Region in Somogy and Veszprem, Hungary
Getting around Lake Balaton
How to get around Lake Balaton
Trains run along both shores from Budapest; buses connect resorts, and ferries cross at Tihany. A car or bike makes the lake much easier.
Ways to get around Lake Balaton
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train from Budapest (MÁV) | About 3,000–4,500 HUF | Déli station to Siófok about 1.5 h; to Balatonfüred about 2 h |
| Local buses (Volánbusz) | About 500–1,000 HUF | Frequent in summer, sparse in winter |
| Tihany–Szántód ferry | A few thousand HUF with a car; cheaper on foot | Short crossing across the narrow strait |
| Bicycle | About 3,000–6,000 HUF a day | Flat 200 km Balaton Bike Circuit around the lake |
Taxis in Lake Balaton
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. Local radio taxis serve each town; book ahead in summer. Apps may not cover resorts reliably.
Arriving in Lake Balaton
Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD)
Train or bus to Siófok or Balatonfüred, about 2–3 h from the airport, roughly 3,500–6,000 HUF.
Hévíz–Balaton (SOB)
Small airport near Keszthely with limited flights; taxi 20–30 min to the lake.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. EU licences valid; others should carry an IDP. Zero alcohol limit; buy an e-vignette before using motorways.
- Onward travel in Hungary: Routes radiate from Budapest. MÁV trains and Volánbusz coaches reach most towns (Lake Balaton in 1.5–3 h); a monthly national pass covers both.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Lake Balaton?
No ride-hailing apps work here. Local radio taxis serve each town; book ahead in summer. Apps may not cover resorts reliably.
What's the best way to get around Lake Balaton?
Trains run along both shores from Budapest; buses connect resorts, and ferries cross at Tihany. A car or bike makes the lake much easier.
How do I get from the airport to Lake Balaton?
Train or bus to Siófok or Balatonfüred, about 2–3 h from the airport, roughly 3,500–6,000 HUF.
Is Lake Balaton walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Lake Balaton
Going to Lake Balaton solo?
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Sources
- MÁV (Hungarian State Railways)
- BKK Budapest public transport
- Motorway e-vignette (Nemzeti Útdíj)
- Balaton tourism (Balaton.hu)
- Volánbusz
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.