ARRIVING AT
BUDAPESTLeaving Budapest Ferenc Liszt: transport guide
Budapest Ferenc Liszt · Hungary
Low riskUpdated May 2026High confidence
Bus 100E direct to Deák Ferenc tér for HUF 2200. Bolt is the easy door-to-door.
TL;DR
BUD (Budapest Ferenc Liszt) is the main international airport serving Budapest, Hungary. The recommended way out is Bus 100E (Airport Express) to Deák Ferenc tér (~HUF 2200, 40 min). Pickup is at Bus stop outside T2. The most common scam to watch for is "Unmarked taxi". Fares on the BUD → Deák Ferenc tér route typically run HUF 2200–HUF 9000; anything above HUF 20,000+ unmarked is almost certainly a scam. Last updated May 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Bus 100E (Airport Express) to Deák Ferenc tér
- Typical fare
- HUF 2200
- Journey time
- 40 min
- Pickup
- Bus stop outside T2
WARNING · Skip random taxi drivers — only use Főtaxi or Bolt
01
Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bus 100E | HUF 2200 | Every 7–10 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
Bolt | HUF 6000–9000 | 5–10 min | 📱App | |
Főtaxi (official) | HUF 8000–10000 | 0–10 min | 💳Card / Cash | |
miniBUD shuttle | HUF 5000–7000 | Varies | 💳Card | — |
02
Your first 30 minutes
- 1Walk to Bus 100E stop outside arrivals
- 2Buy 100E ticket (HUF 2200) from machine
- 3Bus every 7–10 min to city
- 4For taxi use Bolt or Főtaxi only
- 5Plan 40–60 min to Pest center
03
Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
82/ 100
- Scam risk80
- Public transport90
- Ride-hailing85
- Signage clarity80
- Payment convenience80
04
Fare reality check
BUD → Deák Ferenc tér
- HUF 2200–HUF 9000ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- HUF 12,000+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- HUF 20,000+ unmarkedProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
05
Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Bus 100E
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- HUF 2200
- Journey
- 40 min
- Wait
- Every 7–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Cheap
- Direct
Cons- Crowded
- 2
Bolt
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- HUF 6000–9000
- Journey
- 25–45 min
- Wait
- 5–10 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Fixed price
- Cheap
Cons- Surge
- 3
Főtaxi (official)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- HUF 8000–10000
- Journey
- 25–45 min
- Wait
- 0–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Posted zones
Cons- Pricier
- 4
miniBUD shuttle
- Cost
- HUF 5000–7000
- Journey
- 45–75 min
- Wait
- Varies
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Direct to hotel
Cons- Multiple stops
06
Paying without surprises
- Contactless on bus 100E
- Bolt and Főtaxi accept cards
07
Common scams
Unmarked taxi
High riskDriver outside arrivals quotes HUF 20,000.
HOW TO AVOID · Use Főtaxi rank or Bolt.
'Meter broken'
Medium riskOld trick still used by random cabs.
HOW TO AVOID · Always Bolt/Főtaxi.
08
What locals & travellers say
BUD·Budapest
“Bus 100E is the universally recommended cheap option.”
Redditr/budapestChecked Apr 2025confirmed
01 / 02
- "Bus 100E is the universally recommended cheap option." — r/budapest
- "Bolt is reliable and beats Főtaxi on price." — TripAdvisor
09
Arrival checklist
- Bus 100E HUF 2200
- Bolt or Főtaxi only
- Skip unmarked cabs
✉︎
Take it with you
10
BUD arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Budapest Ferenc Liszt?
- Bus 100E (Airport Express) to Deák Ferenc tér. Skip random taxi drivers — only use Főtaxi or Bolt.
- Are taxis at BUD safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: unmarked taxi — Driver outside arrivals quotes HUF 20,000. Use Főtaxi rank or Bolt.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at BUD?
- Yes — Bolt works at BUD. Typical cost HUF 6000–9000, journey ~25–45 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from BUD to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the BUD → Deák Ferenc tér route is roughly HUF 2200–HUF 9000. Anything around HUF 12,000+ is high — HUF 20,000+ unmarked is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at BUD?
- Carry small local notes — Bus 100E expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Budapest Ferenc Liszt?
- Bus stop outside T2. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is BUD safe to arrive at late at night?
- BUD is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at BUD?
- The most reported at BUD: Unmarked taxi; 'Meter broken'. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.