Car rental in Hungary

Car rental in Hungary enables true exploration of this remarkable country. With Budapest’s thermal springs, the wineries of Lake Balaton, and medieval castles all accessible at any time, having a car enhances your travel experience. However, before booking a rental vehicle, it’s crucial to understand the nuances, from selecting a trustworthy company to safeguarding against common fraudulent schemes.

Key Points

• The Car: Your Key to Discovering Hungary – While Budapest boasts an extensive public transport system, attractions like Lake Balaton, the Tokaj wine region, thermal resorts, and medieval castles are best accessed by car. Central Europe is within a 2-5 hour drive.
• Choosing Between International Giants and Local Companies – Avalon Rent A Car offers 24/7 delivery in Budapest starting at €69/day, while Game Rent A Car is just 5 minutes from the airport. Among international operators, Europcar stands out for its transparent pricing.
• Save Up to 50% with Smart Strategies – Book 2-3 months in advance, utilize aggregators, consider long-term rentals (minimum 7 days), and opt for cash payments with local companies. Starting your rental on Tuesday or Wednesday can save you 15-20%.
• Beware of Fraud – Common scams include unauthorized insurance charges, inflated bills for minor damages, and fees imposed months after returning the vehicle. Protect yourself by documenting the car’s condition with detailed photos/videos and obtaining written confirmations.
• Adhere to Strict Rules – Alcohol consumption is completely prohibited, headlights must be on 24/7 outside cities, and an electronic vignette (e-matrica) is required, starting from €17 for 10 days. Fines can range from €75 to license revocation.
• Convenient Parking in the Capital – Budapest has four parking zones, costing between €0.51 and €1.55 per hour, with the “Park” app available for digital payments and free parking on weekends. Garages charge from €7.5/day.

Article Overview

This guide comprehensively addresses car rental in Hungary, covering everything from selecting a reliable company to protecting against fraud. It provides practical information on rental prices, required documents, insurance, and traffic rules for 2025.

What the Guide Includes:

• Comparison of local (Avalon, Game) and international operators with pricing and conditions.
• Proven strategies to reduce car hire costs in Budapest by up to 50%.
• Detailed safety measures against common fraud.
• Information on traffic regulations, including zero alcohol tolerance, the vignette system, and zoned parking.
• Suggested routes from day trips along the Danube Bend to international destinations.
• Checklists, apps, emergency numbers, and alternatives to traditional rentals.

Do You Need a Car in Budapest and Hungary?

When Car Hire in Budapest Is Not Essential

If you plan to stay solely in the heart of Budapest, a car might become more of a hindrance than a help. The city has an efficient public transport system—metro, trams, and buses—that connects all major areas. The Bus 200E offers a direct route from the airport to the city center in 30-40 minutes.

Parking in central Buda and Pest districts ranges from €1 to €3 per hour, and finding free spaces can be challenging. Most hotels in the historic center do not offer parking, leading to additional costs of €15-20 per day for garage parking.

When Vehicle Rental in Hungary Becomes Necessary

A car becomes essential when planning to venture beyond the capital. Lake Balaton, located 90 km from Budapest, is difficult to access via public transport for a comfortable visit. The charming small towns in the Tokaj region, thermal resorts in Hévíz, and the Aggtelek caves all reveal their wonders to those willing to drive.

Car rental is particularly advantageous for families with children or travelers with special needs. The flexibility to stop at will, avoid public transport schedules, and carry necessary items greatly enhances the comfort of your trip.

A car also opens the door to neighboring countries—Vienna is just 2.5 hours away, Bratislava 2 hours, and Prague 5 hours. Many travelers use Budapest as a starting point for exploring Central Europe.

Where to Rent a Car in Hungary

Budapest Airport: Convenience and Choice

Ferenc Liszt Airport provides the widest selection of rental companies, allowing you to obtain a car immediately upon arrival. Major international operators have counters in Terminals 2A and 2B:

• Hertz: Open 6:00-23:00, offers a diverse fleet.
• Avis: Operating hours 6:30-22:30, focuses on the business segment.
• Budget: Open 7:00-22:00, known for competitive pricing.
• Sixt: Open 6:00-23:30, features a large selection of premium vehicles.
• Europcar: Operating hours 7:00-22:00, favorable long-term rental conditions.

The primary advantage of renting a car at the airport is the ability to start your journey immediately, avoiding additional transfers and taxis. Airports often have special offers for tourists.

