They've had a makeover - but still 1950s Soviet
design underneath - an M3 Metro Train
Since BKK, the Budapest Transport Centre, hasn't got around to announcing it in English on their site as far as I can see - https://bkk.hu/en/news/ - this is a 'public service' note to mention that the M3, the Blue Metro, has, as of October 22, re-opened between Népliget and Kőbánya-Kispest following renovation work – although some intermediate stations remain closed for rebuilding. It means that more budget-minded travellers to the airport can still do the trip cheaply and quickly, by taking the train to Kőbánya-Kispest, walking across the bridge towards the shopping centre, and going down the steps to the right just before the automatic doors, to the 200E bus stop. It's not as convenient or fast as the 100E from Deák Ferenc tér, but not bad - the average journey time being about 40-45 mins. (I read a very disparaging 'review' of the 200E service on another blog, claiming it 'stopped everywhere'. Frankly, I find this nonsense, but each to his own.) And of course, if you come from further north on the M3, you don't have to change at Deák tér in the first place. It is true that the Soviet-designed, 1950s-style metro trains, procured at enormous expense under the previous, patriotic (ie Fidesz-led) Budapest City Council, don't have air-conditioning (unlike the trains on Metro 2, bought earlier under the auspices of the evil, anti-Magyar, Liberal-Socialist lot) - but just wear a mask and try to enjoy the retro experience, eh?
Anyway, for HUF 700 via BKK versus HUF 7,000 plus by taxi, you can't really complain.
Oh, and if you are one of those unfortunates who bought tickets online for the 'phantom' 100E non-bus service to or from the airport, BKK has issued new instructions on how to get your dosh back, here.
Happy Travels!