Road Trips in Hungary

Many tourists coming to Hungary limit their exploration of the country to Budapest. Even though there's no doubt that the city is a true jewel among the European capitals, the country can boast so many other highlights that it would be a shame to miss them. One of the examples here can be Eger, which impresses with its monuments and numerous vineyards, or Miskolc, famous for interesting museums and old churches.

There are plenty of interesting places on the Hungarian map. In the northern part of the country, you will find Győr, with its stunning Baroque architecture, and Szentendre, characterised by extremely narrow streets and multiple cafés and restaurants. Only 40 minutes away, you'll find the equally interesting Visegrád that can boast a very rich archaeological site.

While travelling around Hungary, you'll come across exciting monuments at every corner. These are the testimony of the country's colourful past. If you want to go several hundred years back in time, you should definitely pay a visit at Pécs, Székesfehérvár, or Kecskemét, where you'll find various religious buildings, historic squares, monumental palaces, or even fragments of fortified city walls. Two other interesting places to visit are Szeged, enjoying the status of country's most sunny city, and Veszprém, located approximately 15 km from Lake Balaton.

Speaking of Lake Balaton... it is not the only popular place among the visiting tourists. Holidaymakers and local residents pay eager visits at a spa town, Hévíz, where you'll find a medicinal thermal lake. Interestingly, the temperature of the water in the lake reaches up to 36°C!

Suggested Road Trips in Hungary

• The Great Hungarian Plain: This road trip takes you through the rolling hills and fertile farmland of Hungary's Great Hungarian Plain, one of the country's most picturesque landscapes. Highlights of this route include stops at charming villages, historical castles, and thermal spas. The route passes through several national parks, including the Kiskunság National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife and wetlands, and the Hortobágy National Park, which is home to Hungary's largest grassland ecosystem.

• The Danube Bend: This road trip follows the Danube River as it winds through the countryside of Hungary. Along the way, you'll pass through the quaint towns of Esztergom and Visegrád, and visit the royal palace of the King Matthias Corvinus in Buda. This route also offers stunning views of the Danube Bend, a scenic area where the river narrows and creates a dramatic bend in the landscape.

• Lake Balaton: This road trip takes you around Hungary's largest lake, Lake Balaton. The route offers scenic views of the lake and its surrounding hills, as well as visits to several historic towns and villages. You'll also have the opportunity to visit some of the country's most famous vineyards and sample some of its delicious wines. The trip ends at the lakeside town of Keszthely, home to the impressive Festetics Palace.

Drinking and driving is one of the most severely penalised traffic offences in Hungary. A breathalyser test shouldn't find even trace amounts of alcohol in your breath. You can talk on the phone only with the use a hands-free set. Otherwise, you'll have to face a penalty payment. Dipped headlights have to be on around the clock - but only outside the built-up areas. A motorist driving in a built-up area is obliged to use them only at night or in adverse weather conditions.

The necessary documents that you should carry in Hungary are: driver's licence, registration document, vehicle technical inspection certificate, liability insurance, and your ID or passport. The obligatory car equipment includes a first aid kit, a warning triangle, a reflective vest, and a towline. It's also worth carrying a fire extinguisher and a set of spare bulbs.

The speed limit for all vehicles driving in built-up areas is 50 km/h. In rural areas, the speed limit that has to be observed is, of course, higher - 90 km/h. On expressways and motorways, you can drive at a maximum speed of 110 km/h and 130 km/h respectively; thus, you've got a little greater leeway. Each motorist is obliged to reduce the speed when approaching pedestrian crossings - you mustn't drive faster than 30 km/h in cities and faster than 40 km/h in rural areas.

Motorways and expressways in Hungary are all toll roads. However, you won't come across regular toll gates - the toll is paid with the use of special electronic vignettes that can be purchased at all petrol stations and customs checkpoints. Vignettes differ in validity period. There exist three options: weekly (valid for 10 days), monthly, and annual. After the payment, you'll receive a special coupon that you are required to show during a road check.

