$363 Cheap Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Budapest (BUD)

Seattle (SEA) to Budapest (BUD) at a glance

Travel to Budapest (BUD) from Seattle (SEA) with a range of airlines catering to this international long-haul route. Evaluate choices from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, timeline, and travel aspirations as you delve into Budapest’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Access essential information for flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

• Fastest flight duration: around 11h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 30m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,500 miles (8,850 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $275–$910, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines flying from Seattle to Budapest, particularly favored for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover spots include Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) with around a 3-hour wait, Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) at about 2 hours, and Heathrow Airport (LHR) with a similar 3-hour layover. These options allow you to navigate various factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary for your trip.

• Lufthansa: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $275 and $705. It represents about 25% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• United: Known for its extensive services, United offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $335 to $1010. It accounts for around 22% of flights on this route, with a standard one-stop flight time of 11 hours and 45 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of about 14 hours and 15 minutes.
• Turkish Airlines: Another full-service option, Turkish Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $340 and $1760. Approximately 12% of departures on this route are operated by them, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of around 14 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Delta: Delta is another key player in the market, offering one-stop service with one-way ticket prices ranging from $380 to $1215. This airline accounts for about 11% of departures on the route, with an in-flight time of 11 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of roughly 14 hours and 15 minutes.
• British Airways: As a full-service carrier, British Airways provides one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $275 and $760. They make up around 10% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 15 minutes, including a layover.

Best time to fly from Seattle (SEA) to Budapest (BUD)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Seattle to Budapest are March, April, and September, when peak temperatures in Budapest reach up to 65.1°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 32.9°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $426. Flight availability peaks in August, October, and November, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: March usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $426, roughly 30% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $472.
• Most flight options: August, October, and November have the highest number of flights from Seattle to Budapest, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Seattle (SEA) to Budapest (BUD)

• Seattle to Budapest (LKE-BUD): Lake Union Seaplane Base Airport (LKE) is located approximately 13 miles from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

How to find the best prices for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Budapest (BUD)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Seattle to Budapest is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Morning departures (5 am-12 pm) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 pm-6 pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday generally provides cheaper options, although Wednesday is the most favored travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Ferenc Liszt International Airport from Seattle - Tacoma International Airport

Budapest welcomes travelers from Seattle with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Seattle - Tacoma International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Seattle. Budapest city center is approximately a 25-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from Ferenc Liszt International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Budapest efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Budapest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Ferenc Liszt International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Ferenc Liszt International Airport, the Béke tér Tram Stop, a metro station, is located about 2.8 miles away by car, while Ferihegy Station, a train station, is about 3.5 miles away by car, providing convenient transport options for travelers heading into the city.

Seattle to Budapest Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Seattle to Budapest

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Seattle to Budapest are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Seattle to Budapest with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Seattle to Budapest

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Seattle to Budapest: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Seattle to Budapest

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Seattle to Budapest in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $363 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Seattle to Budapest flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Seattle to Budapest airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.