The last friend that did a Viking Cruise (about 9 months ago) out of Budapest was put by Viking in the Hilton in Buda which is sort of a miserable location if you only have a few days.
If they put you up at the Sofitel or the Intercontinental or the Marriott, then not half bad for a short stay; but you miss the city life, but not sure you have much time for it anyway. And Viking’s dock is a 3 to 5 minute walk depending on which of the 3 hotels you choose. But Viking wanted easily twice the cost of the hotel for the convenience of booking through them.
I am guessing your flight arrives mid-afternoon (night one), then you have then next day to see the town (night two), then you have the next day to see the town (night three), then you board the boat for a night and get offered their tours the next day which is sort of a series of drive-by’s before sailing that night. Am I close?
They all offer a transfer from the airport, but its not generally as easy or as cheap as taking a taxi. With a transfer from the hotel a gentleman will meet you in the arrivals hall with your name on a card, then walk you up stairs and to the departures curb (FrankII, I haven’t done this in years, still going this way?). Then you wait while he goes to the parking lot and gets his car and comes for you.
With the taxi you walk out the Arrivals Hall door and on your left is the Taxi Kiosk (FoTaxi). You tell them where, they give you a slip of paper with the estimated cost and taxi number printed on it. Then you walk about 30 feet to the curb and wait 1 or 2 minutes for your cab. 30 to 40 minutes later you are at your hotel. Cost is about 10.000 forints or about $30. The driver will take your credit card.
