Balaton Lake is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Balaton Lake?
A typical traveler spends $114 (Ft38,911) per day on a trip to Balaton Lake. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Balaton Lake based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $51 (Ft17,329) on meals
- $13 (Ft4,317) on local transportation
- $103 (Ft35,092) on hotels
A one-week trip to Balaton Lake for two people costs, on average, $1,600 (Ft544,754). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$800
Ft272,377
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,600
Ft544,754
-
One Month
Per person
$3,430
Ft1,167,330
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,600
Ft544,754
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,201
Ft1,089,508
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,859
Ft2,334,660
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Balaton Lake cost?
A one week trip to Balaton Lake usually costs around $800 (Ft272,377) for one person and $1,600 (Ft544,754) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Balaton Lake on average costs around $1,600 (Ft544,754) for one person and $3,201 (Ft1,089,508) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Balaton Lake will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Balaton Lake on average costs around $3,430 (Ft1,167,330) for one person and $6,859 (Ft2,334,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Balaton Lake expensive to visit?
In Balaton Lake, budget travelers spend $48 (Ft16,240) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $114 (Ft38,911) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $252 (Ft85,762) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Balaton Lake.
Balaton Lake is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Balaton Lake can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Balaton Lake is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Balaton Lake Expensive?
Lake Balaton, Hungary
How much money do I need for a trip to Balaton Lake?
The average Balaton Lake trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Balaton Lake travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Balaton Lake cost?
Balaton Lake on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$21
(Ft7,266)
|
$52
(Ft17,546)
|
$116
(Ft39,509)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(Ft1,866)
|
$13
(Ft4,317)
|
$25
(Ft8,587)
|
|
Food2
|
$21
(Ft7,283)
|
$51
(Ft17,329)
|
$110
(Ft37,458)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(Ft3,036)
|
$22
(Ft7,512)
|
$53
(Ft18,005)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-6
(Ft638-1,913)
|
$5-14
(Ft1,612-4,835)
|
$12-36
(Ft4,063-12,188)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Balaton Lake on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Balaton Lake on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $48 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Balaton Lake will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $114 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $252 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Balaton Lake
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Balaton Lake can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Balaton Lake in the off-season is $, but in the peak travel season it will average around $. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Balaton Lake to range from $ to $. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Balaton Lake for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $103 (Ft35,092). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $52 (Ft17,546) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Balaton Lake? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Balaton Lake
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (Ft4,317) per person, per day, on local transportation in Balaton Lake. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Balaton Lake is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
Ft4,317
Budapest is the nearest major city to Balaton, making it a hub for international travel into the general area. Most travelers will arrive via Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport, Hungary's largest airport. Frequent trains from Budapest Deli and Budapest Keleti connect the capital with both shores of Lake Balaton. The journey by train to Siofok will take about 1.5 hours.
There is also a small international airport in Sarmellek, called Heviz Balaton Airport, which is located on the south end of Lake Balaton. It offers flights arriving from many European cities, especially German cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, and Leipzig, but also from Moscow, Russia, and Riga, Latvia.
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Balaton Lake? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Balaton Lake will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Balaton Lake
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Balaton Lake can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Balaton Lake is $51 (Ft17,329) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$51
Ft17,329
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Balaton Lake is around $51 (Ft17329) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $110. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Balaton Lake are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $36
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Cuisine of Hungary is primarily based on meats, seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh bread, dairy products, and cheeses. Paprika is used generously in cooking and is considered the national spice. Goulash, a soup or stew of meat and vegetables and seasoned with paprika and other spices, is especially popular and common throughout Hungary. Other specialties include stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls, roasted meats, and casseroles, as well as a hot and spicy fish soup called halaszle, a chilled sour cherry soup called hideg meggyleves, and Hungarian crepes called palacsinta which can be stuffed with jam, cheese, raisins, or meat. The Balaton region is a great location for lake fish dishes, such as Fogas (Pike-perch or Zander, a white fleshed fish), Keszeg (bream), Ponty (Carp), and sometimes Harcsa (catfish), which is the base for halaszle (a spicy fish soup).
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Balaton Lake
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Balaton Lake typically cost an average of $22 (Ft7,512) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
Ft7,512
Lake Balaton is one of the region's leading tourist destinations. The mountainous region of the northern shore, located largely within the bounds of Balaton Uplands National Park, is known both for its historic character and as a major wine region. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore the unique features of these volcanic hills, as well as wine trails to follow a different kind of journey tasting the wines produced by local growers. The flat southern shore is mainly known for its resort towns-the most popular three include Siofok, Keszthely, and Balatonfured. Each town has its own unique features from beaches and nightlife to historic sightseeing and architectural attractions. A few highlights near Balaton include the Lake Cave of Tapolca, Zirc Arboretum, Festetics Palace, and Tihany Abbey.
The region of Lake Balaton is home to a wide variety of activities. North of the lake there are volcanic hills with opportunities for hiking trails, as well as for exploring vineyards and tasting local vintages. Badacsony Hill, for example, combines the best of both worlds, providing a scenic climb peppered with small wine growers. Visitors can also spend time in Balaton relaxing in thermal spas, the most famous located at Heviz, which is home to Europe's largest thermal lake dotted with water lilies and surrounded by a nature conservation area.
The lake itself is also host to a range of activities. Boating is popular, with several annual sailing races and rentals available. The best rentals can be acquired at Fonyod, Balatonlelle, and Balatonfured. With fairly shallow waters, the lake also has many beaches. Beaches on the north shore typically have more facilities but with an entrance fee, while beaches on the south shore are usually free, though many sections are privately owned by hotels and campsites. In addition to boating and swimming, kite surfing is also popular with visitors.
Nightlife Budget in Balaton Lake
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.47 (Ft3,223) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Balaton Lake per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.47
Ft3,223
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Travel cost data last updated: May 30, 2025
Traveling in Balaton Lake
Lake Balaton, Hungary
Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.
Neighborhoods & Around
Listed below are some of the best-known lake towns of Balaton and their major features:
Siofok – situated on the south shore, charming and most popular holiday resort town with peaceful beaches and lively night life
Badacsony – located on the northern coast of Balaton, best-known for its wine
Balatonfured – on the north shore, another resort town like Siofok, though it is more traditional and less commercialized
Heviz – Hungary's most famous thermal spa with a large naturally-heated lake
Keszthely – the oldest town of Balaton, located on southern end; showcases architectural gems like the Festetics Palace
Szent György-hegy – an area known for its hiking opportunities, like the trail to the Basalt Organ Pipes
Szigliget – a village with hilltop castle ruins
Tihany – a peninsula town with an inner lake and landmark church that is visible from most of the lake
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.