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Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is roughly 21 kilometers (or 23 miles) from Budapest city center. To reach the center, you have several options, including a dedicated express bus, a combination of local bus and metro, and the official taxi services. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable option or a comfortable private transfer, we put together all your options to reach the city from the airport, including tips on where to store your luggage in Budapest.
Budapest Airport to city center at a glance
All transport options compared:
Transport
Price
Time
Best for
100E Express Bus
2,500 HUF (~€6.50 / ~$7)
35 min
Speed + value
200E Bus + M3 Metro
530 HUF (~€1.40 / ~$1.50)
50-60 min
Budget
Taxi (Főtaxi)
~11,000 HUF (~€28 / ~$30)
25-35 min
Comfort + luggage
Bolt/Uber
8,000-12,000 HUF (~€20-30 / ~$22-33)
25-35 min
Flexible
Private transfer
From €25 / ~$27
25-35 min
Groups + meet & greet
All prices in HUF (Hungarian Forint). 1 EUR ≈ 390 HUF ≈ $1.08 USD in 2026.
100E Direct Airport Express Bus
The 100E Airport Express is the most popular option, with a 24/7 direct link between Terminal 2 and Deák Ferenc tér, the city's central transportation hubs. You can catch it on the arrivals level, between the two terminals. The trip takes around 40 minutes.
- Timing: The bus runs every 6-15 minutes during the day and every 30-40 minutes at night.
- Stops: It makes only three stops in the city center: Kálvin tér, Astoria (only at night/early morning), and Deák Ferenc tér.
- Tickets: A special "Airport shuttle bus single ticket" is required (2,500 HUF, or around 6.60€). Purchase it via the BudapestGO app or using a contactless card on the bus. Regular single tickets or the Budapest Card are not valid here.
200E Bus + Metro Line M3
The 200E bus and M3 Metro is the cheapest way to reach the city, especially if you already have a Budapest Card or a 24-hour travel pass, which cover this route for free. Take the 200E bus from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest station, then transfer to the blue M3 metro line towards Újpest-központ.
- Timing: The 200E bus runs 24/7, but the M3 Metro stops around 23:30. If you land late at night, the bus will connect you to night buses (914 or 950) instead of the metro.
- Tickets: Buy a 90-minute ticket on the BudapestGO app for 850 HUF (2.20€), which covers both the bus and the metro. If you prefer paper tickets, you need two single tickets (one for the bus, one for the metro) for a total of 1,000 HUF (2.60€). Buying from the driver is more expensive, so use the purple machines or the app instead.
Tip: This route involves stairs and transfers. If you want to avoid carrying heavy bags through the metro, use LUGGit to have your luggage delivered to your hotel or Airbnb.
Official Taxi Services and Ride-Hailing (Bolt/Uber)
The official taxi provider for Budapest Airport is Főtaxi. Their kiosk is located right outside the arrivals exits. A typical fare to the city center ranges from 11,000 to 16,000 HUF (€28-€40), depending on traffic and your specific destination.
To book a taxi, you can visit the Főtaxi kiosk in the arrivals area, tell them your destination, and they’ll give you a voucher with a price estimate and your taxi number. Alternatively, you can book in advance by calling or booking through the website.
If you prefer ride-hailing apps, Bolt is the most popular in Hungary. Uber also re-entered Budapest in 2024 and operates via a partnership with Főtaxi. Both apps offer transparent pricing and are convenient for pre-booking.
Private Transfers
If you prefer a pre-arranged "Meet and Greet", where someone will wait for you on the arrivals floor, you can book a private transfer service like Welcome Pickups. Private transfers are more expensive (starting at €35+) but offer the highest level of comfort, usually including flight tracking and help with your luggage.
Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your booking
Luggage storage at Budapest Airport
Budapest Airport (BUD) has official luggage lockers in Terminal 2. Prices per item, regardless of size:
Duration
Price (HUF)
EUR
USD
Up to 4 hours
2,750 HUF
~€7
~$8
Up to 24 hours
5,500 HUF
~€14
~$15
Up to 48 hours
8,000 HUF
~€20
~$22
Up to 72 hours
10,500 HUF
~€27
~$29
Over 72 hours
+3,500 HUF/day
~€9/day
~$10/day
Location: Terminal 2, arrivals level. The lockers are self-service and accept HUF coins and cards.
Compare Budapest luggage storage options
Service
Price
Locations
Insurance
You go to them?
LUGGit
From €2/bag
Comes to you
€1,200
No - they come to you
Airport lockers
From €7/4hrs
Terminal 2 only
CCTV
Yes
Bounce
From €1.95/day
Multiple in Budapest
€10,000
Yes
Radical Storage
From €3.90/day
Multiple
€3,000
Yes
The difference: airport lockers only work at Terminal 2 and charge in HUF. Bounce and Radical require you to walk to a partner shop. LUGGit sends a Keeper (Driver) to meet you at arrivals and delivers your bags to your hotel, Airbnb, or train station.
Related guides
Luggage storage in Budapest - All Budapest storage options compared
8 best day trips from Budapest - Where to go from the city
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Budapest Card on the 100E Airport Express?
No, the 100E bus requires a specific Airport Shuttle Bus Single Ticket (2,500 HUF). The Budapest Card only covers the 200E bus and M3 metro - a cheaper route but takes 50-60 minutes.
Is it safe to take a taxi from the street at Budapest Airport?
Avoid hailing taxis from the street - they may overcharge. Use the official taxi provider Főtaxi (fixed rate ~11,000 HUF to city center), or book via Bolt or Uber apps for transparent pricing.
Does Budapest Airport have a metro station?
No. The nearest metro is Kőbánya-Kispest (M3 line). Take the 200E bus from the airport (15-20 minutes) then transfer to the metro. The 100E express bus goes directly to Deák Ferenc tér without needing the metro.
Is there luggage storage at Budapest Airport?
Yes - self-service lockers in Terminal 2, arrivals level. Prices start at 2,750 HUF (~€7) for up to 4 hours and 5,500 HUF (~€14) for 24 hours. LUGGit picks up at arrivals from €2/bag and delivers to your hotel.
How do I find my LUGGit Keeper (Driver) at Budapest Airport?
After booking, you receive confirmation via email and WhatsApp with your Keeper's details, car plate number, and a live tracking link. The Keeper meets you at the arrivals exit in an orange LUGGit vest.
