Smart Traveler’s Guide to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport: Expert Tips & Real Reviews

Budapest Airport Services

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

Facilities (Wi-Fi, ATMs, left luggage / lockers, etc.)

  • Wi-Fi: Budapest Airport offers free Wi-Fi across the terminals (check the official Budapest Airport site for the current free access policy and any time limits).
  • ATMs / Currency exchange: Available landside and airside; major banks’ ATMs are normally accessible in public arrival/departure halls.
  • Left luggage / lockers: There are official lost & found and excess baggage / left-luggage services; for items left on aircraft, airlines’ ground handling companies are the point of contact. See the airport contact pages for email/phone details.

Photograph your checked luggage and any valuables before handing them in — it speeds up an insurance claim or lost luggage report.

Services for families & PRM (persons with reduced mobility)

  • PRM assistance: Pre-bookable assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (wheelchairs, meet-and-assist) is available regardless of airline; the airport recommends pre-booking — preferably at least 48 hours in advance (7 days recommended for best service). The airport also participates in visible-and-hidden disability support programmes (e.g., Sunflower for hidden disabilities).
  • Family facilities: Baby changing rooms, family toilets and priority lanes (where available) are provided in landside and airside areas. Many restaurants and rest zones also have family seating.

If you need hoist or special assistance, confirm equipment availability with both the airline and the airport PRM desk ahead of travel.

Security & baggage control

  • Security screening: Standard EU security procedures apply — liquids in 100 ml containers in a clear bag, laptops and large electronics screened separately, and regulated prohibited items enforced. Non-Schengen departures will also pass passport control. Allow extra time during peak hours.
  • Checked baggage: Weight/size limits and fees depend on the airline — excess baggage desks are present (and some airlines have self-service kiosks).

Use online check-in and mobile boarding passes where possible to speed up the process; kiosks at Terminal 2 are available if you need to print tags.

Lost & found / items left on board

Airport lost & found: The airport runs an official Lost & Found service; for items left in terminals contact the airport’s lost items office directly. Items left on aircraft should be reported to the operating airline or its ground handler — the airport site lists contacts and email addresses for these services.

File a report as soon as you notice an item missing — airlines and handlers often recover items quickly if notified within 24 hours.

Check-in and boarding information

  • Check-in: Most airlines have check-in desks in Terminal 2’s departure halls; self-service kiosks are common. Airlines usually open check-in 2–3 hours before short-haul and 3 hours (or more) before long-haul departures — follow your airline’s guidance.
  • Boarding: Gates are assigned airside; Pier B provides many jetbridges, but some low-cost or overflow operations may use bus boarding (apron). Monitor the flight information screens and your airline app for gate changes.

If you’re tight on time, request an aisle seat near the door at check-in to speed deboarding on arrival.

Shopping at the Airport

Budapest Airport offers a good variety of shops both before and after security, especially around the SkyCourt area (the central hall between Terminal 2A and 2B).

By categories

Fashion & Accessories

  • Designer & brand stores: Include outlets like Desigual, Guess-Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Swarovski — mainly before and after security in the transit zone.
  • Hard Rock Shop: For apparel and themed souvenirs.

Travel Essentials

  • WHSmith (SkyCourt) — books, magazines, electronics, snacks and Hungarian gifts.
  • Tech2Go — gadgets and chargers after security.

Hungarian Specialties

  • Hungaricum Wine & Fine Food — local wines, food items and gifts.
  • Memories of Hungary — Hungarian souvenirs & sweets.

Convenience & Essentials

  • SPAR supermarket (Terminal 2B arrivals) — groceries, drinks, snacks (6:00–22:00).
  • Relay — snacks, newspapers and travel basics.

Duty-Free

  • The main duty-free operator in the departure area is Heinemann Duty Free, with multiple outlets in SkyCourt and the departure halls (2A & 2B).
  • Typical duty-free categories: perfume & cosmetics, liquor & wine, tobacco, chocolates, designer gifts and Hungarian liqueur Unicum.
  • Hours:
    • SkyCourt: 03:30 – 22:00
    • Terminal 2A & 2B outlets: ~05:00 – 20:00.

