Budapest - Ryanair or Aerlingus?

vixenbees

Hey dudes,

Looking to go to Budapest in mid October and cant decide whether to fly with Aerlingus or Ryanair.

Before bags and check in fees, Ryanair is coming out at €92 and Aerlingus is coming out at €145. The thing is I know Ryanair will probably add on loads of charges for this that and the other. Also, the website says you fly into Terminal 1 - does anyone know is this a major issue?

Ponster

If you go through the Ryanair site you can figure out the *real* price pretty easily. If you're not checking in any luggage then I imagine that €92 will be the final price.

spurious

The times of the flights might also be a factor in which one you use.

rossie1977

ryanair will only add on what YOU choose, want to be first on the plane, if not don't pay the €5, want travel insurance, if not say no, want bags if not say no, and you don't need to pay for cc charges either using visa electron (entropay)

whatever the charge on page 1 is always the final charge i pay for ryanair

vixenbees

ok thats good to know! I just doubt checked both sites, ryanair add on the online check in fee of €5 at the start so thats included in the €92.

aside from price, does anyone know any other advantages as regards maybe the terminals in Budapest or anything?

zAbbo

Malev were doing return for under E90, I'd recommend them - probably one of the best airlines I've flown with.

rossie1977

vixenbees wrote: »

aside from price, does anyone know any other advantages as regards maybe the terminals in Budapest or anything?

terminal 1 is where the train leaves from direct into budapest city center (takes about 20 mins into Nyugati railway station), outside of that its a very short flight, personally i would go for the cheapest option, if that was aer lingus then them, ryanair then ok

vixenbees

malev are €243 return - just priced it! ouch, not worth that for 3 days.

zAbbo

vixenbees wrote: »

malev are €243 return - just priced it! ouch, not worth that for 3 days.

Shame, they were under 90 return for the last 2-3 weeks.

Personally I'd go with Aer Lingus.

Budapest is a great city, excellent transport too

vixenbees

might leave it for another week to book 1 of the other in case theres a sudden sale (as there seems to be on ryanair ALL the time!)

I'd definately prefer to give aerlingus the business cos they're a decent airline, more comfort etc.. but 60euro is a big difference in price per person.

Looking up accommodation here, cant believe how cheap it is!

Does anyone know about the thermal baths/spas, can you book them over there or what?

netwhizkid

Looking to do this myself after plans to do it in July fell through. Malev seems to be far more expensive than the other two, I'd fly Aer Lingus anyday over Ryanair and would recommend flying Aer Lingus, plus you get a bigger baggage allowance, staff that smile, and no offers of scratch-cards in flight, if Aer Lingus were not flying it, I'd shell out to Malev to avoid Mick and his sneaky tactics.

Malev reminds me a bit of how Aer Lingus were about 10 to 15 years ago when a flight to Heathrow would have cost about £200. I found an old ticket for flights in 2000 and it was £176.20 Cork-Heathrow Rtn.

I was of the opinion before there was price fixing on that route as you can see here but todays prices seem to indicate that Aer Lingus and Ryanair are just marking each other tight on the route while Malev are just pie in the sky. (Hungarians never caught onto Capitalism anyway).

AirBaltic are another Malev like airline with really high prices on relatively close routes. Aer Lingus must be the only flag carrier in Europe that are actually cheap, British Airways by comparison are a rip off on similar routes and Ireland is a few hundred miles further away meaning costs are higher.

As for Budapest, I have never been there but have been reading up on it, for a city that is supposed to cheap some things appear not to be at all, Hotels that are cheap are reviewed on trip advisor as being total dumps. The Hotel Gellert turkish bath and spa is supposed to be well worth a vist, however the hotel is rated as being stuck in the 70's:eek:

I plan to spend 3 or 4 nights before heading up to Prague, (The CSA/Malev duopoly have tickets at €280 and €220 respectively one way on the route)! I will take the ealry morning train from Kelliti for roundabout €80 instead unfortunately it is 7 hour journey.

Still should be a blast and I am hoping for a more soviet experience than Prague, which is up there with 5th Avenue, yet turn a corner and you are into 1960's Soviet era, a city of contrasts. Beautiful wimmens too:rolleyes:

solice

If price is going to be a big factor, fly to Bratislava, get the bus from the airport to the main train station and get the train to Budapest. The train is about 10EUR and the bus is about 20cent.

There are 3 big train stations in Budapest so make sure you get off at the right one, its a really big city.

vixenbees

solice wrote: »

If price is going to be a big factor, fly to Bratislava, get the bus from the airport to the main train station and get the train to Budapest. The train is about 10EUR and the bus is about 20cent.

There are 3 big train stations in Budapest so make sure you get off at the right one, its a really big city.

This is only for a 3 day city break so dont think I've the time for that option, thanks for the info anyway - sounds good for an Interrail trip.

