16 Amazing Day Trips from Budapest With Bus/Train for €20!

Budapest is one of my favourite capitals in Europe and it is a fantastic destination in itself. It also makes the perfect base for exploring more of Hungary as there are plenty of amazing day trips from Budapest one can do. Thanks to efficient and affordable public transport, you can venture out to historic towns, castles, lakes, and even other capital cities, all in a single day.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best day trips from Budapest by train or bus. We’ll include approximate travel times and costs for each, so you can easily plan your excursions. Whether you’re interested in charming villages, nature hikes, or cultural landmarks, these day trips offer a bit of everything beyond the bustle of the city.

1. Szentendre – Charming Village by the Danube

Szentendre is a picturesque riverside town known for its artistic vibe and charming old town streets. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Budapest with just 40 minutes away from Budapest. To get here ake the HÉV suburban train (H5) from Batthyány tér in Budapest. The ride is around 40 minutes. You’ll need a standard Budapest transit ticket plus a short additional zone ticket – altogether about HUF 310 (under €1) one-way, which is incredibly cheap. The trains are also very frequent running every 20 minutes.

I personally enjoyed this day trip due to its vicinity and can be even done in half a day or combined with other villages up the Danube listed below. It is quite peaceful and is a nice stroll down the village with its main towns and the colorful streets.

For a full guide on what to do in Szentendre and more details on how to get there, you can read our Szentendre Complete Guide – Cheapest Day Trip from Budapest!

2. Visegrád – Medieval Castle and Danube Bend Views

Further up the Danube you will find Visegrád, a small town which was once a royal stronghold. Today, visitors can hike or take a shuttle up to the Visegrád Citadel, a medieval hilltop castle ruin. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Danube Bend, where the river snakes between the hills which is a truly breathtaking sight. If you want a better view of the Danube Bend check out our other day trip suggestion after this!

How to Get to Visegrad

The most direct route is by bus 880 from Újpest-Városkapu station (accessible by Metro line 3). The bus takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Visegrád and costs around 1,500 HUF (~€4) one-way. This bus also passes through Szentendre so you can coombine the two in one big day trip.

An alternative is to take a train towards Szob from Budapest (about 45 minutes) and get off at Nagymaros-Visegrád station on the opposite bank of the Danube. A ferry will then take you across the Danube to Visegrád. The train + ferry combo also totals about 1 hour travel time (train ~1,040 HUF plus a few hundred forints for the ferry). In summer, some sightseeing boats connect Budapest to Visegrád as well.

3. Domos – Predikálószék lookout Hike

If you enjoy a nice long hike with a bit of a challenge but the most rewarding view of the Danube Bend then check out this Predikálószék lookout Hike. I managed to hike this with a backpack weighing more than it should but it was definitely worth it. It took me around 3.5-4 hours for the entire loop.

Continue up the Danube with bus 880 and get off at Domos. The hike then starts and there are other hikes to take from here which we will cover later on in this post. For a full guide to this hike read our post on How to get the best view of the Danube Bend!

4. Esztergom – Hungary’s Grand Basilica

We are keeping up with the theme and we are continuing up the river to our last stop,Esztergom. This is a historic city that was the capital of Hungary in the Middle Ages and remains the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Its main attraction is the Esztergom Basilica, an immense domed cathedral that is the largest church in Hungary. The basilica sits atop a hill overlooking the Danube – climb up to the dome for sweeping views that even extend into neighboring Slovakia across the river.

After visiting the basilica, you can even go into another country. You can walk across the Maria Valéria Bridge to the Slovak side (the town of Štúrovo) for a fun “two countries in one day” novelty. Back in Esztergom, consider checking out the Castle Museum (in the remains of the old royal palace) to learn about Esztergom’s regal past, or take a leisurely stroll along the Danube waterfront.

How to Get to Eztergom

While bus 880 keeps on going to Eztergom, it takes a bit longer than the train. So, if you are departing straight from Busapest then take the direct train from Nyugati Station. Trains run approximately every hour and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs about 1,700 HUF (≈ €4-5). The train ride is scenic, especially the portion along the Danube. Once you arrive at Esztergom’s station, it’s a 15-20 minute walk up to the basilica.

5. Gödöllő – Sissi’s Royal Palace

If you’re interested in royal history, Gödöllő is a must-visit. This town east of Budapest is home to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, a beautiful baroque palace that was a favorite residence of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary (better known as Sissi). The palace is one of the largest baroque palaces in Europe. You can tour its lavish interior to see royal apartments and learn about Habsburg history, then wander the manicured palace gardens.

