Getting to Lake Balaton is child’s play. The lake lies less than two hours to the southwest of Budapest, and is readily reached by road or by train from Budapest Déli railway station. From 4 May 2006 things will be easier still when budget airline Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) launches direct flights to Balaton from London Stansted. There will be three services a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) to FlyBalaton Airport, which is just 20km from Keszthely.
Once you are at the lake, regular bus and train services link the local towns and villages, while for most months of the year – apart from winter, when the water is frozen – ferries offer a quick and atmospheric way of reaching the other side. Alternatively, you could hire a car and enjoy the freedom of going when and where you choose!
Driving in Hungary
There is a zero tolerance policy with respect to drink driving, if you consume a drop of alcohol, do not get behind the wheel. Outside urban areas, vehicle headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. The M1, M3, M5 and M7 motorways are toll roads, stickers must be purchased in advance at petrol stations and on-line. A four day pass costs 1170 Ft, a weekly pass 2550 Ft, and a monthly pass 4200 Ft.
Taxis
Outside the capital, taxi drivers are less prone to unscrupulous pricing and can usually be flagged down on the street without any problems. Ask what the fare will be to the destination before departure. Always check to make sure there is a meter, running in the taxi.
Train Travel
Budapest's location at the heart of Hungary and Central Europe makes it an easy destination, and a great starting point for exploration by train. The Hungarian state railway company is called MÁV. Fares are generally calculated by the kilometre and train type (the InterCity trains are much more comfortable, but it is compulsory to reserve a seat for a small surcharge), allowing you relative flexibility. Remember to allow time to purchase a ticket before you board the train. Budapest has three main stations, Déli (South), Nyugati (West) and Keleti (East), originally named according to the direction the trains are heading in, rather than their location.
The following international rail passes are valid in Hungary: INTER RAIL, BIJ, EURO DOMINO, RES, CITY-STAR.
Domestic timetables and fares or call +36 1 371 9449 (from abroad)/ 06 40 49 49 49 (in Hungary)
International timetables and fares.
Bike Transportation on the train
All Intercity lines have at least one train each day which transports bicycles. The cost of this service is 25% of the fare. Groups of over five people are required to notify MÁV seven days before travelling.
Nostalgia Trains
Nostalgia Train excursions to different destinations are available.
Website: http://www.mavnosztalgia.hu/eindex.htm
Cruising the Danube and Lake Balaton
Budapest can be experienced in a number of ways, but a boat ride along the Danube is one of the most relaxing. Two companies (www.legenda.hu and www.mahartpassnave.hu) offer city cruises, as well as regular rides to tourist attractions outside Budapest, such as Szentendre, Visegrad and Esztergom between April and October. Further upstream, Bratislava and Vienna can also be visited by hydrofoil between early April and early November. Voyage time: from Vienna to Budapest 5 hours, from Budapest to Vienna 6 hours. There are a number of routes operating on Lake Balaton in the summer, including car ferry crossings.
From and to FlyBalaton Airport
BusExpress is a quick, safe, quality and guaranteed cheap transfer service. The company fixed the prices so that they would be available for everyone. It connects Hévíz, Keszthely and Zalakaros with FlyBalaton, Sármellék.
Fly-Car is the exclusive transfer partner of FlyBalaton airport of Sármellék that connects Hévíz, Keszthely,Siófok and Budapest with FlyBalaton, Sármellék.
Hungary in Schengen - new rules at Ferihegy Airport from 30th March 2008
As of this date, passengers traveling within the Schengen zone will no longer be subject to border controls. The strict inspection of travel documents will remain in place for non-Schengen passengers
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