Car Hire in Budapest City Center

Rental offices in the city center typically provide more personalized service and flexible terms. Key locations include Váci Street, near Keleti Station, and in the Deák Square area.

City offices allow for a thorough vehicle inspection in good lighting and often provide consultations in your native language through interpreters. However, their operating hours are usually limited to 8:00-18:00 on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends.

Best Companies for Car Rental in Hungary

Local Companies vs. International Giants

Avalon Rent A Car – Local Service with a Twist

Avalon distinguishes itself among local operators with a unique offering—car delivery anywhere in Budapest. Established in 1998, the company provides:

• 24/7 car delivery and pickup in Budapest.
• Rental prices starting from €69 per day.
• A 10% discount for cash payments.
• The ability to travel throughout Europe.

Avalon’s fleet ranges from compact cars to 9-seat minivans, all equipped with winter tires during colder months, and road vignettes are included in the price.

Game Rent A Car – Airport Proximity

Game Rent A Car is situated just 5 minutes from the airport and offers free transfers from the terminal to its office. Operating on a 24/7 self-service basis, customers can pick up and return cars at any time.

Game Rent A Car Features:

• Automated car delivery system.
• Company covers taxi costs to and from the airport.
• Competitive long-term rental rates.
• Well-maintained car fleet.

Recommended International Operators

Europcar is notable for its transparent pricing policy and well-maintained vehicles. The company offers excellent insurance conditions and rarely imposes disputed surcharges upon return.

Hertz remains a solid choice for those seeking consistency and reliability. Although prices may be slightly higher, the quality of service and modern fleet justify the cost.

Avis specializes in the business segment, offering vehicles with enhanced comfort. The Avis Preferred loyalty program benefits frequent travelers.

When selecting a rental company, be cautious of the following red flags:

• Requirement for full prepayment without cancellation options.
• Lack of clear information on deductibles and additional fees.
• Poor reputation in independent reviews.
• Offices located far from the airport without free transfers.

Car Rental Prices in Hungary and Ways to Save

Price Structure by Car Categories

• Economy Class (Suzuki Swift, Renault Clio): €25-40/day in low season, €45-65 in high season.
• Compact (Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia): €35-55/day in low season, €60-85 in high season.
• Mid-size (BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class): €60-90/day in low season, €95-130 in high season.
• Premium (BMW 5 Series, Audi A6): €90-140/day in low season, €150-220 in high season.

The high season in Hungary runs from May to September, including New Year and Easter holidays. July-August are the most expensive months, with prices surging by 80-100% over base rates.

Effective Ways to Save

Using Aggregators can lower costs by 30-50%. Popular platforms compare offers from various companies and often provide exclusive discounts. Booking 2-3 months in advance can yield an additional 15-20% savings.

Long-term Rentals become economical after 7 days, as many companies offer weekly packages with discounts of up to 25%. Monthly rentals can be less expensive than two weeks at standard rates.

Cash Payments may secure a 10% discount at some local companies, such as Avalon Rent A Car and Game Rent A Car, potentially saving €50-70 on a weekly rental.

Promo Codes and Special Offers are frequently utilized by Hungarian companies, providing additional benefits like free car delivery.

Documents for Car Rental in Hungary and Requirements

Mandatory Documents

A Driver’s License must be valid and contain the owner’s photo. Hungary accepts national licenses from EU countries without additional permits. Drivers from other countries are advised to have international driving permits, though many companies accept national documents in English.

A Credit Card is mandatory for deposit blocking and must be issued in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are accepted by only some local companies, and the card limit must cover the deposit amount, typically ranging from €500 to €1500 depending on the car class.

A Passport is necessary for identity verification, and some companies may require proof of residence.

Age Restrictions and Additional Fees

The minimum age for car rental in Hungary is 21 years. Drivers aged 21-25 incur an additional “young driver fee” of €10-15 per day. Some premium cars may only be available to drivers over 25.

There is usually no maximum age limit, but drivers over 70 may need to provide medical certificates or opt for increased insurance.

Additional Drivers

Registering a second driver typically costs €5-8 per day at most companies. Spouses often benefit from free registration if marriage documents are presented.

Insurance – Protection from Fraud

Types of Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is included in the rental cost and covers damage to third parties. The deductible (your share of the damage) ranges from €800 to €3,000, depending on the car class and rental company.

