When planning your flights from London to Budapest, it's essential to consider the total cost. In addition to the ticket price, you should factor in extra expenses such as transportation to and from the airports, baggage fees, and any in-flight services you may need. By accounting for these additional costs, you can budget more accurately and make more informed decisions. Understanding the overall cost helps you find the best deals and save money.
London to Budapest: Departure from London Airports
London has multiple airports, offering convenient flight options to Budapest from three major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. By viewing transportation information and flight prices, you can compare and choose the most convenient departure point.
Heathrow Airport (LHR), situated 23 kilometres west of London’s city centre, has five terminals, handling flights from all over the world and offering a vast array of facilities. Travellers can reach the airport via the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes from Paddington Station.
| Main Transportation Options to LHR | Estimated Time | Price |
| Heathrow Express | 15 mins | From £15.00 |
| London Underground ('the Tube') | 60 mins | From £5.50 |
| Elizabeth Line | 45 mins | From £12.80 |
| Coaches | 50-90 mins | From £10.00 |
| Taxis (a black cab or a pre-booked minicab) | 60 mins | From £49.00 |
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 45 kilometres from downtown and features two terminals. Gatwick is easily accessible in several ways, ensuring a seamless journey from London city centre, no matter your transport. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute journey from Victoria Station to the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LGW | Estimated Time | Price |
| Gatwick Express | 30 mins | From £10.00 |
| Thameslink | 30-45 mins | From £10.00 |
| Southern Railway | 30-35 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90 mins | From £8.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £60.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Luton Airport (LTN), with single one terminal, mainly serves flights to European destinations. Travellers can take a train from St Pancras International, usually taking about 25 minutes, plus a brief shuttle bus ride to reach the airport.
| Main Transportation Options to LTN | Time | Price |
| By train | 30 mins | From £15.00 |
| National Express Coach | 90-120 mins | From £5.00 |
| Taxi or Car | 60-90 mins | From £70.00 |
| Tube + Train | 60-90 mins | From £2.40 (tube fare) + train fare |
Compare cheap flight tickets and transportation prices from London (LON) to Budapest (BUD)
When checking flight prices from London to Budapest in January 2025, the difference between the three airports is quite small. The cheapest flight is £21.00 from London Luton Airport, while the most expensive is £73.50 from London Heathrow Airport.
| Flight to Budapest from London | Flight Tickets | Transportation Fare | Total |
| Heathrow (LHR-BUD) | £68.00 | £5.50 | £73.50 |
| Gatwick (LGW-BUD) | £19.00 | £8.00 | £27.00 |
| Luton (LTN-BUD) | £16.00 | £5.00 | £21.00 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data. Transportation prices are approximate and can vary. To get most accurate and up-to-date information, please check trip.com and official websites of respective transportation services.
London to Budapest: Arrival at Budapest Airport
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is one of the busiest in Hungary and a major international gateway. The airport has two terminals, serving both domestic and international flights. Terminal 2A handles Schengen area flights, with plenty of shops and dining options. Terminal 2B caters to non-Schengen international flights, offering a wide range of facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, and car hire services. The airport is about 18 kilometres from Budapest's city centre and usually takes around 30 minutes to reach by car or train.
London to Budapest: Airline Deals
Several airlines, including Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways, offer cheap flights from London to Budapest on Trip.com. Low-cost airlines often have the best deals, but they may not include free checked luggage.
Reviews of airlines servicing London-Budapest
Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from London to Budapest?
In January 2025, Wizz offers the cheapest flight at £21 (LTN-BUD), while Ryanair’ flights are slightly more expensive at £45 (STN-BUD).
| Flight to Budapest | Wizz Air | easyJet | Ryanair |
| Route | LTN - BUD | LGW - BUD | STN - BUD |
| flight tickets | £16 | £26 | £29 |
| transportation to airports | £5.0 | £8.0 | £16 |
| Total | £21 | £34 | £45 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
What's the cheapest total travel cost from London to Budapest?
Let's find out how much a flight from London to Budapest really costs. Budget airlines might look like they have the cheapest tickets at first, but you need to consider all the extra costs. Surprisingly, Wizz Air offers the lowest price at £61.30, followed by Ryanair at £66.75. British Airways comes in at £113.09. By choosing the right flights, a family of four can save a lot on travel expenses.
| Flight to Budapest | Wizz Air | British Airways | Ryanair |
| Route | LTN - BUD | LHR - BUD | STN - BUD |
| flight tickets | £56.30 | £87.39 | £28.76 |
| transportation to airports | £5.00 | £5.50 | £16.00 |
| check-in luggage (1 piece max 20kg) | Free (1×26kg) | Free (1×23kg) | ￡21.99 (1×20kg) |
| Seat reservation | Free | £20.20 | - |
| Total | £61.30 | £113.09 | £66.75 |
*Based on flight prices in Jan 2025, as sourced from Trip.com's data.
