The 100E airport bus is frequently overcrowded, taxis come with surge pricing, and the existing suburban rail option is slow and requires a change, making it inconvenient.

But now, after decades of planning and at least eight abandoned proposals dating back to before 1989, the long-awaited direct rail connection is finally gaining traction.

New Concession & Plan

The Hungarian Economy Ministry has published a draft decree establishing a concession framework for the high-speed railway between Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Terminal 2) and Nyugati train station.

The project has been officially designated as being of "strategic importance for the national economy," which provides the legal basis for financing and constructing it through a concession model.

This is a significant step, especially following the government's acquisition of an 80% majority stake in the airport operator in 2024, alongside French co-investor VINCI, for a total of €3.1 billion.

The responsibility for concessions was transferred earlier this year to Economy Minister Márton Nagy, who announced in June 2025 that the line is expected to cost around €1 billion.

The government is pushing for the project to be funded and built by a concession holder over a long-term period, rather than upfront from the state budget.

Key Details & Logistics

The core of the plan involves a direct, transfer-free line linking the airport to Nyugati Station, one of Budapest’s busiest public transport hubs.
 

• New Section: According to the latest announcements from Minister Nagy, new tracks will only need to be built between the airport and the Kőbánya area in District X. From there, the line will be connected to the existing national railway network, running into Nyugati station.
   

• Airport Station: The new airport station is likely to be underground due to space constraints.
   

• Timeline: The government has indicated that the concession tender could be called before the end of 2025, with construction potentially starting within a year and a half.
   

• Downtown Hub: Choosing Nyugati Station makes perfect sense for expats and locals alike. It's already a major railway hub with direct access to Metro Line 3, trams, and local buses, genuinely connecting travellers to virtually all parts of the city.
   

This investment is seen as crucial, as passenger traffic at the airport has been climbing at an average annual rate of 14% and is projected to exceed 20 million by 2030 and reach 35 million by 2040.

For anyone living in Budapest, a fast, reliable, and direct rail link is arguably the biggest infrastructure upgrade the airport could receive. It promises to eliminate the hassle of crowded buses, expensive taxis, or the slow suburban rail change.
 

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