Routine road checks on Hungarian roads are rather infrequent, but it doesn't mean that you can break the traffic rules as you please. Even though police officers are very patient with foreigners, they tend to be relentless when it comes to some of the traffic offences. From May to October, you can expect increased sobriety control in the near vicinity of Lake Balaton. If you happen to experience such a routine check, you don't have to leave the car unless the police officers ask you to do it. How to recognise a Hungarian police car? Mostly by rendőrség written on the vehicle and by the white or silver and blue bodywork.

• Hungary's speed limits: on roads outside of built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 130 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for motorcycles, while in built-up areas it's typically 50 km/h.

• Hungarian road signage: make sure you familiarize yourself with the country's road signs and regulations to ensure you stay safe on the road.

• Winter weather conditions: if you're taking a road trip in Hungary during the winter months, be prepared for cold temperatures, ice and snow on the roads, which can make driving conditions more challenging.

• Availability of fuel: be aware that some rural areas may have limited availability of fuel, so it's a good idea to plan your journey in advance and fill up when you can.

• Tolls: some sections of Hungary's highways require payment of a toll, so be prepared to pay if you plan to travel on these roads.

• Emergency services: make sure you have a working mobile phone with you in case of an emergency and be familiar with the emergency services number in Hungary (112).

• Roadside assistance: consider arranging roadside assistance for your road trip in Hungary, as this can help you if you run into any problems on the road.

The best time for a road trip in Hungary depends on personal preference and the type of experience you're looking for. Here are a few options:

• Summer (June to August): Summer is a popular time for road trips in Hungary, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is a great time to visit if you're looking for outdoor activities and beautiful scenic drives.

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a great time to visit Hungary if you're looking for a more relaxed pace, with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is usually mild, making it perfect for sightseeing and leisurely drives.

• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Hungary, with the trees turning various shades of red, orange and yellow. The weather is usually mild and it's a great time for road trips and scenic drives.

• Winter (December to February): Winter is not the most popular time for road trips in Hungary, but if you enjoy winter sports or want to experience the country's Christmas markets, it can be a magical time to visit. Just be prepared for colder weather and potentially snowy or icy road conditions.

The cost of a road trip in Hungary can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. Here is a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend:

Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels can cost between 10-30 EUR per night per person, while mid-range hotels can cost 40-70 EUR per night per person. If you opt for more luxurious accommodations, expect to pay upwards of 100-150 EUR per night per person.

Food: Hungary has a wide range of culinary options, and the cost of food can vary depending on where and what you eat. Street food and local eateries are the most affordable options, with meals starting at 5-10 EUR per person. Mid-range restaurants can cost 20-30 EUR per meal per person, while higher-end restaurants can cost 50-70 EUR per meal per person.

Transportation: Renting a car can cost between 25-50 EUR per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental period. Gasoline costs about 1.5 EUR per liter. Taxis and public transportation are more affordable options, with fares ranging from 1-2 EUR per ride.

Activities: Hungary offers a range of activities, including visiting historical sites, thermal baths, and wine tasting. Admission fees to museums and attractions can range from 5-15 EUR per person. Tours and activities can cost 20-50 EUR per person, depending on the type and duration of the activity.

Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around 30-50 EUR per day per person, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend 60-100 EUR per day per person. For a week-long trip, this translates to a total cost of 210-700 EUR per person, while a month-long trip can cost 900-3000 EUR per person. These estimates do not include airfare or travel insurance.

Remember that these are rough estimates, and your actual expenses will depend on your travel style, itinerary, and individual preferences. Additionally, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and book accommodations and activities in advance to save money and ensure availability.

Here are some guidebooks and road maps that you may find helpful for a road trip in Hungary:

• Lonely Planet Hungary: This guidebook is a comprehensive resource for travelers visiting Hungary, covering everything from history and culture to practical information and travel tips. It includes information on top attractions, accommodation, and transportation options.

• Rick Steves Budapest: This guidebook focuses specifically on Budapest, Hungary's capital city. It includes detailed information on top sights, walking tours, and insider tips for getting the most out of your visit.

• National Geographic Adventure Map Hungary: This waterproof and tear-resistant map includes topographic detail, trails, and points of interest for exploring the country. It also includes a detailed inset map of Budapest.

When choosing a guidebook or map, look for updated editions to ensure that the information is current. Additionally, be aware that road conditions in Hungary can change rapidly, so it's always a good idea to ask locals for the most up-to-date information on road conditions and safety.