How long is the train from Budapest to Lake Balaton?
About 1h20m–1h50m to Siófok on the south shore and around 2 hours to Balatonfüred on the north shore.
To Siófok
≈ 1h 20m–1h 50m
To Balatonfüred
≈ 2h
Fares from
≈ 2,500–4,500 HUF
Extra summer trains
Mid-June to August
Depart from
Budapest-Déli or Kelenföld
Arrive at
Siófok, Balatonfüred, Keszthely and lakeside stops
Train, coach or car? Your options compared
| Option | Time | Typical price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| InterCity to Siófok/Keszthely | 1h 20m–3h | ≈ 3,000–5,000 HUF | Fastest; IC supplement included in ticket |
| Regional train to Balatonfüred | ≈ 2h | ≈ 2,500–4,000 HUF | North shore — wine villages and Tihany |
| Coach (Volánbusz) | 1h 30m–2h 30m | Similar | Useful for villages away from the line |
| Car (M7) | ≈ 1h 30m | Fuel + vignette | Expect heavy Friday/Sunday summer traffic |
Times and prices are typical guides — always check the live timetable when booking.
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Step by step
- 1Pick your shore: south for beaches and nightlife, north for wine, hills and Tihany.
- 2Compare trains below and book ahead for summer weekends.
- 3Depart from Déli (Buda side) or board at Kelenföld (metro M4).
- 4Tihany has no station — take the train to Balatonfüred and a short bus or ferry.
Local tips
- Summer weekend trains get packed — reserve and arrive early for a seat.
- Lake ferries connect Siófok, Balatonfüred and Tihany in season.
- Bikes can travel on most regional trains for a small fee — great for the Balaton cycle path.
When you arrive
Most Balaton stations are just a short walk from the lakeshore and beaches — no transfer needed.