How to find a cheap car hire deal in Budapest
Need a cheap rental car in Budapest? With an average price of $108 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or something in between, we round up all the best deals to help you book smart.
Daily rental prices in Budapest start from just $12.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $62 and fit more into your itinerary.
Get the timing right and book around four weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Budapest car hire.
Klass Wagen, Sixt and Dryyve are some of the most reliable providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
The coverage Klass Wagen or another company includes with your Budapest car hire can differ, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Want to explore without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $44 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around $41.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly $100 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not quite sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in Budapest.
Flying to Budapest? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If you're flying to Budapest through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 16 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Budapest
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for small families and couples.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Budapest car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Budapest makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Budapest car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Budapest by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Hungary.
Travelling with kids? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Budapest car hire booking.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Hungary may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 125kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
Hand the keys to someone else if your plans involve alcohol. Hungary enforces a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving, and fines may apply.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.
Hungarian is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Budapest for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Arcadia Hotel Budapest. Around 2 kilometres from central Budapest, it comes with parking, an airport shuttle and shuttle services.
Hotel Memories Budapest gets things right with parking and features such as a sauna and a laundry. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Budapest for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
You're ready to make some memories now you've found a car hire deal in Budapest and your hotel. From River Danube to Fisherman's Bastion and Hungarian Parliament Building, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Budapest
Kecskemét should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Széchenyi tér and Kecskemét Cathedral. This city is around 80 kilometres southeast of central Budapest.
Gokart Hotel and Aranyhomok Business-City-Wellness Hotel are popular accommodation options with parking in Kecskemét.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Budapest and travel roughly 56 kilometres southwest to Székesfehérvár. Featuring Székesfehérvár Downtown and Rózsaliget, it's every bit as good as advertised.
Take it easy after a day spent exploring Székesfehérvár at Hotel Platan or Best Western Plus Lakeside Hotel. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Motor on to Szeged, around 161 kilometres southeast of Budapest. From Votive Church to Uj Zsinagoga, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
Get some shut-eye in Szeged at either Art Hotel Szeged or Tisza Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a spot for your wheels too.
