Budapest transportation links

You can walk from the train station to the Opera House in 15 minutes. If you have a rolling bag, just walk it.

To get to the airport, either a taxi or a private airport shuttle van can get you there in about 35 minutes.

Thank you for your helpful information.
How far ahead does the Budapest airport recommend arriving for a flight to Amsterdam?

Sorry Mary, but you can not walk to your address in 15 minutes. Google Maps says 33 minutes and i think that is optimistic given the number of street crossings and crosswalk lights.

EDIT: David is usually right when it comes to Budapest so maybe he thinks the Vienna train stops at Nyugati station. That would be closer. But then, maybe I am guessing wrong too. The MAV and OBB trains stop at Keleti, but the RegionJet discount trains I believe stop at Deli station (which is not convenient at all). So check your ticket and let me know if we have to rewrok this.

I would get off the train, walk to the center front of the station. Walk down the stairs and go to the BKK office and buy a paper 72 hour TravelCard (EDIT: Sorry, you are over 65. You dont have to buy anything). Then follow the signs to the M2 Metro line. Board it in the direction of Déli pályaudvar (Deli Train Station).

Now you have two choices.

FIRST Stay on the M2 for 3 stops to Deák Ferenc tér where you change to the M1 (townards Mexikói út) and get off at the second stop the Opera Metro Station. Your AirBnb is maybe a 4 minute walk behind the Opera house.

SECOND Stay on the M2 for 1 stop and get off at the Blaha Lujza tér metro station. Then go up the stairs to the street and board the 4/6 tram in the direction of Széll Kálmán tér (moving right to left from the top of the metro stairs) Sit on the right side, the view is interesting as you pass the NY Palace and a number of other wonderful old buildings. Go 3 stops to the Oktogon. From the Oktogon you can walk something less than 10 minutes down Andrassy ut (beautiful) or you can take the M1 Metro 1 stop in the direction of Vorosomarty ter and get off at the Opera stop.

The first way is efficient, the second lets you see some of Budapest. I would do the second option, but I am comfortable in town. With luggage the first is probably easier as the 4/6 tram gets croweded at times.

For your departure, Call City Taxi the day prior and request a pick up at 14:00. It will take not less than 30 minutes and you are coming up on rush hour so maybe a tad longer. Worst case you will arrive a 14:45. Its an easy airport so 2:15 is early enough. If you worry (like I do a lot), then call theTaxi for 13:45 pickup.

Okay, there is a thrid option. I didnt list it because it involves finding the start of a bus line across the street from the station. I ride this bus (trolly bus actually) almost every day. It is the most direct way and it goes through very interesting "real" Budapest. The windows are huge (sit on the right side) and the bus is rarely crowded so its a good option. The end stop is a tad further from the Opera (1 block) but still a really good solution.

Here is the route (easier than me telling you): https://maps.app.goo.gl/UqnfUMA6fpkFxNvs9 Choose the RED #78. A trolly bus is red, easy to spot and has poles that go up to overhead electrical lines like a tram does. Basically an electric bus. They are new, clean and well run. You will still need your 72 hour travelcard, so dont forget to get one in the station or use the BudapestGo App on your phone (I am an old fart and dont like messing with phones when I am enjoying myself). (EDIT: Sorry, you are over 65. You dont have to buy anything).

You will want to board the bus going in the direction of Kossuth Lajos tér which is good to remember because that is the Parliament Building.

To get to the airport when you are departing, a taxi is undoubtedly the easiest. Setting up the City Taxi app before you leave is also easiest - I think you will be texted a code.

However, if you are over 65 as Mr. É says, then you do have a fairly easy option by public transportation as well, that would be free. You could take the M1 from Opera to Deak Ferenc ter and from there take the 100E bus (the Airport Express bus) to the airport. https://maps.app.goo.gl/eKGp75YbaJV8tP9S8?g_st=ic

With an afternoon departure, I would probably do this (for early mornings, I like the taxi option).

TTM is always correct.

EDIT: This time too. So Ignore everything below and see my last post.

But the Deak Ferenc ter metro station can be confusing and it's quite a walk from the M1 Platform to the bus stop.

A guaranteed way to find the bus stop is to take the M1 to the Bajczy Z. Metro stop, one stop from the Opera in the direction of Vorosmarty ter, then go up to the street and cross the wide boulevard in front of you (there is a crosswalk), turn left down the sidewalk on the opposite side and within 100 or 150m you will begin seeing directional signs to the 100E. It will be the bus stop with all the tourists and their luggage.

True about the Deak Ferenc metro stop….. Mr. É’s route would be easier even if it sounds more complicated.

The 100E leaves from in front of the big Budapest sign, I think, if that makes it easier to find. Also, offline Google maps makes everything easier…..

Just an additional option. :)

In a new city that I dont know, since missing a flight will cost me $1000, I prefer the taxi. Now when arriving the bus if fine,. At least, scope out the bus stop on one of your days in town.

Thank you so much for the great information Mr. E and TTM! It will all be an adventure figuring out our goings and comings and you have helped a lot!

I will retract my comments on getting the 100E bus to the airport out of the Deak Ferenc ter metro station. I was there today so I made some mental notes.

If you are coming from the M1, go down the stairs and to the large hall.
If you are coming from the M2 or M3, go up the escelator to the large hall.

Once at the large hall turn left and go down the hall to the short escelator up. At the top of the esclator walk straight and you will see an exit marked "D". Up the stairs and you are about 20m from the bus stop. You cant miss it.

If you get lost (you wont), call