How to get to Budapest: Best ways for Arsenal fans to travel to the Champions League final

Twenty years on from their last Champions League final, Arsenal fans are gearing up for a massive away day in Budapest, with a trip to the stunning Puskas Arena now firmly on the horizon.

FootballGroundGuide looks at the best travel options for getting there, from the quickest routes to the most budget‑friendly choices for supporters heading to Hungary.

Best way for Arsenal fans to travel to Budapest by Plane

For the vast majority of supporters, flying is by far the easiest and most practical option.

Direct flights from London to Budapest take around two hours and 25 minutes and operate daily from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted.

Airlines including Wizz Air, Ryanair, British Airways and easyJet all run direct services on the route, giving supporters plenty of flexibility when booking travel.

A taxi from the airport to either the city centre or the stadium is typically well-priced at around 9,000 HUF (£20), though these prices could rise on the day of the final.

However, with demand for flights expected to surge around the final, many Arsenal fans may also consider flying into nearby cities such as Vienna or Bratislava. Both offer strong onward transport links into Budapest, with Vienna in particular providing regular train services as well as Danube fast-ferry connections to the Hungarian capital.

Once in Budapest, travelling to the stadium is simple thanks to the city’s excellent public transport system.

Easiest way for Arsenal fans to reach Puskas Arena by Metro or Train

Budapest’s transport network is one of the easiest in Europe to navigate, especially on major matchdays.

The stadium is served directly by the M2 Metro line, with Puskas Ferenc Stadion Station located right beside the ground.

For most supporters staying in central Budapest, the easiest option is to travel from hubs such as Dek Ferenc ter or Keleti railway station before stepping off just moments from the stadium entrance.

The wider stadium complex is also supported by multiple tram, bus and trolleybus connections, making it accessible from all areas of the city.

For supporters travelling around mainland Europe before the final, Budapest also has excellent long-distance rail links from cities including Vienna, Prague and Munich.

Can Arsenal fans drive from the UK to Budapest?

Driving from the UK to Budapest is somewhat possible, but it is a major undertaking and unlikely to appeal to most supporters travelling for a short football trip.

The journey from London to Budapest is around 1,074 miles and would take at least 15 hours in ideal conditions, although realistically most drivers would break the trip into two or three days. Popular stop-off points include Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Vienna.

Supporters considering the drive should also factor in motorway tolls, Hungary’s e-vignette system for major roads, and the possibility of heavy traffic on key European routes.

While it could make for an unforgettable road trip experience, it is not the most practical option for fans looking for a quick and stress-free journey to the final.

Where can Arsenal fans stay near Puskas Arena?

Many Arsenal supporters are expected to stay in central Budapest and use the Metro network to reach the stadium on matchday.

Some areas might include:

• City Centre (District V) – Perfect for first‑time visitors, with easy access to bars, restaurants, sightseeing and direct Metro links to Puskas Aréna via the M2 line.
• Erzsebetvaros & Terezvaros (Districts VII & VI) – Budapest’s liveliest neighbourhoods, packed with famous ruin pubs, nightlife and affordable hotels, while still only a short Metro ride from the stadium.
• Near Puskas Arena (District XIV) – Ideal for matchday convenience, with several mid‑range hotels and the stadium within walking distance or one Metro stop away.

Given the scale of the event, supporters are advised to book accommodation as early as possible to avoid rapidly increasing prices closer to the final.

FGG Verdict: What is the best way for Arsenal fans to travel to Budapest?

For the overwhelming majority of Arsenal fans, flying and then using some form of public transport is the clear winner.

With multiple daily flights from London, relatively short journey times and excellent transport connections once you arrive, it offers the quickest and most reliable route to Budapest.

Once in the city, the Metro system drops supporters right next to Puskas Arena, making matchday travel simple and hassle-free.