Getting to Budapest Airport Just Got More Affordable: New Pricing and Flight Connections

Traveling to and from Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport is about to become significantly more budget-friendly for visitors with local transit passes, while the airport continues expanding its international connectivity with exciting new destinations.

Major Price Reduction for Airport Express Service

Starting October 1st, 2025, anyone holding a valid Budapest public transport pass can purchase tickets for the 100E airport express bus for just 1,000 Hungarian forints instead of the standard 2,200 forint fare, which is set to increase to 2,500 forints soon. This represents a substantial savings of more than 50% for travelers who have invested in local transit passes.

This pricing reform addresses a longstanding concern that airport transportation costs were becoming prohibitively expensive for residents and extended-stay visitors. For a family of four, the previous pricing structure could cost nearly 10,000 forints just to reach the airport – an amount that rivals the cost of budget airline tickets themselves.

How the New System Works

The discounted airport express tickets will be available through the BudapestGO mobile application, making the purchase process seamless for tech-savvy travelers. Those who purchased their transit passes through the same app will find the process particularly straightforward, as the system can automatically verify their pass validity.

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Visitors who prefer traditional paper passes or who purchased their transit passes through the MÁV railway app need not worry about missing out on these savings. Budapest’s public transport authority has announced that they will temporarily accept these alternative pass formats for the discounted supplementary ticket, though passengers will need to present both their pass and their airport express ticket when traveling.

Strategic Benefits for Extended-Stay Visitors

This pricing change creates particularly attractive value for tourists planning longer stays in Budapest. Visitors who purchase weekly or monthly transit passes to explore the city extensively can now enjoy substantial savings on airport transfers at both the beginning and end of their trips.

The reform recognizes that many international visitors to Budapest are not typical day-trippers but rather travelers who spend several days or weeks exploring the city and surrounding region. For these visitors, investing in a local transit pass makes financial sense for city exploration, and the new airport pricing structure provides additional value for their investment.

New Direct Flight to Algeria Opens African Connections

In exciting news for adventurous travelers, Budapest Airport is expanding its international reach with a new direct flight connection to Algiers, Algeria. Air Algérie will operate this route from October 29, 2025, through March 25, 2026, offering the first direct connection between Hungary and North Africa.

The flight schedule provides convenient options for different types of travelers. Departures from Budapest occur on Wednesdays at 4:10 PM, arriving in Algiers at 7:10 PM local time. Return flights depart Algiers on Saturdays at 10:30 AM, landing in Budapest at 1:15 PM. This timing allows for extended weekend trips or week-long cultural explorations.

Exploring Algeria from Budapest

The new Algiers connection opens exciting possibilities for travelers seeking unique cultural experiences beyond traditional European destinations. Algeria offers a fascinating blend of Mediterranean coastline, Saharan landscapes, and rich historical heritage spanning Roman, Ottoman, and French colonial periods.

The direct flight reduces travel time to just three hours, eliminating the need for complex connecting flights through other European or Middle Eastern hubs. This efficiency makes Algeria a viable destination for both leisure travelers seeking adventure and business travelers developing commercial relationships between Hungary and North Africa.

Practical Travel Planning Considerations

For tourists planning to use the discounted airport express service, purchasing a Budapest transit pass becomes an even more attractive option. The savings on airport transfers can help offset the initial cost of the pass, while providing unlimited access to the city’s extensive public transportation network including metro lines, buses, trams, and suburban trains.

The BudapestGO app integration means travelers can manage both their city transit and airport transfers through a single platform, simplifying the travel experience. This digital approach aligns with Budapest’s growing reputation as a tech-forward destination that embraces innovative solutions for visitor convenience.

Timing Your Budapest Visit

The October implementation of discounted airport express pricing coincides with autumn in Budapest, when the city showcases beautiful fall colors and hosts numerous cultural events. The timing also aligns with the launch of the Algeria route, creating opportunities for travelers to combine a Budapest city break with an exotic North African adventure.

Budapest’s shoulder season pricing for accommodations and attractions, combined with the new airport transfer savings, makes October an particularly attractive time for cost-conscious travelers to explore the Hungarian capital.

Impact on Tourism Strategy

These developments reflect Budapest’s broader strategy to position itself as both an accessible hub for international travel and an affordable destination for extended stays. By reducing practical barriers like airport transfer costs while expanding flight connectivity to unique destinations, the city strengthens its appeal to diverse traveler segments.

The initiatives demonstrate how transportation pricing and route development can work together to enhance a destination’s competitiveness in the global tourism market, making Budapest an even more attractive base for exploring Central Europe and beyond.