do I need to speak Hungarian in Budapest?
While Hungarian is the official language, most people in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants speak English. Learning a few basic Hungarian phrases is appreciated but not necessary.
What currency is used in Budapest?
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While some places accept Euros, it's better to use Forints for better exchange rates.