Enterprise

Explore Hungary's Scenic Beauty on a Road Trip


Hungary is so much more than a city break destination. While the capital, Budapest, is a beautiful, historic city, there is so much more of the country to see and it's a great destination for road trips.  Here's a curated list of the most scenic drives, divided into daytrips and longer road trips. 

Pick up a rentalcar at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) to start your adventure

Short Drives (2-4 Hours)

Lake Balaton Circuit

Duration: 3 hours

Pick up your rental car at the airport and start exploring Hungary with a drive around Lake Balaton, passing through charming lakeside towns and enjoying panoramic views of Central Europe's largest freshwater lake.


Danube Bend Scenic Drive

Duration: 2.5 hours

If you're staying in Budapest, this is the perfect daytrip out of town. Rent a car at one of our city branches and follow the curves of the Danube River north as it winds through the lush hills of Visegrád, Esztergom, and Szentendre. Visit medieval castles and enjoy picturesque riverside landscapes.


Hortobágy National Park Loop

Duration: 4 hours

Discover the vast plains of Hortobágy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Children will love spotting the unique wildlife and watching daring riding displays performed by the blue horsemen of the Putza. On the way, stop off to get a photo of the iconic Nine-holed Bridge.


Eger to Bükk National Park

Duration: 3.5 hours

Drive northeast from Budapest to the town of Eger, famous for its hot springs and historic castle, then on to Bükk National Park, a bird watcher's paradise. Experience the beauty of rolling hills and dense forests, a pleasant contrast to the busy streets of the capital.

Longer Road Trips (1-5 Days)


Transdanubian Wine Country

Duration: 4 days

Explore the wine regions of Villány, Szekszárd, and Etyek-Buda. Stay over so you can enjoy the local wines, visit vineyards, and enjoy the scenic landscapes of Hungary's famous wine country.


Tisza Lake and Tokaj Wine Region

Duration: 3 days

Drive east from Budapest to Tisza Lake and explore the Tokaj Wine Region. Spend a day canoeing on the lake and enjoy the famous sweet Tokaji dessert wines in the evenings.


Southern Transdanubia Discovery

Duration: 3.5 days

Discover the charming towns of Pécs, Kaposvár, and Szombathely in Southern Transdanubia. Drive through scenic landscapes, explore historical sites, and immerse yourself in local culture.


Bakony Mountains and Lake Velence Loop

Duration: 2.5 days

Head southwest of Budapest to explore the Bakony Mountains and swim off the beaches of idyllic Lake Velence near Gárdony. Drive along winding roads through dense forests, visit the 11th Century Bakonybél Abbey, go hiking in the mountains or spend a day relaxing by the lake.


Budapest to Lake Tisza Nature Drive

Duration: 4 days

Drive east from Budapest to Lake Tisza, Hungary's second-largest lake. Spend a day exploring the lake by kayak or paddleboard, visit the Tiszafüred Ecocentre where they have Europe's largest freshwater aquarium, home to more than 40 local fish species, or just find a shady spot and enjoy the calm of the countryside.

Hungary Car Rental Guide

How can I rent a car in Hungary?

In order to drive a rental car in Hungary, you will need:

  • A valid international driver's license that has been held for at least 1 year. 
  • A valid passport, or an ID card for EU citizens. 

What are the age requirements for renting a car in Hungary?

The minimum age to rent a car in Hungary is 21 years old. Drivers under the age of 25 can only rent Mini, Economy, Compact, and Intermediate car groups. A young driver surcharge of 8.89 EUR per day will apply, up to a maximum of 88.90 EUR. 

Can I rent a car at one location and return it somewhere else?

One-way car rentals are currently not available in Hungary. You must return your rental car to the same location you picked it up from. Start a reservation in the booking widget above. 

How much does a rental car cost in Hungary?

To get the most accurate price for your rental car, start a reservation by inputting the dates, times, and location. There are several factors to consider:

  • Type of car
  • Seasonality
  • Additional insurance and protection products included in reservation
  • Other add-ons such as Wi-fi access, GPS, child seats, and ski racks
  • Whether the car is picked up and dropped off at the same location or domestic one-way
  • Number of additional drivers

Tips for driving in Hungary

Keeping the following info in mind while driving in Hungary will ensure a safe and fun trip:

  • It is illegal to turn right on a red light in Hungary, even if traffic is clear. 
  • Honking your horn is prohibited in the city unless there is an emergency. 
  • The emergency Hungarian phone number is 112. 
  • Headlights must be on during the day and at night. 
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced. If you are pulled over and ticketed, you may have to pay the fine on the spot.

Hungary Car Rental Locations

With many unique attractions such as Buda Castle, the Danube River, and Sopron, Hungary is a popular destination with tourists and business travelers alike. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying for a month or more, a rental car from Enterprise will allow you to explore this beautiful country at your own pace.

Top Cities