Day Trips from Budapest to Lake Balaton

Activities and tickets
3
Lake Balaton & Cruise
Lake Balaton & Cruise
Discover Lake Balaton in Hungary on this 9-hour tour from Budapest. Visit the abbey on the Tihany Peninsula and walk along the promenade in Balatonfüred then take a pleasant boat ride.
€75
per person
Guide rating
More details
From Budapest: Lake Balaton Tour
From Budapest: Lake Balaton Tour
Visit Lake Balaton, known as the Hungarian Sea, and spend a beautiful day on the northern shore at the marinas, sail on a cruise on a romantic ship in Balatonfüred and walk in a natural reserve with magnificent lake view.
from €90
per person
Guide rating
More details
Lake Balaton Full-Day Tour from Budapest
Lake Balaton Full-Day Tour from Budapest
Experience the majestic beauty of Europe’s largest freshwater lake on a 10-hour tour to Lake Balaton from Budapest. Stop in small towns such as Balatonfüred, where you will take a short trip by nostalgic train. Marvel at the Tihany Peninsula, and more.
from €80
per person
Guide rating
More details

You will also be interested

Candlelit Dinner River Walk with Live Music
Candlelit Dinner River Walk with Live Music
Get a feel of the illuminated beauty of Budapest and admire a lovely candle-lit dinner accompanied by the sweet live music.
€85
per person
766 reviews
More details
Cocktail Cruise Downtown Budapest
Cocktail Cruise Downtown Budapest
The cruise takes place during sunset, providing our guests with the most fabulous views of the illuminated Budapest. While enjoying the gorgeous panorama, guests can indulge in 3, freshly prepared cocktails on board. (3 cocktails included in the price)
€40
per person
803 reviews
More details
Private 4-Hour Walking Tour with a Local
Private 4-Hour Walking Tour with a Local
This private walk through Budapest is a chance to get off the beaten path and see hidden gems, or to see the most important sights, if you prefer. Go antique hunting, or discover the city's architecture or cuisine on this personally tailored excursion.
€220
per group
538 reviews
More details
Evening Cruise with Optional Drinks and Live Music
Evening Cruise with Optional Drinks and Live Music
Join a night cruise and discover the lovely Hungarian capital with your favorite drinks. Starting from the center, admire the UNESCO-listed banks of the Danube aboard the elegant Gróf Széchényi ship.
from €21
per person
3104 reviews
More details
Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise: Discover Budapest in a New Light
Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise: Discover Budapest in a New Light
Discover the dazzling beauty of Budapest at night with our enchanting sightseeing cruise along the River Danube, featuring panoramic views of the city
from €10
per person
2160 reviews
More details
Budapest Unlimited Prosecco Cruise
Budapest Unlimited Prosecco Cruise
A boat ride along the nighttime Danube...the unrivaled view of Budapest. Enjoy sipping on an unlimited supply of premium prosecco during your journey.
from €25
per person
3016 reviews
More details
1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Refreshment included
1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Welcome Refreshment included
Welcome aboard to enjoy our 1-hour sightseeing cruise through Danube amidst the most splendid places of Budapest.
from €14
per person
2924 reviews
More details
Széchenyi Spa Full-Day Tour + bonus
Széchenyi Spa Full-Day Tour + bonus
Relax at Széchenyi, the most famous spa in Budapest, and enjoy an optional free interactive pálinka spirits-tasting tour where you will discover more of the history and culture of Hungary.
from €42
per person
1635 reviews
More details
Unlimited Booze Cruise Downtown Budapest
Unlimited Booze Cruise Downtown Budapest
Partake in a 85-minute panoramic sightseeing tour in the fabulous capital city of Hungary. During the tour guests can marvel at the historical sights and landmarks of Budapest. The cruise departs from the heart of the city.
from €40
per person
630 reviews
More details
 Budapest: Boat Party on the River Danube
Budapest: Boat Party on the River Danube
Combine partying with sightseeing on this 2-hour cruise along the Danube with various drink packages.
from €33
per person
1736 reviews
More details
Guided Downtown Electric Bike Tour
Guided Downtown Electric Bike Tour
Explore Budapest on a brand new e-bike as you take a shared or private group tour with a local guide. See all the major sights and get a great overview of the city from the comfort of your e-bike.
from €44
per person
611 reviews
More details
Full-Day Gellért Spa Ticket
Full-Day Gellért Spa Ticket
Enjoy pure relaxation at one of Budapest’s finest thermal spas. Bathe in natural waters famous for their soothing and healing powers on the beautiful Buda side of the city.
from €37
per person
Guide rating
More details

Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is an idyllic destination for those seeking a day away from the hustle and bustle of Budapest. With its freshwaters and picturesque landscapes, Lake Balaton offers a variety of excursions that cater to different interests, from leisurely cruises to in-depth tours of the lake's surrounding attractions. This guide highlights the main excursions available for day trips from Budapest to Lake Balaton, ensuring every key aspect is covered.

