Thermal baths, delicious cuisine, and stunning landmarks offer just a taste of Budapest’s allure, and as the Queen of the Danube, it holds even more treasures. Before immersing ourselves further in the city’s beauty, let’s first acquaint ourselves with the initial Hungarian ground you’ll tread upon at Budapest Airport.
About Budapest Airport
As the capital of Hungary, Budapest is famous for many attractions, notably its breathtaking views of the Danube River and majestic architecture. Budapest Airport, serving as the sole air gateway to the city, stands as the largest in the country.
Built in 1938, Budapest Airport (Code: BUD) has undergone several name changes over the years. Initially named Ferihegy Airport, it was later rebranded as Ferihegy International Airport in 1950 before undergoing another name alteration in 2011 to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
Despite the name modifications, Budapest Airport is still commonly referred to as Ferihegy, particularly among locals. It caters to both domestic and international flights, attracting nearly 15 million passengers in 2023 alone. Traffic significantly peaks during the holiday season, from May to September.
As one of Hungary’s pivotal public facilities, Budapest Airport is strategically located close to the heart of the city. The distance from Budapest Airport to the city center is merely 16 kilometers, usually traversed within 30 to 40 minutes by car, contingent on traffic conditions.
Budapest Airport boasts an array of amenities to elevate your travel experience. Let’s delve into what the airport provides and what awaits you upon your arrival in Budapest.
Budapest Airport Terminals
Until 2012, Budapest Airport had three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2A, and Terminal 2B. However, Terminal 1 faced closure due to a significant decrease in visitors, primarily caused by the bankruptcy of a major airline.
Today, Budapest Airport operates with two terminals, Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B, housed within a single building connected by the SkyCourt walkway. Terminal 2A serves passengers traveling to and from Schengen countries, while Terminal 2B accommodates passengers on non-Schengen flights.
Budapest Airport Facilities
As the primary airport, Budapest Airport offers a wide array of facilities and amenities aimed at ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. These include:
- Passport Control
- Baggage Claim
- Lost & Found
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Nursing Rooms
- SIM Cards
- Restaurants
- Parking Area
- ATMs and Currency Exchange
- Smoking Area
- VIP Lounges
Budapest Airport Hotels
To fully enjoy exploring the vibrant city of Budapest, you have several accommodation options available, either directly at the airport or in close proximity.
Here are some choices to consider:
- Ibis Styles Budapest Airport: This 3-star accommodation is located within the airport vicinity, allowing passengers to reach the hotel on foot. Essential amenities include Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and parking facilities.
- Airport Hotel Budapest: This lavish lodging option is near the airport, just an 8-minute drive away. It’s a 4-star accommodation featuring over 100 rooms, along with amenities such as a gym, buffet dining, and more.
- Hotel Ferihegy: Nestled amidst Budapest’s peaceful area, this 3-star hotel is 10 minutes away from the airport. It offers essential amenities at an affordable price, including a complimentary breakfast.
- Budapest Airport Hotel Stacio Wellness & Konferencia: This 4-star hotel is located within a 12-minute drive from the airport. Designed for convenience, it boasts up to 75 comfortable rooms, wellness facilities, and a restaurant.
- Airport Wanderer Inn – Vandor Fogado: A cozy lodging option providing a range of essential amenities, just an 11-minute drive from the airport. Situated close to various attractions, it ensures an enjoyable experience for travelers.
- Air&Day Guest House: Only 10 minutes away from Budapest Airport, this homey guest house offers modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
Budapest Airport Transportations
Various transportation options are available for traveling to and from the airport, including:
- Taxi: Taxis are the most convenient method of transportation in Budapest. They are readily available 24 hours a day and typically operate on fixed tariffs, although prices may vary depending on the season.
- Car Rental: This is the optimal transportation choice for travelers seeking flexibility. Numerous car rental booths are available at the airport terminal, providing direct access upon arrival or booking via the website.
- Public buses: Public buses offer one of the most affordable transportation options in Budapest. Divided into two routes, 100E and 200E, these buses provide convenient access to Budapest’s city center, metro, and railway stations for further transit connections.
- Train: Trains, catered by Nyugati railway station, allow visitors to make intercity trips easily. With more than 100 trains departing daily, this mode of transportation proves convenient for travelers.
Budapest Airport Duty-free
There are three Heinemann duty-free shops located at Budapest Airport, spread across both terminals and the SkyCourt walkway. Opens from early morning to late night, the shop offers a wide range of items, including:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco
- Accessories like watches, jewelry, and sunglasses
- Makeup and Skincare
- Fragrances
- Kids’ toys
- Sweets
- Artisanal product
Best Things to Do in Budapest
There are numerous activities to enjoy in Budapest, with some must-do experiences being:
- Admire the architectural grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
- Embark on a charming journey aboard the Children’s Railway.
- Enjoy a delightful scenic tour on the Danube River Cruise.
Are you ready to plan your trip and greet the Queen of the Danube? Head to Airpaz and book your flight ticket to Budapest Airport now to enjoy competitive fares and a hassle-free trip experience!