How to Get to Gödöllő

The easiest way is by train from Keleti Station, which takes only 35–40 minutes direct to Gödöllő. Trains are frequent and cost around 1,045 HUF one-way (roughly €3). Another option is the H8 suburban HÉV train from Örs vezér tere (end of Metro line 2) – that route takes about 45–50 minutes. Both the mainline train and HÉV drop you a short walk from the palace. As a quick trip, Gödöllő can even be a half-day excursion if you’re short on time.

6. Eger – Wine Cellars and a Historic Castle

Eger is a vibrant small city packed with history and is most famous for its wine with the Hilltop Castle of Eger in its center. You can walk the fortress walls and enjoy views over the red-tiled roofs of the town. Within the castle grounds, there are museums detailing the siege and medieval life.

Perhaps Eger’s biggest attraction is its wine culture. Just outside the center lies the Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy) – a collection of wine cellars where you can taste the local Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood red wine) and crisp whites. Many travelers spend the afternoon going from cellar to cellar sampling wines for very low prices. Don’t get too drunk especially if you are driving! Also watch yourself to get the train back.

How to Get to Eger

Catch the train from Budapest Keleti station running every hour, It costs around €7 and takes about 2 hours Buses from Budapest’s Stadion bus station are also available, taking about 1h 45m to 2h. Choose the method more feasible to your location as prices are almost the same. Make sure to leave early in the day especially if you want to include both the castle and a wine tasting session.

7. Miskolc & Lillafüred – Cave Baths and Mountain Scenery

This day trip from Budapest is not on everyone’s radar. It combines both urban and nature. The city of Miskolc boasts the Diósgyőr Castle (a medieval castle on the city’s edge) and a charming city center with cafés. However, the real reason why you should consider coming here is the famous Cave Bath in Miskolctapolca. Here, you can swim in thermal mineral water pools inside natural cave chambers, another unique spa experience in Hungary.

If you want to go deeper into the Bükk Mountains, there is Lillafüred, which is a popular resort area known for its picturesque scenery. Lillafüred boasts a romantic lake, a waterfall, and the grand Palota Hotel. There are also other caves to tour (St. Stephen’s Cave and Anna Cave) and a lot of different hiking trails in the forest. You can reach Lillafüred via a narrow-gauge forest train from Miskolc, which is an experience in itself, chugging through the woods.

How to Get to Miskolc & Lillafured

A direct train from Budapest Keleti take around 2 hours 15 minutes to reach Miskolc, with one-way fares roughly €10. There are also buses from Budapest Népliget station (around 2.5 hours). Once in Miskolc, local tram #1 can take you to the Miskolctapolca Cave Bath in about 20 minutes.

To get to Lillafüred without a car, either take a local bus from Miskolc (about 30–40 minutes) or ride the Lillafüred Forest Train from Miskolc’s Dorottya utca station (a slower but scenic journey). Keep an eye on return train times from Miskolc to Budapest, especially if traveling in the evening.

8. Pécs – Cultural Capital of the South

Pécs is a beautiful city in southern Hungary, known for its history. There are plenty of things to do in Pécs including the Early Christian Necropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman-era tombs) the grand Pécs Cathedral, and a unique fusion of architecture – including a mosque turned church (the Mosque of Pasha Qasim on the main square) dating from the Ottoman period.

Pécs is also famed for its Zsolnay ceramics – you can visit the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, a complex dedicated to the eponymous porcelain factory and art exhibitions. Strolling the pleasant Király Street (the main pedestrian street) offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and galleries. If you have time, consider visiting the TV Tower on a hill above the city for a panoramic view.

How to Get to Pécs

The fastest way to get here is from Budapest Keleti and take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to reach Pécs. A one-way train ticket costs around €10-12. Since it’s a bit of a journey, start early to have a full day in Pécs and take note of the time for the last train back to Budapest. Pécs is a larger city, so everything (the station and old town) is a bit spread out and the walk between the two is about 20-25 minutes.

9. Debrecen – Hungary’s Second City in the Great Plain

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and can be done as a day trip from Budapest. It has a slightly different feel from Budapest as it is less touristy andmore spread out. In the heart of Debrecen stands the Great Reformed Church (Nagytemplom), an imposing canary-yellow Protestant cathedral that symbolizes the city. You can go up to the tower for views over the flat landscape.

If you’re there in August, Debrecen’s Flower Carnival is a renowned annual festival featuring floral floats and performances. Another one of Debrecen’s surprises is Nagyerdő, a large city park and forest with a spa complex and lake – a great place to relax.