Thanks for your info too netwhizkid. Looking on lastminute.com shows 4 star hotels in the city for €80ish a night? Checked them up on tripadvisor and the 3 I were looking at all got great reviews. Think I'll be spoiled for choice - its just these airlines that I'm havin to choose between!

Fratton Fred

Malev are ok, i wouldn't say they are great though. You do get a drink and a meal with Malev, like the old days:D

All flights from the UK and ireland go into terminal 1. there are two terminals at Budapest Airport, T1 for Non Schengen Flights and T2 for Schengen.

netwhizkid

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Malev are ok, i wouldn't say they are great though. You do get a drink and a meal with Malev, like the old days:D

All flights from the UK and ireland go into terminal 1. there are two terminals at Budapest Airport, T1 for Non Schengen Flights and T2 for Schengen.

There is supposed to be a train from Terminal 1 to Nyugati, is it a big deal to transfer from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 for to to get the train from Ferihegy to Nyugati? You sound like you have been to Budapest before so maybe you could enlighten us noobs!

Fratton Fred

netwhizkid wrote: »

There is supposed to be a train from Terminal 1 to Nyugati, is it a big deal to transfer from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 for to to get the train from Ferihegy to Nyugati? You sound like you have been to Budapest before so maybe you could enlighten us noobs!

Actually, I have given you duff information.

T1 and T2 are seperate terminals, with T1 split into two sections for schengen and non schengen. then there is T2a and T2b again, for Schengen and non schengen. Aer Lingus/Malev and BA all arrive into T2 and ryanair into T1, which is for budget airlines.

I couldn't tell you about the train, we got a cab. I was on business so tbh, I didn't take too much notice of the costs. the most expensive receipt I have (Which is probably from the East West business centre to the airport) is for 5500HuF, about €20.

HarryD

I do that route myself alot.
I pay up to 50EUR more for Aer Lingus, to avoid the unplesantness of Ryanair.
Terminal 1 (Ryanair terminal) is 15mins closer to the city than T2 (Aer Lingus)
Malev leave Dublin early, and I think are stopping the Dublin route for winter.
I think they've stopped doing the meal, it's just a stale sandwich now.. (except business class)
They are good, but staff are rude.. A standard Hungarian thing.

The train from T1 is not great IMO, you've to cross the road in an overpass to get it.
The bus from T1 to metro I normally use.
The Taxi's are fine, you won't get ripped off like elsewhere in the city as the airport taxi's are regulated.

undo

We went on a trip to Budapest with TCD's photographic association earlier this year. There were so many of us that to get cheap tickets, we had to split the group across both Ryanair and Aer Lingus. I would say in the end, either airline was fine. If I remember correctly, those of us who got the earlier Aer Lingus flight and then the bus toward the metro station passed terminal 1 just as the Ryanair passengers were coming out the door - so in the end, we all got to the city at pretty much the same time.

In general, Budapest is a great destination. The Gellért Baths are impressive. But even better are the Rudas Baths. These are open during the day but much more importantly, open again during the night on some evenings. Being at the baths long after midnight is an experience not to be missed. I highly recommend it.

vixenbees

Thanks for all your tips everyone!

I ended up booking with Aerlingus in the end. It was €165 return, only €35 dearer than Ryanair (the flights had gona up from €92 by the time I booked) but worth the bit extra.

Got a great deal on a hotel on lastminute.com, a 5 star for 3 nights for €206, 10 mins from the city. The hotel itself has thermal baths which are included in the price, spa facilities are extra but dont seem too dear - cant wait!!!

The hotel have quoted me €36 to collect us from the airport - I think this is a bit steep for a one way trip. I was told if I ring one from the airport its only about €15 - anyone done this? Theres also an airport shuttle service so if anyone has used that before let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

undo

There is a taxi service at the airport catering specifically to tourists. They have a stand near the terminal exit, charge based on a zonal system depending on where your hotel is, speak English and accept euro. If you want a cab, this is the least-hassle way. Also, make sure to take their flyer so you can ring up and get a taxi back to the airport when you are going back.

vixenbees

undo wrote: »

There is a taxi service at the airport catering specifically to tourists. They have a stand near the terminal exit, charge based on a zonal system depending on where your hotel is, speak English and accept euro. If you want a cab, this is the least-hassle way. Also, make sure to take their flyer so you can ring up and get a taxi back to the airport when you are going back.

thats class. is it around €36 cos if it is, id be just as well to get the hotel to come for us if thats the case. if its cheaper, it definately sounds like the best option.

undo

It is a lot cheaper. Here is the exact price list http://www.zonataxi.eu/en/tartalom/reptervaros/.

irish_bob

zAbbo wrote: »

Malev were doing return for under E90, I'd recommend them - probably one of the best airlines I've flown with.

malev are very expensive and thier service is average at best

irish_bob

zAbbo wrote: »

Shame, they were under 90 return for the last 2-3 weeks.

