Sleeping in Airports

Budapest Airport Guide

sleeping in budapest airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / June 2022)

Whether you have a layover, an overnight sleepover or you’re just passing through, our Budapest Airport Guide can help you get the most out of your visit. Here, you will find information about services and facilities available inside the airport. These include airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and more.

the only annoying thing was the cleaning lady blasting past me at 3am with her cleaning machine not really worried much about all the ppl trying to sleep. – jaxstar

BUD Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down of what to expect during your time at Budapest Liszt International Airport.

What to Expect

Budapest Airport (Code: BUD) consists of two terminals (2A/Schengen flights and 2B/Schengen and non-Schengen flights) connected by SkyCourt, a new passenger hall containing a shopping-mall-like selection of restaurants, cafes and shops. Some eateries are also on the landside, including at least two 24-hour eateries in Terminal 2B. You can easily walk between the two terminals. The airport offers free WiFi to help you pass the time. Looking for more comfort while you wait? There are several airport lounges, though none offer showers.

budapest airport guide
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / June 2022)

Sleeping in Budapest Airport

It is not possible to sleep airside overnight. Be prepared to sleep in the public area. Airport staff are reported to be generally tolerant of overnight sleepers; however, travellers say that the overnight cleaning services can be loud. While there is plenty of seating in Terminals 2A and 2B, travellers report that landside areas and SkyCourt contain more comfortable seating and cushioned benches. For those seeking uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is connected to Terminal 2B and several others within easy shuttle distance. See the Airport Hotels section below or read some traveller reviews for more info.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Budapest Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Budapest Airport:

  • ibis Styles Budapest Airport Hotel – Located opposite Terminal 2 within a five-minute walking distance.  » Check Rates
  • Airport Hotel Budapest – Free airport shuttle is available.  » Check Rates
  • Hotel Ferihegy – Airport shuttle available for a fee.  » Check Rates
  • Budapest Airport Hotel Stacio – Free airport shuttle is available.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Budapest Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Platinum Lounge (Non-Schengen) – Location: Terminal 2B, airside, Mezzanine Level, Non-Schengen Area. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Platinum Lounge (Schengen) – Location: Terminal 2A, airside, Schengen Area, opposite Gate A8. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Non-Schengen) – Location: Terminal 2B, Airside, Non-Schengen Area, Mezzanine Level. Non-Schengen flights only. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Schengen)Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Skycourt Mezzanine Level. Schengen and Non-Schengen flights. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Mastercard Airport Lounge – Location: SkyCourt, airside, second floor, Schengen Area. Entrance: Free access for MasterCard cardholders (Gold, Platinum, World). Guests and children under 18 may enter free of charge.
  • SkyCourt Lounge – Location: Location: Skycourt, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Budapest Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

A few readers tell us there are drinking water fountains on the airside, usually near the entrance of the restrooms, marked by a green “grass” spot above the taps on the wall. (June 2024)

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout both terminals operate with varying schedules. The 24-hour options are Negroni, Seasons and Upper Crust, which are all located at Skycourt.

For grocery shopping, head to the Spar Grocery store to stock up on snacks and drink items. Location: Terminal 2B, Landside, Arrivals. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage room rates are 2750 HUF (4 hours) to 10,500 HUF (72 hours) per bag. Long-term storage is available for 2500 HUF/day on top of 10,500 HUF. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Mobile Charging

A reader let us know that mobile charging can be found under some of the seats. There are also some charging stations near the gates. A reader tells us the food court on the first floor has several phone charging stations with many USB-B and 2 AC outlets.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Budapest Airport in Terminals 2A, 2B, SkyCourt and the Visitor Terrace for up to four hours. Connect to the “bud:free wifi” network and enter your email address to log in. If you experience difficulty connecting to the network, you may need to try a few times.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Chapel/Room of Silence – Location: Terminal 2B, Mezzanine Level Hours: 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available at the Skycourt location of Heinemann and throughout much of the day in Terminals 2A and 2B. Additionally, you will find a wide variety of retail and gift shops.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Four nursing rooms have a comfortable chair, changing table, closet and microwave. Baby changing tables are available and are primarily beside the female restrooms.
  • Strollers – You will find complimentary strollers throughout the terminals.
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. A small play area is available in the SkyCourt.

