Budapest Airport to City Center: 100E Bus, Taxi & Metro [2026]
For most visitors, the easiest way from Budapest Airport to the city center is the 100E Airport Express. It runs directly from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) to central Pest and operates 24 hours a day.
The standard 100E airport shuttle ticket costs 2,500 HUF. The alternative 200E bus + Metro M3 is cheaper and works with regular BKK tickets and passes, but requires a transfer. For families, groups or travelers with heavy luggage, an official taxi can be worth the extra cost.
The best option also depends on where you are staying. The 100E is particularly convenient for hotels near Kálvin tér, Astoria, Deák Ferenc tér, District V and District VII, while other destinations may require a metro, tram or taxi connection.
Quick answer: Budapest Airport to city center
- Best overall: 100E Airport Express
- Price of 100E: 2,500 HUF one way
- Best for central Pest: 100E to Kálvin tér, Astoria or Deák Ferenc tér
- Cheapest public transport option: 200E + Metro M3
- Best with heavy luggage: official taxi or private transfer
- Best late at night: 100E or taxi
- Typical taxi fare: around 12,000 HUF to/from the city center, depending on traffic and destination
- Main mistake to avoid: trying to use an ordinary single ticket on the 100E
Budapest Airport to City Center: Options Compared
| Option | Price | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100E Airport Express | 2,500 HUF | About 40 min | Best overall for most tourists |
| 200E + Metro M3 | Regular BKK fares; typically 2 single tickets without a pass | About 50–60+ min | Budget travelers and pass holders |
| Official taxi | Typically around 12,000 HUF to the center | About 30–45 min | Luggage, families, groups, door-to-door travel |
| Private transfer | Varies | About 30–45 min | Pre-booked comfort and groups |
For most first-time visitors, choose the 100E. It costs more than the regular public transport route, but avoiding a bus-to-metro transfer makes arrival considerably easier.
Choose 200E + M3 if saving money is your priority or you already have an eligible Budapest public transport pass. Choose a taxi or private transfer if door-to-door convenience matters more than price.
100E Airport Express – Best Overall
The 100E Airport Express is the simplest public transport option between Budapest Airport and the city center. It connects Terminal 2 with central Pest without requiring a metro transfer.
The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The standard airport shuttle bus single ticket costs 2,500 HUF for one uninterrupted one-way journey on the 100E.
100E Airport Express at a glance
- Price: 2,500 HUF one way
- Journey: direct between Budapest Airport and central Budapest
- Typical travel time: around 40 minutes, depending on traffic
- Service: 24/7
- Main central stops: Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér
- Best for: most first-time visitors and central Pest hotels
- Luggage: low-floor buses with space for suitcases
How to Take the 100E from Budapest Airport
- After baggage claim, follow signs for buses and public transport.
- Go to the 100E Airport Express stop outside Terminal 2.
- Buy the required 100E airport shuttle ticket.
- Validate your ticket according to the payment method you use.
- Board the 100E toward Budapest city center.
- Get off at Kálvin tér, Astoria or Deák Ferenc tér according to your destination.
Important: the standard 100E ticket is a special airport shuttle ticket. An ordinary BKK single ticket is not valid on the 100E.
Where to Buy the 100E Ticket
You can buy the 2,500 HUF airport shuttle ticket through the BudapestGO app, at BKK ticket vending machines and ticket offices, or using the supported Budapest Pay&GO bank-card system on the 100E.
With Pay&GO, your bank card can be used to purchase and validate the required airport shuttle ticket. If using a mobile ticket, follow the validation instructions before boarding.
100E Discount for Eligible Pass Holders
If you already hold an eligible Budapest-pass, Pest County Pass or Hungary Pass, you may purchase a special 1,000 HUF add-on airport shuttle bus ticket instead of the standard 2,500 HUF ticket.
The add-on is available through BudapestGO and requires an eligible valid pass. Not every Budapest pass qualifies, so check the exact conditions before relying on the discounted fare.
Where Should You Get Off the 100E?
Choosing the right 100E stop can save a surprising amount of walking or an unnecessary metro connection. Do not automatically stay on the bus until Deák Ferenc tér.
| Destination | Best 100E stop | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Deák Ferenc tér | Deák Ferenc tér | Direct |
| Central District V | Deák Ferenc tér | Walk or make a short local connection |
| St. Stephen’s Basilica | Deák Ferenc tér | Walk |
| Váci utca / central shopping area | Deák Ferenc tér | Walk |
| Jewish Quarter / District VII | Astoria or Deák Ferenc tér | Choose according to your exact hotel |
| Dohány Street Synagogue | Astoria | Short walk |
| Great Market Hall | Kálvin tér | Walk or continue locally |
| District IX | Kálvin tér | Continue by metro, tram or walk |
| Keleti Station | Deák Ferenc tér | Continue by Metro M2 |
| Nyugati Station | Deák Ferenc tér | Continue by Metro M3 |
| Buda / Castle area | Deák Ferenc tér | Continue by metro, tram, bus or taxi |
Hotel tip: check the walking route from the 100E stop to your accommodation before landing. Deák is not automatically the best stop for every central hotel; Kálvin tér or Astoria can be much closer.
