Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is well-connected to various European cities by air, making it easy to reach by plane. Here’s a guide on traveling to Budapest from Europe by air:

1. Major Airlines

Several major airlines operate flights to Budapest from cities across Europe, including:

• Wizz Air: A Hungarian low-cost airline offering numerous direct flights to Budapest from many European destinations.
• Ryanair: Another low-cost airline with extensive connections to Budapest.
• Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and British Airways: These full-service airlines offer direct flights to Budapest from major hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, and London.

2. Airports

• Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): This is Budapest’s main international airport, located about 16 km southeast of the city center. It’s well-equipped and modern, serving as the primary gateway to the city.

3. Flight Duration

Flight times to Budapest from various European cities:

• London: Approximately 2-2.5 hours.
• Paris: Around 2 hours.
• Berlin: About 1.5 hours.
• Rome: Around 1.5-2 hours.
• Vienna: Less than 1 hour (though a train might be more practical due to the short distance).

4. Getting from the Airport to the City Center

• Public Transport: The airport is well connected to the city center by public transport. The 100E airport shuttle bus takes you directly to the city center in about 35-40 minutes.
• Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport, with the official company being Főtaxi. The ride to the city center typically takes 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.
• Airport Shuttle: Shared shuttle services are also available and can be booked in advance.

5. Tips for Booking Flights

• Book Early: To get the best prices, it’s advisable to book your flights in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer, Christmas, etc.).
• Flexible Dates: If you have flexible travel dates, you can often find cheaper flights midweek.
• Low-Cost Airlines: Be aware that low-cost airlines may charge extra for checked luggage, seat selection, and other services, so factor that into your total cost.

6. Travel Documents

• Schengen Visa: If you’re a non-EU citizen, make sure you have a valid Schengen visa, which allows you to travel to Hungary and other Schengen Area countries.
• Passport/ID: EU citizens can enter Hungary with either a passport or a national ID card.

Traveling to Budapest by plane from Europe is convenient and efficient, with numerous options to suit different budgets and preferences.