Istanbul to Budapest (IST–BUD) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
IST–BUD is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air lead the route. The flight covers 631 miles in approximately 1h. Beyond nonstop, 93 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines Also: 6E, GF, TG | 24 | 32B, 32Q, 33F, 77X | 1h-2h | – | Star Alliance | 6E, GF, TG |
| W6 Wizz Air | 9 | 32Q | 2h-2h20 | – | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Budapest from Istanbul
| Metric | IST→BUD | SAW→BUD |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from IST | – | 40 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 2 | 2 |
| Weekly flights | 82 | 12 |
| Flight time | 1h | 1h 5m |
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · BUD: CEST
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 5:00 PM in Budapest.
Turkish passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Hungary. Apply at the Hungarian Embassy in Ankara or through a VFS Global center. The short-stay visa costs EUR 80 (about TRY 2,960) and allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the Schengen area. Required documents include a completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and bank statements. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area. Processing takes 10 to 15 working days.
A valid multi-entry Schengen visa from any member state works for Hungary. Turkish-Hungarian historical ties run deep, with Ottoman-era architecture visible in Budapest, Pecs, and Eger. Hungary is a popular destination for Turkish students and tourists. The 90/180 Schengen rule applies across all member states combined, not per country.
Direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Budapest (BUD) run about 2 hours 15 minutes on Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and Wizz Air. Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), trading at roughly 10.8 HUF per TRY 1. Card payments work at most businesses. Budapest's public transport runs on a zone-based system: a single ticket costs HUF 450 (about TRY 42), a 24-hour pass costs HUF 2,500 (about TRY 232). The system covers metro, trams, buses, and the suburban HEV trains within city limits. Budapest's thermal baths (Szechenyi, Gellert, Rudas) range from HUF 3,200 to HUF 8,400 for a day pass.
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
IST–BUD Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to BUD
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air. With 82 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IST to BUD Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to BUD ranges from 1 hours 0 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes. The route covers a distance of 631 miles (1,016 km). There are approximately 82 weekly flights outbound and 88 return, totaling 170 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
93 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 6 hours via PMO. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Pendik, Istanbul (SAW).