Car rental in Hungary

Hungary: The Land of Healing Waters

Hungary is now one of the most visited countries in Europe, and it has every right to be. The entire country is steeped in antique architecture, unique cuisine, generous hospitality, and spa culture. There are few vacation plans which sound as sweet as renting a car in Hungary and taking in some of the hundreds of naturally sourced thermal baths.

Budapest is a leading global city; a business and economic hub of Europe. However, it also boasts the second largest synagogue in the world, a downtown area filled with homes which are at least a century old, and some 100 thermal baths. One such bath is the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, the largest of its kind in Europe.

The city of Budapest is famous for traffic jams, so visitors are well advised to take their rental out of the city to visit the countryside. It would be a shame to visit Hungary and not experience the hospitality the country itself is famous for; village tourism is common and well developed in Hungary.

There are many beautiful places to visit just a short drive from Budapest. To the south-west is Pécs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to the south-east is the enchanting city of Szeged. Less than a two-hour drive from Budapest, Szeged is situated in the Great Hungarian Plain, and known for the sun it receives and the local food it offers.

The official language is Hungarian, although adults below the age of 35 are likely to speak English very well. The currency is the Hungarian forint, and travelers will have no trouble exchanging major currencies in the urban areas.

Peak season in Hungary occurs during July and August, when the country is at its warmest and rain is less likely. Those touring Hungary during the less busy month of September will experience still-pleasant temperatures that will not compromise a thermal bath experience. The Great Hungarian Plain to the east of Budapest will be picturesque in the sunny autumn.

Rentals That Fit the Budget

Traveling to Hungary during the off season is mostly about avoiding the tourist traffic, whether on the road or in establishments like hotels and guesthouses, or medicinal baths. Prices for car rentals do not vary much more than $4 between seasons. Still, rental prices begin to increase around June and decrease after August. Prices start around $15 per day during the low season. Some local deals we have found are as follows:

1. Kia Picanto or similar (mini class) – $19/day
2. Suzuki Swift or similar (economy class) – $20/day
3. Opel Astra or similar (compact class) – $21/day
4. Skoda Rapid or similar (intermediate class) – $24/day
5. Ford Mondeo or similar (standard class) – $27/day

Money Saving Tips

Be sure to return the car to the original pick-up location, as the price for the vehicle will almost double when dropping it off at a different location. Also, be sure to check the car for damage before and record, with photos, any pre-existing scratches or bumps.

Airport locations are go-to spots to for the cheapest rental pick-up. However, renting from downtown Budapest is also a likely option. Prices do not vary much. Since traffic during rush hour can be harsh, use the search engine to find an option on the way out of the city.

The search engine allows for the visitor to our website to maximize their time and money by searching for promotions. Also, the smaller cars will be cheaper than the larger models that sites have to offer. Schiller Rent a Car is a local service with good reviews and prices, and other companies offering competitive vehicle hire rates in Hungary are Buchbinder, Megadrive and Global Rent a Car.

Official Bits and Tips for the Road

• In order to rent an automobile in Hungary, the driver must be older than 21 and have possessed a license for over a year.
• Renters are advised to obtain an International Driver’s Permit before traveling to Europe, as US licenses may have a requirement to have a Hungarian translation.
• All persons in the car are required to wear a seat belt while the car is in motion.
• There is zero tolerance for driving after drinking, so a driver cannot have even one alcoholic beverage. If you plan to have a night on the town, make sure there is another party legally registered to drive the rental. Otherwise, take a taxi.
• If stopped by an officer, the driver must show proof of a driver’s license and insurance, along with official rental documents. It may also prove wise to carry a passport or photocopy at all times.
• Drive on the right side of the road. Also, it is legal to park on the side with traffic flow, which will be on the right.
• An extra bulb for the headlight is required. Ask the auto rental company of its location. Furthermore, be sure to check that the car has a reflective vest and red triangle. There are many toll roads in Hungary. If you, the renter, wish to use the toll roads, speak to your auto rental representative about a vignette. If not provided, they can be purchased for the day. It is possible to purchase at a gas station by asking for a ‘matrica’.