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Travel Guide

This page provides a general overview of travelling to Budapest and getting around the city. As IMO 2027 approaches, we will regularly update it with the latest information, detailed travel guidance, recommended routes, airport transfer instructions, public transport advice, and everything participants need to know before arriving in Budapest.

 

Travel to Budapest

By train

Budapest is well connected to the European railway network, with numerous direct international services from neighbouring countries and several major European cities. Most international express trains arrive at and depart from Budapest Keleti Railway Station, while some services may use other main railway stations in the city. For current routes and timetables, please consult the relevant railway operators.

By bus

Several international coach companies operate regular routes between Budapest and neighbouring countries, including Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Romania, as well as other destinations in Europe. International coach services usually arrive at or depart from major coach terminals such as Népliget, Etele Square at Kelenföld Railway Station, or Mexikói Road.

By boat

Budapest lies on the Danube, one of Europe’s most important waterways. Seasonal international river services may operate between Budapest and other cities along the Danube. Availability and schedules vary, so passengers are advised to check the operators’ websites for current information.

By plane

Budapest is served by Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which offers direct flights to numerous destinations across Europe and beyond.

Ferenc Liszt International Airport is located about 20 kilometres south-east of Budapest. The airport has two terminals: 2A and 2B. The airport’s official website https://www.bud.hu/en offers up-to-date flight information, maps and information about the services available.

Passengers arriving at Ferenc Liszt International Airport can get to the city centre by public transport, car or taxi. Bus line 100E provides a direct connection between the airport and the city centre. It runs to Deák Ferenc Square, with stops in the city centre.

  • at Kálvin Square, offering transfer to metro lines M3 and M4
  • at Astoria, where passengers can transfer to metro line M2, as well as several tram and bus lines
  • the route terminates at Deák Ferenc Square, offering transfer to metro lines M1, M2 and M3

Travel time to the city centre is usually approximately 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic. For current fares, timetables and further information, please check the website of the Centre for Budapest Transport at https://bkk.hu/en/travel-information/public-transport/airport-shuttle/

Another option is bus line 200E, which connects the airport with Kőbánya-Kispest metro and railway station. From there, passengers can continue towards the city centre by metro. This may be a convenient option for those staying in the southern part of Budapest.

Further information about transfer options is available on the airport’s website: https://www.bud.hu/en.

If you decide to take a taxi, please make sure to use the official airport taxi service, Főtaxi, which has booths at both terminals.

By car

Hungary has a well-developed public road network, and Budapest is easily accessible by car. The major expressways start from Budapest and typically lead towards the state borders, forming a radial network. Hungary has an electronic road toll payment system. You must purchase your e-vignette before entering a toll road. E-vignettes are available online, at border crossing points, petrol stations and the customer offices of the National Toll Payment Services PLC. For more information on road tolls, please visit the National Toll Payment Services PLC website.

Public Transport in Budapest

Although Budapest is a sizeable city, many central sights are easily accessible on foot, especially in the inner districts of Pest and near the Danube bank in Buda. More distant locations are best reached by public transport, MOL Bubi, the city’s bike-sharing network, or other shared mobility services. Budapest has an extensive public transport system, including four metro lines, trams, trolleybuses and buses. The M1 metro line, opened in 1896, is the oldest underground railway on the European continent and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At night, passengers can use night buses and tram line 6, which runs around the clock.

Tickets and passes, which are accepted on most forms of public transport, can be purchased from vending machines located at most metro and tram stations, as well as through the BudapestGO application.

Tickets are available as single tickets, in blocks of 10, as time-based tickets, and as passes granting unlimited travel for different periods. Current ticket and pass prices are available on the official BKK website: https://bkk.hu/en/tickets-and-passes/prices/.

If you are a student, you may be entitled to discounted travel passes. Please consult the official BKK website for current eligibility conditions.

Do not forget to validate your ticket! Ticket inspections are very common, and passengers travelling with an invalid or unvalidated ticket may receive an on-the-spot fine. At the same time, passes do not need to be validated. Note that on some buses and trams you can only board through the front door and you may have to present your ticket or pass to the driver.
 

For more information, please check the following website: https://bkk.hu/en/

A trip planner is available in the BudapestGO application and on the BKK website.

Click here to download the map of the metro and suburban railway system of Budapest.

Taxis

All licensed taxis in Budapest are painted yellow. They use a uniform charging system, must have a visible meter and must accept credit card payment. Make sure to get a receipt printed by the taximeter at the end of your journey to ensure a swift remedy for any complaint you may have. To avoid inconveniences, please use branded taxi companies such as:

Most taxi companies have a smartphone application.