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
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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
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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
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Taking a tour to Lake Balaton from Budapest offers several compelling reasons to consider. Here are some key points to consider:

Proximity. Lake Balaton is easily accessible from Budapest, with a direct train journey taking a little under 90 minutes from Déli Station. This makes it convenient for a day trip, allowing you to enjoy the lake's attractions without needing to spend a night away from Budapest.

Scenic Beauty: Lake Balaton, known as the largest lake in central Europe, offers majestic natural beauty and a tranquil environment. Visitors can enjoy the cool waters of the lake, explore the picturesque coastline, and partake in various activities such as wine tasting, bike riding, and sunbathing.

Cultural and Historical Attractions. The area around Lake Balaton is rich in cultural and historical attractions. For example, visitors can explore the 101 rooms of Festetics Palace, taste Hungarian wine, and visit the town of Balatonfüred, which used to be a prime resort town for the nobility and high society of Budapest.

Seasonal Events. Lake Balaton hosts various events throughout the year, such as wine and harvest festivals in autumn, and summer activities including festivals, sailing regattas, and water activities in towns like Balatonfüred.

Tour Options. There are multiple tour options available for visiting Lake Balaton from Budapest, including full-day tours that provide the opportunity to experience the lake's beauty and explore small towns along its shores.

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.

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