what should we do if we get into Budapest at midnight?

Concerned about what? I would take a cab to the hotel. Just make sure the hotel is open that late with a night clerk. Keep them advised of your arrival time.

I would definitely go to a hotel in the City. We were in Budapest in August at the beginning and ending of a 3 week trip. We arranged a one way transfer through the hotel for our arrival (a bit pricey at about 30 E but nice to have someone waiting for you with a sign with your name on it after a very long flight from N Amer.) On the way back to the airport we took a taxi from our downtown hotel (about 5500 HUF). Budapest is an amazing city with tons to see and do. Enjoy.

The information helps alot. We had a bad experience in Rome one time coming in really late and wanted to make sure it was wise in Budapest. We try to be "street smart" as much as possible.

"We had a bad experience in Rome one time coming in really late and wanted to make sure it was wise in Budapest." Let's be clear here, this is important for you: It's only wise if you absolutely and specifically confirm with your hotel that they will be open and someone will absolutely be there to check you in at that time of the night, at the time you expect to check in--you don't know this time with certainty, because planes can be late, etc, but sounds like it could be anytime between about midnight and 3am (depending on planes being late, etc). Many smaller, non-chain hotels in Europe don't have 24-hour reception. We wouldn't want you to be standing in the street with your luggage at 2am.

I just got back from Budapest; Assuming your hotel can check you in, I would recommend just taking a cab to the hotel. Arrange the taxi through the hotel or call a legitimate company from the airport. It's about a 20-minute drive into the city center. I paid 6600 forints (about $31) for a ride from my hotel (the Hilton Budapest Westend, located next to Nyugati train station) to the airport. My hotel told me it was a flat rate and I suspect it was a little more expensive than standard taxi because our taxi service was a Mercedes driven by a man in a business suit. I felt very safe walking around in the middle of the night in Budapest. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you! That is just what I needed to know. I really appreciate all the comments.

You will have no problem with taxi at the airport in Budapest. They are well regulated there and reasonable in cost-honest drivers and very clean cars. It is surely a different story in Prague where you must be careful in choosing a taxi.

We took a late cab to our B&B. Make sure they are open, as indicated above. Send them your arrival time. I wouldn't worry about the cab. I remember our fare was something like 51 HF. We gave the driver 55 and he was insisting on giving us the change.