Your gateway to affordable travel
Your gateway to affordable travel
Budapest dazzles with grand boulevards, Art Nouveau facades and steamy thermal baths — and it’s just a short hop from London. Direct flights land at BUD (Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport) from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted with carriers like British Airways, Wizz Air and Ryanair. To score the lowest fares, start tracking prices 6–8 weeks out, stay flexible on dates and compare multiple London airports before you commit.
The city is popular year-round, but the best value typically appears in March–May and September–November when weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter. Weekend returns price higher; Tue–Thu departures and early flights are your best bet. If you can travel outside school holidays and avoid Christmas markets and big summer events, you’ll often find 20–40% savings.
BUD sits about 16 km southeast of the centre and is well connected. The easiest public option is the 100E Airport Shuttle Bus to Deák Ferenc tér (city centre), running frequently with a dedicated airport fare. For the most budget-friendly route, take bus 200E from the airport to Kőbánya–Kispest metro station and transfer to M3 into the centre. Taxis use a regulated system via the official Főtaxi booth; rides to central Pest typically take 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. App-based ride services operate too, though pricing varies by demand.
Choose your base by vibe and convenience. For first-timers, District V (Belváros–Lipótváros) puts you within walking distance of the Danube, Chain Bridge and Parliament — perfect for sightseeing. District VII (Erzsébetváros) is the lively Jewish Quarter packed with ruin bars, street food and indie boutiques. If you like stately boulevards, museums and cafes, District VI (Terézváros) around Andrássy Avenue is elegant and central. On the Buda side, District I (Castle) offers cobblestone charm and panoramic views, ideal for quieter evenings.
Book a cancellable rate early, then re-check a week before you go — repricing can save a chunk without any risk.
Many highlights cluster along the river; plan days by bank (Buda vs. Pest) to minimise back-tracking.
Budapest’s table swings from traditional comfort to modern bistro cool. Warm up with hearty goulash, pörkölt stews and chicken paprikash; snack on market-fresh lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese) and finish with a spiral chimney cake dusted in cinnamon. Coffee culture is strong — from gilded cafes to third-wave roasters. Craft beer and natural wine bars dot District VII if you’re exploring after dark.
Budapest’s transport network (BKK) is extensive and easy to navigate. The M1 Millennium Underground is one of the world’s oldest metro lines and zips under Andrássy Avenue; scenic Tram 2 rolls along the Danube with postcard Parliament views. Pick up single tickets or 24/72-hour passes, and remember to validate paper tickets before riding. Walking is a joy in central Pest; for the Castle District, the funicular or bus saves your legs.
More planning help: How to Book Flights at the Lowest Prices · How to Save Money on Hotels