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Getting from Budapest Airport to Main Train Station

The main train station of Budapest, officially called Keleti railway station, is located within the city’s limits and is a major hub for international travel. When traveling from Budapest Airport to Keleti Train Station, you can use four different transfer methods: taxi, Budapest Airport transfer, bus, or train.

Taking a Budapest Airport taxi is the fastest route to Budapest Keleti. You can also pre-book an airport transfer for a more comfortable and reliable experience. Both services are door-to-door and take approximately 30 minutes.

A cheaper, but more inconvenient alternative is the bus. The route is not direct, which means you’ll need to hop on the metro for the last leg of your journey. The total trip duration typically takes around 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic and waiting times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Budapest at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY Action
Taxi €25 30min 24/7
Bus + Metro €11 60min 04:30–23:30
Welcome Pickups €32 30min 24/7

How to get from Budapest Airport to Keleti Train Station by taxi

Hiring a Budapest Airport taxi is one of the only direct transfer methods if you are traveling from Budapest Airport to the Keleti Train Station.

Licensed Budapest taxis are easily recognizable by their yellow color and taxi roof sign. Without traffic, the trip to the main train station takes around 30 minutes.

Taxi fare from Budapest Airport to main train station

There is no flat fee for your taxi from Budapest Airport to Budapest Keleti. This means your taxi ride will be charged using a taximeter, based on distance.

Extra costs for factors like tolls may be applied. However, the average price of the taxi ride is €22-€28 (HUF 8,893-11,319).

Cost

€25

Trip Duration

30 Min

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

You can always find a taxi at the airport of Budapest.

Where do I get it from?

You will find taxis readily available at BUD Airport, lined up just outside of the airport’s exit doors. There is also a taxi information booth inside the terminal.

Convenience

Taxis are one of the most convenient options when it comes to traveling from Budapest Airport to the main train station. However, make sure to carry cash in Hungarian forints (HUF) since you may get overcharged because of the exchange rates.

Editor’s Note

Taking a taxi for your transfer is ideal if you are traveling with children or a group of friends that can split the fare.

Useful Tips

Make sure that the driver resets the taximeter.
Have the address of your destination written down in Hungarian.
Always pick a taxi from the official ranks.
The driver is required to provide you with a receipt at the end of the trip.

How to get from Budapest Airport to main train station by bus

Budapest’s bus network doesn’t connect directly to Keleti train station, so you’ll need to combine the bus with metro lines. There are two main routes you can take:

  • Route 1: Take Bus 100E from the airport and get off at Deák Ferenc tér. From there, transfer to Metro Line M2 (red) in the direction of Örs vezér tere and ride a few stops to Keleti pályaudvar.

  • Route 2: Take Bus 200E to its final stop at Kőbánya-Kispest. Transfer to Metro Line M3 (blue) toward Újpest-központ, get off at Deák Ferenc tér, then switch to Metro Line M2 (red) and continue to Keleti pályaudvar.

Both routes involve at least one metro transfer and take around 50–60 minutes total, depending on wait times. Bus 100E is the more direct and popular option.

How much is the bus from Budapest Airport to Keleti Train Station?

Tickets for the airport shuttle bus 100E cost €5.50 (HUF 2,200) per person. Standard tickets for bus 200E and metro lines cost €1 (HUF 350) each, or €1.40 (HUF 530) if using a transfer ticket for a combined journey.

Tickets can be purchased from BKK customer service centers, ticket vending machines, via the BudapestGO app, or directly on board using contactless payment.

Cost

€5.50

Trip Duration

60 Min

Total waiting time for the bus and metro is around 45 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Buses 100E and 200E operate 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The metro trains of Budapest operate from 04:30 to 23:30.

Where do I get it from?

You’ll find the express Bus 100E and regular Bus 200E stops on the Arrivals Level between Terminals 2A and 2B. Just follow the clearly marked “Public Transport” or “Bus” signs as you exit the terminal, and the stops will be directly ahead.

Once you transfer from the bus to a metro station (e.g., Deák Ferenc tér or Kőbánya-Kispest), look for large “M” signs marking metro entrances. Inside, signage is in Hungarian and English, with line numbers and colors (e.g., M2 Red, M3 Blue) clearly indicated on walls and digital displays.

