Day Trips from Budapest to Lake Balaton

Activities and tickets
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The Turquoise Sea of Hungary: Lake Balaton Private Tour
The Turquoise Sea of Hungary: Lake Balaton Private Tour
Discover the essence of Hungarian rural beauty on a private tour to Lake Balaton. Stroll the streets of the quaint and old Tihany village and enjoy a meal in a restaurant with the best view in the country.
€480
per group
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Lake Balaton Day Trip
Lake Balaton Day Trip
On our Balaton day trip, you will get to discover the highlights of this region, taste its wines, and maybe even take a dip in the lake while you’re there!
€628.79
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From Budapest: Lake Balaton Private Sailing/Tihany Peninsula
From Budapest: Lake Balaton Private Sailing/Tihany Peninsula
Spend a fabulous day sailing on Lake Balaton, one of central Europe's largest lakes. Visit Tihany Peninsula, an old fishing village, and the ancient Benedictine Abbey founded in 1055 on this day tour.
€1 000
per group
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Lake Balaton & Herend Porcelain Private Day Tour
Lake Balaton & Herend Porcelain Private Day Tour
Embark on a lovely day tour from Budapest and visit the largest freshwater lake in Europe, the beautiful Lake Balaton, and the manufacturer where world-famous, hand-painted Herend porcelain is made, before continuing to the stunning Tihany Peninsula.
€600
per group
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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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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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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?

We recommend that you visit the cities:

  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?

You can get to Lake Balaton in one of the following ways:

  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.