Fly to Budapest in 2026: new Ryanair routes, smart tips and what to expect

Budapest has always been a dream city for weekend escapes and longer European trips, but in 2026 it becomes even more accessible thanks to Ryanair’s expanded base at Liszt Ferenc International Airport. With more routes, more seats and a growing airport behind it, flying into the Hungarian capital is set to be smoother, more affordable and more exciting than before.

New Ryanair routes to Budapest: five fresh ways to reach the city

For the 2026 summer season, Ryanair is stationing an eleventh aircraft in Budapest, turning the city into an even stronger Central European hub in its network. This move allows the airline to operate a total of 67 routes from Budapest, including five new destinations: Dubrovnik, Kraków, Lamezia Terme, Marrakesh and Newcastle. If you live near any of these airports, a Budapest city break just moved several steps closer.

The additional aircraft means Ryanair expects to offer around 6.5 million seats a year from Budapest, which is about a five percent increase compared to the previous year. In practice this translates into more choice of departure days, often better flight times and, in many cases, more competitive fares – great news if you are trying to fit Budapest into a tight holiday schedule or planning a multi‑city itinerary combining, for example, Dubrovnik’s Adriatic coast with Budapest’s thermal baths and ruin bars.

A booming airport and growing tourism scene

Budapest Airport has just celebrated its 75th anniversary with record passenger numbers, handling more than 19.6 million travellers in 2025 and recording an almost 12 percent increase compared to the previous year. These figures show not only that Hungary’s capital is in high demand, but also that the airport is actively expanding its services and facilities to keep up with the flow of visitors.

For you as a tourist, this means an airport experience that is gradually getting more modern and efficient. Security screening capacity, check‑in areas, parking and terminal extensions are all being developed to make arrivals and departures smoother. At the same time, the growth in air traffic has encouraged a broader route network and more airlines to operate to Budapest, giving you better connection options whether you come from elsewhere in Europe, North America or beyond.

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On board with Ryanair in 2026: what you can and cannot bring

If you are flying Ryanair to Budapest this year, it is worth being aware of some changes to what you can take on board, especially when it comes to food and drinks. In 2026, Ryanair does not allow passengers to board the aircraft with hot drinks such as takeaway coffee or tea, citing safety reasons and the risk of burns during boarding and turbulence. So that last‑minute cappuccino you grab at the gate will have to be finished before you step on the plane.

The same strict approach applies to alcohol: you cannot drink your own alcoholic beverages on board and consumption is limited to drinks served by the cabin crew. Cold snacks, simple sandwiches and less aromatic foods are generally fine, but strongly smelling hot meals are discouraged on many low‑cost flights, as they can quickly make a full cabin uncomfortable. To avoid unpleasant surprises at the gate, it is smart to check the latest rules of your airline before you travel and to opt for easy, cold snacks that will pass both security and boarding without issues.

Extra rules if you’re flying from the UK

Travellers flying from the United Kingdom to Budapest or elsewhere in the EU need to pay special attention to post‑Brexit food rules. Meat and dairy products cannot be brought from the UK into the European Union, even in the form of seemingly harmless items such as ham and cheese sandwiches or small yogurts, regardless of whether you bought them at the airport. If such products are found when you arrive in the EU, they may be confiscated, so it is better to choose plant‑based snacks or buy food once you reach your destination.

The familiar 100 millilitre limit on liquids in hand luggage still applies at most airports, except for items purchased after security, properly sealed duty‑free products, baby food and breast milk. Always check what your departure airport currently allows, as liquid rules can change as scanners are upgraded.

Why 2026 is a great time to visit Budapest

All these aviation changes might sound technical, but they ultimately work in your favour as a visitor. With more Ryanair aircraft based in Budapest, more routes and millions of low‑fare seats on offer, it becomes easier to find a flight that fits your budget and dates, whether you are planning a short romantic escape, a long weekend with friends or a longer Central European tour. The airport’s record growth in passenger numbers underlines how popular the city has become and helps attract even more airlines, investments and route options.

Once you land, Budapest rewards you with its famous thermal baths, atmospheric streets, iconic bridges and a buzzing food and nightlife scene that is still more affordable than many Western European capitals. If you are flying Ryanair, drink your coffee at the terminal before boarding, pack simple cold snacks and enjoy the view as you descend over the Danube: in 2026, reaching Budapest has never been more convenient.