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Central Europe

HungaryTravel guide

Explore Hungary visa rulesCommon scams in Hungary

Hungary is a small country in central Europe with no coastline. Its capital, Budapest, has grand historic buildings and Turkish bathhouses. Elsewhere, you can explore villages, lakes, open plains and low mountains.

Why go

  1. Budapest's historic buildings, Danube riverbanks and thermal baths.

  2. Lake Balaton, a major summer destination.

  3. Traditional villages such as Hollókő.

  4. The open grasslands of Hortobágy National Park.

  5. The caves of Aggtelek National Park.

  6. Wine regions such as Tokaj and Villány.

Best time to go: Summer is warm and popular for Lake Balaton. Hot days can bring heavy storms, while autumn can have several days of steady rain.

Getting there

By air

  • International airports include Liszt Ferenc Airport in Budapest, Debrecen Airport and Hévíz–Balaton Airport in Sármellék.
  • Airlines serving Budapest include Ryanair, Wizzair, Easyjet and Eurowings.
  • Hungary has no regular domestic flights.

By land

  • Budapest has frequent trains from Austria, Germany, Czechia and Slovakia. Other international rail connections also serve the city.
  • The source states that there are no direct trains from Serbia as of 2026. Travelling by train requires several connections.
  • Check international train times with MÁV, Hungary's national railway company, or German Railways.

By sea

  • Hungary has no coastline. The source describes a river hydrofoil service between Vienna and Budapest from May to September, operated by MAHART PassNave.

Customs

  • Identity checks can take place before international flights, ferries or trains, including journeys within the Schengen travel area.
  • Customs checks may take place inside Hungary even after entering from another Schengen country.
  • Vehicles entering from outside the Schengen area may face thorough searches.

Getting around

  • Train

    Most routes spread out from Budapest. Trips between other places may require a change there. Intercity trains link major cities with Budapest and usually require a seat reservation. Other train services are generally slower. Buy tickets early for Friday afternoons leaving Budapest and Sunday evenings returning there. Summer trains between Budapest and Lake Balaton can be crowded or sold out. Station ticket desks usually assume second class for trains other than Intercity services. Ask for first class if you want it. Smoking is banned on trains and station platforms.

  • Bus

    The national bus network is operated by the MÁV-Group. Buses reach some places that trains do not. Buy your ticket at the station ticket desk before boarding. Away from a main station, buy it from the driver. In Budapest and major cities, validate tickets using the small orange machines, even if you bought the ticket from the driver. Reserve ahead for national holidays and Friday or Sunday evenings. Long-distance buses are generally clean and safe, but delays occur.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Standard speed limits are 50 kilometres per hour in towns, 90 between towns and 130 on motorways. Buy the required electronic toll pass before using motorways. Cameras check number plates automatically. Keep headlights on outside built-up areas, even during the day. Do not drink alcohol before driving. Hungary has zero tolerance for drink-driving. Watch for aggressive driving, ignored traffic lights and potholes on smaller roads. There are few bridges across the Danube outside Budapest. Allow for this when planning a route.

  • Boat

    Riverboats from Budapest serve Danube Bend towns such as Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom. Budapest has sightseeing cruises and night cruises. Ferry hours on the Danube and Tisza can be unreliable. The source describes the Lake Balaton ferry as dependable.

What to see and do

  • Budapest

    Explore the Danube riverbanks, Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue. The capital also has the Great Synagogue and historic bathhouses.

  • Hollókő

    The old village and its surroundings preserve Hungary's village traditions.

  • Aggtelek National Park

    Its caves contain striking stone formations, including stalagmites.

  • Pannonhalma Archabbey

    Visit the historic Benedictine abbey and its natural surroundings.

  • Hortobágy National Park

    See the vast open grasslands known as the puszta.

  • Pécs

    The city has an important early Christian burial site.

Food and drink

  • Restaurant meals

    The source lists main courses and two-course lunches, with lower prices generally found outside Budapest. Check the menu for any service charge.

  • Chinese fast food

    The source describes Chinese fast-food meals as a lower-cost option.

  • International chains

    Major cities and roadside locations have chains such as KFC, McDonald's, Burger King and Subway.

  • Tap water

    Tap water is generally safe, including in remote villages. Do not drink tap water on trains or where signs say it is unsafe.

  • Bottled water

    Sparkling water usually has a blue cap. Still water usually has a red or pink cap.

  • Bars

    Check drink prices before ordering, especially at night in central Pest. Some bars include a service charge.

Money

Hungarian forint, written as Ft or HUF.

  • Pay in forints when possible. Hotels, restaurants and shops that accept euros may use poor exchange rates.
  • Cards are widely accepted by tourist businesses in Budapest and by larger shops and restaurants. Ask first at smaller places.
  • Cash machines are available even in small cities. Euronet machines typically add a fee of 2,000–2,500 forints, according to the source, before any fee from your own bank.
  • Airport and major railway station exchange rates can be poor. Change only enough to reach the city centre.

