Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, this year more than half a million travellers have chosen it as the best destination of Europe. According to the organisers, European Best Destination (EBD) the Hungarian capital leads the ranking for various reasons such as the rich culture, world heritage sights, value for money, gastronomy and above all it is one of the safest cities in the world. However, just like in any other busy capital, it’s worth to keep your wallet safe and check the prices before you go to a restaurant as tourists may be overcharged. For those who are planning to visit Budapest, welcome our little series of ‘Hints and tips’ – with some useful infos to stay safe and have an unforgettable experience in this magnificent city.

In case you need information, there are official tourist information offices known as Budapest Info Point. You can find one info point at the airport and 3 others in the city centre such as at Deak Ferenc Square, Heroes Square and the Buda Castle.

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From the airport to the city centre and vice versa

Budapest Airport (Ferenc Liszt International Airport) is located 16 km southeast of the Hungarian capital. Both private and public transport system provide easy access to the city centre. Make sure you have Hungarian Forints with you. If you didn’t have time to exchange money it is worth to exchange a small amount, approximately around 50 euros at the airport at Interchange currency exchange.

If would you like to book a transfer MiniBUD Airport Shuttle provides a comfortable, fast and safe transfer from the airport to the city and vice versa. You can get 10% discount if you show the coupon at GuideMe app or the code GuideMe2019 when ordering online, furthermore you can have access to FREE Wi-Fi if you download the GuideMe app.

Another option is Főtaxi, the official taxi company of Budapest Airport with experienced drivers, who speak at least one foreign language. You can pay with credit cards as all their cars are equipped with a POS terminal. Make your reservation at the office located near the exit of the Terminal 2A and 2B. The cost from the airport to the city centre is around 7200 HUF but it depends on the traffic.

If you prefer to travel by public transport you can buy the transport ticket at the Customer Service Points off BKK (Budapest Transport Centre) at the Budapest Airport.

The line 100E from Terminal 2 connects the Airport and Deák Ferenc Square (round trip). Deák Ferenc Square is literally the centre of Budapest. The schedule from the Airport is from 05:00 to 00:30 and in the centre from 04:00 to 23:30 hours and it operates every 30 minutes. The ticket costs 900 HUF (2.80 EUR approx.) and the journey takes around 45 minutes.

The line 200E passes every 7 to 8 minutes from Terminal 2 to Kőbánya-Kispest, the nearest metro station and the trip takes around 22 minutes. From Kőbánya-Kispest the blue metro line (M3) is available, which gets you to the centre of the city (Deák Ferenc Square) in just 17 minutes. To take the bus 200E you can use the regular one-way ticket (vonaljegy) 350 HUF (1 EUR approx.).

The night bus 900 connects the airport with Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street and it is available from 23:00 to 04:00. This line leaves from Terminal 2 in every 30 to 60 minutes. Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street also runs into Deák Ferenc Square it is an easy 5-10-minute walk and is safe at night.

Another way how to get to city centre is by train. The train stops at either Keleti or Kelenföld Railway Stations. From both stations you can get to the centre easily by metro with a single ticket (350 HUF).

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