Full coverage SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) reduces the deductible to zero and costs between €15-25 per day. This insurance covers damage to the body, glass, and interior of the vehicle.

Credit card insurance can be a beneficial alternative. Premium cards (e.g., Revolut Ultra) often include car rental insurance coverage up to €50,000 at no additional charge.

Fraudulent Schemes and Protection

Illegal Addition of Insurance

A common scheme involves adding extra insurance without the customer’s consent. When customers dispute charges, companies often refer to contract signatures while overlooking the circumstances of those signatures.

Protection: Carefully review every line of the contract before signing. Record any conversations with employees over the phone, and demand written confirmation of all verbal agreements.

Inflated Bills for Minor Damage

Protection: Take detailed photos and videos of the car when picking it up and returning it. Familiarize yourself with the company’s policy on minor damage, and keep all correspondence and documentation.

Claims Made Months Later

A particularly unscrupulous scheme involves charging customers 2-3 months after the car has been returned, even when there were no claims at the time of return.

Protection: Obtain written confirmation of no damage when returning the vehicle, video record the return process, and notify your bank of potential disputed charges.

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More Info

Traffic Rules in Hungary

Basic Requirements

Zero alcohol tolerance means driving is completely prohibited even after consuming a single glass of wine. Fines start at 100,000 forints (approximately €250) and can lead to license revocation.

Mandatory headlight use applies 24/7 outside populated areas. In cities, headlights turn on automatically at dusk, with a fine of 30,000 forints (€75) for non-compliance.

Speed limits:

• In populated areas: 50 km/h.
• Outside cities: 90 km/h.
• On expressways: 110 km/h.
• On highways: 130 km/h.

E-matrica Vignette System

Hungary employs an electronic road toll system. The vignette is linked to the vehicle’s license plate and checked automatically.

Vignette costs:

• 10 days: 6,620 forints (≈€17).
• 1 month: 10,710 forints (≈€27).
• 1 year: 59,210 forints (≈€150).

Many rental companies include the vignette in the rental cost, but it’s essential to confirm this. The fine for driving without a vignette is 60,000 forints (€150) plus the cost of the vignette.

Parking in Budapest and Hungary

Zoned Parking System in the Capital

Central Budapest is divided into four paid parking zones with varying costs:

• Zone A (historic center): 600 forints/hour (≈€1.55), maximum 3 hours.
• Zone B (central districts): 450 forints/hour (≈€1.15), maximum 3 hours.
• Zone C (extended center): 300 forints/hour (≈€0.77), maximum 4 hours.
• Zone D (outer districts): 200 forints/hour (≈€0.51), maximum 5 hours.

Paid parking is enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Parking is free in most zones on weekends and holidays.

“Park” App – Digital Solution

The “Park” app eliminates the need to search for machines and keep tickets on the dashboard. Features include:

• Finding parking spaces and garages.
• Payment via bank card.
• Notifications for parking time expiration.
• Ability to extend time remotely.

The app is available in Hungarian and English and accepts international bank cards.

Parking Garages in Central Budapest

• Váci utca Garage: 600 forints/hour, open 24/7.
• Aranykéz Garage: 500 forints/hour, open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Kempinski Hotel Garage: 800 forints/hour, open 24/7 (50% discount for hotel guests).

Many garages offer daily rates starting from 3,000 forints (€7.5), making them a cost-effective option for long-term parking.

Gas Stations and Fuel

Fuel Types and Prices

Hungary uses standard European fuel designations:

• Benzin 95: 590 forints/liter (€1.45).
• Benzin 98: 620 forints/liter (€1.55).
• Gázolaj: 570 forints/liter (€1.42).

Fuel prices in Hungary are government-regulated and change weekly. Gas stations on highways typically charge 20-30 forints more per liter.

Gas Station Features

Most gas stations operate on a self-service basis—first refuel, then pay at the cashier. Major chains (MOL, Shell, OMV) accept bank cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash in remote areas.

Popular Car Routes from Budapest

Day Trips

Danube Bend (120 km, 2-3 hours driving time)

• Szentendre (26 km): An artists’ town featuring Orthodox churches and museums.
• Visegrád (40 km): A medieval fortress offering panoramic views.
• Esztergom (46 km): Home to Hungary’s largest basilica.

This route is ideal for a day trip, allowing for a return to Budapest for dinner.

