| IATA Code | DEB |
| ICAO Code | LHDC |
| City | Debrecen |
| Distance to city centre | approx. 7 km |
| Status | International |
| Annual Passengers | ~306,000 (based on 2023 data) |
| Schedule | Online flight board on the official website |
Debrecen International Airport (DEB) is located just 7 km south of the city centre, making the journey there fast and convenient. Regardless of your budget and preferences, you will easily find a suitable way to reach the terminal. Here are the main options to consider when planning your trip.
Public Transport: Buses
The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the city buses operated by DKV. Special routes Airport 1 and Airport 2 run between Debrecen's main railway station (Nagyállomás) and the airport. The journey takes just 15-20 minutes. Buses run regularly throughout the day, but the schedule may change depending on the season and time of day, so it is recommended to check it in advance. This is the ideal choice for budget travellers and those travelling light.
Taxi and Transfer
For maximum comfort and speed, you can order a taxi. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 10-15 minutes. This is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but remains quite reasonable. Additionally, you can pre-book a private transfer — in this case, the driver will meet you at the specified location with a name sign, and the price of the trip will be fixed.
Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to actively explore the eastern part of Hungary, renting a car is an excellent solution. Many international and local rental companies have counters both at the airport and in the city. This gives you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, convenient parking is provided. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. Rates depend on the duration of parking.
Debrecen Airport is a key transport hub for the region. Travellers can also consider flying into nearby airports, such as Oradea Airport in Romania or Košice Airport in Slovakia, from where Debrecen can be reached by international buses or trains.
Debrecen Airport (DEB) is a modern and compact international airport, the second most significant in Hungary. Its key feature is simplicity and convenience for passengers, ensured by a well-thought-out structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, including those of low-cost airlines.
Thanks to its small size, navigation through the terminal is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible. The airport layout is very simple: the terminal building is divided into functional zones. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. The departure and arrival zones are in different parts of the building but within walking distance of each other. Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transfers between them — all procedures take place in one location.
The departure zone is located after the check-in counters and includes security screening and passport control points. After completing formalities, passengers enter the secure area (airside) with several boarding gates, a small Duty Free shop, and a café. The arrival zone is in another part of the building and is equipped with a baggage claim belt and customs control counters. All signs are clear and duplicated in English.
Completing all pre-flight procedures at Debrecen Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major hubs. On average, check-in and security screening take from 20 to 40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially during the peak tourist season or if you need to check luggage and pass through passport control for flights outside the Schengen zone. This time will be more than enough to orient yourself without rushing, have a coffee, and walk to your gate.
The history of Debrecen Airport (DEB) dates back to the early 20th century. Initially, it was a small airfield built for postal and military aviation needs. The first flights from this runway took place as early as the 1930s. During World War II, the airfield was used as a base for Hungarian Air Force bombers, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.
After the war and up until 1990, the airport served exclusively as a military airbase, hosting Soviet fighter jets. This period left a significant mark on its infrastructure. A turning point in the airport's history came in May 1991, when Soviet troops left the base, and the gradual transition of the facility to civil use began. In 1994, the Debrecen city government initiated a project to develop civil aviation, laying the foundation for the future international airport.
The true revival of the airport began in 2001, when it was transferred to municipal ownership. That same year, the first international charter flight to Bulgaria was operated. In subsequent years, large-scale modernization was carried out: the runway was reconstructed, modern navigation equipment was installed, and a new passenger terminal was built. These steps allowed the airport to obtain international status, opening Debrecen and all of eastern Hungary to tourists and business.
A key event that defined the modern look of the airport was the opening of a Wizz Air base in 2012. This turned Debrecen into the country's second most important aviation hub after Budapest. Regular flights to major European cities, such as London, Eindhoven, and Milan, sharply increased passenger traffic and contributed to the development of tourism in the region. Today, Debrecen Airport is a modern and dynamically developing transport hub that continues to expand its route network and improve the quality of passenger service.
Debrecen Airport (DEB), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the modern terminal, you will easily find everything you might need before departure or upon arrival.
For those feeling hungry, the airport has cafés and bistros where you can have a snack with sandwiches, drink coffee, or order hot meals. In the departure zone, there is a Duty Free shop offering a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and souvenirs. There are also several small shops with newspapers and travel essentials.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Special stations and outlets are provided in waiting areas for charging electronic devices. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the VIP Lounge, which offers a private atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and a working area.
Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points, where you can exchange major world currencies for Hungarian Forints. In case first aid is needed, there is a medical point at the airport.
For travellers with small children, a Baby Care Room is equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. The airport is also fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and there are ramps and equipped restrooms.
There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, however, in Debrecen itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi or bus, there are many accommodation options. For business travellers, opportunities for holding meetings are limited, but the VIP Lounge can serve as a convenient place for informal negotiations.
Debrecen Airport (DEB), being compact and passenger-friendly, offers several options for a snack or a full meal. Although the selection here is not as vast as in giant hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.
In the public area (landside), before security control, a café usually operates. This is an ideal place to have a cup of coffee with fresh pastries if you are seeing off loved ones or have arrived at the airport well in advance. Here you can find sandwiches, desserts, and soft drinks.
The main dining points are located in the departure zone (airside), after passing security. Here, typically, there is a café-bar with a wider assortment. Besides standard beverages and snacks, the menu often includes hot dishes, for example, pizza, panini, or soups. This is the best place for those who want a substantial lunch while waiting for their flight.
The menu mainly consists of popular international dishes. However, being in Hungary, it is worth looking for local treats in the assortment. Sometimes you can find traditional Hungarian pastries, such as pogácsa, in the café. Regarding special dietary requirements, salads and vegetable sandwiches are usually available for vegetarians. However, finding certified Halal or gluten-free meals may be difficult, so it is advisable to carry a small supply of suitable food if you have strict dietary restrictions.
Prices in airport establishments, as everywhere, are noticeably higher than in the city. The operating hours of cafés and bars depend directly on the flight schedule — they open early in the morning before the first flights and close after the departure of the last evening aircraft.
To summarize: any café is suitable for a quick snack, while for a more substantial lunch or dinner, it is best to head to the establishment located in the secure area after passing control.
Travelling through the airport of Debrecen, the second-largest city in Hungary, usually proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary fuss thanks to its compact dimensions. Nevertheless, to ensure your trip begins and ends as comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips.
Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite Debrecen Airport being small and queues being rare, it is recommended to arrive 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone. This will give you enough time in case of unforeseen circumstances. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and print your boarding pass or save it on your mobile device in advance.
Security Control and Hand Luggage. Screening rules are standard for EU airports. All liquids (perfumes, creams, gels) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. It is prohibited to take sharp objects (scissors, knives), flammable substances, and weapons in hand luggage.
Seat Selection and Transfers. If the airline offers seat selection, a window seat is the best option for lovers of beautiful views, while an aisle seat is for those who want to stand up freely during the flight. Debrecen Airport is not a major transit hub, so connecting flights are rare here. If you do have a connection, carefully follow the "Connecting Flights" or "Transfers" signs. Check with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.
Customs Control. When entering the EU from non-EU countries, or leaving it, you will have to pass through customs. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods whose value or quantity exceeds established limits (for example, tobacco, expensive purchases, etc.), you must pass through the "Red Channel" and declare them.
Saving Time and Money. Book your transfer from the airport in advance or study the public transport schedule — this is often cheaper than a taxi. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at a drinking fountain after passing security control, to avoid spending money on overpriced drinks.
In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for information. According to EU regulations, for long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and sometimes hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay — they may be needed to receive compensation.
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