Budapest Airport’s new parking rule sparks confusion, fines and traffic chaos
If you’re planning to drive to Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) this spring or summer, be prepared for significant changes that could impact your journey—and your wallet. Ongoing renovations and new parking policies have led to confusion, delays, and unexpected fees for many travellers.
New five-minute rule sparks confusion
As of 30 April, a stricter rule has been introduced for those picking up or dropping off passengers at the Liszt Ferenc International Airport, 24.hu reports. Previously, drivers could use the terminal lanes free of charge for up to five minutes, multiple times a day. However, this grace period is now limited to one use per day. Every subsequent entry – even if it’s under five minutes – now costs HUF 700 (EUR 1.75).
The change, according to Budapest Airport Plc., is meant to reduce vehicular traffic around the terminals and encourage more efficient drop-off behaviour. Yet, many drivers were unaware of the modification. The notice was reportedly indicated only by a small sticker on the pricing sign, leaving many confused.
This has led to traffic jams at the exit gates. Some drivers, unaware of the fee, were stopped by the license plate recognition system and forced to reverse and walk back to a payment terminal. If the five-minute window expired during the process, they were charged HUF 4000 (EUR 9.85), the fee for a stay of 6–30 minutes. Others trapped in queues also ended up paying the higher rate.
Communication has improved compared to the initial period — now, anyone visiting the airport’s official website is immediately greeted by an information window stating the following regarding parking:
All airport parking areas remain fully operational during the renovation works. Budapest Airport recommends that passengers arriving by car use the Terminal Parking (marked with green signs) or the City Break Parking (marked with purple signs), both of which — like the drop-off area — can be used free of charge for up to 5 minutes once per day.
Check out the table containing the time intervals and the prices in forints HERE.
Departure level vehicle access to be suspended
Further changes are coming as part of a major renovation project that began on 20 February 2025, and lasts until June. According to industry site Parkolómester.hu, access to the upper departure level will be completely closed to cars, while space on the arrival level will be significantly reduced.
Passengers should expect longer waiting times for taxis and shuttles, and are advised to plan extra time for their airport journey. The airport recommends using the Terminal Parkoló and City Break Parkoló, both located further from the terminal buildings but with lower fees.
Careful planning required
Since the free zone only allows a 5-minute stay, the driver must arrive exactly when the passenger has already come out — however, due to air traffic and baggage claim, this cannot be planned with 5-minute accuracy. It’s important to note that there is still no solution for longer waiting times, HellóMagyar writes. If someone arrives at the airport earlier than when they are supposed to pick up their passenger, they are forced to park several kilometres away, for example, in Vecsés. This adds to traffic congestion, causes unnecessary driving, and nearby towns are understandably unhappy about displaced vehicles.
Meanwhile, the airport area is thoroughly marked with signs, so if someone stops in an undesignated area to avoid driving farther away just to wait 10 minutes, the police will arrive immediately — first issuing a warning in the best-case scenario, then issuing fines.
What to expect going forward
Budapest Airport is undergoing major development to modernise infrastructure, expand terminal capacity, and improve traffic flow. However, in the short term, travellers should prepare for inconveniences and higher parking costs, especially if they frequently drive to the terminal.
To avoid unexpected fees or delays, check the airport’s website for current parking options and plan ahead — especially if you’re dropping someone off or collecting them during peak hours.
Read more news about Budapest Airport HERE.
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