Lois Larson
If you're planning a trip to Budapest, you may be wondering about the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation. While Uber is available in the city, it's not that simple. Uber was banned in Budapest in 2016 due to protests by traditional taxi drivers, but there are other ridesharing options, like Bolt, and alternative transport methods to get you into the city from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Uber Pickup at Budapest Airport | Unavailable |
| Reason | Uber is banned in Budapest due to protests held by traditional taxi drivers in 2016 |
| Alternative Ridesharing Apps | Bolt |
| Alternative Transport Options | Airport Shuttle, Taxi, Public Bus, Car Rental |
What You'll Learn
Uber alternatives at Budapest Airport
Uber is available for pick-up at Budapest Airport, but there are several alternative options for getting to and from the airport if you prefer.
One of the easiest ways to get from Budapest Airport to the city centre is to take the airport shuttle, which is cheap and runs every 15-25 minutes. You can book your shuttle ticket ahead of time, and it's easy to find—just look for the MiniBUD information point when you arrive at the airport.
Another option is to take a taxi. Official taxi companies like Főtaxi, the airport's contracted taxi provider, have stands at the airport. Főtaxi cars are yellow and have a Főtaxi sticker on the door, and they can be booked via an app. City Taxi is another reputable company with yellow cars. Be cautious of unlicensed taxis, as they may charge higher rates.
You can also take a public bus from the airport to the city centre. The 100E bus runs every 20 minutes and costs €5.5 (HUF2,200) for a one-way ticket.
If you prefer the flexibility of having your own car, you can rent one at the airport terminal. Discover Car is one option for comparing providers to find the best price.
Budapest also has a good public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, trams, subways, and boats, which can be accessed with a 24-, 48-, 72-, 96-, or 120-hour public transport card. Walking, biking, and public transportation are recommended as great ways to discover the city. Budapest has a bicycle-sharing system called MOL Bubi, with over 200 docking stations and 1,800 bicycles.
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Uber availability in Budapest
Uber is available in Budapest and at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Uber returned to the city in June 2024 after not operating in Budapest for 8 years. The main reason for Uber being banned in Budapest was due to protests held by traditional taxi drivers in 2016.
You can request a ride to and from the airport with Uber. In most regions, you can schedule an airport pickup or drop-off in advance. However, pickups reserved in advance are subject to airport regulations. You can use the Uber app's flight-tracking technology to let your driver know if your flight is delayed or early so they can adjust their pickup time.
There are several other ways to get around Budapest. The city has an especially good public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, trams, subways, and boats. You can buy a 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120-hour public transport card ahead of time, which includes unlimited use of public transport. Budapest also has a bicycle-sharing system called MOL Bubi, with more than 200 docking stations and 1,800 bicycles.
If you prefer the flexibility of having your own car, you can rent one at the airport terminal from companies like Avis and Hertz. Alternatively, you can use taxi services like Főtaxi, which has a taxi stand at the airport, or City Taxi, which has yellow cars. Taxi fares in Budapest are officially regulated and generally affordable. Ridesharing apps like Bolt are also available in Budapest.
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Taxi services at Budapest Airport
There are several taxi services available at Budapest Airport. One of the biggest taxi companies in Budapest is Főtaxi, which has a taxi stand at the airport. Főtaxi is the official contracted taxi provider for the airport, and they have an app for easy booking. They also have a booth just outside the airport where you can tell the cashier your destination and they will give you a slip with a number. A taxi with the Főtaxi logo will then pick you up from the booth. City Taxi is another reputable company with yellow cars.
There are also several private airport transfer companies that you can book in advance, such as Airport Transfer Budapest, which offers door-to-door transfer services from Budapest Airport to the city centre, cruise port, train stations, and any other destination of your choice. They offer fixed prices with all taxes included, and their drivers monitor flights for delays. Another option is Airports Taxi Transfers, which offers private transfers with professional drivers and quality vehicles. They also provide a meet-and-greet service and flight monitoring.
In addition to traditional taxi services, ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available in Budapest and can be used for airport pick-ups and drop-offs. These apps allow you to request a ride and see the estimated price before your trip.
When using taxi services at Budapest Airport, it is important to be aware of unlicensed taxis, as they may charge unreasonably high fares and pose safety risks. It is recommended to use reputable companies like those mentioned above to ensure a safe and fair experience.
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Public transport in Budapest
Yes, Uber does pick up from Budapest Airport. However, there are several other ways to get from the airport to the city centre. The easiest way is to take the airport shuttle, which you can book ahead of time. It departs every 15-25 minutes and is very affordable. Taxis are also available at the airport terminals. Főtaxi is the official contracted taxi provider for the airport and has an app for easy booking. You can also take the 100E bus, which runs between the airport and the city centre every 20 minutes.
Budapest has a very comprehensive public transport system, which is easy to use and affordable. The city has an extensive metro system, with four lines covering nearly 100 miles of track. The metro runs daily from 4:30 am to 11:50 pm, with trains coming every 2 to 5 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes during early morning and late evenings. Single tickets cost 450 Hungarian forints, and you can change metro lines with a single ticket. Travel passes are also available for 24 hours (2,500 forints), 72 hours (5,500 forints), or one month (8,950 forints). The Budapest Card offers unlimited transport for the period you choose.
Budapest also has a large tram network, with more than 30 routes. Trams generally run between 4:30 am and 12:30 am, with tram line 6 operating 24 hours a day. Fares for the tram are the same as for the metro, and you need to validate your ticket on board. Modern trams automatically punch your ticket, while older trams have a validation box. Random ticket inspections are common, and failure to produce a valid ticket will result in a fine.
In addition to the metro and tram, Budapest also offers buses and boats as means of public transportation. You can purchase a public transport card ahead of time, which includes unlimited use of all modes of transportation for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours.
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Car rental at Budapest Airport
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) offers car rental services from eight onsite providers, including Avis, Enterprise, Budget, SIXT, Hertz, Europcar, Schiller Rent a Car, and Buchbinder. These providers are located at the ground transportation areas of Terminals 2A and 2B and the Skycourt area.
To rent a car at Budapest Airport, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Foreign drivers will also need an international driver's permit and their home country's driver's license. The average cost of a rental car is $51 per day, but cheaper options are available, with Klass Wagen, Autonom, and Dryyve offering rentals from $8 to $11 per day.
When renting a car at the airport, keep in mind that there may be additional fees for out-of-hours pick-up and returns. A one-way fee will also apply if you return the car to a different location than where you picked it up. Rental cars come with a full tank of fuel, and you can choose to either refill the tank before returning the car or pay the rental company to refill it for you, although this option is more expensive.
Budapest Airport also offers special services for drivers with additional needs. Blind customers can register an additional driver at no extra charge, and the rental companies provide pedal extenders, spinner knobs, hand controls, and swiveling seats for those with physical challenges. Car seats for children can also be rented at the airport, which is essential as local laws require all children to be properly secured in a child restraint system while in a car.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Uber was banned in Budapest in 2016 due to protests by traditional taxi drivers.
You can use the Bolt app, which works in a similar way to Uber. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or public transport.
A taxi ride from Budapest Airport to the city centre typically costs around 9000 HUF (€25).
The shuttle bus runs every 7-8 minutes throughout the day and less frequently at night.
Budapest has an especially good public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, and trams. There is also a metro and a bicycle-sharing system.
