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If you’ve been craving a European vacation, Budapest should be at the top of your list. And right now, you can fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Budapest (BUD) for just $460 round-trip. That’s nearly half of the usual fare and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen in a while.
Travel Details
Airline: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Copenhagen (CPH) → Budapest (BUD)
Seat class: Economy
Best deal date: September 3, 2025
Total travel time: ~14 hr 55 min
Why This Deal Is Amazing
Flights from the U.S. to Eastern Europe can easily run you $800 or more. So snagging a round-trip fare to Hungary for just $460 is a big win, especially with a solid carrier like SAS. Even better, this route avoids super long layovers, keeping your travel time under 15 hours.
Want to book with points instead? Here's what you’ll need:
Chase Ultimate Rewards: ~30,667 points
Amex Membership Membership Rewards: ~51,000 points
Capital One miles: ~46,000 miles
To use points, check travel portals like Chase Travel, Amex Travel or Capital One Travel.
Where to Stay in Budapest
Budapest has a little bit of everything from luxe hotels to cute boutique spots, and many of them are super affordable compared to other European capitals. So here are a few solid options for you:
Luxury stay: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
A five-star hotel in a restored palace, right along the Danube. It’s perfect if you’re looking to go big.
Cash price: ~$450 per night
Points: ~85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night
Mid-range stay: Hilton Garden Inn Budapest City Centre
Centrally located and walkable to most major sights, this hotel offers great value and a comfortable stay.
Cash price: ~$160 per night
Points: ~30,000 Hilton Honors points per night
Budget stay: Maverick Urban Lodge
A fun, social hostel with private rooms and a good vibe.
Cash price: ~$60 per night
Points: Not bookable with major programs, but worth the cash
How to Book
Flights: Search Daily Drop Pro, Google Flights or go directly through SAS to book. If you're using points, check Chase, Amex or Capital One portals.
Hotels: Use Marriott or Hilton websites for points bookings. For cash stays, check Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com.
Maximize Your Booking
Make the most of your rewards by using a card that earns bonus points on airfare, like:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — Earn 2x points on all travel purchases
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Earn 5x miles on flights through the Capital One portal
American Express® Gold Card — Earn 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or via American Express Travel®
Chase Sapphire Reserve® — Earn 3x points on airfare
The Platinum Card® from American Express — Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
Pro Tip
Don’t leave Budapest without visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Baths or trying a chimney cake from a street vendor. September is a great time to visit while the weather is still warm, and the summer crowds have chilled out a bit.
This deal won’t stick around for long, so if Budapest sounds fun, now’s the time to book.