200E + Metro M3 – Cheapest Route
The 200E bus is the main regular public transport alternative to the 100E. During the daytime route to central Budapest, take the 200E from Terminal 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest and transfer to Metro M3.
The major advantage is price. Unlike the 100E, the 200E is part of the regular public transport system and accepts the appropriate regular BKK tickets, travelcards and passes.
200E + M3 at a glance
- Best for: budget travelers and pass holders
- Daytime route: Airport → 200E → Kőbánya-Kispest → M3
- Without a pass: normally requires separate valid tickets for the bus and metro journey
- Typical time: around 50–60+ minutes depending on connections and final destination
- Main disadvantage: requires a transfer
How to Take the 200E + Metro M3
- Go to the 200E stop outside Terminal 2.
- Make sure you have the appropriate BKK ticket, travelcard or pass.
- Take bus 200E toward Kőbánya-Kispest.
- At Kőbánya-Kispest, transfer to Metro M3 toward central Budapest.
- Exit at the M3 station that works best for your destination.
Who should choose 200E? It makes most sense if you want the cheapest route, already have a valid pass, have relatively light luggage or are staying close to Metro M3.
100E vs 200E: Which Airport Bus Is Better?
| Criteria | 100E Airport Express | 200E + M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most tourists | Budget travelers / pass holders |
| Fare system | Special airport fare | Regular BKK fare system |
| Standard 100E fare | 2,500 HUF | Not applicable |
| Transfer | No transfer to central stops | Bus → Metro M3 |
| With luggage | Easier | Less convenient |
| Central access | Kálvin tér, Astoria, Deák Ferenc tér | M3 stations via Kőbánya-Kispest |
| Operates at night | Yes, 24/7 | Yes, with night routing/connections differing from daytime |
Choose 100E if you want simplicity. Choose 200E if saving money matters more than avoiding a transfer.
For most tourists arriving in Budapest for the first time, the extra convenience of the 100E makes it the better airport transfer.
Budapest Airport Tickets in 60 Seconds
The most important rule is simple: 100E and 200E use different ticket rules.
| Journey | What you need |
|---|---|
| 100E Airport Express | 2,500 HUF airport shuttle bus single ticket |
| 100E with eligible pass | Eligible pass + 1,000 HUF add-on airport shuttle ticket |
| 200E + M3 | Appropriate regular BKK tickets, travelcard or pass |
Planning several journeys in Budapest? Before buying individual tickets or a pass, see our complete Budapest Transport Tickets & Travel Passes Guide.
Taxi from Budapest Airport to City Center
A taxi is the easiest door-to-door option, particularly if you have several suitcases, travel with children or stay far from the 100E stops.
Főtaxi provides the contracted airport taxi service. At the airport, passengers can arrange a taxi at the official stands by Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B.
Budapest Airport taxi at a glance
- Typical city-center fare: around 12,000 HUF, but traffic and destination can increase the price
- Typical travel time: around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic
- Current regulated tariff: 2,100 HUF base fare + 520 HUF/km + 130 HUF/min
- Payment: official Főtaxi vehicles have card-payment terminals
- Best for: families, groups, heavy luggage and difficult-to-reach hotels
Important: use the official airport taxi stands rather than accepting unsolicited transport offers inside the terminal.
Private Transfer from Budapest Airport
A pre-booked private transfer provides direct transport from the airport to your accommodation for a price agreed when booking. It can be useful for families, larger groups, late arrivals or travelers who want a driver waiting at arrivals.
For most solo travelers and couples staying in central Pest, the 100E offers better value. A private transfer becomes more attractive when several people share the cost or when your accommodation is inconvenient by public transport.
Budapest Airport to City Center at Night
The 100E Airport Express operates 24 hours a day, so arriving late does not automatically mean you need a taxi.
The 200E also operates 24 hours a day. However, the nighttime journey differs from the normal daytime 200E → Kőbánya-Kispest → M3 route. At night, connections toward central Budapest use the night-bus network.
For a first visit, the 100E is generally the simplest nighttime public transport option. If you arrive very late with children, several suitcases or accommodation far from its central stops, an official taxi may be worth the extra cost.
Budapest Airport Transfer with Luggage
Both airport buses can carry luggage, but the 100E is considerably easier with suitcases because you do not need to transfer from bus to metro. BKK uses low-floor buses on the 100E with space for luggage.
With one manageable suitcase: take the 100E if your hotel is near Kálvin tér, Astoria or Deák Ferenc tér. With several large bags, young children or a difficult hotel location: consider an official taxi or private transfer.
Common Budapest Airport Transfer Mistakes
- Using a normal single ticket on the 100E: the 100E requires its special airport shuttle ticket or the eligible pass + add-on combination.
