Budapest’s 100E Airport Express Gets New Buses with More Room for Luggage

Travelling between Budapest Airport and the city centre with a suitcase is getting a little easier. Brand-new buses began entering service on the 100E Airport Express on November 2, 2026, bringing dedicated luggage racks, step-free interiors and a layout designed with airport passengers in mind.

The first six buses are already on the route, with a dedicated fleet of 24 new vehicles being introduced gradually. For visitors arriving in Budapest or heading home after their stay, the most welcome change is also the simplest: a proper place to put those bulky bags.

More Space for Suitcases and Backpacks

Finding somewhere to keep a large suitcase on a busy airport bus can make the journey feel more awkward than it needs to be. The new MAN Lion’s City 18C articulated buses address that problem with a dedicated luggage area inside the passenger compartment, just ahead of the second door.

Depending on their size, the racks can accommodate around 15–25 suitcases or larger backpacks per bus. Developed using passenger feedback and experience from previous years, the arrangement helps keep bags more neatly and securely stored during the journey.

That is particularly useful when you are navigating an unfamiliar city with everything you packed for your trip. Rather than trying to fit your luggage around your feet, you now have a space specifically designed for it.

A More Comfortable Airport Transfer

The improvements go beyond luggage storage. The new buses are fully low-floor, making boarding and moving through the vehicle easier for passengers with wheeled suitcases or reduced mobility.

Modern passenger information systems help travellers follow their journey, while onboard cameras and updated safety features support everyday operation. Drivers also have assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring.

The rollout is gradual, so not every 100E departure will use one of the new buses immediately. Six entered service on November 2, with the rest of the 24-vehicle fleet set to follow.

A Popular Route That Keeps Getting Busier

The upgrade comes as more passengers choose the 100E for a direct connection between Budapest Airport and the city centre.

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According to Budapest’s transport authority, BKK, average daily passenger numbers exceeded 13,400 in August 2026, compared with around 10,800 in August 2025. That represents growth of more than 20%, with July also recording higher passenger numbers than a year earlier.

The dedicated luggage racks respond to a practical consequence of that popularity: on an airport route, more passengers also means more suitcases competing for space.

Contactless Payment and Smarter Service Planning

The new fleet is part of a wider effort to make the airport service easier to use. The 100E was the first route in Budapest to introduce Budapest Pay&GO, allowing passengers to pay through an onboard contactless bank-card system.

Other improvements happen behind the scenes. Since spring 2026, BKK has used a flight-monitoring system to help anticipate demand based on actual aircraft arrivals. This gives transport staff a clearer picture of how many passengers may soon reach the bus stop and helps them arrange additional departures when needed.

For travellers, the aim is straightforward: a service that responds more quickly when several arriving flights bring a surge of passengers.

A Lower Fare for Eligible Pass Holders

If you have an eligible public transport pass, it is worth checking the discounted airport ticket option before travelling.

Passengers holding a valid Budapest pass, Pest County pass or Hungary national pass can buy a supplementary airport single ticket for HUF 1,000 in the BudapestGO app. This option has been available since October 1, 2025, and is intended to make airport journeys more affordable for existing pass holders.

The important distinction is that this is a supplementary ticket: the eligible pass does not cover the 100E journey on its own.

What the Upgrade Means for Your Budapest Trip

For visitors, the biggest benefit is not a dramatic change to the journey but a more practical one. The 100E remains a direct airport-to-city-centre connection, now gaining buses that better reflect how its passengers actually travel—with suitcases, backpacks and the occasional awkwardly packed souvenir.

As the new fleet arrives, more departures will offer dedicated luggage storage and fully low-floor interiors. Whether Budapest is your next stop or you are making your way back to the airport, that should make one small but important part of your trip more comfortable.