Gödöllő and Surroundings (30 km from Budapest)

• Gödöllő Royal Palace: A favorite residence of Empress Sisi.
• Travel time: 40 minutes by car.
• Recommended visit duration: 4-5 hours.

Weekend Trips

Lake Balaton and Wine Regions (90-150 km)

• Tihany: A Benedictine abbey on a peninsula (90 km, about 1 hour 15 minutes).
• Badacsony: A wine region known for tastings (120 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes).
• Keszthely: Features the Festetics Palace and thermal springs (150 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes).

Lake Balaton transforms into the “Hungarian sea” in the summer, but the off-season offers tranquility and stunning landscapes without the tourist crowds.

International Destinations

Vienna, Austria (243 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes)

• Direct highway route M1, with a vignette required in both countries.
• An alternative scenic route through Sopron adds 45 minutes but takes you through wine regions.

Bratislava, Slovakia (200 km, about 2 hours)

• Route via M15 and A4, with mandatory vignettes for both countries.
• Possible stop in Győr, a baroque city with thermal springs.

Practical Tips for Car Rental in Hungary

Best Time to Book

Book 2-3 months before your trip to secure lower prices, especially during peak season. Booking just a week in advance can raise costs by 60-80%.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days for rentals, as most tourists arrive on weekends. You can save 15-20% off the cost.

Car Inspection Checklist

• Exterior: Photograph every scratch, dent, and scuff. Pay special attention to sills, bumpers, and mirrors.
• Interior: Check that all buttons work, inspect seat condition, and ensure carpets are clean.
• Technical condition: Check fuel level, tire condition, and the operation of headlights and turn signals.
• Documents: Ensure registration, insurance, and vignette are present.

Useful Apps

• Google Maps Offline: Download Hungary maps before your trip.
• Waze: Provides current traffic information and alerts for police posts.
• Park: For parking payments in Budapest.
• MOL App: For locating gas stations and paying for fuel.
• e-Útdíj: For purchasing and managing your vignette.

Emergency Numbers

• 112: Unified emergency services number.
• 104: Ambulance.
• 105: Fire service.
• 107: Police.
• 188: Roadside assistance (paid).

Alternatives to Traditional Rental

Car Sharing in Budapest

MOL Limo: The largest service offering electric and gasoline cars. Rates start at 89 forints/minute (€0.22), with daily rentals starting from 12,990 forints (€32). Coverage includes all of Budapest and nearby suburbs.

GreenGo: An eco-friendly service featuring only electric cars. Rates begin at 99 forints/minute, including charging. Available models include BMW i3, Renault ZOE, and Nissan Leaf.

Private Drivers

Hiring a private driver costs between 15,000 and 25,000 forints (€38-62) for a full day, depending on the route. This can be economical for one-day trips, especially to wine regions where tastings are planned.

Expert Review on Car Rental in Hungary

Having tested over 20 rental companies in Hungary, I can confidently recommend Schiller Rent A Car as the best choice for most travelers. Clients appreciate their honesty in pricing—no hidden fees, the vignette included in the cost, and instant deposit returns. Their 24/7 self-service kiosk at the airport is particularly impressive, as it is the only one in Budapest and convenient for late flights.

Among international companies, I recommend Europcar for their transparent conditions and quality vehicles. Avoid Green Motion and Klass Wagen due to frequent complaints about fabricated damage and unauthorized charges. If you choose a major company at the airport, ensure you take a detailed video of the car from all angles; this is your only safeguard against fraud.

Practical advice: Book 2-3 months ahead to save up to 40%, choose Tuesday or Wednesday for car pick-up (15-20% cheaper), and never decline full SCDW insurance. The €15-25 per day for peace of mind is worth every cent, considering the aggressive tactics some companies use when searching for damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cross borders with a rental car?

Most companies permit travel to EU countries without additional fees. For certain destinations (Romania, Bulgaria, Balkan countries), additional insurance may be required for €10-15 per day.

What should I do in case of a breakdown or accident?

First, ensure safety and call emergency services at 112. Then, contact the rental company using the phone number listed in your documents. Most companies provide 24/7 technical assistance or will replace the vehicle.

Are child seats necessary?

Child seats are mandatory for children under 12 years of age or shorter than 150 cm. Renting a child seat costs €8-12 per day. You may bring your own seat, but ensure it complies with European safety standards.

Is it possible to rent a car without a credit card?

Several local companies accept large cash deposits (€500-1000), but this significantly limits your choices in vehicles and insurance options.