Duty-free is only available if you have a boarding pass for an international departure outside the EU.

Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

There’s a strong focus on dining in and around the SkyCourt (after security) where most passengers pass through. Opening hours vary by outlet but many are roughly 05:00 – 21:00 / later depending on flight schedules.

Top Rated & Recommended Options

Quick Service & Casual

  • KFC Budapest Airport – Highly rated fast food classic for a quick, familiar meal before departure. Good choice for families and quick bites.
  • Burger King Airport (SSP) – Another fast-food option in SkyCourt; good for burgers & fries if you’re in a hurry.

Restaurants & Sit-Down Options

  • Liszt – A sit-down restaurant with broader selections, often Hungarian-style dishes and European classics; located in Terminal 2 near public areas and good for more substantial meals.
  • BOTTEGA PROSECCO BAR & CAFFE – Italian-style café and bar, ideal for a light lunch, coffee or a prosecco before your flight.
  • Upper Crust – Baguettes, sandwiches and café items — one of the more flexible eateries with extended hours (often early morning till late night).
  • TASHBA – Casual restaurant in SkyCourt; mixed reviews but an easy choice for something sit-down on the go.

 Lounges & Premium Spaces

  • Plaza Premium Lounge – Lounge in the non-Schengen departures (Terminal 2B mezzanine). Not just food — offers drinks, snacks, comfortable seating and quiet space if you want more peace before boarding.

Less Recommended / Lower Rated

  • O’Learys Budapest Airport and CamdenFood — both have lower ratings, so best for basic options or if other outlets are full.
  • Seasons and NEGRONI similarly tend to be rated poorly — check recent reviews before choosing.

Dining Insights & Traveller Tips

Hours: Most cafes/restaurants open early (around 05:00) and close late evening (~21:00+), timed to flight schedules; some outlets like Upper Crust run very late (to ~01:00).

Food Market concept: In recent years Budapest Airport has expanded its dining offer with a “Food Market” style section in SkyCourt featuring local and international flavours (Hungarian Paprika dishes, Italian, Asian options).

Local flavour: Try Hungarian wines or spirits at duty-free — Unicum and local wines make memorable gifts or a last-minute taste of Hungary.

Café sit-downs: For a relaxed pre-flight meal, seek sit-down places like Liszt or the lounge — especially if your flight isn’t imminent.

Budget eats: If you’re on a tight schedule or budget, fast food (KFC, Burger King or Upper Crust sandwiches) is widely available after security.

Where these places are

  • SkyCourt (central, after security): Most shops, duty-free and food outlets like Upper Crust, KFC, Burger King, WHSmith and fashion/accessory stores.
  • Terminal 2A & 2B departure lounges: Additional duty-free shops plus some restaurants and bars.
  • Terminal 2B arrivals: SPAR supermarket and convenience buying.

Extra Practical Tips

  • Eat before security if in doubt: Some outlets landside open early — good if your flight is extra early.
  • Duty-free orders: Some Heinemann outlets allow Click & Collect up to 24 h before departure.
  • Souvenirs: Local paprika products, Hungarian wine and Unicum are easy gifts that travel well.
  • Lounge access: If you want a quieter dining environment, lounges like Plaza Premium can be booked even without airline status.

VIP / lounge areas

The airport offers several lounge options (airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges) in the departure areas. Pier B additions improved lounge access and gate connectivity for premium passengers. Lounges typically provide seating, refreshments, business facilities and sometimes shower rooms. Check lounge access rules (airline status, card memberships, or single-use lounge passes).

Purchase your pass to BUD Airport Lounges


 If you don’t have lounge access through your ticket, consider a pay-per-use lounge reservation (some can be booked online in advance) — useful for long connections.

Final practical checklist (before you go)

  • Double-check which terminal (2A vs 2B) your airline uses — Schengen vs non-Schengen matters.
  • Pre-book PRM assistance at least 48 hours in advance if needed.
  • Use online check-in and save boarding passes to your phone.
  • Keep copies of travel documents and a photo of checked baggage.
  • Note the Lost & Found / excess baggage contact in case of problem