Platform directions are marked with the final stop of the line (e.g., “Örs vezér tere” for M2 eastbound).

Convenience

Even though the public means of transport in Budapest are very cheap, having to change lines more than once is tiring and unsafe when you are traveling with children and many pieces of luggage.

Editor’s Note

Ideal for travelers on a budget.

Useful Tips

Children under 6 years of age travel for free.
Ticket inspectors usually operate in every major station.
It is advisable to look for day tickets if you are planning to use the public means of transport during your stay.
The bus + metro combined ticket is only valid for one transfer within 100 minutes (e.g., 200E + Metro M3.)
Check BKK’s accessibility map or use the BudapestGO app to plan barrier-free routes.
The 100E and 200E buses are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility.

How to get from Budapest Airport to Keleti Station by private transfer

Booking a private Budapest Airport transfer to the train station or your final destination is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to travel. With trusted providers like Welcome Pickups, you can avoid waiting in taxi lines and enjoy added benefits such as:

  • Meet-and-greet at arrivals

  • Professional, English-speaking drivers

  • Flight monitoring for delays

  • Fixed, pre-booked fares

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Free cancellation flexibility

Everything can be arranged ahead of time, so your arrival is smooth and stress-free. Plus, your driver can offer local insight to help you settle in and get the most out of your time in Budapest.

How much is an airport transfer from Budapest Airport to the main train station?

Unlike metered taxis, private transfers from Budapest Airport offer a fixed, all-inclusive fare. During the booking process, you’ll enter details such as your drop-off location, number of passengers, and luggage needs. Based on that, you’ll receive a quote for the vehicle that best suits your journey.

For example, a private transfer from Budapest Airport to Keleti train station starts from €32 for a standard sedan (4 passengers), around €55 for a minivan (up to 8 passengers).

These prices include taxes, tolls, and airport fees, and won’t change, even if you hit traffic. It’s a stress-free option that guarantees no surprises on the day of travel.

Cost

€32

Trip Duration

30 Min

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from the taxi ranks outside BUD Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

After you collect your bags and exit the baggage claim area, head into the public Arrivals Hall where your Welcome Pickups driver will be waiting, holding a sign with your name on it. You can also check the Welcome Pickups app for a photo of the exact meeting point to make things even easier.

Following a friendly meet-and-greet, your driver will help with your luggage and guide you to your pre-booked vehicle, conveniently parked just outside the terminal. It’s a smooth, door-to-door experience from the moment you land.

Convenience

While regular airport taxis in Budapest are convenient, booking a private transfer from Budapest Airport to Budapest Keleti offers a smoother, more personalized experience, often for just a little more. Instead of lining up at the taxi rank, you’ll be greeted by a driver who’s ready and waiting for you the moment you land.

By arranging your transfer in advance, you take care of everything, from vehicle selection to payment, before your trip even begins. That means no last-minute stress or surprises at the airport, just a calm, hassle-free start to your stay in Budapest.

Editor’s Note

Perfect for families and business travelers after a seamless, stress-free service.

Useful Tips

Set your pickup time 20–30 mins after landing to allow time for passport control and baggage claim.
Transfers are available for up to 8 passengers. Larger groups should book separately.
You'll get an email with your driver’s name, photo, contact, and vehicle details before your trip.
Traveling with kids? Request a booster or baby seat during booking, online or in the app.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Budapest. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Budapest Airport to main train station?

The average price of a taxi ride from Budapest Airport to Keleti railway station is €22-€28 (HUF 8,893-11,319). Without traffic, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes. For a fixed fare with no hidden fees, pre-book a Budapest Airport transfer with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups.

What is the main train station in Budapest called?

The main train station in Budapest is called Keleti Railway Station.

How far is it from Budapest Airport to Budapest Keleti?

The main train station of Budapest is around 20 km away from the airport, taking around 30 minutes by car and 50-60 minutes on public transport, depending on traffic conditions.

Does Budapest Airport have a train station?

No, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport doesn’t have a train station on-site. However, the nearest station, Ferihegy, is located nearby and can be reached by taking a short ride on Bus 200E from the airport.

Justine Mellor

Justine is a content specialist and writer who started backpacking the world at 16 and has lived in three countries. With roots in the travel industry and a taste for the road less traveled, she seeks out places with soul—where the food’s loud, the music’s local, and the culture runs deep.

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