Find the cheapest flights from Paris to Budapest in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Paris (CDG) → Budapest (BUD)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 3h 30m – 6h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €95 | low |
| February | €88 | low |
| March | €110 | medium |
| April | €125 | medium |
| May | €135 | medium |
| June | €165 | high |
| July | €195 | high |
| August | €190 | high |
| September | €145 | medium |
| October | €115 | medium |
| November | €75 | low |
| December | €185 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Ryanair (direct): from €45 — Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best prices. Tuesday afternoon flights are cheapest. Always add priority boarding if you need overhead space.
- Wizz Air (direct): from €55 — Sign up for Wizz Discount Club (€60/year) for 10% off all bookings. Best deals typically Tuesdays/Wednesdays.
- easyJet (direct): from €65 — Book 5-7 weeks ahead. Saturday return flights are often more expensive. Download app for flash sales.
- Air France (direct): from €130 — Book 8+ weeks ahead for business class upgrades using Flying Blue miles. Check Air France holidays for package deals.
- Austrian Airlines (connecting): from €145 — Vienna connection is shortest European routing. Book morning departures for better connection reliability.
Booking Strategy
The Paris-Budapest route is highly competitive with 4 airlines offering direct flights, making it one of Europe’s best-value city breaks. For the cheapest fares, book 6-8 weeks ahead and fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday). Ryanair and Wizz Air dominate pricing at €35-€70, while Air France and easyJet offer more comfort at €80-€150. November is the cheapest month (€75 avg), while December spikes to €185 due to Christmas markets. Avoid Friday evening and Sunday returns—these are €20-40 more expensive. Use Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ view to find cheapest dates. If flying connecting via Vienna (Austrian) or Zurich (Swiss), allow 4-6 hours total travel time but you may find deals in shoulder season.
Route Tips
- Ryanair flies from Paris Beauvais (BVA), not CDG—factor in 90min bus to/from Paris (+€17 each way) when comparing total trip cost.
- Hungary is not in the Eurozone—forint (HUF) is local currency. ATMs are everywhere, but carry some cash for thermal baths which often don’t accept cards.
- Budapest’s 100E airport shuttle requires a special ticket (€3.50)—not valid on regular metro. Buy from the yellow machine at the bus stop.
- January-February is low season: thermal baths are less crowded, hotel prices drop 30%, and you can experience real Hungarian spa culture.
- EU citizens need only a passport or national ID card. Non-EU travelers should check visa requirements—Hungary is Schengen, allowing entry from any Schengen country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Paris to Budapest?
Direct flights from Paris CDG or ORY to Budapest take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and Air France all operate direct services. If you take a connecting flight via Vienna (Austrian Airlines), Zurich (Swiss), or Amsterdam (KLM), expect 3h 30m to 6h total travel time including a 1-2 hour layover. Morning departures tend to have shorter connections, while afternoon flights may face delays.
How much does it cost to fly from Paris to Budapest?
One-way fares start at €35 with Ryanair or Wizz Air when booked well in advance. Round-trip prices range from €60-€120 for budget carriers, €130-€200 for full-service airlines like Air France. Peak season (June-August and December) sees prices rise to €150-€300 for round trips. The average price across the year is around €130. Budget airlines charge extra for baggage, so add €25-50 for a checked bag to compare apples-to-apples with Air France.
Are there direct flights from Paris to Budapest?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct flights daily. Air France flies 3-4 times daily from CDG. Ryanair operates 2-3 daily flights from Paris Beauvais (BVA), located 85km from central Paris—factor in transfer time. easyJet has 2-3 daily departures from Orly (ORY). Wizz Air offers 1-2 daily flights from CDG. Beauvais airport is budget-friendly but requires a €17 bus to Paris (90min) or expensive taxi (€120+).
What is the cheapest month to fly from Paris to Budapest?
November offers the cheapest fares at an average of €75 round-trip, making it ideal for budget travelers. January and February are also affordable at €88-€95 average. Avoid December (€185 avg) due to Christmas market tourism driving prices up. The shoulder months of March, April, May, and October offer good value at €110-€135. Summer months (June-August) are most expensive at €165-€195. Budapest’s thermal baths are year-round, but winter offers unique spa experiences.
Which airlines fly from Paris to Budapest?
Four airlines operate direct flights: Ryanair (from Beauvais, cheapest but limited service), Wizz Air (from CDG, good for luggage options), easyJet (from Orly, midday departures), and Air France (from CDG, full service with connections). Connecting options include Austrian Airlines via Vienna (most popular hub), Lufthansa via Frankfurt/Munich, Swiss via Zurich, and KLM via Amsterdam. Budget carriers exclude checked baggage—expect to pay €25-40 extra. Full-service includes 23kg checked bags.
What airport do I fly into in Budapest?
You arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located 18km southeast of the city center. The 100E bus (Airport Shuttle) runs every 10 minutes to Deák Ferenc tér in central Budapest, costing €3.50 with a valid ticket. Taxis cost €25-30 to the city center (30-40 minutes, fixed rate). The newly opened Terminal 2 handles most EU flights. Allow €30-40 for airport transport in your budget. Download the Budapest Go app for public transport passes.
How far in advance should I book Paris to Budapest flights?
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for optimal prices on this route. Ryanair and Wizz Air release schedules 6 months out but discount heavily 6-8 weeks before departure. Air France prices tend to rise after 8 weeks. For summer travel (June-August), book 10-12 weeks ahead as seats sell fast. Last-minute deals exist but are rare—Budapest is a popular route with consistent demand. If traveling during Budapest Pride (June) or Formula 1 (July), book 3+ months ahead.
Is it cheaper to fly from Paris to Budapest on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the cheapest days to fly, with savings of €15-40 compared to Friday or Sunday. Sunday returns are particularly expensive as weekend travelers head home. Monday departures are also relatively affordable. The cheapest flight slots are early morning (6:00-8:00) or late evening (21:00+). Midday flights on Saturdays can be pricey due to leisure travelers. For maximum savings, fly Tuesday morning departing Paris, Wednesday returning Budapest.
Data updated: 2026-03