Personally I'd go with Aer Lingus.

Budapest is a great city, excellent transport too

budapest is a dump , horrible food , unfriendly people who try to rip you off at every turn and who dont even try to hide thier distain for foreigners , the place is also very dirty , my least favourite people and place

undo

irish_bob wrote: »

budapest is a dump , horrible food , unfriendly people who try to rip you off at every turn and who dont even try to hide thier disdain for foreigners

Hmm... 23 posts before you and nobody had any problems with Budapest. Some actually loved it. Could it be that something is wrong with your attitude rather than Budapest or the locals?

irish_bob

undo wrote: »

Hmm... 23 posts before you and nobody had any problems with Budapest. Some actually loved it. Could it be that something is wrong with your attitude rather than Budapest or the locals?

search other threads on budapest and you wont be long seeing that my opinion is far from unique , then get back to me doctor

undo

Well, Budapest is a very popular tourist destination. Millions of people go there every year and love it. Just because some people cannot behave and get the appropriate treatment from the locals does not mean it is a bad place.

irish_bob

undo wrote: »

Well, Budapest is a very popular tourist destination. Millions of people go there every year and love it. Just because some people cannot behave and get the appropriate treatment from the locals does not mean it is a bad place.

steady on there mr presumptous

undo

I was not being presumptuous. I have no idea what caused you to have such a bad experience in Budapest. Actually, I am sorry you had such a bad time there... I have been to Budapest several times and I think it is fantastic. It is a shame you did not get to enjoy that.

What I was saying is that many people complain on boards after being the very cause of whatever problems they experienced. Many interesting tips may be found on boards but also a lot of nonsense. For example, there is that unfortunate tendency in Ireland to export stag and hen parties. These drunk crowds often end up angering the locals and getting a harsh treatment. They then come here and vent their anger when in fact it was their behavior that caused problems in the first place.

mikedragon32

Undo and Irish Bob: save your flame war for somewhere else. Either of you sustain this rubbish, you can enjoy a break from the forum.

irish_bob

undo wrote: »

I was not being presumptuous. I have no idea what caused you to have such a bad experience in Budapest. Actually, I am sorry you had such a bad time there... I have been to Budapest several times and I think it is fantastic. It is a shame you did not get to enjoy that.

What I was saying is that many people complain on boards after being the very cause of whatever problems they experienced. Many interesting tips may be found on boards but also a lot of nonsense. For example, there is that unfortunate tendency in Ireland to export stag and hen parties. These drunk crowds often end up angering the locals and getting a harsh treatment. They then come here and vent their anger when in fact it was their behavior that caused problems in the first place.

you insinuated that i behaved inappropriately while in budapest and therefore deserved to be treated badly , that to me is being presumptuous

for your information , i have only ever visited the place alone , as for stag parties and ive never been on one overseas , they contribute a lot to the economys in theese countries , i seriously doubt the hungarians dont want them , they have little enough going for them

vixenbees

Here lads I only wanted to know which air carrier to use....

I'm looking forward to my first trip to Budapest, other peoples experiences dont really bother me because when it comes to travelling you have to make your mind up for yourself.

3 weeks to go

'Undo' - thanks for all your helpful links re the airport/taxis.

ronano

I've not travelled on aerlingus in years

There is a 20 euro difference in price between aerlingus/ryanair and both flight times are the same to me. Is aerlingus worth the extra 20 euro?

ardmacha

Budapest is well worth a visit. However, at the airport Terminal 1, used by Ryanair, is the most disorganised place I have ever been in, and that includes places like Calcutta. When I was leaving there at a busy time in early January the airport was one seething mass of people. There were none of the ropes etc that separate the queues in Dublin. It took 5 minutes of pushing and swaying in the crowd just to get to the vicinity of the Ryanair queue, we knew this only by asking people in the melee where they were going. People arrived in the middle of the queue ahead of us, depending on what path they managed through the masses. But the checkin queue wasn't half as bad as the security queue which took over an hour, leading to the plane leaving late.

This is not really Ryanairs fault, but the airport make no effort whatsoever. Now other people have said that it isn't usually like that and you may not be travelling at a busy time.

On that trip I flew out with Aer Lingus and back with Ryanair, perhaps better to fly back with Aer Lingus from Terminal 2.

vixenbees

ronano wrote: »

I've not travelled on aerlingus in years

There is a 20 euro difference in price between aerlingus/ryanair and both flight times are the same to me. Is aerlingus worth the extra 20 euro?

If it saves you time then yeah. But it depends on the city I guess.

