Why Fly to Hungary
Hungary punches well above its weight for a landlocked Central European country. Budapest alone justifies the flight — thermal baths older than the city itself, a Parliament building that rivals anything in Europe, a castle district you could spend two days in, and a ruin bar scene that runs until sunrise. The food is hearty, the wine is underrated, and the prices are noticeably lower than in Vienna or Prague, which sit just a couple of hours away by train.
But Hungary isn't just Budapest. Head west to Sopron for cobblestone streets and wine cellars near the Austrian border. Drive northeast to Eger for a medieval castle, famous Bull's Blood red wine, and hot springs. Go south to Pécs for Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and a Mediterranean atmosphere that feels out of place this far north. Each of these cities is easy to reach, rarely overrun, and genuinely worth your time.
Best Time to Visit Hungary
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit between 15–25°C (59–77°F), the tourist crowds are manageable, and hotel prices haven't hit their summer peak. The countryside is green, outdoor terraces are open, and you can actually get a seat at Széchenyi Baths without planning your whole day around it.
July and August are hot — often above 30°C (86°F) — and Budapest especially gets busy. Prices rise and queues get long. That said, summer does bring outdoor festivals including the massive Sziget Festival in Budapest, which draws huge international crowds. Winter (December to February) is cold, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing, but Budapest's Christmas markets are genuinely good and the thermal baths feel exactly right when it's -5°C outside. Off-peak hotel rates make it a solid budget option if you don't mind the cold.
Getting Around Hungary
Hungary is small enough that domestic flights aren't necessary or practical. Trains are your best option for intercity travel — MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) connects Budapest to Pécs, Eger, Miskolc, and Győr with regular services. Booking in advance saves money and the trains are generally reliable, if not always modern. Sopron is well connected to both Budapest and Vienna by rail.
Budapest has excellent public transport: metro, trams, and buses cover the city efficiently, and a 24- or 72-hour travel pass is worth buying if you're moving around a lot. For getting between smaller towns or exploring rural areas — the Tokaj wine region, Lake Balaton, or the Puszta plains — renting a car is the most practical choice. Roads are in good condition and driving in Hungary is straightforward. For taxis in Budapest, use the Bolt app rather than flagging cabs on the street to avoid inflated fares.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens can enter Hungary with just a national ID card and stay indefinitely. UK and US passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules — no visa application needed, just a valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure. Starting in late 2026, visa-exempt travelers including UK and US citizens will need to register for an ETIAS authorization before travel — it's an online process, not a visa, but you'll need to sort it before flying. Check the official ETIAS website closer to your travel date for current status.
Money & Budget
Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF). Euros are not widely accepted outside a handful of tourist-facing hotels and border areas, so don't rely on them. ATMs are easy to find in cities and work well with foreign cards — just watch for third-party ATM fees and always choose to be charged in HUF rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic conversion markups. Contactless card payments work reliably in Budapest and larger towns, but carry cash for markets, rural restaurants, and smaller vendors.
Daily costs break down roughly like this: budget travelers staying in hostels and eating at markets or local canteens can get by on €35–45 per day. Mid-range — a decent hotel, sit-down meals, entry to baths and sights — runs €70–100 per day. Luxury travel with boutique hotels and fine dining pushes €150–200+. Budapest is the most expensive part of the country; everywhere else is noticeably cheaper.
Top Cities to Visit in Hungary
- Budapest: The capital and the main reason most people fly to Hungary — thermal baths, Buda Castle, the Danube riverfront, Parliament, and one of Europe's best nightlife scenes all in one city.
- Eger: A compact baroque city in the north with a well-preserved castle, famous Bull's Blood wine, and thermal baths — easy as a day trip from Budapest or worth an overnight stay.
- Pécs: Hungary's southernmost major city with a warm atmosphere, a well-preserved Ottoman mosque, Roman ruins, and a lively university crowd that keeps the restaurant and bar scene interesting.
- Sopron: A beautifully preserved medieval town right on the Austrian border — think Gothic churches, Roman ruins underfoot, and excellent local wines from the surrounding hills.
- Győr: A manageable, undervisited city halfway between Budapest and Vienna with a strong baroque old town and good transport links if you're moving between countries.
- Debrecen: Hungary's second-largest city in the east, a useful base for exploring the Hortobágy National Park and the flat Puszta landscape that defines the Hungarian countryside.
FAQ — Flights to Hungary
Which airport should I fly into for Budapest?
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main gateway and handles the vast majority of international flights to Hungary. It's located about 16km southeast of the city center. The 100E airport bus connects directly to Deák Ferenc tér in central Budapest for a flat fare — it's the cheapest and most straightforward option. Taxis are available but agree on a fare or use the Bolt app to avoid being overcharged.
Are there direct flights to Hungary from the US or UK?
Yes. Budapest has direct transatlantic connections from New York (JFK) with LOT Polish Airlines and occasionally with other carriers depending on the season. From the UK, multiple airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and British Airways operate direct routes from London and other regional airports to Budapest, with flight times around two to two and a half hours. Fares can be very competitive, especially if booked a few months out.
Is Hungary part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Hungary is a full Schengen member. If you're traveling through other Schengen countries before arriving in Hungary — say, flying into Vienna and taking the train to Budapest — you won't go through passport control at the Hungarian border. Your 90-day Schengen allowance covers the entire zone, not just Hungary, so factor in any other Schengen countries you visit on the same trip when calculating your permitted stay.