Tipping: Around 10% is usual for restaurant service, bars and taxis. Check for an included service charge first; an extra tip is not expected when it is included. In restaurants, tell the waiter the total you want to pay instead of leaving the tip on the table.

Typical costs

  • The source's January 2023 figures put main courses at 3,000–5,000 forints in tourist areas of Budapest and 2,000–3,000 elsewhere.
  • A two-course lunch with a soft drink in Budapest was listed at 3,000–10,000 forints per person in January 2023.
  • A Chinese fast-food meal was listed at around 1,500 forints in January 2023.
  • The source lists a typical mandatory Intercity seat reservation fee of about 550 forints.
  • The source's 2024 motorway pass prices were €20 for 10 days and €30 for a month.

Language

  • Hungarian is the main language and uses the Latin alphabet.
  • Younger people and people in Budapest may speak English. Do not rely on English in rural areas.
  • German is spoken almost as widely as English, especially near the Austrian border and in Sopron.
  • A minority speak Russian. Ask whether someone speaks it before using it, as the language can be a sensitive subject.
Magyarország
Hungary.
Magyar
Hungarian.
Borravaló
Tip.
Szervizdíj
Service charge.

Staying safe

  • Hungary is generally safe, but petty theft occurs.
  • Watch bags and pockets on public transport. Thieves commonly target passports, cash and cards.
  • Keep valuables in your hotel safe or another secure place. Closed bags and backpacks can still be targeted.
  • Baggage theft has been reported while passengers sleep on trains.
7 common scams in Hungary, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Respect people's pride in the Hungarian language.
  • Begin a conversation in Hungarian and ask before switching to Russian.
  • Tell restaurant staff the total you want to pay when adding a tip.

Don't

  • Do not assume people speak English, especially in rural areas.
  • Do not begin speaking Russian without asking first.
  • Do not smoke on trains or station platforms.

Staying healthy

  • Food and drinking water are generally safe. Train tap water and water marked as unsafe are exceptions.
  • Carry a bottle of water during hot summer weather.
  • Check your health insurance before travelling, including what treatment you must pay for.
  • European Union citizens seeking covered public treatment need a European Health Insurance Card.

Phone and internet

  • Internet access is widespread, including in small towns.
  • Free wireless internet, called Wi-Fi, is common in shopping centres and in Budapest cafés and pubs.
  • Look for Wi-Fi signs and ask for the password. Cafés and pubs commonly provide access when you buy something.
  • The source reports widespread fourth-generation mobile coverage, called 4G, and expansion of fifth-generation coverage, called 5G, as of July 2024.

Schengen Area

One visa, 29 countries

A Schengen visa from any member lets you travel across all of them, with no passport checks at the borders between them. With it, a trip to Hungary can also take in:

  • Up to 90 days in any 180
  • One visa for every member
  • No border checks between members

Whether you need the visa at all depends on your passport. Check the entry rules for Hungary before you plan the route.

Outdoor adventures in Hungary

Hungary has low hills, wide grasslands, caves and many thermal baths. Birdwatching, nature walks and cycling offer ways to explore, while the Tisza has a short mayfly season in mid-June. Heavy storms often follow hot summer days.

  • Széchenyi Baths

    Hot springCentral Hungarynear Budapest

    Visit the baths beside the lake in City Park, Budapest.

  • Lake Hévíz

    Hot springLake Balaton areanear Hévíz

    Visit the thermal lake and spa at Hévíz.

  • Hortobágy National Park birdwatching

    WildlifeGreat Plain

    Visit Hortobágy National Park for birdwatching in its grasslands.

    • The Great Plain can have harsh summer heat and cold winters.

  • Aggtelek National Park caves

    CaveNorthern Hungary

    Visit the caves of Aggtelek National Park. Tour arrangements are not specified.

  • Kiskunság National Park birdwatching

    Wildlifenear Kecskemét

    Contact the House of Nature at Liszt Ferenc u. 19 in Kecskemét to arrange a guide or tour.

    • Permit: The House of Nature handles visitor permits, meaning permission to visit. Which visits need one is not specified.

  • Pál-völgyi–Mátyás-hegyi cave system

    CaveCentral Hungarynear Budapest

    Hard 2½–3 hours

    Book a guided caving tour for at least four people. English tours usually run late in the afternoon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Groups can pre-book other days.

    • You need some fitness for crawling, climbing and very tight passages.
    • Avoid this tour if enclosed spaces make you uncomfortable.

  • Szemlőhegyi Cave

    CaveCentral Hungarynear Budapest

    Visit this well-lit cave in Budapest. Parts can be visited in a wheelchair.

  • Miskolc-Tapolca cave baths

    Hot springNorthern Hungarynear Miskolc

    Visit the cave baths at Miskolc-Tapolca.

  • Egerszalók Spa

    Hot springNorthern Hungary

    Visit the spa at Egerszalók.

  • Hajdúszoboszló Spa

    Hot springnear Hajdúszoboszló

    Visit the thermal spa at Hajdúszoboszló.