- Confusing the 100E and 200E: the 100E goes directly to central Budapest; the daytime 200E route connects with Metro M3 at Kőbánya-Kispest.
- Automatically going to Deák: Kálvin tér or Astoria may be closer to your hotel.
- Choosing 200E with lots of luggage: saving money may not be worth the additional transfer.
- Assuming a Budapest pass automatically covers 100E: eligible pass holders still need the special 1,000 HUF add-on ticket unless they qualify for free travel.
- Accepting unofficial taxi offers: use the official airport taxi service and stands.
- Forgetting to validate: follow the validation procedure for your paper, mobile or Pay&GO ticket.
- Using the daytime 200E plan late at night: nighttime connections differ, so check your route before travelling.
FAQ – Budapest Airport to City Center
What is the best way from Budapest Airport to the city center?
For most tourists, the 100E Airport Express is the best option because it runs directly between Budapest Airport and central stops including Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér.
How much is the 100E Airport Express in 2026?
The standard 100E airport shuttle bus single ticket costs 2,500 HUF for one uninterrupted one-way journey.
How long does the 100E take?
Allow around 40 minutes between Budapest Airport and the central area, although the exact journey time depends on traffic and your stop.
Does the 100E run 24 hours?
Yes. The 100E Airport Express operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can I use a normal Budapest single ticket on the 100E?
No. An ordinary single ticket is not valid on the 100E. Most visitors need the special 2,500 HUF airport shuttle bus single ticket.
Is the 100E included in Budapest transport passes?
Standard pass validity alone does not generally replace the 100E airport ticket. Holders of specified eligible passes can buy a 1,000 HUF add-on airport shuttle ticket. Check the exact eligibility of your pass.
Where can I buy a 100E ticket at Budapest Airport?
You can buy the airport shuttle ticket through BudapestGO, from BKK ticket vending machines or ticket offices, or through the supported Budapest Pay&GO bank-card system on the 100E.
Can I pay by card for the 100E?
Yes. Budapest Pay&GO allows passengers to purchase and validate the special 100E ticket using a bank card on the bus.
Where does the 100E stop in central Budapest?
The central route serves Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér. The best stop depends on your accommodation and the exact service pattern.
Does the 100E go to Deák Ferenc tér?
Yes. Deák Ferenc tér is the main central terminus and a major interchange for Metro M1, M2 and M3.
Does the 100E stop at Astoria?
Astoria is served by 100E services according to the timetable, but stopping patterns can vary by departure, so check the current service if Astoria is your intended stop.
What is the cheapest way from Budapest Airport to the city center?
For travelers paying normal fares, 200E + Metro M3 is generally the cheaper public transport strategy because it uses the regular BKK fare system rather than the special 100E airport fare.
Is the 100E or 200E better?
The 100E is better for convenience because it travels directly to central Budapest. The 200E is better for budget travelers or pass holders who do not mind making a transfer.
Is Budapest Airport connected directly to the metro?
No. To use the metro from the airport, the normal daytime budget route is bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest, followed by Metro M3 toward central Budapest.
Is there a direct train from Budapest Airport to the city center?
No direct airport train runs from the passenger terminal to central Budapest. For most tourists, the 100E Airport Express is the simplest direct public transport connection.
How much is a taxi from Budapest Airport to the city center?
BKK gives approximately 12,000 HUF as a typical airport–city center taxi fare. The actual price can be higher depending on the exact destination and traffic.
What is the official taxi at Budapest Airport?
Főtaxi provides the contracted airport taxi service. Passengers can arrange a taxi at the official stands near Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B.
What is the best Budapest Airport transfer with luggage?
The 100E works well with normal luggage because it avoids a metro transfer. With several large suitcases, children or a hotel far from a 100E stop, an official taxi or private transfer can be easier.
How do I get from Budapest Airport to the Jewish Quarter?
Take the 100E and compare Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér with your exact accommodation. Astoria is useful for the Dohány Street side of the district, while Deák can be better for the western part of the Jewish Quarter.
How do I get from Budapest Airport to Buda?
You can take the 100E into central Pest and continue by metro, tram or bus. For hotels on hills or far from convenient public transport, a taxi may be much easier with luggage.
Final Recommendation
For most tourists, take the 100E Airport Express. At 2,500 HUF, it costs more than the regular public transport route but provides a direct, 24-hour connection between Budapest Airport and central Pest.
If you are travelling on a tight budget, already hold a suitable transport pass or are staying conveniently along Metro M3, consider the 200E + M3 route instead.
If you have several suitcases, travel with children or stay somewhere difficult to reach from Kálvin tér, Astoria or Deák Ferenc tér, an official taxi can justify the additional cost.
Once you reach Budapest, use our Budapest Transport Tickets Guide to choose the right fare or pass, and our Budapest Public Transport Guide to learn how to use the city’s metro, trams and buses.