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Airports in Budapest serve both domestic and international travellers, with Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport as the main hub. Whether you’re visiting for business, a layover, or leisure, it’s helpful to know the key airports in Budapest. Besides the main airport, several smaller airfields cater to private flights and cargo transport. These airports offer a range of services, supporting commercial air travel, private aviation, and freight operations to meet the diverse needs of travellers and businesses alike.
Guide To The Top 10 Airports In Budapest
Here are some of the major airports in Budapest that a traveller should know about:
1. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport / BUD
Photo: Igor Bubin / Wikimedia Commons
Formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy Airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Hungary, serving millions of passengers a year. The airport, south of the city center at approximately 16 km, functions as the main gateway to Budapest for international travellers. It runs domestic and international flights between Hungary and several major cities in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Distance From City Center: 16 km
Passenger Traffic: Over 16 million annually
2. Budaörs Airport / LHBS
Photo: Elekes Andor / Wikimedia Commons
Budaörs Airport, one of the oldest airports in Budapest, has been operating in the city since the beginning of the 20th century. It is situated 10 km west of the city center and mainly serves as a hub for general aviation, flight training and private charter services. Budaörs Airport is used by business executives, aviation enthusiasts, as well as sightseeing flight operators, though it handles no commercial passenger flights anymore.
Distance From City Center: 10 km
Entry Fee: Varies for private aviation services
3. Tököl Airport / LHTL
Photo: Eric Salard / Wikimedia Commons
Tököl Airport is a disused military airbase 30 km from Budapest, about 18 km south of the city. It has acquired over the years a status of a facility for general and private aircraft operation and pilot training. Small aviation companies, flying schools, and those individuals who own or charter light aircraft often use the airport. Tököl Airport has long and well maintained runways suitable for flight training and special flight operations because of its military past.
Distance From City Center: 30 km
Entry Fee: Private aviation rates apply
4. Szolnok Air Base
Photo: Mike Freer / Wikimedia Commons
Szolnok Air Base is a military airfield located about 100 km southeast of Budapest that is an important facility to Hungary. This airbase differs from commercial airports, as it is mainly used for military aviation training, aircraft maintenance and the conduct of the defense operations. The center provides the Hungarian Air Force humble, and it is also a base for the military training of pilots. As Szolnok Air Base plays such a strategic role, it is not open to the public, and is subject to limited entry, usually limited to authorized personnel.
Distance From City Center: 100 km
Entry Fee: Restricted access
5. Gödöllő Airport / LHGD
Photo: Matthew Turner / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Gödöllő Airport is a rural airfield which is located east of Budapest and 30 km from the centre of the city. Mainly used for glider aviation, sporting and ultralight aircraft operations. It is one of the big hubs for amateur pilots and flying clubs, with ideal facilities for glider training and aerial competitions as well as recreational flying. It is frequently the host of glider championships at Gödöllő Airport, which appeal to aviation sports enthusiasts from all over Hungary and the immediate neighboring countries.
Distance From City Center: 30 km
Entry Fee: Free for visitors
6. Börgönd Airport / LHBG
Photo: Civertan / Wikimedia Commons
Börgönd Airport is a regional airfield which is frequently also used for flight training, general aviation and airshows. Southwest of Budapest, its rich aviation history has earned it respect among aviation fans who flock to the airshows for air shows of clashing vintage and modern aviation equipment performing breathtaking aerobatics. Aviation schools use this airport as a hub for aspiring pilots who receive hands-on training with small aircraft.
Distance From City Center: 60 km
Entry Fee: Varies for airshows and events
7. Kecskemét Air Base
Photo: NATO E-3A Component / Wikimedia Commons
Another military airport southeast of Budapest is Kecskemét Air Base, which serves as the base of the Hungarian Air Force’s fighter jets and air defense operations. In Hungary, the national security and defense strategy, the base plays an important role as it is home to advanced military aircraft and jointly exercises aircraft with NATO allies. Entry is restricted and entry is allowed to only authorized personnel, but the airbase occasionally opens its gates to the public during international airshows.
Distance From City Center: 85 km
Entry Fee: Restricted access
8. Pápa Air Base
Photo: Ministerie van Defensie / Wikimedia Commons
Pápa Air Base is located west of Budapest and fulfils a strategic role in military defence, as well as cargo transportation and logistics. One of Hungary’s most important military installations, the base is host to a fleet of heavy transport aircraft used in support of NATO missions and humanitarian relief initiatives around the world. It also functions as a supply base and training facility for military personnel employed in airlift and cargo handling, and in developing rapid deployment strategies.
Distance From City Center: 120 km
Entry Fee: Restricted access
9. Nyíregyháza Airport / LHNY
Photo: Connor Danylenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nyíregyháza Airport is a regional airport about 230 km away from Budapest, in southeastern Hungary. Most famous for its strong concentration on aviation education, this school is a centre of excellence when it comes to pilot training, aircraft maintenance course and aeronautical engineering course. Nyíregyháza Airport offers access to several prestige flight academies that attract students from all over Europe, wishing to become commercial and private pilots. General aviation at the airport takes the form of services to private aircraft owners and recreational flying.
Distance From City Center: 230 km
Entry Fee: Varies for flight training
10. Hévíz – Balaton Airport / LHSM
Photo: flightlog / Wikimedia Commons
Although the airport is not in Budapest, Hévíz-Balaton Airport is Hungary’s second international airport, serving mainly as an airport for visitors to Lake Balaton. It is an important gateway for travellers wishing to discover Hungary’s famous lake region through seasonal charter flights that link the country’s major European airports with its popular holiday destination. During summer, the peak periods in terms of passenger traffic are when tourists head to water sports, wellness retreats or vineyard tours in Hévíz-Balaton Airport.
Distance From City Center: 200 km
Entry Fee: Varies for flights
Budapest has several airports catering to different travel needs. While Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport handles most international flights, smaller airports like Budaörs and Tököl serve private aviation and other purposes. The city’s well-connected airports make travel easy, offering a variety of options whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or special requirements. Plan your trip with TripXL for a smooth travel experience.
Cover Photo: Raimond Spekking / Wikimedia Commons