  • Harkány Spa

    Hot springnear Harkány

    Visit the thermal spa at Harkány.

  • Budapest to Szentendre bike ride

    CyclingCentral Hungarynear Budapest

    About 2 hours from central Budapest to Szentendre

    Rent a bike in Budapest and ride to Szentendre. Buda Bike also offers rentals and guided bike tours.

    • Cost: Bike rental around Ft1,800 for half a day.

  • Bükk Hills birdwatching

    WildlifeNorthern Hungary

    Head to the Bükk Hills for birdwatching. No specific route or operator is listed.

  • Zemplén Hills birdwatching

    WildlifeNorthern Hungary

    Head to the Zemplén Hills for birdwatching. No specific route or operator is listed.

  • Tisza mayfly emergence

    WildlifeTisza River

    Mid-June

    Visit the Tisza in mid-June to see the mayfly swarms. No viewing point or operator is specified.

  • Pannontáj–Sokoró Naturpark

    HikeBakonyaljanear Győr

    Arrange an excursion through Pannontáj–Sokoró Naturpark in the area around Győr.

  • Rába Oxbow Lake Study Trail

    HikePannonhalma Landscape Protection Areanear Győr

    Start on the outskirts of Gyirmót, about 8 km west-southwest of Győr. Follow the educational path beside an old river channel and across the Rába floodplains.

  • Bishop Forest promenade

    HikeWestern Transdanubianear Győr

    Visit Bishop Forest, also called Püspökerdő, in Pinnyéd and follow its promenade.

    • Cost: Free.

  • Aquaticum Thermal Bath

    Hot springNorthern Great Plainnear Debrecen

    Open all year

    Visit Aquaticum at Nagyerdei Park 1 in Debrecen's Nagyerdő area.

    • Cost: Two-hour ticket Ft5,400; sauna Ft3,000, listed in July 2023.

  • Rába-Quelle Thermal Bath and open-air spa

    Hot springWestern Transdanubianear Győr

    Open-air spa: June–August

    Go to Fürdő tér 1, where the Mosoni-Danube and Rába meet.

  • Rába free beach

    BeacheWestern Transdanubianear Győr

    Go to Parti út in Győr for the beach beside the Rába River.

    • Cost: Free.

  • Mosoni-Danube free beach

    BeacheWestern Transdanubianear Győr

    Go to Vásárhelyi P. u. in Győr for the riverside beach.

    • Cost: Free.

  • Ikrény Water Ski and Recreation Centre

    More to doWestern Transdanubianear Győr

    Visit the centre at Ikrényi Lake in Ikrény, west of Győr near the M1 motorway.

  • Göbösmajor Equestrian Centre

    More to doWestern Hungary

    Contact Kisalföld Forestry Ltd about the centre, 3 km north of Csapod village.

  • Kecskemét Arboretum nature trail

    Hikenear Kecskemét

    Visit the arboretum at Nyíri út 48. Guided tours are available in English, German and Hungarian.

    • Cost: Free admission.

Airports, metros and trains in Hungary

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BUDBudapest Liszt Ferenc International AirportBudapestMain international airport
  • DEBDebrecen International AirportDebrecenMain international airport
  • PEVPécs-Pogány International AirportPécsMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • BudapestBudapest Metro48 stations39.2 kmsince 1896

Trains

Rail network
7,945 km
Electrified
2,889 km

People and safety in Hungary

Religion

No single faith is a majority. Very mixed.

  • Christian43%
  • Jewish40%
  • No religion16%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #32 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

65% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 93 of 198 countries can visit Hungary easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required82
  • Freedom of movement11
  • Visa required105

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe43 of 45 countries
  • Americas26 of 35 countries
  • Oceania10 of 14 countries
  • Asia12 of 50 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

What money should I use?

Use Hungarian forints, written as Ft or HUF. Some businesses accept euros, but their exchange rates may be poor.

Can I buy transport tickets without booking online?

Yes. Use station ticket desks; for buses boarded away from a main station, buy from the driver.

Will people speak English?

Some younger people and people in Budapest speak English. Do not rely on it in rural areas.

Can I drink the tap water?

Generally yes, including in villages. Do not drink tap water on trains or where it is marked unsafe.

How much should I tip?

Around 10% is usual. Check the bill first, as an included service charge means an extra tip is not expected.

Is Hungary safe for visitors?

Hungary is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets on public transport and keep luggage secure on trains.

What do I need to know before driving?

Drive on the right, keep headlights on outside built-up areas and do not drink alcohol before driving. Motorways require an electronic toll pass.

Where can I try thermal baths?

Options include Széchenyi Baths in Budapest, the cave baths at Miskolc-Tapolca and the spa at Egerszalók.

Can I find free internet access?

Free Wi-Fi is common in shopping centres and Budapest cafés and pubs. Ask for the password; you may need to buy something.

What is summer weather like?

Summers can be hot, especially on the Great Plain. Heavy storms often follow hot days.

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