Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) – The Essential Guide
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), named after the renowned Hungarian composer, is more than just an airport; it is the vital aviation gateway connecting Hungary to the world. Situated just 16 km southeast of the vibrant Budapest city center, BUD acts as a major base for low-cost giants like Wizz Air and Ryanair, facilitating both passenger travel and significant cargo operations. Its strategic importance in Central and Eastern Europe continues to grow, underpinned by recent major infrastructure investments and a notable shift in ownership.
Key Facts, Figures, and Recent Performance (2024/2025 Update)
| Key Metric | Detail |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | BUD / LHBP |
| Location | 16 km (10 miles) southeast of Budapest city center |
| Passenger Volume (2024) | Handled 17.2 million passengers (a record year) |
| Cargo Growth (Jan 2025) | 28,646 tonnes handled, marking a 58.5% year-over-year increase |
| Ownership Update | Majority Hungarian-owned (since June 2024), in partnership with Vinci Airports |
| Strategic Location | Convenient access to landmarks like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle |
Terminals, Services, and Enhanced Passenger Experience
BUD Airport efficiently utilizes its current terminal infrastructure to manage its growing passenger flow while focusing on modernizing the traveler experience.
- Operational Terminals: The airport primarily operates from two main passenger terminals:
- Terminal 2A: Dedicated primarily to Schengen zone flights.
- Terminal 2B: Handles non-Schengen international flights.
- Terminal 1: Currently reserved for charter and private aviation services.
- Amenities: Passengers benefit from a range of high-quality services, including free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals, extensive duty-free shopping areas, and diverse dining options like the Airport Bistro and Café Brio. Specialty stores, such as the Hungaricum souvenir store, offer local Hungarian goods.
- Lounges and Accommodation: The airport provides VIP lounge access for enhanced comfort. For travelers needing nearby lodging, convenient options include the ibis Styles Budapest Airport and the Airport Hotel Budapest.
- Accessibility: The facility maintains comprehensive disabled access to ensure smooth travel for all passengers.
Airlines and Unprecedented 2025 Flight Network
The 2025 summer season is slated to be the busiest in the airport’s history, showcasing its expanding global connectivity.
- Major Carriers: While serving as a primary hub for Wizz Air and Ryanair, BUD is also serviced by full-service carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and LOT Polish Airlines.
- Record Connectivity: The airport offers a record-breaking 136 direct flight destinations, with 13.8 million seats available across its network. Key destinations include İstanbul, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai.
- New Routes for 2025: Significant network expansion includes:
- Jet2.com: New services to East Midlands Airport and Newcastle (UK).
- easyJet: Launching routes to Bordeaux and Nantes (France).
- Jazeera Airways: A new connection to Kuwait City.
- SCAT Airlines: Direct flights to Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
- Wizz Air: Increased frequency to key markets like Abu Dhabi.
- Future Developments: Condor is scheduled to launch a new route to Frankfurt in 2026.
Major Infrastructure and Sustainability Developments (2025-2030)
Budapest Airport is undergoing a multi-year, transformative overhaul to future-proof its operations and accommodate expected passenger volume growth to 20–30 million annually.
- Terminal 3 Construction: Preparation work for the new Terminal 3 is underway, with completion projected within the next eight years. This expansion is central to the airport’s strategy for scaling up capacity.
- Sustainability Commitment: Budapest Airport is deeply committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030, setting a leading example for environmental responsibility in the region.
- Current Construction Advisory (Q2 2025): From February to the end of June 2025, refurbishment of the bridge leading to Terminal 2 and the curbside area is causing temporary traffic restrictions.
- Travel Advisory: Due to these works, travelers are strongly advised to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before their flight departure time.
- 75th Anniversary: In 2025, the airport will celebrate its 75th year of operation with a series of cultural events that also honor its namesake, Franz Liszt.
Seamless Transportation: Getting To and From BUD Airport
Travelers have several convenient and cost-effective options for airport transfers to the city center.
| Service | Route Details | Estimated Time | Cost (Approximate) |
| 100E Airport Express Bus | Direct connection to Deák Ferenc tér (via Kálvin tér and Astoria). Runs 24/7. | 35 minutes | 900 HUF |
| 200E Bus + M3 Metro | Connects to the M3 metro line at Kőbánya-Kispest (end of the line). | 40 minutes | 350 HUF |
| Train | Connects Terminal 1 to Nyugati Station. | 25 minutes | 600 HUF |
| Taxi (Főtaxi) | Főtaxi is the official airport partner. Regulated fare to city center. | 30 minutes | ~7,000 HUF (~20 EUR) |
Note: Both the 100E and 200E bus services are scheduled to run with increased frequency during the peak summer months of July and August.
Car Rental and Parking
Major international car rental companies, including Avis, Enterprise, and Sixt, operate desks at the airport. Extensive paid parking facilities are available with a total capacity of approximately 5,000 vehicles.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 1675 Budapest Ferihegy, P.O.Box. 53, HUNGARY |
| Phone | +36 1 2969696 |
| Website | www.bud.hu |