How to get to Debrecen

Trains from Budapest-Nyugati or Keleti take around 2 hours 20 minutes to reach Debrecen. The one-way fare is approximately 3,800–4,300 HUF and run every 1-2 hours. Debrecen’s train station is about 15 minutes’ walk from the city center (or you can hop on the tram that stops right outside the station). Once in town, the tram line is very handy for getting around sights.

10. Győr – Baroque Charm on the Way to Vienna

Győr is on of those day trips from Budapest which is often overlooked sitting halfway between Budapest and Vienna. This mid-sized city has a delightful Baroque old town and a relaxed ambiance as you wander the narrow lanes of the historic center to see colorful facades, ornate churches, and cozy squares. The Bishops’ Castle and Püspökvár Tower by the river are interesting historical spots.

Győr sits at the confluence of three rivers, and you can stroll along the riverbanks or even rent a bicycle to explore (Győr is very bike-friendly). The city often has less tourists than other spots, making it a pleasant place to mingle with locals in a café or watch the world go by at Széchenyi Square.

How to Get to Gyor

There are frequent trains departing from Budapest Keleti or Kelenföld stations roughly every hour. The journey is quick, about 1 hour 20 minutes on average. A one-way ticket costs around €8. Buses from Népliget are available too but take longer (~2 hours), so the train is recommended. Győr’s train station is a short 10 minute walk from the city center. If you are planning to continue on your travels, the train line continues to Vienna so you can stop here on your way.

Lake Balaton – Hungary’s Biggest Lake

No list of day trips from Budapest is complete without Lake Balaton. Lake Balaton is massive and unlike the lakes in Austria or Lake Bled in Slovenia, you can’t visit this lake in one day. In fact it is the biggest lake not just in Hungary but the whole of central Europe. So while a visit here is absolutely recommended you need to pick and choose if you are basing yourself in Budapest and not touring around in a rental around the lake. There are many towns worth visiting but we picked 3 towns which we think are the best.

11. Lake Balaton – Siófok (South Shore Fun)

One of the most accessible points on Balaton is Siófok, a resort town on the southern shore. Siófok is famous for its long stretches of grassy beaches, shallow warm water (great for swimming), and youthful energy. In summer it’s buzzing with life: beach bars, ice-cream stands, and even a lively nightlife scene after dark. During the day, you can relax by the water, rent a paddle boat, or stroll the Petőfi Promenade lined with restaurants. Families will find areas with water slides and playgrounds, while party-goers know Siófok for its clubs and summer festivals. This is great in the summer as it is only filled with life in the summer months. In the winter it is extremely quiet.

How to get to Siófok

Get a train from Budapest-Déli Station or Kelenföld where at least one train runs per hour. The fastest trains reach Siófok in just 1 hour 15 minutes. One-way tickets cost around 2,500 HUF (~€6). Some slower regional trains cost a bit less (around 1,800 HUF) but take 1h 30m.

12. Lake Balaton – Balatonfüred (North Shore Relaxation)

Balatonfüred is a historic resort town on the north shore of Lake Balaton, known for its elegant atmosphere and 19th-century charm. This town was the hub of high society in the 1800s, and it still has a refined vibe. Stroll along the Tagore Promenade, a lovely lakeside walkway lined with trees, flowers, and villas. You can dip your feet in the lake or enjoy a drink at one of the terrace cafes overlooking the marina. Balatonfüred is also known for its mineral spring waters – in the town park you can taste the slightly sour mineral water that once made the town a famous health retreat.

I stopped here briefly and visited the town before continuing to the Tihany Peninsula. If you want to be a bit ambitious like me you can combine the two in one day. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time in Balatonfured because of a train delay but it is possible.

How to get to Balatonfüred

Trains from Budapest-Déli to Balatonfüred take roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. A one-way train ticket is in the ballpark of 3,000 HUF (≈ €7-8). The walk to the town center is around 20 minutes. Read the next day trip if you plan to see Tihany as well.

13. Lake Balaton – Tihany Peninsula (Lavender Fields and Abbey)

Right next to Balatonfured is the peninsula of Tihany. If you have to choose one of the Lake Balaton day trips from Budapest I would choose one as it has a bit of everything. In fact, this is the one I went to. It offers spectacular views, a photogenic village, and unique natural features such as the lavender fields. You can check out the Tihany Abbey on the hilltop and next to it you can see the panoramic lookouts over Balaton’s vivid blue waters.

