The Budapest airport rail link is officially underway and if you live in Hungary, it’s worth paying attention. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or simply tired of the 100E bus circus, this new connection between Liszt Ferenc Airport and Nyugati Station could significantly simplify your travel life.
Anyone who flies in and out of Budapest regularly knows the drill. Liszt Ferenc Airport works well enough once you’re inside, but getting there can be tedious, especially if you’re coming from central Pest or relying on public transport.
The 100E airport bus is crowded more often than not. Taxis come with surge pricing and the occasional side-eye at your suitcase. And while the suburban rail option exists, it requires a change and usually a bit of mental prep. So when the government announced a new Budapest airport rapid rail link, I paid attention and so should you.
What Is the Budapest Airport Rail Link?
The government has approved a direct rail line linking the airport to Nyugati Station, one of the busiest public transport hubs in the city. The line will merge with the existing railway network near District X and continue underground to the airport, allowing direct, transfer-free access from central Budapest.
The estimated cost is €1 billion. Funding will come from private investors under a concession model, and tenders are expected within six months.
Why Nyugati?
Nyugati makes sense. It’s already one of Budapest’s major rail hubs, with direct access to Metro Line 3, trams, and local buses. For expats, especially those without a car, it’s one of the few stations that genuinely connects you to most parts of the city without having to hop across town.
For frequent travellers, the Budapest airport rail link offers something rare: a simple, predictable route.
The always crowded 100E bus at Liszt Ferenc Airport.
Underground Station at the Airport
Given the airport’s layout and limited space, the station will likely be built underground. That allows continued airport operations above while offering passengers an easy path from arrivals to the train platform. Design details are still being finalised, but efficiency is the goal.
We’re expecting modern ticketing, reasonable boarding times, and actual signage that doesn’t leave you guessing—though I wouldn’t bank on flawless English translations.
A Word on Numbers
Passenger traffic at the airport hit 17.6 million in 2024. That’s well above pre-pandemic levels. Forecasts suggest we’ll see more than 20 million per year by 2030, and possibly 35 million by 2040. The infrastructure simply isn’t built for that kind of volume.
This new link is part of a broader effort to future-proof Budapest’s transport system. And if you’re wondering, yes – this includes freight.
Cargo Expansion Is Also on the Agenda
Separate to the passenger rail link, the government is planning a new cargo airport to meet growing demand from e-commerce and industries like pharmaceuticals.
Budapest Airport already processes around 450,000 tonnes of cargo annually and is reaching capacity. The new facility expected to cost between €400 million and €1 billion will be located outside residential areas to allow 24/7 operations and will also be served by rail. This logistics investment ties into the broader network plan, including the new airport rail.
So while most of us are thinking about shorter commutes to the airport, the logistics sector sees a major upgrade in the works too.
How This Affects You
If you’re living in Budapest without a car (which is many of us), this rail link removes a major friction point in local travel. Here’s why the Budapest airport rail link could make a difference:
- Faster Airport Access: No more bus transfers or airport taxis
- Better Connections: Direct train from city centre to terminal
- More Job Opportunities: The construction and operation of these projects will create jobs
- Environmental Benefits:Trains are greener than cars and buses
- Increased Property Value: Better real estate outlook for properties near Nyugati and the new line
Timelines and What to Expect
The government is moving fast on this one – tenders are expected by the end of 2025. Construction will take time, of course, but if the funding and permits come together, we could see the line operating by the end of the decade.
That’s ambitious, but possible.
If you want to track updates (or just need regular insight into Hungarian infrastructure news with fewer acronyms), I recommend subscribing to the HOW TO HUNGARY newsletter.
Read all about Hungary’s public transport in my HOW TO HUNGARY ebook.
And for official information, Budapest Airport’s site is worth bookmarking: bud.hu
Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches—fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.