Budapest is beautiful all year round, but at its best in spring, early summer and early autumn. In spring, the natives emerge from their post-winter slumber and the city’s premier annual event, the Budapest Spring Festival, swings into action. In September, the searing summer heat has dissipated, yet the days remain long and pleasantly balmy. Crowds are thinner too, and you’ll have the city’s attractions almost all to yourself.
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HUNGARY: BY AIR
From the UK: carriers include British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and Norwegian.
Within Europe: try Air France, Wizz Air and Ryanair.
From the US: Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
FROM THE AIRPORT: It's a 20-minute drive from Liszt airport to the city. Take a cab or ask your hotel to arrange a transfer. You won't need a car in Budapest; it is best explored on foot. Alternatively, take the airport bus to to Kõbánya-Kispest metro stop, then the metro the rest of the way. Or take the public minibus (a door-to-door shuttle service that collects travellers going to the same part of the city and drops them one-by-one). Their desk is at the arrivals at the airport.
OUTSIDE THE CITY: If you're doing a wider tour of Hungary, you will need a car - see our car rental recommendations. Bear in mind that some of the roads are poorly signed and not as well maintained as in western Europe.