Where was Terminal filmed?
2018
City Locations
Budapest (Hungary), Kiskunlacháza (Hungary)
Location Types
Airport, Diners/Coffee, Warehouses
Location Styles
Foreign, Industrial Style, Contemporary Modern, Power Plant
About Terminal
Terminal follows the lives of four people who are unexpectedly intertwined in a deadly plot, and features Margot Robbie in the lead role as a dangerous assassin. The four individuals become part of a murderous plan that crosses paths with each other. As they unravel the truth behind the plan, they discover that they are all connected in more ways than one.
Terminal was directed by Vaughn Stein. It also stars Simon Pegg, Dexter Fletcher, Max Irons, and Mike Myers. It premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, specifically as part of American Dreams Strand, before being released in theaters across North America on 11 May 2018.
Critics largely panned Terminal, highlighting issues with the plot, direction, pacing, and narrative. However, Margot Robbie's acting, along with the movie's visual style and production values, garnered praise. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 20% based on 69 reviews, with an average rating of 4.5/10. According to the website's critical consensus, the movie is disappointingly unoriginal and does not live up to its title in a good way. The website suggests that only people who are dedicated Margot Robbie fans should watch it. Metacritic provided a weighted average score of 27 out of 100 based on 20 critics, indicating that reviews were largely unfavorable.
A fun fact about Terminal is that it was filmed in Budapest's Vecses Airfield, which is located just outside of Budapest city limits. This airfield serves as an abandoned aviation cemetery with over 100 decommissioned planes dating back to the WWII era. It was also where Mike Myers’ character had his home-made airstrip, which added to the exciting atmosphere of the film.
Terminal Locations
Terminal is an international co-production that utilized a few different regions to bring the film to life. The majority of the scenes for this crime thriller were filmed in Budapest, Hungary, and featured some of the area's most famous landmarks.
The aesthetic of the city provided a stunning backdrop for the film, with locations including the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building and Chain Bridge as well as lesser-known spots such as Gresham Palace and Raday Street. The unique mixture of old and new architecture creates a mysterious atmosphere in Budapest, which was perfect for the Terminal's dark tone. The streets also offer plenty of interesting restaurants and cafes, providing visitors with a good mix of culture and entertainment.
In addition to Budapest, parts of Terminal were also filmed in Hong Kong and Ireland.
A trip to any or all of these locations would be worthwhile for any fan of the movie. From exploring historic buildings to trying out local cuisine, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy while visiting Budapest in particular.
Opening scene in Terminal
Nyugati pályaudvar, Budapest, 1065 Hungary
In this scene, a mysterious young woman (Robbie) encounters an enigmatic employer in a confessional booth and pleads with him to hire her as his exclusive contract killer. To demonstrate her abilities, she proposes to take care of his other contractors. In return for her services, she requests that he locate someone for her.
Nyugati pályaudvar, also called Budapest-Nyugati Railway Terminal, is a major transportation hub located in the heart of Budapest, Hungary. It is one of the three primary railway stations in the city, alongside Keleti and Déli pályaudvar. The station was built in the late 1800s and bears the signature of the prominent architect Gustave Eiffel. It opened to the public in 1877 and ever since has been an iconic symbol of Budapest. The steel-framed structure is impressive, featuring a grand hall and a clock tower that rises high above the cityscape. Its exterior is rich in detail and carvings, elevating its overall aesthetic appeal.
Nyugati pályaudvar can be found in the central part of Budapest and is conveniently accessible via the city's public transportation network. You can reach the railway station by taking the metro line M3 or the tram lines 4 or 6, which stop at Nyugati tér station, adjacent to the terminal.
Additionally, taxi services and ride-hailing apps are readily available throughout the city, offering a convenient option to reach Nyugati pályaudvar from any location. You can book a taxi through a mobile app, or flag one down on the street.
Bill waiting for the train scene in Terminal
Nagyvárad tér metróállomás, Budapest, 1089 Hungary
While standing on an empty train platform, Bill (Simon Pegg) is approached by a janitor (Mike Myers) with a limp who informs him that no trains will be arriving until 4:04 AM. To help him pass the time, the janitor recommends waiting in the nearby 24-hour cafe.
