Flying into Budapest and other Budapest, Hungary Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: When I fly from the United States to Europe American Airlines is always my choice of flying, especially when leisure trips. Since American Airlines does not fly directly to many of the cities in Europe I always have to make a connection either in London or Frankfurt for the onward partner airline flight, in this case Malev Airlines.

When I made my reservations for this trip, I purposely tried to make as many connections as possible to maximize my miles. My trip took me from LaGuardia (LGA) to Dallas (DFW) onward to Frankfurt (FRA) and finally to Budapest (BUD). I could have taken a direct flight into London Heathrow (LHR) and then to Budapest, but there is always a method to my madness.

My AA flight was quite enjoyable and I had the opportunity to meet this really great guy who was incidently flying for miles as well :)

I had a pretty long layover in Frankfurt before connecting to Malev Airlines (which was delayed for about 40 mins.) so I hung out at the British Airlines Lounge for a few hours while I waited.

On my return flight, Malev Airlines again was delayed and I missed my connecting flight. Due to inclement weather in Europe (don't know where though, Frankfurt had some good weather), many of the flights were either cancelled or very delayed.

After waiting at the Maleve ticket counter for alternative flights, Malev booked me on Air France from Frankfurt to Amsterdam (AMS) and onward to JFK. I made it home at about the same time as if I would have taken my original flight.

American Airlines credited me with my miles even though I didn't fly them home, this is why I am loyal to them.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: I decided to take the airport shuttle since the price was reasonable and I didn't need to rush to the hotel.

As you clear passport control straight ahead you will see a booth with the Airport Shuttle logo. You can purchase your ticket at this booth and proceed to another booth outside in the arrivals hall. I waited about 10 minutes with another couple who were staying at a hotel near mine. There are many shuttles waiting to whisk you away to your hotel. Upon purchasing your ticket you have a choice of a roundtrip which will save you a few dollars or a one way.

My return flight was very early so I opted to only purchase the one way into the city. I paid about $14 US dollars and the trip took approximately about 30 minutes from the airport to my hotel.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: I'll always recommend walking and doing it in Budapest is no exception. It is such an easy city to navigate on foot, even though the city does have many hills.

I find that walking is the best way to find those off the beaten path places, nice little pubs, discovering local life or enjoying some good wheather. There are so many wonderful sights to see, and walking allows you to explore many of them.

One of my most memorable walks started at the foot of Liberty Bridge and across to the Gellert Hotel, up Gellert Hill to Liberation Monument and the Citadel, around the ramparts, down to the resevoir then to the foot of Elizabeth Bridge and then walking along the Danube to Castle District. Sounds exhausting to most, but my great legs and lungs allow me to walk miles without having to constantly stop!!

I love walking, and I'll always explore a city on foot.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: I wanted to pay a visit to Heroes’ Square and the fastest and easiest way was via Metro 1 (the oldest line in the city). Even though my choice of transport are my own two feet, I had very limited time and Heroes’ Square was a far distance from the hotel. The metro ride was smooth, fast and very efficient and quite easy to navigate. At the time of purchasing my tickets, I opted for two one line tickets which allowed me to ride to my desired station and back. You must validate your ticket prior to getting on the metro. Be aware that there are ticket agents checking tickets at every station. My voyage took me from Vörösmarty Tér to Hősök Tere and back.

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Website: http://www.bkv.hu/english/metro/index.html

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: After walking all morning long from the foot of Central Market across Liberty Bridge, up Gellert Hill to the ramparts, down to the reservoir and across to Castle District, I needed a respite. I decide to take the Sicklo up Castle Hill. It was a fast ride up with excellent views of the Danube, Chain Bridge, Parliament and Opera House (my views were limited as it was still slightly raining).

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Taxis are quite expensive comparative speaking. I had an early morning flight to the airport on my return home so I had my hotel ring up a taxi for me. The fee was about $35 to the airport, twice as much as the airport shuttle. If you are traveling with more than one person then this would make more sense, or if like me, you have a super early or late flight where time is pressing.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other

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