A layover at Budapest Airport doesn’t have to feel like wasted time. Whether you’re passing through for a few hours or settling in overnight, the airport offers enough food, seating, and basic comforts to help you stay occupied and reasonably comfortable. And if your connection is long enough, Budapest’s city centre is close enough to make a short visit possible. Below are a few practical ways to pass the time—without pretending the airport is more exciting than it is.
1. Grab some food
Grab a quick bite or settle in for a sit-down meal. Budapest Airport has a moderate but usable selection of cafés, bars, and restaurants, concentrated around the SkyCourt between Terminals 2A and 2B. Options include European-style cafés, casual bars, and familiar fast-food chains such as Burger King, KFC, and Costa Coffee.
For local flavour, look for Hungarian pastries, cakes, and boxed sweets at confectionery shops like Szamos, which also sells giftable chocolates and marzipan.
A SPAR supermarket in Terminal 2B (landside, Arrivals) is handy for affordable snacks, drinks, and basics—useful if you’re settling in for a long wait.
Overnight note: Dining options are very limited late at night. Typically, only one or two outlets in the SkyCourt and a café in Terminal 2B remain open overnight. Expect grab-and-go food rather than full meals.
2. Check out an airport lounge
Pop into an airport lounge for a peaceful environment with food and drinks, news and TVs, WiFi, and comfortable seating. Four lounges here are open to any traveller – so you don’t have to fly First or Business Class to get in. Pre-purchase a lounge pass or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. See our Budapest Airport Guide for locations and details. [ read more ]
3. Shop
The shopping scene here isn’t huge, but it’s functional. You’ll find duty-free shops for international departures, convenience stores for travel essentials, and a few souvenir and gift shops.
For something distinctly Hungarian, look for sweets, marzipan, paprika products, or local liqueurs—easy gifts that travel well. Fans of branded merchandise can stop by the Hard Rock Shop for apparel and souvenirs. Overall, shopping is adequate for time-killing, not destination-level.
4. Take in the views
Budapest Airport offers four observation terraces, giving travellers a chance to step outside the main terminal flow and watch aircraft movements. These terraces provide open-air views of the apron and runways and can be a pleasant way to take a break from indoor seating, especially during daylight hours. Access, hours, and amenities (such as seating or nearby restrooms) vary by location, so consider this more of a short reset than a place to linger for long periods. [ read more ]
5. Pamper yourself
Get ready for your next destination with a beauty treatment. The Dry Bar at the Jose Eber shop in Terminal 2A offers hairstyling services.
6. Get a massage
Ease travel stiffness with a massage at Lian Day Spa, located in Terminal 2’s SkyCourt. Services typically include short express treatments as well as longer neck, back, foot, and Thai-style massages—a practical option if you’re sore or jet-lagged.
7. Go sightseeing
If you have at least 7-8+ hours, leaving the airport to explore Budapest is realistic.
Public transport connects the airport with the city. Bus 100E provides direct service to the city centre, while other public buses connect to the M3 metro line, which runs toward central areas. Travel time is usually 40–60 minutes, depending on route and traffic. Taxis are the fastest but most expensive option, typically reaching the city in about 25–30 minutes, traffic permitting.
Once downtown, get to strolling! Stroll along the Danube River, which splits the formerly-divided cities of Buda and Pest. You’ll see the iconic Gothic-style Parliament, and you can opt for a cruise along the river. Head to Castle Hill and get great city views from Fisherman’s Bastion. Hero’s Square is an important landmark, and it’s located next to the Museum of Fine Arts. Nearby are the famous Szechenyi Thermal Baths, a great way to refresh between flights. Communist history towers above you at Memento Park and comes alive at the House of Terror. For some pure fun, check out the Budapest Pinball Museum.
Keep your eye on the time! Don’t miss getting back to the airport and clearing through Security – otherwise, you’ll miss that next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Budapest.
8. WiFi
Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Sessions are time-limited (typically around 2 hours), but you can reconnect if needed.
9. Sleep
If you’re spending the night, travellers generally report that airport staff are tolerant of quiet overnight stays. The SkyCourt and pre-security landside areas tend to offer the most space and flexibility, though seating airside is also plentiful. Expect armrests and bright lighting in many areas. [ read more ]
For proper rest, the Ibis Styles Budapest Airport Hotel is connected to Terminal 2, making it the most convenient option. Several other hotels are located within a short drive of the airport. See the Budapest Airport Guide for details. [ read more ]
Updated 18 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Budapest Airport. Visit our Budapest Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.