Budapest · Airport transfer
For the simplest trip into central Budapest, 100E Airport Express is the direct option to Deák Ferenc tér. If you already hold a suitable BKK pass or your destination sits conveniently on M3, 200E + M3 can make more sense, at the cost of a transfer.
Quick choice
SituationCheck firstWhyFirst visit, hotel around Deák/Kálvin100EDirect airport-to-centre connection without a required transfer.Valid Budapest/Pest County/Hungary pass100E add-on or 200EEligible pass holders can buy the 100E add-on for 1,000 HUF; 200E accepts regular valid tickets and passes.Destination convenient to M3200E + M3The transfer at Kőbánya-Kispest puts you directly onto a useful metro line.Heavy luggage or minimum decisions after a flight100EFewer transfers and a simpler journey.
100E: the direct Airport Express
BKK describes 100E as a 24/7 direct connection between Liszt Ferenc International Airport and Deák Ferenc tér, via Kálvin tér. Since 1 October 2025, the regular airport shuttlebus single ticket costs 2,500 HUF.
This is not a regular city ticket: the standard single ticket is not valid on 100E. The Airport Express ticket is available through BudapestGO and BKK sales channels, or by bank card using Pay&GO on 100E.
Already have a pass? Holders of an eligible Budapest pass, Pest County Pass or Hungary Pass can buy a 1,000 HUF add-on in BudapestGO. Check that your exact pass qualifies before boarding.
200E + M3: the regular city network
Bus 200E also operates 24 hours. During metro operating hours it connects the airport with Kőbánya-Kispest, where you can transfer to M3. After the metro stops running, BKK routes night connections via Határ út.
The key difference is the fare system: BKK states that 200E requires a valid regular ticket or pass, and the special 100E airport ticket is not accepted on 200E. If you rely on single tickets, pay attention to transfer rules: a standard single ticket normally covers one uninterrupted ride on one surface vehicle. For a bus-plus-metro journey, check an appropriate time-based ticket or pass in BudapestGO rather than assuming one single ticket covers the whole trip.
Which is cheaper?
There is no universal answer without knowing what ticket you already hold. For a visitor without a pass, 100E has a clear 2,500 HUF price and buys simplicity. The 200E + M3 option uses the regular BKK fare system, but the right product depends on the transfer and on the rest of your travel that day.
If you already have an eligible pass, the comparison changes: 200E is part of the regular network, while 100E becomes available with the 1,000 HUF add-on. The direct bus then carries a much smaller price premium.
Late arrival
BKK lists both 100E and 200E as 24-hour services. That does not mean M3 runs all night. For a late landing, check the live route in BudapestGO: 200E connects with night buses after metro hours, while 100E remains the direct link towards the centre.
30-second decision
- Check your address. Deák/Kálvin or nearby central area — start with 100E.
- Check your pass. If it qualifies for the 1,000 HUF add-on, the direct bus becomes much more attractive.
- If your destination is on M3, compare 200E + metro with 100E plus another city ride.
- Do not mix the tickets. 100E has a special fare; its ticket is not valid on 200E.
- After midnight, plan against the current timetable because 200E is 24/7 but M3 is not.
Bottom line: 100E is the default for a simple airport-to-centre transfer. 200E + M3 is a strong alternative when your fare/pass and final destination work in its favour.
