Budapest – London – New York in 18 Hours

Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Airport.

When someone travels to a distant country for the first time, they usually pay close attention to details, the airport, the journey and the local rules.

While sitting here at Liszt Ferenc Airport in Budapest, I will try to summarise the small practical details that have seemed important during my previous trips.

I will continue writing on the flight to London and, because I have a three-hour wait at Heathrow, I may finish it there — or after arriving in New York.

Anyone planning a trip to the “Big Apple” first needs to make sure they have the correct travel authorisation or visa.

The exact type depends on the purpose and circumstances of the trip, so always check the current official rules before travelling.

I also recommend travel insurance covering the entire period from departure until return.

Healthcare in the United States can be extremely expensive.

Hopefully you will never need to use the insurance.

At the time of this original trip, there was no direct Budapest–New York flight.

The nearest non-stop option departed from Vienna.

With one connection, total travel time was usually around eleven to sixteen hours depending on airline and connection.

I generally travelled through London.

My Budapest flight arrived at Heathrow Terminal 3 and the onward flight departed from Terminal 5.

The journey between the terminals is not short.

Even when moving quickly, allow roughly an hour.

You may need an airport bus and then additional terminal transport before walking to the correct gate.

If you have a longer connection, airport food is not necessarily outrageously expensive.

You can eat reasonably well without spending a fortune if you are not extremely hungry.

When arriving in New York from London, I landed at Terminal 7.

If possible, choosing a seat closer to the front of the aircraft can save time because immigration queues may be long.

That is where officers decide whether you may enter and how long you can remain.

If you sit at the very back, by the time you leave the aircraft and walk to immigration, a large part of the passenger load may already be standing ahead of you.

Of course, seats toward the back can have one possible advantage:

Sometimes there is a greater chance that the seat beside you remains empty.

On a seven-hour transatlantic flight from London, that can make the journey much more comfortable.

Long-haul aircraft also usually offer seat-back entertainment screens.

You can watch films.

Listen to music.

Use USB charging.

And, depending on the system, view media from your own device.

Meal service is normally included on transatlantic flights, sometimes more than once depending on timing.

After the queue comes immigration.

Procedures vary over time, but travellers may be asked for fingerprints, a photograph and information about their stay.

First-time visitors generally speak directly with an immigration officer.

You may be asked why you are visiting and where you will stay.

Always make sure your answers match the information in your travel documents.

Returning visitors may sometimes use automated kiosks depending on the current system and eligibility.

Typical questions include whether you are travelling for private or business purposes, whether you are carrying food or goods, and how many family members are travelling with you.

Automated systems may take fingerprints and a photograph.

That photograph can become a surprisingly funny moment after a long journey. :)

Once the process is complete, you continue to an officer who confirms entry.

Always check the authorised period of stay carefully.

Do not simply assume you automatically have the maximum period.

Overstaying can create serious immigration consequences.

Do not pack meat or perishable food without first checking whether it is permitted.

Customs rules are strict.

If prohibited food is discovered during inspection, it may be confiscated and destroyed.

I have had to say goodbye to food that way before.

It hurts. :)

Do not expect the airport terminal itself to immediately create the full “New York feeling”.

It is still an airport.

Once you exit and have formally entered the country, airport rail links connect the terminals with the subway and other public transport.

At JFK, the AirTrain connects the airport with onward transportation.

Fares and ticket systems change over time, so check current information before travelling.

This is also the moment when many visitors first arrange their New York public-transport card or payment method.

Again, the exact system and prices may change, so use current MTA information rather than relying on old blog prices.

What I personally recommend for first-time visitors, however, is considering an airport bus or another straightforward transfer into central Manhattan.

The first time I travelled here, I received enormous help from a Hungarian woman named Brigi.

She became my guide.

Believe me:

It makes a huge difference when somebody explains how the city works.

At the time, an airport bus took passengers directly to Times Square.

The ride was roughly one to one and a half hours.

Once you arrive there, the “Hello New York” feeling finally appears in full force.

If you are choosing accommodation, it is practical to stay near subway lines that connect conveniently with central Manhattan.

New York has many subway lines, but the map becomes understandable quickly once you begin using it.

The six-hour time difference from Hungary can be difficult.

For some people, the “zombie state” lasts one day.

For others, several.

If you arrive in the evening and sleep on the aircraft only when it would normally be nighttime at home, the adjustment may become a little easier.

A watch showing home time can help.

If you want to see something of the city on the first day, arriving in the early afternoon can work well.

Remember, however, that leaving the airport after landing and immigration may take anywhere from around half an hour to much longer.

Then you still need to reach your accommodation.

Do not let that discourage you.

New York is a huge city.

Once you follow the steps above and finally emerge into Manhattan, you get exactly the feeling many people came for.

I have now reached my accommodation.

I am putting the computer away and going to sleep.

I hope this first entry was not too dry.

I wanted to include practical information because you never know who may need it one day.

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For the professional context and practical side of portrait photography, visit the BANHALMI professional website. Related art series, books and exhibitions are preserved in the BANHALMI ART archive.