Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

BUDHungaryTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

Budapest, Hungary

Drop-off

Deák Ferenc tér (central Budapest)

Pin before customs

Fastest

100E Airport Express

bus · 6-15 (30-40 at night)m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: 100E Airport Express
Headway: 6-15 (30-40 at night)
Backup: 200E + Metro M3 (Blue line) · 7-10 (bus) + 3-5 (metro, typical daytime)m

Note

Direct BKK airport express bus between Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Terminal 2) and Deák Ferenc tér via Kálvin tér and Astoria, operating 24/7 with a typical journey time of about 40 minutes. Requires a special Airport shuttlebus single ticket (not valid with regular passes).

Budget focus

Budapest: Fare Hacker Playbook

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Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Főtaxi (official airport taxi)
Mode: taxi
Freq: on-demandm
Note: Official taxi partner at Budapest Airport with booths outside Terminal 2A/2B; cars are metered yellow city taxis. Typical travel time to the Deák Ferenc tér area is about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic, with regulated citywide fares applied.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: 100E Airport Express
Mode: bus
Freq: 6-15 (30-40 at night)m
Note: Direct BKK airport express bus between Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Terminal 2) and Deák Ferenc tér via Kálvin tér and Astoria, operating 24/7 with a typical journey time of about 40 minutes. Requires a special Airport shuttlebus single ticket (not valid with regular passes).

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.