Budapest, Hungary

Key Highlights

Hotels	171
Total Sleeping Rooms	18,205
Average Hotel Room Rate	HUF 37,820
Average Daily Meal Cost	HUF 24,719
Average Weekly Car Rental	HUF 231,866

Budapest, Hungary Meeting Planning Overview

Often described as the "Jewel of the Danube," Budapest's thousand-year-old history and modern-day conveniences create the complete package for business and leisure travelers. It's no surprise that the city is seeing a surge in popularity and tremendous growth, ranking number 3 on MasterCard's 2008 Emerging Markets Index and as the most liveable city on the EIU's Quality of Life Index in 2009. Budapest attracts roughly 20 million visitors a year and hosted enough meetings to land it the number 6 spot on the International Congress & Convention Association's 2008 list of city rankings.

To meet its growing role as political, cultural and economic hub of Hungary, Budapest has dedicated much money and focus to providing areas to conduct business. Notably, the popular Budapest Sportarena opened in 2003 to become one of the most popular venues in the city for entertainment acts, sports events and more. Give guests the ultimate VIP treatment by hosting an event in one of the arena's posh suites, which feature private access, separate parking and exclusive catering and bar service.

Additionally, the Budapest Congress & World Trade Center underwent a €10 million renovation in 2005. Now one of the city's leading meeting facilities for international business conferences and events, the center features 4,000 square meters of exhibition space and 20 versatile rooms, the largest of which holds up to 2,000 attendees. Plus, the Hotel Novotel Budapest Congress, attached to the center via walkway, offers an additional 19 conference rooms and 319 guest rooms.

Outside of the boardroom, planners find plenty of opportunities to treat their meeting guests to authentic Budapest experiences. Charter a cruise boat with MAHART PassNave, which offers packages for dinners and buffets of up to 220 guests by sea. A popular way to experience the city, MAHART has hosted press conferences, receptions and state events that have included notable guests such as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Elizabeth II, Queen of England, and the king of Malaysia and his family.

Back on land, Budapest's special event venues are no less regal. In fact, Budapest's Royal Palace is home to the event-friendly Hungarian National Museum. Plan a night of dinner and dancing at the museum's Ceremonial Hall and Dome, or plan a performance at its Roman Lapidary, which resembles the layout of an ancient Roman Villa. The historic Gundel Restaurant, where such famed figures as Pope John Paul II have dined, also welcomes large groups in its 10 private rooms.

Offering more than just a dizzying array of stately meeting venues, Budapest also attracts event planners and business travelers with its ease of access. Budapest Airport, which serves several low-cost airlines, is located just 20 minutes from downtown and is connected to the city via public bus and train. Once inside the city, Budapest's extensive public transportation system is an affordable, efficient method for traversing the city's major attractions and hotels.

International trade is a major contributor to the Hungarian economy, and Budapest has done well to grow to meet this demand. With accessible international transport links, business headquarters throughout the city, a thriving tourism industry and 15 academic institutions, the city is set for rapid economic growth when the euro is adopted no later than 2014.

About Budapest, Hungary / Additional Info

As the largest city in Hungary with just over 1.7 million inhabitants, Budapest spans 525 square kilometers along both banks of the Danube River. Though currently an important hub in Central Europe and the country's principal hub for politics, culture and transportation, the city is in fact one of the "youngest" capitals in Europe. Though its present-day territory has seen a wide range of inhabitants, including the Romans, the Mongols, and the Turks, it was not until the late 19th century that the three cities – Pest, Buda and Old Buda – became one.

Budapest's diverse – and sometimes turbulent – past is evident in the varied styles of architecture guests can see just by wandering the streets. Many ancient buildings were damaged during battles and wars, and have since been rebuilt using new construction methods and styles. In the Buda Castle District, visitors encounter everything from the soaring Gothic tower of Matthias Church to the sleek, modern designs of new luxury hotels. Dominating the district's skyline is the Budapest Royal Palace, which, due to multiple sieges and re-constructions, blends architectural styles that span the 17th through 20th centuries.

The Buda Castle District also serves as one end of the magnificent Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital. Linking the Buda and the Pest sides, the 202-meter-long structure is a famous symbol of the city's unity, not to mention a key thoroughfare for domestic traffic. Crossing the bridge into the eastern Pest area, visitors will find a wealth of notable attractions including the Hungarian Parliament Building , Heroes' Square and Andrassy Avenue.

No matter where guests travel in Budapest, they can always enjoy one of the city's most popular attractions: thermal baths. Dagaly, Dandar and Paskal are among the spas on the Pest side of the city, as is Szechenyi Bath & Spa, which boasts the deepest and hottest thermal wells in the city. On the Buda side, visitors find Palatinus, Kiraly, Gellert and Rudas, among others. Indulge in a chocolate massage or hot stone massage at Gellert, or kick things up a notch at Rudas Bath, which hosts parties with music and lighting effects on Friday and Saturday nights.