Tihany village itself is full of thatched-roof cottages, craft shops, and cozy eateries – it’s lovely to wander. In summer (typically late June), lavender fields bloom across the peninsula, and Tihany celebrates a Lavender Festival. Even outside of bloom season, you can buy lavender products in town or visit the Lavender House visitor center. There is even lavender ice cream you can buy, I wasn’t brave enough to taste this.

How to Get to Tihany

Like I said it is a bit trickier to reach Tihany but it can be combined from Batonfured (section above) Once you get on the train to Balatonfüred, then hop on a local bus to Tihany village (bus ride ~15 minutes). The bus from Balatonfüred to Tihany fills up quickly. Make sure you catch it right from outside the station and head there as early as possible. Then visit Balatonfured after Tihany rather than before. Expect the total journey via Balatonfüred to take about 2.5 to 3 hours. This trip cost me around 3,000 HUF for the train to Balatonfüred plus 500 HUF for the bus, roughly 3,500 HUF total (≈ €9-10 one way).

14. Memento Park – Communist Statues on Budapest’s Outskirts

Back with something more in the vicinity of Budapest, this interests those with a great interest in history. Memento Park is an open-air museum that doesn’t require a full-day commitment but is a very intriguing half-day trip for history buffs. After the fall of Communism, Hungary collected many of the old communist-era statues, monuments, and plaques that once dotted Budapest and other cities, and put them on display here. At Memento Park, you can walk among towering statues of Lenin, Marx, heroic workers, and other communist iconography. You’ll even see Stalin’s giant boots (all that remained after an enormous Stalin statue was torn down in the 1956 revolution).

How to Get to Memento Park (Szoborpark)

To get here, take Metro line M4 to its terminus at Kelenföld Station, then transfer to bus 101E (or the 101B) heading towards Memento Park. The bus ride from Kelenföld is only about 10 minutes (Memento Park is the second stop). In total, from the city center it’s roughly a 30-40 minute trip. You’ll need a standard Budapest public transport ticket for the metro (350 HUF) and another for the bus (also 350 HUF) – or use a transfer ticket/day pass.

The entrance fee to the park itself is around 3,000 HUF (about €8) for adults, which you can pay on site. The park is open daily, typically from morning until early evening. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the statues and exhibits, then you can easily head back to the city.

Hiking the Danube Bend – Rám-szakadék Gorge and Dobogókő

I thought to give you another dose for a nice hike. If you’re craving some more outdoor adventure, another excellent hike awaits and the start is right next to the one I mentioned for the best Danube Bend Lookout day trip.

One other popular route for experienced hikers is the Rám-szakadék Gorge, a thrilling trail that involves clambering up ladders alongside waterfalls and narrow ravines. This shaded gorge is like a natural obstacle course – expect to get a little wet and use your hands for balance on the fixed chains and rungs. It’s not an easy walk (sturdy shoes and reasonable fitness are required), but it’s a lot of fun. The trail typically leads up to Dobogókő, one of the highest peaks in the area (700 meters) with a panoramic lookout over the surrounding hills and the Danube far below. The name Dobogókő means “beating stone” – some say the Earth’s heart chakra is located here, giving it a spiritual significance.

The loop of Dömös – Rám-szakadék – Dobogókő – Dömös is a common day hike. Dobogókő has a mountain hut and cafe where you can rest and grab a hot meal or drink after the climb. The entire circuit can take around 4-5 hours of hiking time, so plan accordingly (and bring water/snacks). If you’re visiting in winter or after heavy rains, be aware the gorge can be slippery; summer and fall are ideal for this hike. Unfortunately I was not able to combine this hike with the Danube Bend Lookout so you will have to choose one if you only have time for one.

How to Get to Rám-szakadék Gorge

Once again, you need to catch the same bus line 880 that goes past Visegrád and Szentendre. You will need to get off at Dömös (approximately a 1 hour 15 min ride). Dömös is the trailhead village where you’ll start the hike into Rám-szakadék. After completing the hike and coming back down to Dömös.

Bratislava, Slovakia – Another Capital in a Day

One of the perks of Budapest’s location is its proximity to other countries. A very popular international day trip is to the Slovak capital, Bratislava. This charming city by the Danube is compact enough to explore in one day. Wander the pedestrianized Old Town with its colorful buildings, upbeat sidewalk cafes, and quirky statues (like the famous “Cumil” peeking out of a manhole). Climb up to the Bratislava Castle for views over the Danube and the UFO-shaped New Bridge. Despite being a national capital, Bratislava feels laid-back and less crowded than big tourist hubs, which many find refreshing. I did this daytrip to Bratislava from Vienna but it is still doable from Budapest.

