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.
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.
