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The cheapest way to get from the airport is to go the public transportation route. Bus 93 runs from Terminal 1 to the Köbánya-Kispest metro terminal. Bus 200, a new service, picks up at both Terminals 1 and 2 for Köbánya-Kispest. For those traveling with a lot of luggage or arriving at odd hours, Bus 200 is the best option since it is larger and operates late-night. From the metro station, the journey to Deák Ferenc Square takes just twenty minutes and costs the same as a standard public transportation fare: HUF230.
In the summer of 2007, a rail link between Terminal 1 at the airport and Budapest's Nyugati (western) Railway Station was inaugurated. Between 50 and 60 trains on weekdays and 35-45 trains on weekend days ply the route between the train station and the airport. A one-way journey costs HUF300, and lasts under a half hour.
The airport minibus is another transportation option, popular because it drops passengers off directly at their hotels. The minibus costs HUF3900 for a round-trip journey, or is free with the use of the Budapest Card. Visitors can book ahead of time by calling +36 1 296 8555. On-site booking, however, is a cakewalk with the airport minibus ticket booth's prominent location and user-friendly service.
Taxi journeys in Budapest were once risky, due to dishonest drivers and notoriously overactive meters. While you should still take care with them, the airport now works with an operator to make taxi travel easier and safer. Zóna sets fixed rates from the airport to different zones in the city so that you know what you're paying up front. Most hotels will be within the second and third zones. The fare to zone two is HUF4100 and the fare to zone three is HUF4200. For more information, visit the Zóna site.
For more information about the Budapest Airport, visit the airport's official site.
Arriving by Train
The Hungarian State Railways (MAV) links up with the European rail network, with trains running between Budapest's three main stations and major European cities. Keleti station is the hub for most international trains, although trains heading south (to Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia, among other destinations) usually depart from Déli station. Additionally, most eastern bound trains leave from Nyugati. Always double check the departure station listed on your ticket.
All three stations link to metro lines and/or night buses. Legitimate taxis are plentiful at Nyugati, but at the other stations, you may need to take extra precautions to make sure you don't become a victim of taxi fraud. At Keleti, head south of the terminal to VIII Kerepesi út and catch a legal cab there, or cross over to I Alkotás ucta from Déli to flag one down.
For more train information, visit the official Web site of Hungarian State Railways(in Hungarian only).
Arriving by Bus
The Népliget bus station in Pest is the arrival and departure point for all international buses and many local ones. From there, the metro 3, tram 1, or buses 103 or Alacska-busz will take you into the city center. For more bus information, visit the Volanbusz site.
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