How to get from Budapest Airport to Debrecen

Debrecen is a charming Hungarian city with a rich historical heritage, playing an important role in Hungary’s economy, tourism, culture, and history. As the second-largest city in Hungary, Debrecen has served as the nation’s capital twice throughout its storied past.

The city captivates visitors with its blend of historical and architectural sights, modern shopping centers, exciting cultural and sports events, and renowned geothermal spas. Trendy cafés and bistros with cozy terraces, vibrant nightlife, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make Debrecen a popular tourist destination.

From a tourist perspective, Debrecen is remarkably convenient—most attractions are concentrated in the central part, allowing you to explore the city’s highlights without relying heavily on public transport or organized tours.

With its atmosphere of a cozy provincial town featuring colorful squares, spacious parks, numerous historical and architectural monuments, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, Debrecen never fails to captivate its guests.

Thermal Spas and Wellness

Today, Debrecen is best known as a popular balneological resort. The thermal complex located in Nagyerdő Park (“Big Forest”) offers treatments for rheumatism, joint inflammation, paralysis, and many chronic conditions. The Aquaticum water park, built on hot springs next to Nagyerdő, provides the perfect escape to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate.

Within the “Big Forest,” you’ll find a comprehensive resort complex including the thermal complex Aquaticum, an amusement park, a zoo, Debrecen University, the University Botanical Garden, a pond for boating, and the charming Frog Pond.

Medical Tourism

The Hungarian Medical Center of the University of Debrecen offers unique opportunities for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation in the largest state-run multi-profile clinic in Eastern Europe.

Family-Friendly Destination

Debrecen’s infrastructure is perfect for family vacations. The city offers convenient transfers, quality hotels, a welcoming atmosphere, and plenty of children’s entertainment. Numerous unique museums dot the surrounding area, and the local nature possesses a special charm.

Day Trip to Hajdúszoboszló

A fun day trip from Debrecen to Hajdúszoboszló makes for excellent entertainment. Don’t forget your swimwear! The water park at this thermal resort is considered one of the best in Hungary. The Hajdúszoboszló Aquapark features several children’s pools, 15 different water slides, and 13 themed pools. In winter, visitors can enjoy the warm AquaPalace, which offers entertainment areas for both children and adults.

Getting to Debrecen from Budapest Airport

Debrecen is located 230 km from Budapest. Thanks to its advantageous position on the international road and rail transport network, Debrecen is easily accessible. The city is connected to the Hungarian capital by motorways and railways.

Transportation options from Budapest Airport to Debrecen:

• Private car transfer
• Train from Budapest Nyugati Station

Note: Unfortunately, there is no direct bus connection between Debrecen and Budapest Airport.

Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport

Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (formerly known as Ferihegy Airport) serves as Hungary’s main international gateway, accepting flights from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

Key Information:

• Distance to Debrecen: 230 km
• IATA code: BUD
• Official website: bud.hu
• Terminals: 2A and 2B (located in the same building)

Airport Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi for two hours (connect to “bud:free wifi” network)
• Duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés
• Luggage storage facilities
• Nearby airport hotels

Private Car Transfer

Private car transfer is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Budapest Airport to Debrecen.

Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Your professional driver will meet you at your chosen pickup point at the time you specify. You’ll enjoy 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time from your scheduled pickup time, giving you plenty of time to clear customs and collect your luggage.

Travel in comfort with door-to-door service, no luggage restrictions, and the flexibility to stop along the way if needed. Book your Budapest airport transfer for a stress-free journey.

Vehicle Categories We Offer

We provide a full range of well-maintained vehicles to suit any travel need or budget—from solo travelers to large groups, and from business trips to luxury experiences.

Standard Class

• Ideal for budget-conscious travelers or short business trips
• Comfortable sedans with air conditioning
• Suitable for 1–3 passengers with luggage
  Examples: Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus

Vans / Family Class

• Perfect for families or small groups with extra luggage
• Spacious interior, sliding doors for easy access
• Seats 4–7 passengers
  Examples: Ford Transit, Opel Vivaro, Renault Trafic

Minibus / Group Class

• Best for larger groups or team travel
• Modern minibuses with generous space for passengers and luggage
• Accommodates 8–22 people
  Examples: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Iveco Daily

Business Class

• Executive-level comfort and a smooth ride
• Elegant design, tinted windows, leather seats
• Ideal for corporate clients or VIP guests
  Example: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Premium / Luxury Class

For up to 2 passengers
Examples: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Maybach
Top-tier vehicles for those who want the very best
Luxurious interiors, superior ride quality, and maximum privacy

Train to Debrecen

The railway is a popular budget-friendly option for reaching Debrecen from Budapest. Most trains to Debrecen depart from Budapest’s Western Railway Station (Budapest Nyugati pályaudvar), though some also depart from the Eastern Station (Budapest Keleti pályaudvar).

Travel times:

• InterCity train: approximately 2.5 hours
• Regional trains: approximately 4–5 hours

Check the schedule at mavcsoport.hu and purchase tickets at jegy.mav.hu.

You can buy tickets at any railway station in Budapest—at the ticket office or vending machines—or conveniently online through the Hungarian Railways website.

From the airport: Take the 200E bus to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station, then catch the M3 blue line to Nyugati pályaudvar.

MiniBUD Shuttle to Budapest Center

MiniBUD is a group transportation service at Budapest Airport offering shared shuttles for arriving and departing passengers.

For more information, visit minibud.hu or use the mobile app, available for both iOS and Android.

Service features:

• Comfortable buses with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi
• Airport shuttle-minibus counters at both terminals
• Minibuses depart from the main entrance of terminals

We recommend booking tickets online in advance. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the exact departure location. Upon arrival, proceed to the MiniBUD counter at the airport for directions to your minibus. You may need to wait for other passengers to gather.

Note: As MiniBUD is a group transfer, the bus may run at 100% capacity, and passengers will be taken to their destinations in turns.

Public Transport to Budapest Nyugati Railway Station

If you’re planning to get from Budapest Airport to Budapest Nyugati railway station by public transport, this offers an affordable option.

Budapest’s public transport system is fast and convenient, featuring regular lines (including night services) and accurate timetables. The network includes metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus services. All transport operates from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

At each metro station entrance, you’ll find boards with city transport network diagrams. Travel rules are indicated in English and German. At all bus and tram stops, you’ll find route timetables, with traffic maps at major stops.

Visit bkk.hu for more information about travel fares, and use the trip planner function to plan your route and timing.

Bus 200E + Metro

Service details:

• Frequency: Every 10 minutes
• Operating hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Tickets available at machines near the bus stop or from the driver

Bus 200E runs to the M3 Kőbánya-Kispest metro station. From there, take the M3 blue line to Nyugati pályaudvar (Western Railway Station).

Bus 100E + Metro

Service details:

• Frequency: Every 10 minutes
• Airport to center: 5:00 AM – 1:20 AM
• Center to airport: 3:40 AM – 12:40 AM
• Journey time: 45–60 minutes

Deák Ferenc tér (the terminus of the 100E bus) is in the very center of Budapest and serves as the junction station of Budapest metro. The 100E bus is the best way to get from the airport to the city center. From Deák Ferenc tér metro station, you can take the M3 blue line to Nyugati pályaudvar (Western Railway Station).