Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport Guide (BUD) – Budapest

IATA: BUD ICAO: LHBP Budapest, Hungary 2 Terminals

Airport Overview

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), named after the legendary Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, is Hungary's primary international airport and one of Central Europe's fastest-growing aviation hubs, handling approximately 16 million passengers annually. Situated approximately 16 km southeast of central Budapest in the Ferihegy district, the airport serves as a focus city for Ryanair and Wizz Air, with the two low-cost carriers accounting for a large portion of all traffic. The airport is also a significant base for LOT Polish Airlines connections and benefits from Budapest's growing popularity as a tourism and business destination.

Terminals

Budapest Airport operates two main terminal buildings:

Terminal 2A: Handles Schengen zone flights. Used by LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Ryanair (Schengen routes), and other Schengen-area carriers. Modern facilities with extensive shopping and dining.
Terminal 2B: Handles non-Schengen flights including intercontinental routes. Served by Wizz Air (non-Schengen), Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Aeroflot, and long-haul operators. Connected to T2A via a short internal walkway.

💡 Terminals 2A and 2B are connected airside, making same-terminal connections straightforward. However, confirm your gate area before arrival as some airlines may use gates in either section depending on the route.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals under the network "BUD Free WiFi". Connect by selecting the network and entering your email address. The service is unlimited with no time caps. Speeds are typically 10–20 Mbps and coverage is consistent across all public areas including check-in halls, departure gates, and arrivals. The airport has also installed charging stations throughout the terminal for passenger convenience.

Transport to City Center

Bus (200E and Metro 3 Connection)

The main public transport link is bus 200E, which runs from both terminals to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station (M3 Blue Line). The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes, followed by a 20-minute metro ride to Deák Ferenc tér in the city center. Total journey time is around 50–60 minutes. The combined bus + metro ticket costs 750 HUF (approximately €2). Buses run every 10–15 minutes during the day and every 20–30 minutes at night.

Bus 100E (Direct Airport Express)

The 100E is a direct bus from the airport to Deák Ferenc tér (city center) and Keleti railway station without intermediate stops. Journey time is approximately 35–45 minutes depending on traffic. A dedicated ticket costs 1,500 HUF (~€4). This is the most direct public transport option for reaching central Budapest.

Taxi and Rideshare

Only Főtaxi is officially licensed to operate from Budapest Airport's taxi rank. Fares to central Budapest are approximately 7,000–9,000 HUF (€18–23). Uber is available via the app with pickup from the designated zone. Bolt is also very popular in Budapest and offers competitive pricing.

Airport Lounges

Sky Court Lounge (Terminal 2B): The main Priority Pass lounge at Budapest Airport, offering hot and cold buffet, a full bar, and comfortable seating near the non-Schengen gates.
LoungeBUD (Terminal 2A): A pay-per-use and Priority Pass lounge in the Schengen pier with light refreshments, WiFi, and workstations.
Wizz Air Wizz Lounge: Accessible for Wizz Air All You Can Fly and premium tier members, located in Terminal 2B near the departure gates.
LOT Business Lounge: Available for LOT Polish Airlines business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold card holders on LOT-operated flights.
Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge: For Turkish Airlines business class and Miles&Smiles elite members on TK-operated flights from Terminal 2B.

Hotels Near the Airport

Budapest Airport Marriott: Located 3 km from the terminal complex near the M3 motorway, with full business facilities and a shuttle service.
Ibis Budapest Airport: A budget-friendly AccorHotels property 2 km from the terminal with a free shuttle, 24-hour bar, and reliable WiFi.
Novotel Budapest Airport: A modern 4-star hotel adjacent to the airport with an indoor pool, restaurant, and conference facilities.
Hilton Garden Inn Budapest Airport: A comfortable mid-range option 4 km from the terminal, with complimentary shuttle and breakfast included in select rates.
Hungary Hotel Budapest Airport: A locally owned business hotel 1 km from arrivals, offering competitive rates and a complimentary shuttle.

Food and Restaurants

Gerbeaud Café (Airside): A branch of Budapest's legendary Gerbeaud confectionery dating to 1858, serving exquisite cakes, Dobos torte, and premium Hungarian coffees.
Nobu Restaurant (Terminal 2B Airside): A sophisticated Japanese-fusion dining concept airside in the international terminal, offering sushi, black cod, and signature cocktails.
Frici Papa Kifőzdéje: A beloved Hungarian canteen concept serving lángos, goulash, and pörkölt at affordable prices in the departures hall.
Burger King and McDonald's: Both available landside for quick, familiar meals before clearing security.
Costa Coffee: Multiple locations throughout both terminals, including airside, for coffees and snacks.
Hungarian Wine Bar: An airside wine bar showcasing local Tokaj wines, Eger Bull's Blood, and other Hungarian varietals with charcuterie and cheese plates.

Travel Tips

Budapest is a very popular weekend break destination — booking flights and hotels well in advance is essential, especially for late autumn and spring visits when prices peak.
The 100E direct bus is the best balance of cost and convenience for reaching central Budapest; buy tickets at the airport machine or online to avoid queues.
Forint (HUF) is the local currency — while some places accept euros, rates are poor; withdraw HUF at airport ATMs or exchange at city center exchange booths.
Budapest Airport is compact and easy to navigate, but security queues for Wizz Air and Ryanair flights can be very long — arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Duty-free Pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy) and Tokaji wines make excellent souvenirs and can be purchased at the duty-free stores airside.
Budapest's thermal bath culture is legendary — the Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas baths are all within 40 minutes of the airport and a highlight of any visit.
Check weather forecasts in winter — Budapest experiences snow and ice, which can cause delays particularly for early-morning departures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from Budapest Airport to the city center?

The direct 100E bus to Deák Ferenc tér (city center) is the most convenient option, taking 35–45 minutes for around 1,500 HUF (~€4). Alternatively, take the 200E bus to Kőbánya-Kispest and then the M3 metro for approximately €2. Taxis (Főtaxi) charge 7,000–9,000 HUF to the center.

How many terminals does Budapest Airport have?

Budapest Airport has two terminal buildings — Terminal 2A (Schengen) and Terminal 2B (non-Schengen) — which are connected by an internal walkway airside. There is no longer a Terminal 1; it closed in 2012. Both active terminals form one integrated airport complex.

Which airlines fly from Budapest Airport?

Budapest is a major base for Ryanair and Wizz Air, with both carriers operating dozens of European routes. LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Aeroflot also operate services from BUD.

Is there a Priority Pass lounge at Budapest Airport?

Yes, the Sky Court Lounge in Terminal 2B accepts Priority Pass and is the primary independent lounge option. The LoungeBUD in Terminal 2A is another option for Schengen departures. LOT and Turkish Airlines also have airline-specific lounges available to eligible passengers.