How far is Lake Balaton from Budapest?

Published: June 08 2023

Lake Balaton, often hailed as the "Hungarian Sea," is a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Budapest. With its placid waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmospheres, it offers an ideal getaway for visitors exploring Hungary's natural beauty and cultural heritage. In this post, we'll examine the distance between Budapest and Lake Balaton and the various ways you can travel between the two destinations to make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one!

The distance between Budapest, Hungary's capital city, and Lake Balaton can vary depending on which part of the lake you want to visit. The approximate straight line distance, or the crow flies, between Budapest and the nearest point of Lake Balaton is around 80 kilometers or approximately 50 miles. In contrast, the farthest point can be up to 190 kilometers or roughly 118 miles away.

For a more practical approach, we will focus on some of the more popular towns and locations along the shores of Lake Balaton. This way, you can better estimate the distance you need to cover to make the most of your trip.

Balatonfüred, known for its sparkling waters and historic bathhouses, is one of the most popular destinations on the lake's northern shore. The driving distance from Budapest to Balatonfüred is approximately 125 kilometers (about 78 miles). The drive usually takes around 1.5 hours without traffic.

Keszthely, situated on Lake Balaton's western shore, is a home to the beautiful Festetics Palace and numerous other historical sites. The driving distance from Budapest to Keszthely is around 189 kilometers (approximately 117 miles), roughly 2.5 hours of driving time.

Siófok, a vibrant summer hub known for its exciting nightlife and sizzling beaches, is popular among young and energetic visitors. Located on the lake's southern shore, Siófok is about 103 kilometers (roughly 64 miles) away from Budapest. This drive typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.

There are several convenient ways to travel between Budapest and Lake Balaton, depending on your preferences and schedule.

Renting a car in Budapest can provide you with maximum flexibility to explore Lake Balaton at your own leisure. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The most common route is to take the M7 motorway from Budapest, but always check for any road construction or closures beforehand.

The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) provides train services between Budapest and various towns around the Lake Balaton, and it is one of the most popular and affordable travel options. The train ride to major towns like Balatonfüred, Siófok, and Keszthely typically takes around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether you opt for a direct or transfer route. Train schedules and fares can be found on the MÁV-START website (https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en).

If you prefer to travel by bus, the company VOLÁNBUSZ operates various lines connecting Budapest to different towns around Lake Balaton. The journey's duration varies between 2 to 3 hours, and ticket prices depend on the specific route you choose. You can find more information on their website (https://www.volanbusz.hu/en).

Regardless of which part of Lake Balaton you wish to visit, convenience and accessibility are never an issue when traveling from Budapest. With a distance ranging from 80 to 190 kilometers (50 to 118 miles) and a variety of travel options, visiting this wondrous lake is a must during your stay in Hungary. Make the most of your trip to Lake Balaton, exploring the hidden gems and rich cultural heritage that await you at this unforgettable destination!