Budapest offers some of Europe’s best flight deals. You can find round-trip tickets starting from just $226 and one-way flights from $37. Smart booking strategies can save you hundreds on your Hungarian adventure.
Best Budget Airlines for Budapest Flights
Wizz Air dominates Budapest’s budget flight market, offering direct flights to 66 cities from Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline provides the most route options and competitive pricing.
Ryanair runs close second with direct flights to 65 cities, including popular routes to London, Milan, Rome, Brussels, and Berlin. Their flights to Budapest start from £20.99, making them ideal for European travel.
easyJet serves fewer destinations but offers solid connections to major Western European cities. British Airways, American Airlines, and other legacy carriers also serve Budapest, though at higher prices.
When to Book Budapest Flights for Maximum Savings
January represents the cheapest month to fly to Budapest due to post-holiday travel demand decreases. You can save 20-40% compared to peak summer months.
November also offers excellent deals, coinciding with low season when fewer people travel. Avoid December through February if you want warm weather, but embrace these months for budget travel.
Book international flights 2-3 months ahead for the best balance of price and seat selection. Domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than last-minute bookings.
Popular Routes and Current Pricing
From North America, expect to pay $350-$536 for round-trip flights. New York to Budapest starts from $350, while Los Angeles routes begin around $412. West Coast flights typically cost $50-100 more than East Coast departures.
European routes offer incredible value. UK flights start from £18 from Birmingham and £27 from London. Milan Malpensa offers the cheapest European connection at just $37 one-way.
Recent Wizz Air deals show flights to Istanbul from FT14,990, Barcelona from FT15,401, and London from FT10,390. These prices change rapidly, so book quickly when you find good deals.
Airport Transfer Tips That Save Money
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport sits 16km from the city center. The cheapest option is Bus 100E (Budapest Airport Express) for around 900 HUF ($2.50), taking you directly to Deák Ferenc Square in the city center.
Taxis cost around 7200 HUF (£20) to the city center. Wizz Air offers convenient bus transfers from the airport as an affordable alternative to taxis.
Smart Booking Strategies
Compare prices across multiple platforms like Searchnfly.com to find the best flight deals. Sunday bookings can save 6-13% compared to Friday reservations.
Use flexible date searches to find cheaper travel days. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets costs less than round-trip fares.
Set up price alerts for your preferred routes. Flight prices change daily, and alerts help you catch sudden price drops.
Pack light to avoid baggage fees. Budget airlines charge $25-50 for checked bags, which can double your ticket cost on ultra-cheap flights.
Budapest’s affordable flight options make Eastern European travel accessible to budget-conscious travelers. With proper timing and airline selection, your Hungarian adventure becomes surprisingly affordable.