Also dotted across the city are a number of excellent opportunities for fine dining. Often rich with sour cream, cheese, eggs, butter and fresh produce, traditional Hungarian cuisine includes goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, paprika chicken and lecsó, a mixed vegetable stew, all washed down with a strong beer or Hungarian wine. Still, restaurants in Budapest run the gamut of flavors and styles, from the traditional, such as Karpatia Restaurant, to Italian, such as Trattoria Pomo D'Oro, to seafood, such as Ocean Bar & Grill, and more. No matter the location or style, always keep in mind that a meal is not a meal in Budapest until guests leave feeling full and satisfied.

Budapest, Hungary Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Central Europe Time (CET)

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Destination Type(s):

Historic Destination

Special Event Venues
70
Population
3,284,110
Restaurants
100
Country Code
36
Sales Tax
25.00%
Currency
Hungarian Forint
Standard Tipping Practice
10-15%
Electricity
230V / 50Hz
Official Languages
Hungarian

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Budapest, Hungary

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Prague, CZ	528 km	4 hr 54 min	1 hr 20 min	HUF 65,506+
Vienna, AT	543 km	2 hr 20 min	45 min	HUF 121,124+
Munich, DE	684 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	HUF 93,933+
Warsaw, PL	843 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	HUF 93,933+
Berlin, DE	880 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 25 min	HUF 35,843+
Milan, IT	954 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 40 min	HUF 28,427+
Paris, FR	1,484 km	5+ hrs	2 hr 10 min	HUF 46,966+

Budapest, Hungary Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°C)	2	5	10	17	22	25	27	27	22	16	8	4
Avg. Low (°C)	-3	-1	2	7	11	14	16	16	12	7	3	-1
Rec. High (°C)	15	19	25	30	34	39	41	39	35	31	22	19
Rec. Low (°C)	-21	-23	-14	-4	-	3	9	7	1	-9	-12	-19
Rainfall (cm)	3.8	3.6	3.6	4.6	6.4	6.9	4.8	4.8	4.1	4.6	5.8	4.8

Budapest's transitional climate is influenced by the weather of the Transdanubian region and the weather of the eastern Great Plain. This results in a substantial difference among the temperatures of the seasons. January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging at around 2°C. July and August are the hottest months, when temperatures reach an average of 20°C.

Winters are fairly short in length with rain dominating the season over snowfall. The annual precipitation in Budapest is 617 millimeters, with the majority of rainfall appearing between autumn and winter.

Budapest, Hungary Airport Information

Budapest Airport (BUD)

Approximate taxi fare: 5645 HUF

Budapest, or Ferihegy, Airport is the main airport serving the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. Located only 30 minutes from the city center, it is the largest of five airports in the country and serves over eight million passengers each year. The airport consists of two sections: Terminal 1, used mostly by low cost carriers and domestic flights, and Terminal 2A and 2B, divided by carriers. Hungarian Airlines flights depart from 2A; the remaining carriers fly in and out of 2B.

Before, between or after flights, passengers are welcome to browse the airport's many duty free stores. For souvenirs, the Hungaricum in Terminal 1 is dedicated to selling traditional goods for tourists. For fashion items and designer keepsakes, passengers can shop in Moa and pick up a bag, belt or scarf. For travelers looking to relax or dine, the airport has over 10 coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Business travelers can work in designated quiet areas, equipped with desk space, Internet access and refreshments. An internet caf is also available in Terminal 2.

In addition to its comprehensive service and great amenities, Budapest Airport is popular thanks to its accessibility. Buses run from both terminals to the city center and back in about 20 minutes, while the Western Railway provides a direct link to Terminal 1. Bus tickets can be purchased at kiosks outside the terminals or from drivers for a slightly higher cost; railway tickets can be purchased from Tourist Information in Terminal 1 or from vending machines on platform B at the station.

Parking at the airport is available for short-term and long-term stays. Charges vary depending on duration and discounts.

Airline carriers serving Budapest Airport

Aer Lingus
Aeroflot
Air Berlin
Air France
Air Malta
Alitalia
Austrian Airlines
British Airways
Brussels Airlines
Czech Airlines
Delta Air Lines
EasyJet

EgyptAir
El Al
Finnair
Georgian Airways
Germanwings
Hainan Airlines
Jet2.com
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
Malv Hungarian Airlines
Moldavian Airlines
Norwegian Air Shuttle

Ryanair
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Smart Wings
Sky Airlines
Sky Georgia
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Portugal
Turkish Airlines
Vueling Airlines
Wizz Air

Srmellk International Airport (SOB)

Approximate taxi fare: 43462 HUF

A former military airport, Srmellk International is also known as FlyBalaton Airport. The 2nd largest international airport in Hungary, the airport most commonly serves charter flights from other areas in central Europe. Europeans fly in and out of the airport for short stays or weekend getaways at nearby Lake Balaton, where thermal baths and volcanic rock await vacationers.

Despite being the 2nd largest airport in the country, Srmellk International is considerably smaller than most airports in the world. However, its one terminal does offer the same conveniences of a standard airport, including shops and a caf that offers fresh pastries, coffees and soft drinks. Travelers can also access high-speed Internet at the desks next to the caf.