London to Budapest: Flight Search & Book Flights
London to Budapest: Direct Flights & Flight Time Schedule
| Cheapest one-way flight price | £25 |
|---|---|
| Cheapest return ticket price | £43 |
| Off-season travel month | April |
| Peak season for travel | March |
| Flight distance | 1,466.47km |
| Average flight time | 2 hours 29 minutes |
| Popular airline | Wizz Air |
FR1658
Ryanair
07:50
STN
11:15
BUD
SMTWTFSBA870
British Airways
20:45
LHR
00:15
BUD
SMTWTFSAA7102
American Airlines
14:05
LHR
17:35
BUD
SMTWTFSBA864
British Airways
16:50
LHR
20:20
BUD
--T--FSIB3694
Iberia
20:45
LHR
00:15
BUD
SMTWTFSBA866
British Airways
08:00
LHR
11:30
BUD
-MTWTFSU28731
easyJet
07:20
LGW
10:50
BUD
SMT-T--U28735
easyJet
16:10
LGW
19:40
BUD
---W--SAA6611
American Airlines
10:30
LHR
14:00
BUD
--T--FSW62226
Wizz Air
19:15
LGW
22:50
BUD
S-TWT-S
London to Budapest: Cheapest Time to Book Flights
Determining the best time to book flights from London to Budapest involves considering a few factors. It's generally wise to book your flights early to secure better deals and more options, particularly if you're travelling during busy periods like Easter, summer, Christmas, or school holidays. Typically, aim to book your tickets 2–3 months in advance. Also, try to avoid peak travel seasons or holidays when prices tend to be higher. Keep an eye on flight prices and set up price alerts to catch the best deals.
| Month in 2025 | Cheapest London to Budapest flight tickets |
| January | £32 |
| February | £32 |
| March | £35 |
| April | £68 |
| May | £64 |
| June | £65 |
| July | £80 |
| August | £88 |
| September | £68 |
London to Budapest: Discover Budapest
Located in the heart of Hungary, Budapest is the capital city and a treasure trove of history and culture. Famous landmarks include the Buda Castle, a historical palace complex, and the Parliament Building, an architectural masterpiece on the banks of the Danube River. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath offers a unique experience with its thermal pools. Other attractions include the Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the Chain Bridge. Budapest's cuisine is renowned, with dishes like goulash, lángos, and chimney cake offering a true taste of Hungarian flavours. Don't miss the bustling local markets and charming cafes for an authentic dining experience.
Explore Accommodation and Local Transport in Budapest
After booking your flights, it's important to arrange your accommodation and plan how to get around Budapest. Look for budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or holiday rentals close to the main attractions. Websites like Trip.com offer a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Trip.com's Travel Guides can also provide useful tips on where to stay and what to do. Consider the costs and convenience of using public transport, taxis, or renting a car to navigate the city. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and make your trip smoother and more affordable.
Recommended Hotels in Budapest [2024]
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Discover Dining and Entertainment in Budapest
To manage your spending while enjoying Budapest, try the local restaurants and entertainment. Seek out markets, street food stalls, and affordable eateries to savour authentic Hungarian dishes without breaking the bank. Many attractions, including museums and historical sites, offer discounts or free entry on certain days, so be sure to check their schedules. Additionally, take advantage of free or low-cost activities such as walking tours, exploring historic neighbourhoods, and visiting public parks. By keeping an eye on your expenses, you can have a fun and budget-friendly trip to Budapest.
Forecast weather and best time to visit Budapest
The best time to visit Budapest is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere. Budapest hosts several famous festivals throughout the year. The Budapest Spring Festival in April attracts visitors with its cultural events. The Sziget Festival in August is one of Europe's largest music festivals. Another notable event is the Budapest Christmas Fair in December, offering festive markets and activities, making it a vibrant time to experience the city.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Average Flight Price (￡) | Average Hotel Price (￡) |
| January | -1~4 | 32 | 50 |
| February | 0~7 | 32 | 55 |
| March | 4~12 | 35 | 60 |
| April | 8~18 | 68 | 65 |
| May | 12~23 | 64 | 70 |
| June | 16~26 | 65 | 75 |
| July | 18~28 | 80 | 80 |
| August | 17~27 | 88 | 80 |
| September | 13~23 | 68 | 75 |
| October | 8~16 | 65 | 70 |
| November | 4~9 | 46 | 60 |
| December | 0~5 | 35 | 55 |
Note:
- Average Temperatures: These are approximate values and can vary slightly.
- Average Flight Prices: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, booking time, and airline.
- Average Hotel Prices: Prices can vary depending on the location, hotel rating, and booking platform.
- Trip.com offers cheap hotels in Budapest, with prices starting from £10 up to £160.