Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Budapest's Ferihegy airport has thankfully emerged from the 1970s brown-veneered chaos of its old terminal, and is now serviced by over three dozen international airlines. The national carrier Malév Hungarian Airlines operates nonstop flights between Budapest and North America, the Middle East and most European centres. There is no schedule for domestic flights.

The bus is also a popular means of getting to Budapest. There are three main stations, with all international buses and some domestic ones to/from Hungary's south and west arriving at and departing from Népliget bus station.

The Hungarian State Railway (MÁV) links to the European rail network, with different stations handling various destinations.

Getting around

Ferihegy international airport is 24km (15mi) southeast of Budapest. It is pointless getting a taxi unless in a real hurry, with several much cheaper options linking the airport and city. The buses provide a thriftier alternative, with the Airport Minibus offering an ultra convenient door to door service.

Budapest has an ageing but safe, inexpensive and efficient public transport system that won't have you waiting more than five to 10 minutes. If you plan to travel extensively by public transport pick up a copy of the invaluable Budapesti Közlekedési Hálózata Térképe (Budapest Transport Network Map) available at most metro ticket booths.