This scene was filmed at Nagyvárad tér metro station, a major underground transit hub located in Budapest's eastern region in Hungary. The station has undergone multiple renovations and upgrades since its establishment during the mid-1980s. Its modern and practical design features a simple layout, making it easy for commuters to navigate. Additionally, shops and cafes on the upper level provide convenient options for travelers to grab a quick snack or coffee en route to work or home.
To reach Nagyvárad tér metro station from central Budapest, taking the M3 metro line is the most convenient option. The line has multiple stops leading to Nagyvárad tér metro station, and by consulting the metro map, you can find the stop nearest to your location.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the many bus or tram lines that pass through the vicinity to reach Nagyvárad tér metro station. The station is serviced by various bus and tram lines that run throughout the city, providing easy access from almost any area in Budapest.
Control center scene in Terminal
Budapest Power Plant Ltd., Budapest, Budafoki út 52, 1117 Hungary
The employer, Mr. Franklyn (Mike Myers), tasks his two hitmen, Vince (Dexter Fletcher) and Alfred (Max Irons), with retrieving a briefcase from the terminal's lockers and delivering it to a cafe. Upon their arrival, they discover a pack of matches and an envelope of money in the briefcase, prompting them to question why Mr. Franklyn had chosen them for the job.
This scene was filmed at the Újpest Power Plant, which was built in the early 1900s and has since undergone multiple updates and renovations, adding to its efficiency and reducing its environmental impact. Today, it serves as the main power plant facility for Budapest, supplying electricity and heat to over 500,000 residents and businesses in the city.
If you are arriving at Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle service directly to the address. Alternatively, you can take public transportation by taking bus line 100E from the terminal to Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest's city center. From there, transfer to metro line M4 and travel to Kelenföld vasútállomás station. Walk to the bus stop at Kelenföld vasútállomás M+H and take the 153 bus line to Budafoki út.
Twins’ mother on the red station scene in Terminal
Semmelweis Klinikák, Budapest, 1083 Hungary
After tying up Mr. Franklyn, the twins recount a tragic story about their mother's death. They explain that their mother died after being chased by her partner, who was later revealed to be Mr. Franklyn, also known as Clinton Sharp.
These scenes were shot at Semmelweis Klinikák subway station, situated in the 9th district of Budapest, which is a significant transportation hub. It is named after the adjacent Semmelweis University and Semmelweis Klinikák Hospital and has been operational since 1980, undergoing several modernization renovations over the years. The station's walls and ceilings are beautifully adorned with colorful tiles, which add to its sleek and modern design.
There are various modes of transportation available to reach the Semmelweis Klinikák subway station in Budapest, Hungary. You can choose from the following convenient options: Metro: The M3 (blue) metro line runs through the Semmelweis Klinikák station, facilitating easy accessibility from different parts of the city. Simply board the metro and disembark at the Semmelweis Klinikák stop.
Tram: The Semmelweis Klinikák station is near several tram routes, including lines 24, 28, and 62. Commuters can take any of these lines and alight at the Semmelweis Klinikák stop.
Flat fire scene in Terminal
Kiskunlacháza Airport (Old Soviet Air Force Base), Kiskunlacháza, Bankháza puszta 1, 2340 Hungary
After witnessing Mr. Franklyn commit a murder, the twins’ mother ran back to her apartment to shield her daughters. But Mr. Franklyn poured gasoline into the house and set it ablaze. Despite managing to push the girls out of a broken window, their mother could not save herself from the flames.
Kiskunlacháza Airport, also known as the Old Soviet Air Force Base, is a decommissioned military airport located in Kiskunlacháza, Hungary. Established during World War II by Nazi Germany, the airport was later used by the Soviet Union for military purposes. After the end of the Cold War and the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary, the airport was decommissioned and converted into a civilian airfield.
To get to this location, you’ll need to head south from Budapest and follow Route 51. Expect the 30-mile journey to take roughly one hour to complete.
Conclusion
Terminal is a thrilling noir film that was filmed mainly in Budapest, giving it an eerie, dreary feel which perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of the story. The use of Budapest's train station added to the suspenseful feeling of the movie as well as provided an interesting backdrop for some intense scenes.
Additionally, many other locations were used, such as warehouses and alleyways scattered around Budapest, giving another layer to the atmosphere. This gave Terminal its unique visual identity, which helped to bring its thrilling storyline and characters alive on screen. So if you ever find yourself in Budapest, be sure to visit some of these memorable Terminal filming locations in person.