Budapest Airport Terminals Guide

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport or Budapest Airport, is the main international airport serving the city of Budapest. It’s the biggest airport in Hungary and also attracts lots of travelers going to and from all kinds of European cities and other areas. Planning a visit to Budapest means knowing about the airport’s terminals, so you have a comfortable travel experience. Let’s take a closer look at how it all works!

Terminal 1

Budapest Airport used to consist of three terminals, but since 2012, the first terminal has closed. The airport was designed to support low-cost airlines, who found it useful because it needed little infrastructure.

Nevertheless, because of developments in aviation, including fewer passengers and efforts to combine operations, Terminal 1 was shut down and its functions were relocated to the other terminals. Even though people still use Terminal 1 for meetings and air-related events, passengers do not register or leave from there anymore.

If you come upon information about Terminal 1 from earlier times on the internet, understand that everything now happens in Terminal 2.

Terminal 2A

Terminal 2A at Budapest Airport is currently in service. It is the main destination for air travelers coming and going in the Schengen Area region.

Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and KLM are among the big airlines operating out of Terminal 2A at the airport. The terminal is modern, adapted to receive many or few passengers and provides plenty of check-in counters, security lanes and gates for boarding.

Flights within Schengen countries have less border control every time they fly through Hungary, where Terminal 2A is used.

Terminal 2B

Terminal 2B next to the main Terminal is up and running for international routes, mainly with destinations outside the Schengen area. Among them are vehicles going to the UK, USA, Turkey and various places that are not part of the Schengen zone.

It provides the same range of facilities and modern services as Terminal 2A. Budapest Airport is convenient because the two terminals are joined, letting passengers move from one to the other on foot.

Travelers from all over the world can use the well-placed signage in several languages to move through the airport smoothly.

Terminal 2C

Most Schengen flights from the airport are handled in Terminal 2C which is part of Terminal 2B. Having this sub-terminal label is important for arranging tasks and managing crowds, mainly when traffic is high.

If your journey is one of the many flights to a Schengen country in Europe, you should expect to go through 2C for both checking in and picking up your bags. You may see the hallways as one, but you’ll find the corridors labeled precisely to guide you to your flight.

Thanks to the clear distinction, Hungary’s government can control immigration and customs well without disrupting services for EU-based citizens.

Terminal 2D

Another area inside Terminal 2B is called Terminal 2D. It handles flights outside the Schengen area and provides the necessary services for international travelers such as borders and control of entry and exits.

Just like Terminal 2C, Terminal 2D isn’t independent; instead, it is used for certain flight tasks. It’s most necessary for people flying between places where the border is closely watched.

Therefore, despite the airport offering Terminals 2A and 2B as main options, 2C and 2D actually guide the important routing of passengers either inside or outside the Schengen Zone.

Change From One Terminal to Another

Should you have to move from one terminal to another at Budapest Airport, free shuttle buses are provided. The shuttle buses run from Terminal 2A, to Terminal 2B and also take passengers to the long-term parking area.

Riding the shuttle is free and the buses operate on a regular schedule to assist with moving between terminals. This is beneficial for people with connecting flights and for anyone parking in car rental lots or at extended places.

Because Terminal 2A and 2B belong to the same structure, travelers can usually move to a different gate on foot and after going through security or picking up bags.

What Facilities and Services Are There?

Every facility and service needed for a pleasant flight is available at Terminal 2A as well as Terminal 2B. These include:

Souvenir stores in Hungary offer both traditional Hungarian items and famous duty-free items from around the world.

You’ll find Hungarian dishes as well as international fast food at restaurants and cafes here.

You can buy things tax-free at duty-free shops before your flight.

Car rental services: Many important car rental companies have counters set up soon after you arrive.

ATMs and currency exchange are located in both the Arrival and Departure ground floors.

Multilingual staff is available at the information desk to answer questions and give directions.

You will find free Wi-Fi in all areas of the terminal buildings.

If you can spare some time in the city, you can usually store your luggage safely before your flight.

If you need health care at the airport, medical services are available.

Both short visits and stopovers at Budapest Airport become relaxing and easy due to its many helpful facilities.

Conclusion

Budapest Airport has two terminals, 2A and 2B, that look after both domestic and international flights. The airport has closed Terminal 1 for good. Getting from one terminal to another is simple because of the shuttle bus and indoor walkways.

Regardless of whether you arrive or depart from Budapest, the airport has all you need to make your trip comfortable and convenient.

Arrange your trip well, become aware of what’s available at the airport and take advantage of everything in Budapest, a place where old and new come together immediately.