Historic Buda Castle on the hill overlooking the Danube. UNESCO-listed with Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church.

About Buda Castle & Castle District

Buda Castle has served as the royal palace of Hungarian kings since the 13th century and today houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. The Castle District's cobblestone streets wind past Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion with its neo-Romanesque towers, and dozens of medieval cellars converted into atmospheric restaurants and wine bars.

The district offers some of Budapest's most iconic panoramic views over the Danube, the Parliament building, and Pest. Visitors often combine Castle Hill with a stroll across the Chain Bridge and a visit to the nearby Gellért Hill Citadella. In summer, cultural festivals and open-air concerts bring the courtyards to life.

Nearby Landmarks

Fisherman's Bastion Matthias Church Hungarian National Gallery Chain Bridge Gellért Hill

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost HUF 8,000-11,000 (~\$22-\$30)
Time 30-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost HUF 6,000-9,000 (~\$16-\$24)
Time 30-45 minutes

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Bus 100E to Deák Ferenc tér, transfer to Bus 16 or 16A to Buda Castle. Or walk across the Chain Bridge and take the funicular up.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi HUF 8,000-11,000 (~\$22-\$30) 30-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare HUF 6,000-9,000 (~\$16-\$24) 30-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Night bus 950 runs from the airport to Kőbánya-Kispest, connecting to night bus 907 toward Buda. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport with fixed zone pricing (around 9,000–11,000 HUF to the Castle District). Bolt and Uber operate throughout the night.

Luggage Tips

Castle Hill involves steep cobblestone paths and stairs. Rolling suitcases are difficult on the uneven surfaces. If staying in the Castle District, consider a taxi directly to your hotel or use the Castle Hill funicular (Budavári Sikló) from Clark Ádám tér to avoid dragging luggage uphill.

Accessibility

The Funicular (Sikló) to Castle Hill is not wheelchair accessible. The Castle Bus (bus 16) from Széll Kálmán tér is the accessible alternative, with low-floor vehicles running every 15 minutes. The castle grounds are mostly flat once you reach the top, though some medieval streets have cobblestones.