Few visitors realize that there is a much cheaper alternative to Budapest Airport’s popular airport shuttle bus.
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is one of the few major European airports that still lacks a direct rail or metro connection to the city center. Plans for a railway link have been discussed for years, but for now they remain part of an uncertain future.
At present, travelers can reach the airport by taxi or bus. Since the airport is located on the outskirts of the city, about 20 kilometers from downtown Budapest, many passengers choose a taxi for convenience. However, it is also by far the most expensive option.
Most tourists are familiar with the 100E Airport Express bus, which operates day and night between the airport and Deák Ferenc Square, the heart of the city center. A special ticket is required for this service, currently costing 2,500 forints (approximately €7). Tickets can be purchased through the BudapestGO public transport app or simply by paying with a bank card on board the bus.
What many visitors do not know is that there is a significantly cheaper alternative.
The 200E bus departs from almost the same area of the airport as the 100E. Instead of the special airport fare, it operates as part of Budapest’s regular public transport network. A standard single ticket costs only 500 forints.
Tickets can be purchased through the BudapestGO app or from one of the ticket machines located at the airport.
The main disadvantage is that the 200E does not travel directly to the city center. Instead, it terminates at Kőbánya-Kispest, commonly known as “Köki,” where passengers need to transfer to Metro Line M3. This requires an additional ticket unless you already have a travel pass.
Fortunately, the transfer is relatively straightforward. Signage at Kőbánya-Kispest clearly guides passengers between the bus stop and the metro station. The most important landmark is the pedestrian bridge that crosses above the roads and railway tracks.
For visitors planning to spend several days in Budapest, purchasing a travel pass may be the smartest option. A 24-hour pass currently costs 2,750 forints, while a 72-hour pass costs 5,750 forints. Both are valid on the 200E bus and provide unlimited travel on Budapest’s entire public transport network, including metro lines, trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
I initially used the 200E only when traveling from the airport to the city, as I was not particularly concerned about travel time. Nowadays, however, I also use it when heading to the airport. The service is frequent, reliable, and operates around the clock.
Night-time travelers should note that while the 200E continues to run overnight, onward connections in the city are limited to Budapest’s night bus network.
Judging by the number of passengers, more and more people are discovering this budget-friendly option. Not only locals, but an increasing number of foreign visitors are choosing the 200E as well.
If you do not mind one transfer, the 200E can save you around €5 compared to the airport express bus—money that can be better spent on a meal, a coffee, or a sightseeing attraction in Budapest.
