How Much Is a Taxi in Budapest?
Taxi fares in Budapest are set by a city decree, which means every licensed taxi company charges exactly the same price. The fare is made up of a base fee plus a per-kilometre rate and a per-minute rate for travel time. Our taxi fare calculator uses this official 2026 tariff, so you know the fair price for your route before you even get in the cab.
On August 1, 2026 the regulated tariff increased: the base fare is now 1,300 forints, the per-kilometre rate 521 forints and the per-minute rate 130 forints. Trips to or from Liszt Ferenc Airport include an additional 800 forint airport surcharge. Many older websites still show the previous 2023 rates (1,100 Ft + 440 Ft/km + 110 Ft/min) — this calculator is up to date with the official 2026 prices.
A few things every visitor should know: the meter runs on both distance and time, so heavy traffic adds to the fare — our calculator applies a peak-hour factor (roughly ×1.3 between 7-9 and 16-19) and a night factor (×0.9 between 22:00 and 06:00) so you can see the realistic price range. All licensed taxis accept card payment at the terminal, and the price shown on the meter is the price you pay — there are no hidden booking fees on top. The fare you see in the calculator is within ±10% of the final price in normal traffic, which is exactly the range you should expect from a fair, regulated Budapest taxi.
Taxi from Budapest Airport to the City
Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD) sits about 24 kilometres south-east of the city centre, a 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic. Since the 2026 tariff, airport taxi rides include the800 Ft airport surcharge (base fare 2,100 Ft). On the meter, a trip from the airport to the centre typically comes to around 15,000-19,000 Ft in 2026 depending on your exact address and traffic — use the calculator above for your route.
At the airport, use the official Főtaxi booth on the arrivals level: regulated metered fares and mandatory card payment. Avoid the unofficial drivers who approach you inside the arrivals hall with "cheaper" offers — manipulated meters and surprise surcharges are common with them. A pre-booked fixed-price transfer is often a little cheaper than the meter on this route and the price is locked in before you travel.
Travelling light? The 100E express bus runs directly from the centre to the airport (ticket about 1,500 Ft in 2026). A taxi gets you door to door — worth it with luggage, in a group, or late at night.
Typical Routes and Taxi Prices 2026
Estimated fares for the most common Budapest taxi trips at the official 2026 tariff, average traffic. Calculate your exact route with the tool above.
| Route | Distance | Time | Est. price |
|---|
| Airport (BUD) → City Centre (District V) | 20.6 km | 37 min | 17,643 Ft |
| Airport (BUD) → Erzsébetváros (District VII) | 20.1 km | 36 min | 17,252 Ft |
| Airport (BUD) → Keleti Railway Station | 18.9 km | 34 min | 16,367 Ft |
| City Centre → Keleti Railway Station | 3.2 km | 9 min | 4,137 Ft |
| City Centre → Széchenyi Bath | 4.6 km | 13 min | 5,387 Ft |
| Újbuda (District XI) → Airport (BUD) | 23 km | 39 min | 19,153 Ft |
| City Centre → Buda Castle | 3 km | 8 min | 3,903 Ft |
| Nyugati Railway Station → Airport (BUD) | 21.9 km | 40 min | 18,710 Ft |
Official Taxi Tariff 2026 — Price per km
Official tariff valid from August 1, 2026. Source: Budapest Municipal Decree (31/2013, amended).
Updated: 7 September 2026 · Methodology
Taxi or Uber/Bolt in Budapest?
Because fares are regulated, the main taxi companies — Főtaxi, City Taxi, 6×6 Taxi and Budapest Taxi — all charge the same official price. The real choice is between a regular taxi and a ride-hailing app:
- Regular taxi: predictable, regulated price. Főtaxi runs the official airport booth and accepts cards.
- Bolt: you see the fare upfront, but prices are dynamic — surge pricing at peak times and night can make it much more expensive.
- Uber: returned to Budapest in 2024 through a partnership with Főtaxi — you may be matched with a licensed Főtaxi car; pricing is shown upfront and can vary with demand.
The calculator uses the official tariff, so the result is valid for any licensed taxi — and our average Bolt estimate helps you compare the two options before you book.
How to Avoid Taxi Scams in Budapest
Taxi scams in Budapest mostly happen at the airport, and they almost always involve unlicensed drivers ("pirate taxis") or tampered meters. Follow these rules:
- Only take licensed taxis: yellow car, working meter, licence plate and "taxi" roof sign.
- At the airport use the official Főtaxi booth — never the drivers offering "cheaper" rides in the arrivals hall.
- Check the meter shows 1,300 Ft base before you start (2,100 Ft at the airport).
- Pay by card — since 2025 every licensed Budapest taxi must accept cards, so there is always a record of the amount.
- Ask for a receipt. If the driver cannot provide one, the ride is not legal.
Know the fair price before you ride — that is exactly what the calculator above is for. If a driver asks for more, that is an immediate red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi in Budapest?＋
Budapest taxi fares are regulated: every licensed taxi company charges the same. Since August 1, 2026, the base fare is 1,300 Ft, the per-kilometre rate is 521 Ft and the per-minute rate is 130 Ft. An airport trip (e.g. BUD → City Centre, about 24 km) is typically 15,000–19,000 Ft on the meter, while a short downtown ride is around 2,500–3,500 Ft.
What is the airport surcharge?＋
Since August 1, 2026, a 800 Ft airport surcharge applies to trips to or from Liszt Ferenc International Airport, which raises the base fare to 2,100 Ft for those trips.
Did the taxi tariff change in 2026?＋
Yes. On August 1, 2026 a new regulated tariff took effect: the base fare rose from 1,100 Ft to 1,300 Ft, the per-kilometre rate from 440 Ft to 521 Ft, the per-minute rate from 110 Ft to 130 Ft, and the 800 Ft airport surcharge was introduced.
Taxi or Uber/Bolt in Budapest?＋
Regular Budapest taxis charge a regulated, predictable price — every company uses the same tariff. Bolt prices, on the other hand, are dynamic and can surge during peak hours and at night. The calculator gives you an average Bolt estimate so you can compare.
How much is a tip for a taxi in Budapest?＋
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary: around 10% of the fare, or rounding up to the nearest hundred forints. When paying by card you can add it in the payment terminal.
How do I avoid taxi scams in Budapest?＋
Check that the meter shows the official tariff (1,300 Ft base, 521 Ft/km, 130 Ft/min), use the official Főtaxi booth at the airport, pay by card (mandatory in every Budapest taxi since 2025, so there is always a record), and always ask for a receipt. If you feel overcharged, do not get in and report it to BKK.