Parking is available at Srmellk International Airport for free. Spaces are limited, so passengers are advised to call ahead. Transfers, taxis and rental cars can all be booked with the friendly operators located in the lobby. Mini-bus transfers are usually scheduled to run alongside the flights.

Airline carriers serving Srmellk International Airport

Bulgaria Air
Hamburg International

Eurowings

Lufthansa CityLine

Budapest, Hungary Train Information

Hungarian State Railways

The Hungarian State Railways (Magyar llamvasutak) is the national rail operator for Budapest, covering the city's outlying and rural areas as well as providing an international cross border route. There are three main railway stations in Budapest: Budapest Eastern Railway Station (Budapest Keleti pu), where international routes begin; Budapest Western Railway Station, (Budapest nyugati plyaudvar) providing road links, several bus routes and a direct link with metro Line 3; and the Southern Railway Station (Dli plyaudvar), used most frequently by commuters from the suburbs.

Tickets for the high-speed trains can be bought in any of the three railway stations. Travelers should purchase tickets in advance of the travel date.

Budapest, Hungary Public Transportation

Budapesti Kzlekedsi (BKV)

BKV is the unified public transport system serving the city of Budapest. An estimated 1.4 billion passengers use the system's buses, trams, trolley buses, underground Metro trains, and aboveground suburban railway trains (HV) every year. Also managed by BKV are the cogwheel railway and the funicular at the Buda Castle District, both of which are generally considered tourist attractions.

Over 30 tram lines can be found in Budapest including the river side and through the city center. Tickets must be stamped prior to boarding and the doors are operated by a button and sometimes a lever.

There are two routes tourists should be aware of: the routes marked red are the speed services that often do not stop for long distances; and the E route, which signals the night service.

Buses, trolley buses and trams run daily from 4:30 AM to 11 PM.

Buses, Trolley Buses, and Trams

The buses and trolley buses in Budapest are considered the most popular source of transport in the city. Buses cover the less traveled routes around the city. Additionally, a night bus service has recently been upgraded to cover 37 lines. The trolley bus is connected to an overhead cable and generally serves the commuters.

The Stop/Go bus runs daily every 12 minutes from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. In addition to other standard ticket options, the Stop/Go bus accepts one-euro tickets, sold by the driver, which are valid for one hour of travel.

Metro

The Metro in Budapest is the 2nd oldest underground system in the world; it was even declared a World Heritage Site in 2002. Metro trains operate on three lines, with a new line under construction and fifth planned for the future. Line 1 links the downtown to Budapest City Park, Line 2 connects to two major railways, and Line 3 (built as early as 1970) is the longest of the lines crossing the north south points. All three lines connect at Dek tr Station.

Budapest Metro trains run daily every two minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes during the evening from 4:30 AM to 11 PM.

HV

BKV operates four HV lines across 81 stations. Its lines connect Csepel in the south, Rckeve in the far south, Gdllo in the northeast and Szentendre in the north with central Budapest. Each line also features a separate connection to the Hungarian State Railways.

Rental Cars

All the major international car rental companies are available in Budapest including; Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. If you are planning to extend your trip to outlying areas and across the border, the rental company can in some cases supply clearance, so guests should ask in advance.

Rental car agency counters can be found at Budapest Airport in terminals T1 and T2B either at arrivals or on the ground floor, depending on company. Rental car companies Fox Autorent, Hertz and Denzel Car Rental operate at Srmellk International.

Taxis

With attractions well connected by public transport, taking a taxi in Budapest is considered an expensive decision. It is strongly recommended not to hail a taxi from the street, as drivers can adjust costs throughout the journey and some operate an illegal service. Tourists looking for a taxi should always book ahead with a reputable taxi company. Also note that taxi vehicles must have the yellow registration plate.

Taxi fare in Budapest starts with a basic fee of HUF 300 during the day and HUF 420 at night. The maximum per kilometer charge is HUF 240 during the day and HUF 336 at night. A 10 percent tip is customary for a satisfactory ride.

Zna airport taxi services operate at each terminal of Budapest Airport. Charging based on zone, Zna rates are about HUF 4800 to zones 3 and 4, which encompass the city center.

FlyTaxi operates at the Srmellk International Airport. Fares to nearby towns around Lake Balaton start at HUF 5000. Fare to Budapest is HUF 37500.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Prague, CZ	528 km	4 hr 54 min	1 hr 20 min	HUF 65,506+
Vienna, AT	543 km	2 hr 20 min	45 min	HUF 121,124+
Munich, DE	684 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	HUF 93,933+
Warsaw, PL	843 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 15 min	HUF 93,933+
Berlin, DE	880 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 25 min	HUF 35,843+
Milan, IT	954 km	5+ hrs	1 hr 40 min	HUF 28,427+
Paris, FR	1,484 km	5+ hrs	2 hr 10 min	HUF 46,966+