How to get to Debrecen?

Yay, you are coming to Hungary! 🇭🇺 Most of you will arrive in Budapest first, so here is your survival guide.

Step 1
✈️ Arrival at Budapest Airport (BUD)

You will land at Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Terminal 2A or 2B). Unfortunately, there is no direct train from the terminal to Debrecen, so you need to take a bus first.

💡 The "Secret" Short Cut: Do NOT go all the way to the city center! You only need to take the bus to the nearest train station.

Bus 200E to Ferihegy Train Station

  • Bus Number: Look for bus 200E just outside the terminals.
  • Tickets: Buy a single ticket at the purple BKK machines or use the BudapestGO app. Validate your paper ticket immediately on the bus!
  • Where to get off: Get off at the 5th stop called "Ferihegy vasútállomás" (Ferihegy Train Station).

(Note: Do not take the 100E bus, as it goes directly to the city center and is more expensive.)

Alternative
🛬 Arrival at Debrecen Airport (DEB)

If you are lucky enough to fly directly to Debrecen:

  • Take the Airport Bus (check schedule) to the city.
  • Get off at "Nagyállomás" (Main Train Station).
  • Follow "Step 4" below.
Step 2
🚆 Transfer within Budapest

If you arrive in Budapest by train or bus (not plane), you need to get to Nyugati Pályaudvar (Western Railway Station), as trains to Debrecen depart from there.

🚉 From Keleti Station
  1. Metro 4 (Green) to Kálvin tér
  2. Change to Metro 3 (Blue) to Nyugati pályaudvar
🚉 From Déli Station
  1. Metro 2 (Red) to Deák Ferenc tér
  2. Change to Metro 3 (Blue) to Nyugati pályaudvar
🚌 From Népliget Bus St.
  1. Metro 3 (Blue) directly to Nyugati pályaudvar
Step 3
🚄 The Train Ride to Debrecen

Whether you board at Nyugati Pályaudvar or Ferihegy (from the airport), the rules are the same.

  • Train Type: Always choose the InterCity (IC). It is faster (2.5 hours), safer, and has AC. Avoid the "Személy" (local) trains if possible.
  • Tickets: An IC ticket consists of two parts: Ticket + Seat Reservation.
  • Where to buy:
    • Recommended: Download the MÁV App (Hungarian State Railways). It's cheaper and English-friendly.
    • Machines: Available at the platforms (Yellow/Blue machines).
💰 Student Discount (50%):
If you study at a university in the EU (European Economic Area), you can buy a 50% discount ticket!
Crucial: You MUST have your valid Student ID (with picture) or International Student ID (ISIC) with you on the train, otherwise, you pay a heavy fine.
Check Train Schedule (MÁV)
Step 4
🏠 Arrival in Debrecen

Welcome to Debrecen! If your Erasmus Buddy is not waiting for you, here is how to get to the University/Dormitories:

  1. Exit the station ("Nagyállomás") and look for Tram Line 1 (Villamos 1).
  2. Buy a ticket from the purple machines or via the DKV Mobilapp.
  3. Validate your ticket on board!
  4. Travel to the stop "Egyetem" (University).

(Night Arrival: Between 23:00 and 05:00, night services operate, but taxis are also affordable in Debrecen. Use the "City Taxi Debrecen" or "Főnix Taxi" apps).

Good luck and see you soon! 💙