How Early to Leave for Flight? [BUD-LHR]
Posted by Dabclipers@reddit | budapest | View on Reddit | 13 comments
Hello everyone, I'll be in Budapest for vacation in December and am getting all my planning done. I'm looking forward to being in your city for the first time, but me and my travel partner are having a disagreement on how early we need to leave for the airport.
Our departure flight leaves at 0805, and we're staying around 20 minutes from the airport. When would you guys say we should leave our hotel to head to BUD?
-Thanks! And congratulations on the recent election!
Blackmore1030@reddit
If you have checked-in luggage, you have to be there 2 hours before departure time. If not, then 1.5 hour is enough. There are long queues at the check-in desks, but security check is very quick here, and it's a small airport so you don't have to walk too much for your gate.
polishprocessors@reddit
Of note: OP is going to Heathrow so flying British air, not any of the discount airlines. OP: Typically i leave about 2:15-2:30 before my flight with a 10' walk to the 100E and then a 25' ride from Kálvin tér. I presume, since you've quoted 20' to the airport you're taking a taxi. With British and a taxi, but checking bags, I'd leave at 6am for an 8am flight
vahokif@reddit
Without checked luggage an hour and a half before takeoff, with checked luggage two hours.
Best_Persimmon7598@reddit
This
Avocado_SIut@reddit
It will depend on whether you have any luggage that needs to be checked in.
Security check is really fast at BUD.
With luggage 90 minutes should be comfortable.
If I don't have any luggage to check and I'm traveling alone, I aim to get to the airport 15 minutes before boarding begins.
ExpensiveGlove8627@reddit
I had a flight last week at 08:00, i wasn’t able to check my bag in until 6. even then it took minutes with the self check in and there was no line at security. i’d say if you get there between 6-6:30 you’ll have plenty of time.
hulyepicsa@reddit
The passport queue was INSANE last time I flew because of the new system if you’re leaving the EU. So I really wouldn’t risk going too late. We had to queue for checked luggage + passport queue (where we were put into a somewhat “””faster””” queue because we were travelling with 2 young children) and we barely made our flight, we were there 2 hours early. Maybe it’s a bit smoother now but honestly don’t risk it.
PotatoeRick@reddit
5:45 - 6:00 AM
FewSprinkles4359@reddit
Being at the airport 90 minutes before the flight is more than enough time. If you don't have checked-in luggage, and you can use the eGates for the passport control, then even 70 minutes is fine.
pontleszarom@reddit
Fine to leave around \~6AM, 5:30AM if you're cautious. On weekdays that's relatively primetime, on weekends it's not so much, but security checks in general are very fast in Budapest.
VszVszVsz@reddit
like anywhere else, be at the airport 2 hours before if you're checking in luggage.
but staying only 20 minutes away? that must mean you're staying elsewhere besides the pest city center. the 100e airport bus at that hour of the day from its start at deák ferenc tér is under 30 minutes.
Interesting_Prune513@reddit
I was about to say that it is tricky because there is really only one road going to the airport (which means if there is an accident, you're screwed), but if you're only 20 minutes away, you should be fine. 90 minutes is reasonable, there isn't much to do besides duty free shopping and eating at burger king inside the airport though, be advised.
Competitive_Meal_144@reddit
Yep! I fly from Budapest airport around 8 times a year and 90 minutes is ample time