Major city · Hungary
Balatonfüred
Stay 2 nights if you want the lake, the wine hills and Tihany; 1 night is enough if you are just breaking the Budapest–Keszthely run.
Balatonfüred is the calm, old-money end of Lake Balaton: a spa town with a heart hospital, a long promenade facing the Tihany peninsula, and a wine hill behind it. It is the third-largest town on the lake after Siófok and Keszthely, but it kept its 19th-century villas and its pump room instead of turning into a party strip. Come May–August for swimming and sailing; come May or September if you want the town without the crowds. Two nights covers the promenade, the old town, Tihany and a wine cellar; one night works as a rail stop between Budapest and the western shore.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- HUF
- Best months
- May–Sep (swimming Jun–Aug)
- avoid Nov–Mar (most lake services closed)
- Airports
- BUD · SOB
- Nights
- 2
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Balatonfüred112 ▾
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 Balatonfüred, 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
- SafetyA very safe small town; the real risks are deep water off the piers, fast summer storms, and wine-cellars on the hill with no posted prices…
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.
- AirportBUD Budapest Ferenc Liszt (About 2 h 30 min by train via Budapest-Déli, or 2 h by road; the nearest big airport.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable end to end in about 30 minutes, and the promenade is car-free in summer.
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 mealMain course in a mid-range restaurantFt 3,500–6,500
- BeerDraught beer, 0.5 lFt 900–1,600
- Museum or sight ticketBeach entry (paid strand)Ft 1,000–2,500 (check)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personFt 6,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomFt 28,000
- High-end bedDouble room, guesthouse or hotel, a night, per roomFt 60,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Ft 12,000 · Mid Ft 20,000 · High Ft 38,000
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
- BUD Budapest Ferenc Liszt (About 2 h 30 min by train via Budapest-Déli, or 2 h by road; the nearest big airport.) · SOB Hévíz–Balaton (Sármellék) (Seasonal and limited service; check whether it is operating before you plan around it.)
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
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°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–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Balatonfüred: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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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)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 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 centre is walkable end to end in about 30 minutes, and the promenade is car-free in summer. Bikes are the best way to reach the wine hills and Balatonarács; rental shops line the lakefront. Local buses run to Arács and the surrounding villages, and the train station and bus station sit together at Castricum tér.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tihany
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Ferry from the Balatonfüred pier, or bus around the north shore
Abbey church on the hill and the inner lake; go early, the village is small and fills up.
Keszthely
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus along the north shore, about 1 h 30 min; train requires a change at Tapolca
Festetics Palace and the western shore; the bus is the faster, direct option.
Hévíz
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus from Balatonfüred bus station, about 1 h 30 min
Thermal lake; a full day if you want to swim, half a day if you just look.
Siófok
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Ferry across the lake, or train along the south shore
The party town of the lake; go for the crossing, not for the town.
Gyenesdiás
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus or train west along the shore
Quiet beaches and the Keszthely hills behind them.
Zalakaros
skipDoor to door: 2 h+
Bus or train via Keszthely, then local bus
Too far for a comfortable return day from Balatonfüred.
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.
Tagore promenade / new town
Lakefront hotels and the boat pier; you pay for the view but walk to everything.
Old town (Jókai Mór utca)
Villas, museums and the pump room; 5–10 min walk to the water.
Balatonarács (east)
Quieter, near Kisfaludy strand and the Balatonarács rail stop; cheaper, 20 min walk to the centre.
Arács (north)
Village feel, folk house and wine cellars; bus or bike into town.
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 12,000–18,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Ft 18,000–30,000 excl. bed
- High
- Ft 30,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, guesthouse or hotel1 × 2 nights × Ft 28,000 | Ft 56,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × Ft 20,000 | Ft 80,000 |
| Budapest-Déli → Balatonfüred train, one way2 × Ft 2,500 · check | Ft 5,000 |
| Ferry Balatonfüred → Tihany, one way2 × Ft 1,500 · check | Ft 3,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Ft 3,000 | Ft 6,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Ft 15,000 |
| Trip total≈ Ft 41,300 per person per day, bed included | Ft 165,000≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in forint; travel to Balatonfüred excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | Ft 600–1,200 |
| Lángos at a lakefront stand | Ft 1,200–2,000 |
| Main course in a mid-range restaurant | Ft 3,500–6,500 |
| Draught beer, 0.5 l | Ft 900–1,600 |
| Glass of local wine at a cellar | Ft 800–1,500 |
| Beach entry (paid strand) | Ft 1,000–2,500 (check) |
| Train Budapest-Déli → Balatonfüred | Ft 2,520 full fare (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The lake is shallow and warms early, but summer afternoon storms arrive fast; watch the flag on the beach.
- Many restaurants and boat services close outside Jun–Aug; check before you build a plan on them.
- Wine-cellars on the hill often need a booking in high season and are hard to reach on foot after dark.
- Budapest trains in summer are direct, but off-season some services require a change at Székesfehérvár.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 112
- Ambulance
- 104
- Police
- 107
- Fire
- 105
Pocket card
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BalatonfüredBalatonfüred
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Erre a címre, kéremTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Ambulance104
- Police107
- Fire105
Embassy
No embassies in Balatonfüred; the US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Irish embassies are in Budapest.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Budapest-Déli → Balatonfüred: Ft 2,520 full fare, about 2 h 30 min (check)
- Ferry Balatonfüred → Tihany: about Ft 1,500, 10–15 min (check)
- Bus Balatonfüred → Veszprém: about Ft 700–1,000, 30–50 min (check)
Say or show
- Jó napot — Hello (yoh NAH-pot)
- Köszönöm — Thank you (KUR-sur-nurm)
- A számlát, kérem — The bill, please (aw SAM-lat KAY-rem)
- Mennyibe kerül? — How much is it? (MEN-nyi-beh KEH-rool)
- Tudok kártyával fizetni? — Can I pay by card? (TOO-dok KAR-tyaa-val FEE-zet-ni)
- Hol van a strand? — Where is the beach? (hol van aw SHTRAND)
Tourist information is on the promenade; opening hours are seasonal — check locally.
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 Balatonfüred. 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: May–Sep (swimming Jun–Aug) · avoid Nov–Mar (most lake services closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 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 BUD: last Budapest-Déli departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: promenade and pier, old town and pump room, Arács and the wine hill, Balatonarács and Kisfaludy strand.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Jókai villa, Vaszary Villa, Town Museum, Bodorka) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and boat timetables checked against the operator before the summer season.
Sources
Ask about Balatonfüred
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