Budapest airport to city – let’s see your options!

Looking for the top Budapest airport transfer? Discover the optimal ways to travel from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport to any location in the city, including private services, taxis, and public transit options.

Budapest airport to city – private transfer

Leave it to the professionals of the Justbudapest team! Count on then for your private transfers from the airport to any destination within the city and back! Just let them know your arrival time and enjoy a VIP experience in their luxury cars with your family or friends.

Whether you’re heading to the city center or another location in Budapest, they ensure a smooth and comfortable journey every time!

Additionally, as seasoned tourism experts, they offer valuable advice, insights, and tips during your ride to your stay. Partnering with well-established and emerging tourism companies, they also provide access to discounted tickets for various attractions and activities.

What’s more, their services are not just limited to airport transfers. Feel free to book them for traveling around the city during your stay; the popular team is here to assist you!

Budapest airport transfer – taxi

Hailing a taxi is a common method for departing or arriving at airports, as often depicted in films, and there’s a good reason for that. Taxis, accessible around the clock both in the city and at the airport, provide the convenience of not having to schedule your ride in advance like you would with private transfers, while still offering a direct route to your destination without the worry of managing your luggage.

Regarding Bolt Taxi at the airport: In Budapest, many recognize Bolt taxis — identifiable by their green logo on a yellow background — as reliable. However, we advise against using them for airport-city transfers. Despite all taxis in Budapest charging a standard fare, using a Bolt taxi won’t save you money. Additionally, Bolt taxis must be booked ahead and may not always be immediately available, as they are not allowed to park on airport premises and often have to travel from nearby locations or the city center. This can lead to difficulties in locating your ride. There is also the possibility of being charged an extra fee by drivers for airport entries, as they’re only permitted free access twice a day. If you prefer using a taxi for city transfers, opting for the main taxi service is recommended.

Choosing a bus is always a good decision – though not the most comfortable one

Opting for a bus as your Budapest airport transfer is a popular choice. For those eager to explore the public transport system of their vacation spot while managing their luggage, Budapest’s own BKK offers two bus services from the airport: the 100E and 200E. Here’s a breakdown:

The 100E Airport Express bus is a swift shuttle that speeds across the southeastern parts of Budapest, linking the airport directly to the city center. It makes only two stops each way:

From Budapest Airport to Kálvin Square, then Astoria, and finally Deák Ferenc Square.

From Deák Ferenc Square to Kálvin Square and back to Budapest Airport.

The bus stop at the airport is conveniently positioned right outside the exit, midway between the two terminals, making it easy to find. Tickets for either bus can be purchased at BKK vending machines located outside the terminals or through the BKK’s official app, with no need for cash since the machines accept card payments.

Although we have to add: if you have a lot of luggage, the bus is not the best option for you, as it is often crowded.

If you’re hungry after a long journey, there are plenty of great ways to quench your hunger. Take for example the chimney cake, one of Hungary’s most iconic desserts!

Chimney cake Budapest – the best dessert ever!

Budapest delights visitors with the delicious aroma of “kürtőskalács”, also known as chimney cake, throughout the year, and even more so in the winter. This treat, a highlight of the city’s Christmas markets, is exceptionally sweet and best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. Sampling a chimney cake in Budapest isn’t merely a pleasure—it’s an extraordinary experience!

Chimney cakes consist of a sweet dough. These treats derive their name from their distinctive cylindrical shape, resembling a tunnel or chimney. Featuring a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy center, they are crafted from sweet dough and roasted over charcoal until the outer layer turns a golden-brown, with the sugar on the surface caramelizing.

Chimney cake Budapest – if you want to make this delicious cake at home, no problem! We would like to offer you an easy recipe and method of preparation!

Chimney cake Budapest recipe

Ingredients:

Dough:

500 grams (4 cups) all-purpose flour

250 ml (1 cup) milk, lukewarm

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating:

200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (optional)

100 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Equipment:

Chimney cake (kürtőskalács) molds or thick wooden dowels

Pastry brush

Oven (if not using a traditional open grill)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until it forms a smooth dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal parts.

Roll each piece into about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long ropes.

Carefully wrap the ropes around the greased kürtőskalács molds or wooden dowels, slightly overlapping each layer.

Make sure to press the ends of the dough together to seal them on the mold.

Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.

Brush the rolled dough with melted butter and then roll it in the sugar-cinnamon mixture until well coated.

If using an oven, preheat it to 180°C (350°F).

Bake the chimney cake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden-brown, rotating them every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking.

If you have access to an open grill, you can cook them over charcoal, turning continuously until the sugar caramelizes and the dough cooks through.

Allow the kürtőskalács to cool slightly on the molds before removing them.

Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.

This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion and offers a taste of Hungarian tradition. Enjoy your homemade chimney cakes!

Chimney cake at Budapest airport

And if you don’t have time to bake or want to try this special treat the moment you arrive in Budapest, you can buy it at the airport!

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