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Compare rental cars from leading providers in Budapest with Road Genius. From compact cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up in the city center or at Budapest Airport (BUD), compare Budapest car rental deals and choose manual or automatic to suit your plans. Check airport surcharges, mileage limits and opening hours, and you’re set for day trips to Szentendre, Gödöllő or the Danube Bend.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest City Center | • No airport fees • Convenient if you stay in Budapest first • Multiple locations in the city center (near train stations, hotels) • Often cheaper for longer rentals |
• Limited opening hours (typically 8:00-19:00) • Smaller selection of vehicles • Driving in busy city traffic right after pick-up |
| Budapest Airport (BUD) | • Pick up your car right after you land • Longer opening hours • Wider selection of vehicles • All major rental companies are at the airport |
• Airport surcharge (10-15%) • Long lines during busy hours • An unnecessary cost if you are staying in Budapest first |
Popular city rental locations:
Transportation between airport and city: If you arrive at Budapest Airport but plan to rent from a city location later:
On average, car rentals in Budapest cost around 35,103 HUF per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 17,023 HUF per day.
Rent only for day trips or after leaving Budapest. Use the metro/trams first, then pick up the car to cut rental days.
Pick up in the city if you won’t drive right away. Airport rentals carry a ~10-15% surcharge. Take Bus 100E (~2,200 HUF) into town, then collect the car.
Compare brands, locations and dates. Check city vs airport, try shifting times to business hours to avoid after-hours fees, and look at weekly rates if you’re at 5+ days.
Choose manual and compact if you’re comfortable. Automatics are usually about 50% more.
Skip paid extras. Use your phone for GPS, only add an extra driver if essential, and refuel yourself before return.
Trim parking costs. Free after 20:00 and many Sundays; pick cheaper garages like WestEnd Mall or Corvin Plaza, and use Parkl for easy in-app payment.
| Zone | Rate (Approx.) | Hours | Zone Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 (District V, VI, parts of I) | Varies | Varies by district; check local signage | • Central tourist areas • Highest rates • Limited availability • Often 2-3 hour limits |
| Zone 2 (Parts of Districts I, II, VI, VII, VIII, IX) | Varies | Varies by district; check local signage | • Surrounding central districts • Moderate availability |
| Zone 3 (Outer parts of central districts) | Varies | Varies by district; check local signage | • Better availability • Lower rates |
| Zone 4 (Outer districts) | Varies | Varies by district; check local signage | • Least expensive • Good availability |
Payment methods:
Free periods:
| Car Park | Location | Daily Rate (Approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aranykéz Street Garage | District V | Varies | • Near shopping streets • Central location • 24-hour operation |
| WestEnd Mall Car Park | District XIII | Varies | • Good value • Near Nyugati Station • Metro connections |
| Corvin Plaza Garage | District VIII | Varies | • Reasonable rates • Shopping center location |
| Mammut Mall Car Park | Buda side, District II | Varies | • Convenient for Buda attractions • Metro connection |
• One-way streets: Common throughout Budapest, especially in Pest
• Bus lanes: Reserved for public transport (marked "BUSZ" on road), avoid using these
• Tram tracks: Do not drive on tram-only sections
• Pedestrian zones: Several areas are pedestrianized, particularly in District V and Castle District
• Castle District: Restricted vehicle access (primarily residents and hotels)
• Margaret Island: No public vehicle access (only hotel guests and authorized vehicles)
• Speed cameras: Located at major intersections and on main roads
• Right of way: Yield to traffic from the right at unmarked intersections
• Trams: Always have priority; must stop when trams are boarding passengers
Get a rental car to drive to:
Danube Bend – Visegrád Castle, Esztergom Basilica
Szentendre – museums, galleries
Gödöllő Palace – Hungaroring
Etyek Wine Region – wineries
Is it worth renting a car just for exploring Budapest?
If you're only visiting the Budapest city center, using public transport is often easier and cheaper. You can use the large network of metros, trams and buses to reach most tourist spots and you won't have to worry about parking. You should only rent a car if you plan to take day trips outside the city or if you're staying in an outer district.
Where can I find free parking in Budapest?
You can find free parking in most areas on evenings (after 20:00), Sundays and national holidays. Some outer districts beyond the Grand Boulevard offer free parking zones. You should always check the local signs to confirm the rules for that location.
How difficult is driving in Budapest for foreigners?
Budapest has a fairly simple road network, but the one-way streets, tram lines and busy traffic can be tricky for first-time visitors. If you're used to driving in European cities, you should adapt quickly. If you're not sure, think about starting your rental after you leave the city center.
Can I drive in the Castle District?
Only certain vehicles can drive in the Castle District. If you're staying at a hotel in the area, you should tell them before you arrive so they can organize access for you. Otherwise, it's best to park in a designated area at the bottom of Castle Hill and walk up or use public transport.
What should I do if I receive a parking ticket?
If you get a parking fine, the authorities usually send it to the rental company. The company will charge the fine to your credit card and add an admin fee. If you think the ticket is a mistake, take photos and contact the rental company right away.
Are there any low emission zones in Budapest?
Right now, Budapest doesn't have a permanent low emission zone that restricts cars. However, when there's high pollution, the city might put temporary restrictions in place. These rules rarely affect tourists because rental cars are usually new enough to meet modern emission standards.
How reliable is GPS navigation in Budapest?
GPS navigation works well in Budapest, but it can sometimes get confused by one-way streets or recent road changes. You can rely on major navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps. Waze is especially good for live traffic updates in the city.
What is the procedure if my car breaks down in Budapest?
You should call your rental company's emergency assistance number right away. Most rental companies provide 24-hour roadside help as part of the rental agreement. For general roadside help, you can call the Hungarian Automobile Club at +36 1 345-1755.
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