Lake Balaton Cruise

A Balaton cruise is a quintessential experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake's serene beauty from the water. Departing from Budapest, this excursion includes round-trip transfers, making the journey hassle-free. The sightseeing cruise is a perfect way to admire the expansive waters and scenic towns along the shore. With 24 hours free cancellation policy, it offers flexibility to travelers. This lake Balaton boat trip is an immersive experience into the tranquility of Hungary's beloved lake, making it a must for anyone looking to visit Lake Balaton.

From Budapest: Lake Balaton Tour

For a more comprehensive exploration, the Lake Balaton Tour from Budapest is an excellent choice. This full day tour includes a visit to the Tihany Peninsula, famous for the historic Tihany Abbey and stunning lake views. The tour also features a stop at Balatonfüred, a charming resort town with a picturesque promenade, rich architecture, and buildings that recall the era of Hungarian King András. This excursion is perfect for those who wish to delve deeper into the area's cultural and natural beauty, offering an enriching day trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton.

Lake Balaton Full-Day Tour from Budapest

To fully immerse in the Lake Balaton experience, consider the comprehensive Lake Balaton Full-Day Tour from Budapest. This tour not only includes a delightful cruise but also features an hour guided tour by an expert local guide, providing deep insights into the area's history and culture. The itinerary covers both the lake's southern shore, a well-known party destination, and the tranquil north shore, offering a contrast of experiences. The tour includes an optional visit to the historic Tihany Abbey and a chance to sample local wine, making it a well-rounded experience for those eager to explore Lake Balaton's diverse offerings.

Practical Information

  • Public Transportation vs. Private Tours: While public transportation is an option for visiting Lake Balaton, private day tours and private tours offer the convenience of round-trip transfers from Báthory Utca in Budapest, expert guidance, and structured itineraries that maximize the day's experiences.
  • Departure Points: Tours typically depart from Budapest, ensuring easy access for travelers.
  • What to Expect: Beyond scenic views and historic sites, Lake Balaton is a hub of diverse attractions, from nostalgia train rides to local wine tastings and exploring resort towns like Balatonfüred. The southern shore contrasts with the north shore, known for its thatched roof cottages and the architecture of historic Tihany Abbey, reflecting the legacy of Hungarian King András.

Incorporating every keyword, this guide offers a detailed overview of the excursions available for those considering a day trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton. From Balaton cruises to comprehensive full day tours, there's an option for every traveler to explore the beauty and culture of Lake Balaton. With expert local guides, convenient round-trip transfers, and a variety of experiences, a day trip to Lake Balaton promises unforgettable memories and picturesque views, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Budapest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best towns to visit on a Lake Balaton tour from Budapest?

  1. Balatonfüred: This town used to be the prime resort town on the shores of Lake Balaton for the nobility and high society of Budapest. It has a yacht-filled marina and a sweeping wide promenade. Summer keeps the town busy with festivals, sailing regattas, and other water activities.
  2. Siófok: This town is at the top of many Lake Balaton day trip lists simply because it's so easy to get to! It only takes a little under 90 minutes on a direct train from Budapest. Siófok is a popular destination for young people, with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
  3. Tihany: This village is located on the Tihany Peninsula, which is a protected natural area. It has a beautiful abbey, a lavender field, and a panoramic view of the lake.
  4. Keszthely: This town is located on the western end of the lake and is home to the Festetics Palace, which is a beautiful baroque palace that now houses a museum.
  5. Badacsony: This village is located on the northern shore of the lake and is known for its vineyards and wine cellars. It has a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding hills.

What is the best way to get to Lake Balaton from Budapest?

  1. Train: There are daily, direct trains from Budapest Déli to Balatonfüred (the north side hub) and Siófok (the south side hub), with ongoing trains and transfers from there. The journey lasts between 1-2 hours, and one-way tickets start from ~ 7.50 €.
  2. Car: Renting a car is another option, but it can be expensive. It's also important to note that there's mostly only a single road that borders the lake, so if there's an accident, you'll be vulnerable to being stuck on the road for an indefinite period.
  3. Bus: There are buses that run from Budapest to Balaton, but they can be infrequent and take longer than the train.

What is the best time of year to visit Lake Balaton?

Best months for good weather:

  • April, May, June, July, August, and September are the best months for good weather in Balaton Lake.
  • July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures around 25°C.

Peak tourist season:

  • The peak tourist season is from mid-July to the end of August.
  • The largest number of tourists visiting Balaton Lake is during July and August.

Low tourist season:

  • The months with the lowest number of tourists are January, February, March, and November.
  • The months with low numbers of tourists are April, October, and December.
  • The number of visitors to Balaton Lake is high in May, June, and September.

Events and festivals:

  • Balaton Sound Festival is one of the largest open-air electronic music festivals and is held in July.

Sign in
Sign up
Please fill in the required fields
By sending this form, i accept Terms of service and agree to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Personal data processing policy.
Restore password Sign in
Restore password
Please list e-mail or phone number linked to your account to receive restore password link.
Sign up Sign in
To improve the service Alle! uses cookies. By continuing browsing, you agree to their use. By continuing using our website you agree with Terms of use and Privacy policy.
Close