Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Hungary is set to welcome a surge of UK visitors as TUI Airways launches a new direct flight route from Birmingham to Budapest in May 2026. This exciting development offers travelers from the Midlands seamless access to Hungary’s vibrant capital, famed for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and thermal spas. Beyond the city, the route opens doors to explore the serene beauty of Lake Balaton and enjoy premier river cruises along the iconic Danube, making Hungary an increasingly attractive and accessible destination for British tourists seeking diverse and memorable experiences.
TUI Airways is set to introduce a new direct flight connecting Birmingham Airport with Budapest International Airport, marking an exciting travel opportunity for residents of the Midlands. This fresh route will commence on May fourth, 2026, providing a seamless gateway to Hungary’s stunning capital city. Whether travelers are keen to explore Budapest’s rich heritage or embark on river cruises along the Danube, this new connection broadens holiday possibilities and enhances accessibility to Central Europe.
Birmingham to Budapest Direct Flight Opens New Doors for UK Travelers
Starting May 4th, 2026, TUI Airways will operate a weekly direct service from Birmingham to Budapest, scheduled for Mondays throughout the summer season. This convenient connection responds to growing demand from British travelers looking for accessible European city breaks, cultural exploration, and scenic river cruise holidays. By offering direct flights from the heart of England’s Midlands, TUI opens up new routes for leisure travelers without the hassle of multiple connections or lengthy transfers.
Budapest, often called the “Pearl of the Danube,” is renowned for its stunning architecture, thermal spas, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history. The city’s dynamic blend of historic charm and modern attractions has made it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking something beyond the usual European capitals.
Budapest Opens the Door to Unforgettable TUI River Cruises Along the Danube
One of the key drivers behind launching this route is the surge in popularity of river cruises along Central Europe’s iconic waterways. Budapest serves as the first stop for several TUI River Cruises itineraries in 2026, especially along the scenic Danube River. For the first time, TUI River Cruises will base three of its ships—Isla, Maya, and Skyla—on the Danube for the entire summer season, underscoring the growing interest in this region.
The new flight route perfectly aligns with this expansion. It offers travelers direct access to the embarkation point of unforgettable river cruise experiences that combine leisure, exploration, and luxury. Passengers can conveniently fly from Birmingham to Budapest, where they board one of the TUI River Cruises vessels for a multi-day journey through Central Europe’s most captivating towns and cities.
Discovering the East Danube Explorer Cruise Experience
Among the featured TUI River Cruises offerings is the seven-night East Danube Explorer cruise aboard the TUI Isla. Starting from Budapest, this cruise takes guests on a cultural journey through Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia. Ports of call include Mohacs and Kalocsa in Hungary, Novi Sad, Donji Milanovac, and Belgrade in Serbia, as well as Vukovar in Croatia.
Priced from £1,529 per person based on two adults sharing a Deck 1 Standard Cabin, the package includes full board plus dining, the direct flight from Birmingham to Budapest, checked baggage allowance of 25 kilograms per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. This all-inclusive approach provides a hassle-free, immersive experience exploring Central Europe’s fascinating history, local traditions, and stunning riverside landscapes.
TUI Lakes & Mountains Collection Adds Hungarian Lake Balaton to Holiday Options
Beyond river cruises, the new Birmingham-Budapest flight opens the door to TUI’s Lakes & Mountains holiday collection, which highlights unique natural destinations across Europe. For travelers eager to discover Hungary’s lesser-known treasures, Lake Balaton offers an ideal retreat.
Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, boasts a diverse landscape featuring sandy beaches, volcanic hills, hiking trails, and vineyards producing celebrated regional wines. From May through September 2026, TUI Lakes & Mountains offers seven-night holidays to Siófok, a popular town on the southern shore of the lake, where guests can relax and explore in equal measure.
Guests can stay at the four-star Hotel Azur Premium on a half-board basis, with prices starting from £1,033 per person. The package includes return TUI Airways flights from Birmingham to Budapest, a 23-kilogram luggage allowance, and transfers, ensuring convenience from the moment travelers arrive until their return journey.
Flexible Booking Options to Suit Every Traveller
Recognizing the diverse preferences of holidaymakers, TUI Airways provides flexibility in how this new route can be utilized. Travelers can opt to book flight-only tickets if they wish to explore Budapest independently or combine flights with TUI’s curated holiday packages. This flexibility allows passengers to customize their trips—whether for city breaks, river cruises, or countryside escapes.
Round-trip flights between Birmingham and Budapest are available starting at £241 per person. This fare includes 15 kilograms of checked-in luggage and 10 kilograms of hand luggage per traveler. Departure dates begin from May 11th, 2026, with return flights available from May 18th, 2026, providing convenient options for a one-week getaway.
Reasons Budapest Should Be Your Next Must-Visit Destination
Budapest is a city of contrasts and charm. Its elegant historic districts, including the Buda Castle and the UNESCO-listed Parliament building, offer glimpses into Hungary’s rich past. Visitors can soak in natural thermal baths that have been treasured for centuries, indulge in world-class dining, or enjoy lively nightlife in the city’s famous ruin bars.
The city’s location along the Danube provides spectacular river views and easy access to nearby attractions. Coupled with the introduction of direct flights from Birmingham, Budapest becomes an even more attractive destination for UK travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.
The Rising Appeal of Central Europe for UK Holidaymakers
Central Europe is experiencing a renaissance among British travelers, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, affordability, and diverse holiday experiences. From historic cities and scenic countryside to river cruises and lakeside resorts, the region offers something for every traveler.
TUI’s introduction of this direct route highlights the growing popularity of Central Europe as a favored travel destination. Enhanced connectivity supports tourism growth while making it simpler for travelers from the Midlands and beyond to enjoy the region’s attractions without lengthy journeys.
Hungary welcomes TUI Airways’ new direct Birmingham to Budapest route, boosting tourism and giving UK travelers easy access to Budapest’s culture, Lake Balaton, and premier river cruises. This new connection opens exciting opportunities for memorable Central European holidays.
Conclusion
TUI Airways’ new direct service from Birmingham to Budapest launching in May 2026 represents an exciting development for UK travelers. With weekly flights during the summer season, this route not only offers easy access to Hungary’s vibrant capital but also serves as a gateway to memorable TUI River Cruises along the Danube and scenic holidays at Lake Balaton.
By combining convenient flights, quality holiday packages, and diverse travel experiences, TUI strengthens its position as a leading provider of Central European holidays. For those looking to explore the charm, culture, and natural beauty of Hungary and its surroundings, this new route from Birmingham promises to be a game changer.
