Venue & Travel

Venue

The 2026 Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP 2026) will be held at the HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress & Exhibition Center, Hungary’s premier convention and exhibition venue.

HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress & Exhibition Center

Hungexpo Zrt. is Hungary’s leading exhibition and conference organizer and one of the most prominent event venues in Central and Eastern Europe. Founded in 1967, the company has built a strong reputation for hosting major trade fairs, exhibitions, and international conferences, supported by an extensive global network and the backing of French GL events group since 2005. Following a comprehensive redevelopment completed in 2021, the HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre now features modern exhibition halls and a world-class congress center, providing a state-of-the-art venue for exhibitors, event organizers, and visitors while reinforcing Hungexpo’s leadership in the regional events industry.

Located just east of Budapest’s city center, HUNGEXPO offers modern meeting facilities, spacious exhibition halls, and dedicated networking areas, providing an ideal setting for our five days of technical sessions, workshops, tutorials, posters, exhibits, and community events.

Venue Information

HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress & Exhibition Center
Albertirsai út 10
1101 Budapest, Hungary

  • Approximately 20 minutes from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
  • Easily accessible by taxi, rideshare, metro, and public transportation
  • Modern conference facilities with on-site dining and exhibition space

Venu

Hotel Accommodation information is coming soon…

Accommodations

Budapest offers accommodations for every travel style and budget, from luxury hotels overlooking the Danube River to convenient business hotels located adjacent to the conference venue. Whether you prefer to stay within walking distance of HUNGEXPO or experience the historic city center, there are numerous options available within a short commute of the conference.

Official Conference Hotel

Expo Tower Hotel

The Expo Tower Hotel is the official EMNLP 2026 conference hotel and offers the most convenient location for attendees.

Situated directly next to HUNGEXPO, the hotel provides easy walking access to all conference activities, allowing participants to maximize their time networking and attending sessions without the need for daily transportation.

While the Expo Tower Hotel is ideal for convenience, attendees wishing to stay closer to Budapest’s historic center and attractions will find many excellent alternatives listed below.

EMNLP 2026 Conference Rates

Room Type Conference Rate
Standard Room $190 USD per night
Deluxe Room $215 USD per night

Why Stay at the Official Conference Hotel?

  • Walking distance to HUNGEXPO
  • No daily transportation required
  • Convenient for early morning and evening events
  • Network with fellow EMNLP attendees throughout your stay
  • Limited conference room block with exclusive EMNLP rates

Availability is limited. The EMNLP room block includes approximately 150 room nights and is expected to sell out quickly. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Official Conference Hotel Booking

Expo Tower Hotel
Booking Link: Click Here

EMNLP Preferred Hotel Program

To provide attendees with additional accommodation choices, EMNLP 2026 is partnering with hotels across Budapest to secure exclusive discounted rates for conference participants.

As agreements are finalized, hotels offering EMNLP discounts will be added below along with direct booking links.

EMNLP Preferred Hotels

We encourage attendees to check this page regularly, as additional hotel partners and exclusive conference discounts will continue to be added leading up to EMNLP 2026.

EMNLP Organizers have arranged for a shuttle bus from the Metro stop to the Convention Center.

Budapest offers an excellent selection of hotels located approximately 10–20 minutes from HUNGEXPO.

Many of these properties are situated near the city center, providing convenient access to Budapest’s restaurants, cafés, museums, thermal baths, shopping districts, and the iconic Danube River while remaining a short commute to the conference.

The map below highlights recommended hotels that are conveniently located for conference attendees.

Hotel Map

Hotels within approximately 10–20 minutes of HUNGEXPO

Hotel Map by Distance

Choosing the Right Hotel

⭐ Expo Tower Hotel

Best for attendees who want maximum convenience and the ability to walk to the conference venue.

🏛️ City Centre Hotels

Perfect for attendees who wish to experience Budapest’s historic districts, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions while commuting approximately 10–20 minutes to HUNGEXPO each day.

💼 EMNLP Preferred Hotels

Hotels displaying the EMNLP Preferred Hotel designation offer negotiated conference rates exclusively for registered attendees.

Hotel Reservations Disclosure

Reservations at the Expo Tower Hotel and participating EMNLP Preferred Hotels are subject to availability.

Conference rates are available only while each hotel’s allocated room block remains available. Once a block is sold out, reservations will be accepted at the hotel’s prevailing public rate, subject to availability.

We recommend booking accommodations as early as possible to secure the best rates and your preferred location.

Travel to Budapest

International travel into Budapest relies on Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) and three main railway stations. The primary arrival hubs are Budapest-Keleti (Eastern Station) for international trains and Terminal 2 at the airport.

Airport

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is approximately 16 km (10 miles) southeast of the city center. The airport is split into two terminals. Terminal 2 is divided into 2A and 2B (Terminal 1 is closed).

Terminal 2A handles flights originating from inside the Schengen Area. If you fly from another Schengen country, you will exit straight to baggage claim without border control. Hungary is part of the border-free Schengen Area. If arriving from a non-Schengen nation, ensure your passport has at least 3 months of validity beyond your planned departure date. To learn more about traveling within the Schengen Area, click on the link Here.

