Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Hungary! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Hungary, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Hungary Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Hungary for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Hungary currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Hungary need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Hungary Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Hungary throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budapest | -3° / 3° | -2° / 5° | 2° / 11° | 7° / 17° | 11° / 22° | 14° / 25° |
| Debrecen | -4° / -1° | -3° / 4° | 1° / 10° | 6° / 16° | 11° / 22° | 14° / 24° |
| Veszprém | -4° / 3° | -2° / 5° | 1° / 10° | 6° / 15° | 10° / 20° | 14° / 23° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budapest | 16° / 27° | 15° / 26° | 11° / 22° | 6° / 16° | 1° / 8° | -2° / 4° |
| Debrecen | 16° / 27° | 15° / 26° | 11° / 22° | 6° / 15° | 1° / 8° | -3° / 3° |
| Veszprém | 15° / 26° | 15° / 25° | 11° / 21° | 6° / 15° | 2° / 7° | -2° / 3° |
When to visit
The peak time to visit Hungary is in the Summer, where you can rely on sunshine most days between June and August.
But to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons from March to May and September to November might be preferable, with the weather still warm and relatively dry.
Getting around in Hungary
If you’re travelling to Budapest you can purchase a 24-hour travelcard for 2,500HUF (€6) or 72-hour travelcard for 5,500HUF (€13). For a full list of the different travelcards and tickets you can purchase in Budapest, you can check the BKK website.
You can also purchase a Budapest Card, which will give you unlimited free use of public transport, free entry to Budapest’s best museums, free walking tours, free entry to Lukács baths, and more deals and discounts.
Trains
There are three types of trains in Hungary, including the Intercity, which is the fastest type and only stops at major stations. The Express and Fast trains service more stops and are a little cheaper than the Intercity. Lastly Passenger trains stop at every station.
You can buy train tickets at the stations, or online.
Metro
Budapest has a metro consisting of four lines. You can purchase a single journey ticket for the metro (which is also valid for Budapest buses, trolleybuses, trams and HÉV) for 350HUF (€0.85) from a ticket machine. The ticket must be validated in the orange machine in the underground or on a bus/tram. A single journey ticket is good for 100 minutes of travel.
Buses
Volánbusz runs the bus service system in Hungary. You can purchase tickets directly from the driver or from ticket machines at the major bus stations. You can also buy tickets online and check the timetable at volanbusz.hu.
Taxis
Taxis in Hungary are yellow and will show their prices on the side of the car. The base rate is roughly 500HUF (€1.20) and the price per km 300HUF (€0.70).
Luggage storage
There is baggage storage at Budapest Airport, with prices of 2,500HUF (€6) up to 4 hours, 5,000HUF (€12) up to 24 hours, 7,500HUF (€18) up to 48 hours, and 10,000HUF (€24) up to 72 hours. Every day after 72 hours costs 2,500HUF (€6).
You can store your luggage at the Budapest-Keleti, Nyugati and Déli train stations in coin lockers, which cost between 400-800HUF (€1-€2) depending on the size of the locker. It stores your bag for 24 hours, but you can leave it for up to 72 hours and pay an extra charge when you come to collect it.
For other storage solutions, try Nannybag, Stasher, LuggageHero or Radical Storage to see all of their locations and prices.
Further practical information for travelling in Hungary
What language is mainly spoken in Hungary?
Hungarian is the official language of Hungary, and around 16% of people speak some English.
What is the main currency of Hungary?
The currency of Hungary is the Forint (HUF).
What is the emergency number in Hungary?
If you need emergency services in Hungary, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Hungary?
You will need a Type C or F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Hungary. Hungary operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Hungary?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Hungary.
Are public toilets free in Hungary?
Generally, public toilets cost around 0.50HUF to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Hungary?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Hungary. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Hungary?
When tipping serving staff, taxi drivers or bartenders, 10% on top of the final bill is the norm.
What is the drinking age in Hungary?
The official drinking age in Hungary is 18 years old.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Hungary?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Hungary, including snakes like the Nosed-Horned Viper and Common European Adder, and bigger animals such as brown bears. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Hungary? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Central Europe!