For example, when I flew to Glasgow last year I made sure I flew Aer Lingus so that I got into the main Glasgow airport which was a v short bus ride from the city centre. (Ryanair fly to a different airport around 50mins from Glasgow). The same is with London - Ryanair fly into Stansted which is 1 hour on a train and £30 for a return ticket... I'd rather pay the extra few quid to get to a more central airport.

With Budapest however there was no difference as they both fly into the same airport. The only difference seems to be the Terminal. I still booked Aerlingus in the end even though it was more expensive just purely because I think its a better and more comfortable service.

rossie1977

vixenbees wrote: »

For example, when I flew to Glasgow last year I made sure I flew Aer Lingus so that I got into the main Glasgow airport which was a v short bus ride from the city centre. (Ryanair fly to a different airport around 50mins from Glasgow). The same is with London - Ryanair fly into Stansted which is 1 hour on a train and £30 for a return ticket... I'd rather pay the extra few quid to get to a more central airport.

ryanair fly gatwick as well, which is about 25 minutes from victoria station in central london and costs 5stg if booked on national rails website

most use stansted as a transfer point to reach destinations not accessible from ireland by the budget airlines e.g. greece, western norway, morocco, egypt and turkey

i flew to budapest with ryanair about 2 weeks, we were there in about 2hr 15mins, left on time, everything grand, i would never pay more for such a short flight, if AL were 20euro cheaper i would choose them everytime

vixenbees

rossie1977 wrote: »

i flew to budapest with ryanair about 2 weeks, we were there in about 2hr 15mins, left on time, everything grand, i would never pay more for such a short flight, if AL were 20euro cheaper i would choose them everytime

yeah I agree the flight times are pretty much the same and ryanair do have a good record for on-time-arrivals. I just think aerlingus have been a better service to me in the past and more convenient so I'd rather stick with them, even if its slightly more expensive. as one of the previous posters mentioned, its small things like not being annoyed with scratch cards during your flight that make it worth it!

a few years ago I was about 3 mins late for check-in with ryanair and they did not let me check in for the flight. lost my holiday, total disaster when they could've just sent me on through, its not like I was a half hour late. bank holiday weekend so there was no seat available on another flight. I understand they run a tight ship so its fair enough but I thought 3 minutes was a bit mean!

another time I travelled aerlingus and was 20mins late for check-in, completely convinced id miss the flight and had resigned to the fact id have to fork out for a later flight.. ran up to the lady at the check-in desk who printed off my boarding card and gave me directions to leg it to the gate.

This makes me sound like the scattiest person ever but I hope if any unforseen problems occur in budapest, im hoping aerlingus will look after me

undo

I had a similar experience with Aer Lingus once. My parents had the silly idea of returning their rental car at Dublin airport, on a Friday afternoon, before a bank holiday weekend. Traffic between the city and the airport was mad and we were extremely late - arrived at the airport some 25 minutes before departure. Even with luggage to check into the hold, it was no problem. Aer Lingus let us board just fine. I really liked that. And I just know how it would have played out with Ryanair .

Also, another great thing is that you can select your seat 30 hours before the flight. No need to fight for a good seat. Yeah, it can be worth the extra few € at times...

netwhizkid

ardmacha wrote: »

Budapest is well worth a visit. However, at the airport Terminal 1, used by Ryanair, is the most disorganised place I have ever been in, and that includes places like Calcutta. When I was leaving there at a busy time in early January the airport was one seething mass of people. There were none of the ropes etc that separate the queues in Dublin. It took 5 minutes of pushing and swaying in the crowd just to get to the vicinity of the Ryanair queue, we knew this only by asking people in the melee where they were going. People arrived in the middle of the queue ahead of us, depending on what path they managed through the masses. But the checkin queue wasn't half as bad as the security queue which took over an hour, leading to the plane leaving late.

This is not really Ryanairs fault, but the airport make no effort whatsoever. Now other people have said that it isn't usually like that and you may not be travelling at a busy time.

On that trip I flew out with Aer Lingus and back with Ryanair, perhaps better to fly back with Aer Lingus from Terminal 2.

I am flying into Terminal 2 with Aer Lingus next week, however for some people Terminal 1 maybe more convenient as you can take a train from Ferihegy (pronounced ferry-hedge) Train station to Nyugati Train station (city centre).

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are a 10 minute drive apart so if transiting between terminals or arriving by Train into Ferihegy bear that in mind. You can also take a bus from Terminals 1 & 2 (stops at both) which drops passengers off at Kőbánya-Kispest which is at the end of Metro line 3, allowing for further connections via, tram, bus and metro.

irish_bob

both terminals are around a half an hour from the city centre so i see little difference whichever terminal you arrive in , i flew with ryanair the last time , didnt seem any worse than aer lingus

btw , two years ago , i arrived at 2.17 pm in dub airport for an aer lingus flight to budapest at 3 pm , they wouldnt let me on , 43 mins before the flight took off , i was meant to be there by 2.15 pm