Terminal 2B handles non-Schengen international flights (including travelers coming from the UK, US, Canada, and the Middle East), where you will clear Hungarian border passport control.

Train

Arriving by Train: International Railway Stations

International trains terminate at different stations depending on your country of origin. Budapest has excellent metro connectivity from its platforms.

1. Budapest-Keleti (Eastern Station)

Historically the main international hub, Budapest-Keleti handles high-speed rail lines coming from western Europe and southeastern Europe.

  • Primary Routes: Direct Railjet and EuroCity trains from Vienna (Austria), Munich (Germany), Zurich (Switzerland), and lines tracking from Romania.
  • City Connection: Downstairs links directly to Metro Line M2 (Red) and M4 (Green). It takes less than 5 minutes to reach the city center via M2.

2. Budapest-Nyugati (Western Station)

Nyugati has absorbed a significant portion of international routes, especially from northern and central European neighbors.

  • Primary Routes: Daytime EuroCity and night trains running to and from Prague (Czechia), Bratislava (Slovakia), Warsaw/Kraków (Poland), and Berlin (Germany).
  • City Connection: Directly serviced by Metro Line M3 (Blue) and the 24/7 Tram Lines 4 and 6.

3. Budapest-Kelenföld

Located in the southwestern part of Buda, Budapest-Kelenföld is the first major stop for trains arriving from the west or south before they cross the river to Keleti or Nyugati.

  • Primary Routes: Trains arriving from Croatia, Slovenia, and some Austrian regional lines.
  • City Connection: Direct terminal for Metro Line M4 (Green).

Travel in Budapest

Most recommended hotels are located within a 10–20 minute drive of HUNGEXPO.

Transportation options include:

  • Taxi
  • Ride-share services
  • Budapest Metro
  • Tram
  • City Bus

EMNLP Organizers have arranged for a shuttle bus from the Metro stop to the Convention Center

Local Information About Budapest

Language

  • Official language: Hungarian (magyar). English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
  • Learning “köszönöm” ([ˈkøsønøm] ‘thank you’) and “szia” ([ˈsijɒ] ‘hi/bye’) is appreciated.

Weather

During the EMNLP conference period (assumed November 2025), Budapest’s weather is typically:

  • Average temperature: daytime highs around 12–14 °C (54–57 °F), nighttime lows around 5–7 °C (41–45 °F). Cool, autumnal, occasionally crisp and sunny.
  • Precipitation: October is moderately wet — expect a few rainy or overcast days; carry a compact umbrella.
  • Practical note: clocks go back one hour on Sunday, 25 October 2026 (end of daylight saving), so it gets dark by around 17:00. Worth flagging for attendees’ travel and jet-lag planning.

Currency

  • Official currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF, symbol Ft) — Hungary does not use the euro, although some supermarkets accept euro as well.
  • Exchange rate: about €1 ≈ 360 HUF and roughly $1 ≈ 310–315 HUF; rates fluctuate, so check before travel.
  • Payment methods: cards (incl. contactless and mobile pay) are accepted almost everywhere, including on public transport. Some places quote euro but at poor rates, so pay in forint. Prefer bank ATMs (OTP, K&H, Erste, Raiffeisen) and avoid the blue Euronet ATMs, which have poor rates and high fees.

Power Plugs / Outlets

  • Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz.
  • Socket types: Type C and Type F (Schuko), the standard round two-pin European plug.
  • Recommendation: visitors from the UK, US, or elsewhere should bring a European adapter; US devices also need a voltage-compatible/dual-voltage charger.

Clothing

  • Dress in layers for autumn: a warm jacket or coat, and a light waterproof layer.
  • Sturdy walking shoes for cobblestones. A scarf and umbrella are useful.
  • Smart-casual works for most restaurants; the opera or a fine-dining evening warrants something dressier.

Walking

  • Budapest is very walkable, especially central Pest and the Danube embankments, though cobblestones and Buda’s hills mean good shoes matter.
  • Note that Hungexpo is in District X (Kőbánya), a bit out from the historic centre, so plan public transport rather than walking to the venue from downtown.

Water

  • Tap water is safe, clean, and pleasant to drink throughout Budapest.

Local Customs (Do’s and Don’ts in Hungary)

Do’s

  • Greet with “Jó napot kívánok” (formal hello) or a simple “Szia” informally.
  • Say “Egészségedre!” (cheers/bless you) when toasting.
  • Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • Validate/tap your ticket or pass on public transport before or as you board.
  • Carry some cash for small vendors, markets, and tips, even though cards are widely accepted.

Don’ts

  • Don’t assume prices are in euro — think in forint.
  • Don’t jaywalk; Hungarians generally wait for the pedestrian signal even on empty streets, and it’s enforced.
  • Don’t expect shops and offices to keep late hours; many close earlier than in some Western capitals.

Public Transportation Etiquette

  • Validate your ticket or activate your pass; inspectors do check and fine.
  • Give up priority seats to elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers.
  • Let people exit before boarding, keep bags off seats, and keep voices/phone calls low.
  • Escalator convention: stand on the right, walk on the left.