Fast Track Security – As a premium service, customers with Fast Track security passes will be given priority service to ensure that wait times are kept to a minimum. Only certain airlines participate; see the website for a complete list. Cost: €6,00 – Tickets are sold online and at the T2A and T2B departure hall kiosks.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your bags? Baggage carts are available throughout the Terminal and the Car Park.
  • Luggage Wrapping – BagWrap provides wrapping services with prices starting from 3750 HUF per bag. Location: Check-in area of both terminals. Terminal T2A Hours: 3:30 AM – 8:00 PM. Terminal T2B Hours: 3:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Medical Services

  • Dental Clinic – Have a toothache? Head to the Kreativ Dental Clinic. Location: T2A, Arrivals. Hours: Unknown.
  • Pharmacy – An airport pharmacy is located in Terminal 2B, Departure Hall on the 2nd Floor. Over-the-counter drugs can also be purchased at the Relay Shops situated in all terminals.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. They are easy to spot by their orange colour. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: SkyCourt, next to the escalator • Baggage Claim, Terminal 2A and Terminal 2B • Outside Hall, five in Terminal 2A and two in Terminal 2B.
  • Currency Exchange – Interchange offers foreign currency exchange in six locations: SkyCourt • T2A, landside, Arrivals • T2A, Baggage Claim • T2B, transit area • T2B, Landside, Arrivals • T2B, Baggage Claims Hours: Varies.

Observation Deck – Enjoy free WiFi or a delicious snack with views of the tarmac and runway at the Observation Deck. There’s no restroom on the Observation Deck, so use one before you enter. Entry is free of charge. Location: T2A, Departure Hall Mezzanine (Level 3) Hours: Open 24 hours (1 March – 30 November) • 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (1 December – 28 February), but the Terrace Cafér is only open from 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM.

Post Office – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s Magyar Post office. Location: Terminal 2A Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM Mon-Fri (closed Sat, Sun).

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Spa & Salon Services – Unavailable.

Smoking Rooms – Other than the smoking area provided at the Skycourt Terrace (Rooftop of Terminal 2A, between the visitor terrace and the SkyCourt), there are no designated smoking areas within the Terminals. There are assigned smoke spots outside the terminal.

Travel Agencies – OTP travel agency can be found in Terminal 2B. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 8:00 – 4:00 PM (Sat-Sun).

Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our Budapest Airport Layover Sightseeing guide or explore Things to do in Budapest on Tripadvisor.

Airlines
Budapest Airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Aegean Airlines • Air Baltic • Air China • Air France • American Airlines • Austrian Air • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • EasyJet • Egypt Air • El Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Eurowings • Finnair • Fly Dubai • Iberia • Jet2 • KLM • Korean Air • LOT • Lufthansa • Norwegian • Pegasus Airlines • Qatar Airways • Ryanair • Shanghai Airlines • SunExpress • Swiss • TAROM • Turkish Airlines • Wizz Air.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Bus 200E links the airport (Terminal 2) to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station (M3 line). From there, you can take metro trains into the city centre.

A reader tells us, “The combined 200E (bus) and M3 (metro) ticket – still – costs 530 HUF, amazing value for money. The express 200E bus ticket costs 1500 HUF (up from 900 HUF, a steep hike). Both tickets must be [purchased] at easy-to-use machines before boarding the bus (there are four machines right at the bus stop). Tickets [purchased] ON the bus cost more.” (November 2022)

Bus #100E connects the airport to the city centre. This bus route operates 24/7, departing every 7-12 minutes during the day, every 15-20 minutes in the evening, and every 30-40 minutes between midnight and 3:30 AM. As of this update, the fare for the #100E is 2,200 HUF. You can pay with the Pay&Go service simply by scanning your bank card on the bus or purchasing a ticket on the BudapestGO app. Alternatively, you can buy your ticket at the BKK customer service centres located in both Terminal 2A and 2B or at the vending machines at the entrance to both terminals.

Car Rentals

Car rental services are available in Terminals 2A, 2B and the Skycourt area. On-site car rental agencies include Avis • Buchbinder/Mega Drive/Global • Budget • Enterprise/National/Alamo • Europcar • Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty • Sixt • Schiller Rent a Car.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels provide airport shuttle service: Airport Hotel BudapestBudapest Airport Hotel Stacio Wellness & ConferenceHotel Ferihegy.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Minibus

miniBUD offers a shuttle-like service to and from Budapest Airport. Prices start as low as 6,00€ for a one-way trip. For more information, visit the miniBUD website.

Taxis

Taxis can be reserved at Főtaxi booths at the exit doors in both terminals. At the time of this update, the estimated fare for a one-way trip between BUD airport and the city centre is 10800 HUF.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.