Budapest

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is a great choice for anyone flying from the UK. With a great selection of shops and restaurants, and all the facilities you’d expect from an international airport, fly to Budapest from Birmingham Airport for an enjoyable, relaxing journey. 

We’ve got lots of shops for you to browse while you wait for your flight. If you enjoy a bargain, check out the deals in World Duty Free. Pick up any health and beauty bits from Boots or grab a book for your flight at WHSmith Books. We’ve got fashion and beauty stores too, so you can treat yourself to something new. Or, why not relax at Aerospa, which offers an array of beauty treatments in as little as 15 minutes? 

You’ll also find some great cafés, bars and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy some food before you fly. Whatever time you’re at the airport Pret a Manger is a great option, with organic coffee, sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot food and even sushi. For a sit-down meal before you fly, you’ve got a few options- browse the menu at Wetherspoon or grab a yummy brunch at Giraffe. Alternatively, grab something for the plane from Costa or try some authentic Indian ‘Grab & Go’ cuisine at Wrapchic. 

If you prefer the finer things in life, why not book into one of our five fantastic airport lounges? Enjoy comfy seating, complimentary food & drinks, and WiFi.  

Whether you’re arriving by car, train, bus, or taxi, Birmingham Airport is easy to get to. Drivers will find a choice of seven car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal on foot or via the courtesy shuttle bus. Book a carpark space online in advance and save up to 70%. 

Taxis can drop you right outside the terminal and, if you prefer to take public transport, you will find bus services running directly to the airport or to Birmingham International Airport train station. There is a free and frequent Air-Rail Link from the station that takes you to the terminal building in minutes. 

Need currency for your trip abroad? Look no further and head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge.  If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport. 

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page. 

Whether you like to get through the airport as quickly as possible, or you enjoy spending time looking in the shops and having something to eat, check out our ‘Plan your Journey’ articles for the speedy or leisurely traveller. 

Arriving at Budapest Airport

Budapest International Airport is located 16km from Budapest city centre. You can travel between the two using a bus, train or taxi. 

Public transport provides easy access to the city centre from Budapest Airport. The most cost-efficient way to travel is by bus and there are 2 lines connecting the airport and the centre of Budapest (100E and 200E). The closest train station to Budapest Airport is Ferihegy, with trains operating to and from the Nyugati railway station in Budapest. 

The Airport Shuttle service is a minibus that will take you directly to your accommodation, or your preferred destination within the Budapest area. You can pre-book this service or pay cash when you arrive.  

Of course, you will find many taxis at the airport, the ranks are located at the exits of terminal 2A and 2B. If you would prefer to drive yourself around, you will find car rental companies at the airport.  

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Budapest

A true European gem, Budapest boasts historic monuments, architectural wonders, healing thermal waters and an unrivalled nightlife. Split by the River Danube, Budapest has 2 districts – hilly Buda and flat Pest – connected by the 19th century Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The city draws you in with its picturesque beauty and quirky spirit. It’s the perfect city break, any time of year. 

The people of Budapest speak Hungarian. You will find English to be widely spoken in Budapest but not so much in the surrounding countryside towns. 

Hungary enjoys a continental climate with harsh winters and hot summers. If you visit in the winter months, you can expect some snow and you’ll relish the sunshine during summer. Budapest receives moderate rain all year round. 

Culture in Budapest

From bars in empty buildings to the world famous Sziget festival, alongside a treasure trove of architectural delights, Budapest is full of cultural gems. There really is something for everyone in Hungary’s capital, whether it’s the Opera, the National Gallery, historical museums or the ruin pubs. 

Buda Castle is one of the most striking sights of the city. Located on a fortified hill, this unique historical monument was built in the 15th century. Other buildings worth visiting nearby are Fishermen's Bastion and Royal Palace.  

You can’t visit Budapest without bathing in one of the thermal springs. Whether you want to heal pains, chill out or party hard, ‘taking the waters’ has been an experience in Budapest since the Roman times.  

Eat like a local whilst you’re in Budapest by ordering some classic Hungarian dishes, like these popular snacks. For classic comfort food on the go, pick up a Lángos, a deep-fried doughy flatbread that's eaten warm and slathered with sour cream and grated cheese or with garlicky butter (or all of the above). For a sweet treat, try Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake), long strips of sugary dough wrapped around cone-shaped spits that are brushed with butter and roasted over charcoal.