Tipping

  • Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants and cafés, but check the bill first, as many places now add a service charge (szervizdíj); if so, no extra tip is needed.
  • Round up for taxis and bar service. It’s common to state the total you want to pay when handing over payment rather than leaving coins on the table.

Things to Do in Budapest

  • Városliget (City Park) — conveniently near the venue side of town; home to Vajdahunyad Castle and the House of Music Hungary.
  • Margaret Island (Margitsziget) — car-free island park in the Danube, great for a walk or run.
  • Gellért Hill & the Citadella — panoramic views over the city.
  • Buda Castle gardens and the Városmajor.
  • Thermal baths:
    • Széchenyi Baths: the grand neo-baroque complex in City Park, the iconic choice.
    • Gellért Baths: art nouveau elegance.
    • Rudas and Lukács: historic, more local atmosphere; Rudas has an Ottoman-era dome and a rooftop pool with a river view.
  • Optional day trips along the Danube Bend: Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom.

Museums

  • Hungarian National Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts and the adjacent Kunsthalle
  • Hungarian National Gallery (Buda Castle)
  • Ludwig Museum (contemporary)
  • House of Terror, and the House of Music Hungary

Landmarks

  • Parliament
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica
  • Fisherman’s Bastion
  • Dohány Street Synagogue (largest in Europe)

Shopping

  • Váci utca and Fashion Street for central shopping.
  • Andrássy út for luxury brands.
  • Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok) for paprika, Tokaji wine, and souvenirs.
  • Malls: Aréna Mall and WestEnd (Aréna is relatively near the venue).
  • For design and local crafts, browse the Design Terminal area and District VII boutiques.

Dining Recommendations

Try Hungarian classics: gulyás (goulash soup), pörkölt, lángos, and chimney cake (kürtőskalács).

Notable spots:

  • Great Market Hall upstairs stalls
  • Menza and Gettó Gulyás (District VII)
  • Frici Papa (budget classic)
  • The ornate New York Café

Budapest also has a strong fine-dining and Michelin scene if you want a standout dinner. Worth booking ahead.

Entertainment

  • Ruin bars in District VII: Szimpla Kert is the famous one.
  • Evening Danube cruise for the illuminated Parliament and bridges.
  • Hungarian State Opera House (Andrássy út).
  • Live music.
  • Thermal-bath “sparties”.
  • Cafés and bars of the Jewish Quarter.

Best Transportation to Get Around the City

From Airport / Train Station to Venue

  • From Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): the 100E Airport Express bus runs to Deák Ferenc tér downtown; from there connect via metro M2 toward the venue.
  • Alternatively, the 200E bus links the airport to the M3 metro at Kőbánya-Kispest.
  • A Bolt or Főtaxi to the Hungexpo/city area is straightforward if you prefer door-to-door.
  • To Hungexpo: the nearest metro is M2 (red line), Pillangó utca or Puskás Ferenc Stadion, with a short walk or connecting bus/tram to the Albertirsai út entrance. Hungexpo Budapest Congress Center (Entrance), Albertirsai út 10, 1101 Hungary - Gate III (Gate3)

Transportation to the Venue

  • Metro: The easiest way to reach Hungexpo by public transportation is via the Budapest Metro M2 (Red Line) to Örs vezér tere Station. From the station, attendees may board the complimentary EMNLP shuttle or enjoy a short walk to the venue. For metro routes, schedules, and fares, visit the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) website: https://bkk.hu/en/
  • Complimentary EMNLP Shuttle: A complimentary EMNLP shuttle will operate between Örs vezér tere Metro Station (M2 – Red Line) and the Hungexpo. A detailed shuttle schedule will be posted closer to the conference.
  • Uber & Taxi: Uber, Bolt, licensed taxis, and other rideshare services are readily available throughout Budapest. Recommended drop-off location: Hungexpo Budapest Congress Center – Gate III (Gate 3).

General Transportation Information

  • BKK public transport is excellent: 4 metro lines, extensive trams (the 4/6 and riverside 2 are scenic), trolleybuses, and buses.
  • Buy and validate tickets or 24h/72h/weekly passes via the BudapestGO app.
  • Contactless bank-card tap-to-ride is available on many lines.
  • Bolt is the go-to ride-hailing app.
  • For taxis, use Főtaxi (the official airport taxi) or Bolt.
  • Avoid unmarked street taxis.

Practical Information

Important Notes

  • Clocks go back one hour on 25 October 2026 (DST ends).
  • EU roaming applies for EU SIMs; others can buy a local prepaid SIM/eSIM (Yettel, Telekom, Vodafone/One).
  • Tap water is safe.
  • Validate transit tickets.
  • Carry a little cash.
  • Pay in forint, not euro.
  • Standard EU consumer norms; shops often close earlier than in Western Europe.

In Case of an Emergency

  • 112: single EU emergency number (police, ambulance, fire).
  • Pharmacy: gyógyszertár / patika; some are open 24 hours (e.g. near Teréz körút). Look for a green cross sign.
  • If medical assistance is needed at the conference, please contact a volunteer or staff member.