How to Get to Bratislava

There are 2 options really to get here one is by train and the other by flixbus. The fastest option is the train: about 2 hours 30 minutes from Budapest Keleti to Bratislava hlavná stanica (main station).Tickets can often be bought for around €20 one-way (there are also special round-trip deals sometimes around €30). Make sure to carry your passport (or ID for EU citizens) since you’re crossing a border, though usually there’s no formal checkpoint.

Another option is the Flixbus or other coach services from Budapest’s Népliget or Kelenföld – buses take around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the route and cost anywhere from €10-15 each way if booked in advance. Once in Bratislava, you can walk or take a short bus into the Old Town (from the train station it’s about 15-20 minutes on foot). Aim for an early train/bus out and an evening return to maximize your time.

Vienna, Austria – Grand Palaces on a Day Trip

Yes, you can even visit another capital city as our final option of day trips from Budapest. In Vienna, you’ll be able to soak up the grand imperial palaces, classical music in the air, and famous coffee houses. Major sights you could fit into a day include the Hofburg Palace in the city center, a walk around the historic Innere Stadt to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and perhaps a quick trip to Schönbrunn Palace (the Habsburgs’ summer residence, with beautiful gardens).

While an ideal Vienna visit would be several days, as a day-tripper you can still get a fantastic glimpse of its charm and grandeur. If you are visiting during Christmas make sure to check out Vienna’s famous Christmas Markets.

How to Get to Vienna

The journey here is about 2 hours 40 minutes on a RailJet. Tickets, if bought on the day, cost roughly €25-€30 one-way, but advanced purchase can be as low as €19 each way via the Austrian rail website or MÁV. There’s also a special round-trip excursion ticket called “Kirándulójegy” that sometimes offers a discount for day returns – you can inquire at the ticket office.

Buses (like Flixbus) also connect Budapest to Vienna in about 3 hours, often for €10-€15 if booked early, dropping off at Vienna’s Erdberg or Stadion bus stations. Given the distance, you’ll want to catch an early morning departure (trains start around 6am) and return on an early evening train (the last trains back are usually around 7-9pm). Remember to keep your passport/ID on you just in case.

Getting Around Hungary by Train and Bus

Hungary’s public transportation network makes day tripping easy and budget-friendly. Here are some quick tips on how the train and bus ticket system works:

• Trains (MÁV): Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) operates frequent trains from Budapest to most cities and towns. You can buy tickets at the station (from ticket counters or automated machines) or online via the MÁV app/website. Domestic trains do not require advance reservations; you can usually buy on the day of travel. For InterCity trains (express services), a seat reservation is often included or recommended, but the overall price is still low. Always validate or show your ticket when an inspector comes on board (if purchased online, it will be a QR code to show).
  
• Buses (Volánbusz): For destinations not well served by train, the national bus network (Volánbusz) fills in. Coaches depart from Budapest’s bus stations (e.g. Népliget, Stadion, or Újpest depending on route). Bus fares are similar to train prices. You can buy tickets at the station or sometimes directly from the driver (cash in HUF) for local routes. In recent times buses are also well equipped and they will accept also card payments
  
• Budapest Transport Zones: Budapest’s local transit (BKK) has its own tickets within the city. When taking suburban trains (HÉV) or certain buses to outside towns (like Szentendre or Memento Park), you’ll need an additional ticket once you pass the city boundary. For instance, going to Szentendre by the H5 suburban train requires a supplemental ticket beyond Budapest’s last stop (this costs only a few hundred forints). Always check if your destination is outside the urban zone – if so, purchase a separate ticket for that portion.
  
• Discounts: If you happen to be a student or senior citizen, Hungary offers significant travel discounts (for example, EU citizens over 65 ride free on trains). But even if you don’t qualify, the standard fares are inexpensive for everyone. A round-trip train ticket rarely exceeds €15-20 for all of our recommended day trips.

Final Recommendations for Day Trips from Budapest

These are some of the most rewarding and realistic day trips from Budapest you can undertake via public transport. With convenient trains and buses, you don’t need a car to enjoy any of these outings. Just pack a day bag, grab your ticket, and set off on an adventure. Personally if I had to choose I would go for at least 1-2 trips to the villages up the Danube like Eztergom and Szentendre. While if you are visiting in the summer a trip to Lake Balaton is a must.

There is quite the diverse options when it comes to day trips from Budapest and I hope that at least a couple of these tickle your fancy and go and enjoy during your time in Budapest. Thanks for reading and if you are visiting Budapest check out our post on Elizabeth’s Lookout for the best views over the capital!

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