Major city · Hungary
Siófok
Go for 2–3 nights in Jul–Aug if you want beach plus nightlife; outside summer it is a quiet lakeside town and one night is enough.
Siófok is the busiest resort on Lake Balaton's south shore: a 15 km strip of beaches, a party strip around Petőfi promenade, and a rail junction 1 h 40 min from Budapest. It is a summer town — in July and August the population swells by hundreds of thousands, and the season closes with the school holidays.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- HUF
- Best months
- Jun–Aug; May and Sep for warm water with fewer crowds
- avoid Nov–Mar (closed, cold, few services); late Jun storm risk
- Airports
- SOB · BUD
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Hungary ↗Hungary is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Hungary ↗The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF), not the euro: decline dynamic currency conversion at cards and ATMs.
- Hungary ↗Motorways need an electronic vignette (e-matrica) bought before you drive on them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Siófok112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Siófok, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF, Ft).Hungary-wide
- SIM or eSIMYettel, Telekom and One (Vodafone) sell prepaid SIMs; passport needed.Hungary-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe.Hungary-wide
- TippingRestaurant without service charge: 10–15%, said as you pay.Hungary-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Hungary-wide
- SafetySiófok is a safe resort town; the real risks are summer heat, lake storms, drink spiking and bar bills on the party strip…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets often charge HUF 200–400 (≈ US$1–2); carry coins.Hungary-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies · 104 ambulance · 107 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close Mondays.Hungary-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckSOB Hévíz–Balaton Airport (Sármellék) (About 1 h by road; seasonal European routes — check the current schedule).
- Getting aroundThe town runs about 15 km (9.3 mi) along the shore, so walking covers only the centre.The town runs about 9.3 mi (15 km) along the shore, so walking covers only the centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeFt 600–1,200
- Sit-down mealGoulash soup or a main courseFt 2,500–5,000
- Beerdraught in a bar / can from a shopFt 900–1,500Ft 400–600
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townSeasonal flat rate; agree before you ride.Ft 4,000–6,000
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideAbout Ft 600
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekFt 3,000–6,000
- Museum or sight ticketBeach entry (paid strands)2026 estimateFt 1,000–2,500
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personFt 6,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomFt 26,000
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomFt 55,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Ft 12,000 · Mid Ft 22,000 · High Ft 40,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SOB Hévíz–Balaton Airport (Sármellék) (About 1 h by road; seasonal European routes — check the current schedule) · BUD Budapest Ferenc Liszt International (About 150 km (93 mi); train or bus to Siófok takes 2–3 h)SOB Hévíz–Balaton Airport (Sármellék) (About 1 h by road; seasonal European routes — check the current schedule) · BUD Budapest Ferenc Liszt International (About 93 mi (150 km); train or bus to Siófok takes 2–3 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Care*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May, Jul–Sep. Mixed: Jun. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (8 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Siófok: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town runs about 15 km along the shore, so walking covers only the centre. Local buses cost about €1.50 a trip; bicycles rent for about €8 a day and mopeds about €15. Four train stops sit on the Budapest–Nagykanizsa line, but few trains stop at all of them, so check times before relying on the train to cross town. Taxis are a flat seasonal rate, roughly €10–15 a trip.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Balatonfüred
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Train along the south shore, or ferry across the lake in season
North-shore town with a promenade and wine hills; the boat is the better half of the trip.
Tihany
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Ferry from Siófok harbour to Tihany, then bus or walk up to the abbey
Abbey on the peninsula and the inner lake; go early, the village is packed by midday.
Hévíz
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Train to Keszthely or Hévíz-Balaton airport area, then bus; or drive the M7
Thermal lake open all year; a wet-weather alternative to the beach.
Keszthely
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Train west along the south shore
Festetics Palace and the west end of the lake; pairs well with Hévíz.
Fonyód
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Train west along the south shore
Quieter south-shore town with a hilltop view over the lake.
Zalakaros
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Train to Nagykanizsa then bus, or drive the M7
Thermal spa town; long for a day trip, better as an overnight.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centre / Petőfi promenade
Walk to the main beach, bars and the station; loudest at night in Jul–Aug.
Aranypart and the west beach strip
Beachfront hotels and apartments, 10–20 min walk from the centre.
Szabadifürdő / Szabadisóstó (east)
Quieter, family beaches, Galerius spa; own train stop on the Budapest line.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Ft 12,000–20,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Ft 20,000–35,000 excl. bed
- High
- Ft 35,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or hotel1 × 3 nights × Ft 26,000 | Ft 78,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × Ft 22,000 | Ft 132,000 |
| Local bus, one trip2 × Ft 600 | Ft 1,200 |
| Bicycle rental, one day2 × Ft 3,200 | Ft 6,400 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Ft 4,000 | Ft 8,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Ft 22,600 |
| Trip total≈ Ft 41,400 per person per day, bed included | Ft 248,200≈ US$750 |
2026 estimate in forint; travel to Siófok excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | Ft 600–1,200 |
| Goulash soup or a main course | Ft 2,500–5,000 |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can from a shop | Ft 900–1,500 / Ft 400–600 |
| Beach entry (paid strands)2026 estimate | Ft 1,000–2,500 |
| Local bus ride | About Ft 600 |
| Taxi across townSeasonal flat rate; agree before you ride. | Ft 4,000–6,000 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | Ft 3,000–6,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- In Jul–Aug the centre is a party strip: expect noise until late, and book a room away from Petőfi promenade if you want to sleep.
- Late June can bring sudden heavy storms off the lake; check the forecast before renting a boat or paddleboard.
- Many restaurants, shops and spas outside the centre close or run short hours from October to May.
- Agree the taxi fare or check the meter before you get in; rates change each summer.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 112
- Ambulance
- 104
- Police
- 107
- Fire
- 105
Pocket card
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SiófokSiófok
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Erre a címre, kéremTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Ambulance104
- Police107
- Fire105
Embassy
No embassies in Siófok; your embassy is in Budapest (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Budapest Déli → Siófok, train: about 1 h 40 min; InterCity faster — check the timetable
- Local bus, one trip: about Ft 600
- Taxi across town: Ft 4,000–6,000
Say or show
- Jó napot — Hello (yoh nah-pot)
- Köszönöm — Thank you (kur-sur-nurm)
- Mennyibe kerül? — How much is it? (men-yee-beh keh-rool)
- A számlát, kérem — The bill, please (ah saam-laat keh-rem)
- Tudok kártyával fizetni? — Can I pay by card? (too-dok kaar-tyaa-vaal fee-zet-nee)
- Hol van a strand? — Where is the beach? (hol van ah shtrand)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Siófok. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug; May and Sep for warm water with fewer crowds · avoid Nov–Mar (closed, cold, few services); late Jun storm risk · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SOB and BUD: last train and bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Petőfi promenade, the main beach and Water Tower, the station and Millennium Park, Szabadifürdő.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Water Tower, Imre Kálmán Memorial Home, Galerius spa, Mineral Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures so gates A–D can go green: Jul–Aug party nights, May and Sep shoulder weeks, winter closures.
Sources
- officialSiófok official site
- officialTourinform Siófok
- officialMÁV Hungarian State Railways
- officialVolánbusz
- officialHévíz–Balaton Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Siófok, revision 5323328 (CC BY-SA 4.0)