Your Budapest trip starts before your first riverside walk or Hungarian meal. Knowing how to reach your accommodation, which transport ticket to buy and how to handle everyday payments makes arrival much easier.
Here is our practical guide to getting settled and making the most of your stay.
Getting from Budapest Airport to the city centre
100E Airport Express: a direct connection
The 100E runs 24 hours a day, connecting Budapest Airport with Deák Ferenc tér via Kálvin tér. Allow around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The standard airport ticket costs 2,500 HUF per person, one way.
You can buy it in BudapestGO, at BKK ticket machines or using the onboard Budapest Pay&GO terminals. Pay&GO purchases and validates your ticket in one step. The airport ticket does not cover onward travel on other services.
200E and the metro: an alternative with a transfer
Take the 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest, then metro M3 towards the centre. At night, the bus continues to Határ út for connections with night buses. The 200E accepts regular BKK tickets and travelcards.
Check your actual arrival time in BudapestGO before deciding which route works best.
Taxis and shared shuttles
For Főtaxi, use the official airport stands outside Terminals 2A and 2B. Ask for a fare estimate for your address; the final fare is metered. Card payment is available.
The official shared shuttle, miniBUD, is another option. Compare the quote for your party and destination before booking.
Public transport tickets: current prices
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket | 500 HUF |
| Block of 10 single tickets | 4,500 HUF |
| 24-hour travelcard | 2,750 HUF |
| 72-hour travelcard | 5,750 HUF |
| Standard 100E airport ticket | 2,500 HUF |
Prices checked against the BKK fare list.
The 24-hour and 72-hour travelcards cover unlimited eligible journeys during their validity, including the 200E, but not the 100E. Their validity starts at the date and time shown.
Remember to validate your ticket
Stamp paper single tickets before entering the metro or when boarding other services. With ordinary single tickets, the 200E-to-M3 connection requires two tickets. Buying a ticket alone does not validate it.
BudapestGO helps you plan journeys and buy tickets. Follow the app’s validation instructions and keep mobile data available.
Money and everyday payments
Hungary uses the forint (HUF). Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash. Euro payments may use unfavourable rates. Before exchanging money, check both the rate and commission.
Is the Budapest Card worth buying?
Compare the included attractions with your actual itinerary. A transport travelcard may be enough if you mainly want to get around. Budapest Card benefits vary by version, including airport-transfer benefits: check the exact product before buying.
Planning your first days in Budapest
Leave your arrival day flexible: check in, explore your neighbourhood and enjoy dinner without rushing between bookings.
For the following days, build your itinerary around a few priorities:
- A walk along the Danube and time exploring Buda.
- A museum or another cultural visit.
- A thermal-bath visit, after checking the chosen bath’s opening hours and rules.
- An evening discovering Hungarian food or the city’s bars.
For guided walks, sightseeing buses and cruises, check the current meeting point, language, duration and inclusions. If a walking tour is advertised as “free”, check how the guide is paid and budget for a tip.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport transfer should I choose?
Choose the 100E if you prefer a direct connection to the centre. Consider the 200E route if you are happy to transfer, particularly when buying a travelcard.
Can I use the 100E after midnight?
Yes, it operates around the clock. Check the timetable for your arrival time.
Does the 72-hour travelcard include the airport bus?
It includes the 200E, but not the 100E Airport Express.
Should I book activities before arriving?
Book the experiences you would be disappointed to miss, then leave room for spontaneous plans.
Where should I stay?
Choose accommodation that makes your planned activities easy to reach. Explore Maverick Downtown, Maverick Budapest Soho and Maverick Central Market, and compare the location and room options.
Discover Maverick accommodation in Budapest and check availability.
Maverick City Lodge Team
At Maverick City Lodge, we’re more than just a place to stay — we’re your home base for bold journeys and real connections. Right in Budapest’s historic quarter, our spaces blend comfort, style, and a social vibe that brings people together. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or good company, you’ll find a space that fits — and a team that gets it.
