Summary: Hungary is planning a EUR 1 billion high-speed rail link that would connect Budapest’s Nyugati Railway Station to Budapest Airport in about 20 minutes. The 27 km line would integrate the airport into the national rail network, with a concession tender expected by mid-2026 and completion targeted for 2029.

A EUR 1 billion high-speed rail project is set to reshape Budapest Airport accessibility by giving the airport its first direct connection to Hungary’s national rail network. After decades without a rail link, construction is expected to begin following a concession process, with the route designed to shorten travel times and reduce reliance on road transport.

The development comes as Budapest Airport is forecasted to handle 20 million passengers per year. Officials expect the rail connection to make airport access faster and more predictable for both local and international travelers.

Budapest Airport accessibility challenges today

At present, passengers reaching Budapest Airport largely depend on personal cars, taxis, and buses. The article notes that direct bus service to the airport ended before the Kőbánya-Kispest metro line 3 opened in 1980, leaving limited public transport options for city-center access for many years.

Newer bus services were introduced later, with the 200E and 100E lines launching in 2017 and promoted as an updated answer to airport transport needs. However, the report says performance in real conditions has not kept pace with rising passenger volumes, citing limited effective bus capacity and delays caused by heavy road traffic.

With congestion and inconsistent journey times, the lack of sufficient direct transport has become a growing concern for travelers and local officials, according to the article.

High-speed rail link: route and network integration

The proposed solution is a high-speed rail link connecting Budapest’s Nyugati Railway Station with the airport. The Hungarian government has allocated EUR 1 billion for the project, which is intended to address long-standing access issues and provide a reliable alternative to road travel.

As described in the report, the planned rail line would be 27 km long, running between Kőbánya and Monor. This alignment is designed to integrate the airport into Hungary’s national rail network rather than leaving it dependent on surface transport connections.

Concept-style view of a modern high-speed train approaching an airport rail station in Budapest, illustrating improved Budapest Airport accessibility
Hungary’s planned airport rail link would connect Nyugati Railway Station to Budapest Airport and integrate the airport into the national rail network.

Planned travel times, frequency, and ticket prices

If delivered as planned, the rail service would cut the trip from Nyugati Station to the airport to about 20 minutes. The article also states that travel time between the two terminals is expected to be 19 minutes.

Service frequency is expected to be high during busy periods, with trains planned every 5–10 minutes at peak times. The aim is to provide a consistent option for airport users who currently face unpredictable road conditions.

  • Route length: 27 km, linking Kőbánya with Monor
  • Nyugati Station to airport: 20 minutes (planned)
  • Peak frequency: every 5–10 minutes (planned)
  • Estimated ticket price: 3,000 to 4,000 forints

Ticket pricing is estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 forints, which the report frames as a more cost-effective alternative for travelers needing to reach the airport.

Wider benefits for roads and regional connections

Beyond airport access, the rail link is presented as part of a broader government effort to modernize Hungary’s rail system. The article adds that road improvements around Budapest Airport are also expected, with the rail option intended to reduce dependence on road transport that is often affected by traffic jams and delays.

A key change would be the ability to reach the airport by rail from other Hungarian cities. The report says the line would, for the first time, allow passengers to travel to the airport by train from places such as Debrecen and Győr.

Project timeline: tender in 2026, completion by 2029

According to the latest updates cited, the concession tender for the high-speed rail link is expected to be released by mid-2026, with construction beginning soon after. The project is anticipated to be completed by 2029.

The article also notes that the Ministry of National Economy and the National Concession Office have extended the concession deadline to give bidders more time to submit proposals. Additional project details are expected in the coming months.

Why this matters to travelers and the travel industry

For travelers, the planned rail link signals a shift toward faster, more reliable airport transfers in Budapest—especially important as passenger volumes rise. For airlines, tour operators, and local businesses, improved Budapest Airport accessibility could make trip planning more predictable, strengthen Budapest’s role as a Central European transport hub, and support tourism and economic activity tied to smoother arrivals and departures.