The 15 Best Lake Balaton Day Trips from Budapest

1.Lake Balaton Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 108 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $128Our pick

Trade Budapest for Lake Balaton on a 9.5-hour guided outing to Balatonfüred and Tihany. Ride the nostalgia train, cruise for an hour, walk the promenade, and visit Tihany Abbey. Guides such as Elizabeth, Clara, and Yolanda have led memorable departures, though commentary and transport comfort can vary.

“The drive to Lake Balaton was good and enable us to see another part of Hungary. The little train journey was fun, however as other comments have said the only disappointment was it was in Hungarian - the guide doesn’t come on the train with you. You are given a booklet but to see everything you can’t be reading the booklet at the same time. The boat trip on the Lake was great and there was a good mix of shaded and sunny seats. There was a toilet on board and you could also purchase drinks. Th views of the peninsula were fabulous and then the drive up to the…”

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2.Lake Balaton Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 107 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $128

Travel from Budapest to Lake Balaton, Hungary’s largest freshwater lake, with a live guide in English, German, French, Italian, or Spanish. Walk Balatonfüred’s lakeshore, cruise for one hour, then visit Tihany Peninsula for Abbey Hill views, the inner lake, and lavender fields. The 9.5-hour trip costs $128, with lunch and drinks extra.

“I don't usually post negative reviews, but I was really disappointed with this one. The guides were lovely, but the train was just of boring backstreets and roads, a complete waste of time. I only booked this tour because it promised swimming in the lake and lavender fields. If swimming was even a possibility, we were never told where to go for it, so I kept thinking it would be a later part. It never happened. Then the same with the lavender fields. I thought it was the last part of the tour, and eventually was disappointed to realise we were on route home. It was mid August so they…”

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3.Private tour from Budapest to a top hidden treasure region of Europe: Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $265Top rated

Travel from Budapest to Lake Balaton in a private vehicle with a guide such as Attila or Balazs. See Balatonakarattya, Balatonfüred, Tihany, the Benedictine Abbey, and the Szántód-Tihany ferry. The day runs about eight hours, includes hotel or port pickup, and can be adjusted for your group.

“Fantastic! Do not hesitate book it. Our guide was great even stopping at his favorite backers in the way back.”

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4.Lake Balaton & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 35 reviews · 9 hours · from $100

Travel from Budapest to Lake Balaton with an English-speaking guide, visit Tihany Abbey, stroll Balatonfüred’s famous promenade, and take a boat ride. The tour costs $100 and includes transport, guiding, and the boat ticket. Lunch and the abbey entrance fee cost extra. Guide Sofia has led some departures.

“Escursione completa al Lago Balaton, la suora ha spiegato molte cose interessanti; luogo tranquillo, dorata e tappe giuste”

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5.The Turquoise Sea of Hungary: Lake Balaton Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 8 hours · from $235

Leave Budapest for an eight-hour private trip to Lake Balaton with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and ferry tickets. You’ll see Balatonfüred, Tihany Peninsula, and the Benedictine church and museum, with time for lunch and village wandering. Guides may include Attila or Balazs Ackermann, depending on the day.

“I thought that paying about 220 euro per person would give us a better experience. It is true that the continuous drizzling rain did not help, but I expected visiting a small village by the lake and maybe spend some time on our own going round.”

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6.Sailing at Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Szilárd Goda aboard his 35-foot sailboat in Balatonföldvár for a private Lake Balaton outing lasting about two and a half hours. He adjusts the route to the wind, teaches beginners, trains experienced sailors, and may stop for a swim. Life vests are supplied, but bring food, drinks, and clothing for changing weather.

“Second time going sailing with him and we keep coming back! The experience is amazing, end to end. He adopts the plans to the weather and your wishes. He knows the lake like the palm of his hand! You can feel safe and enjoy a great sailing experience! He will be happy to teach you as well!”

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7.Lake Balaton & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 19 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $102

Leave Budapest at 9:00 am for a full day at Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. You’ll visit Tihany Abbey and village, stroll Balatonfüred’s Tagore Promenade, and take a boat ride. The air-conditioned group tour has a maximum of 20 people, but lunch and entrance fees are extra.

“A great day trip! The perfect choice for my first day - I did not have to get up too early, and, the tour was a nice, easy pace all day. Ample time to explore on my own at the different stops. Great driver and tour guide. Very knowledgeable and professional. I plan to arrange another of your tours on my next visit!”

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8.Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours · from $94Best value

Paddle about 3 kilometers through the peaceful waters near Tihany National Park on a two-hour guided SUP tour. Guides including Ákos, Andreas, and Hetti provide a clear introduction, fit your board, and adjust help to your level. Bring water, swimwear, and a waterproof phone case for photos.

“We had an amazing time with our guide Hetti! She taught us how to sup and she was so kind. The lake is beautiful and the temperature of the water was around 26 degrees so really nice! I recommend this a lot, we had so much fun. The trip was relaxing due to the sunbathing and swimming we had in between but at the same time it was a great outdoor activity to bring some action into your holiday :)”

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9.SUP Course and Tour at Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $94

At Club Tihany, instructor Andreas and his small team teach you the basics of stand-up paddling in English, German, or Hungarian. You practice on a simulator and beach before heading onto Lake Balaton for an hour of independent paddling toward Tihany National Park. Equipment and a life jacket are included.

“We had a really great time at this paddle boarding lesson. By the end of the lesson we felt confident and were enjoying being out on the water on the paddle board. Andreas was a great teacher. Very patient with lots of helpful tips to improve our technique. We would really recommend this activity.”

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10.Lake Balaton Tihany & Tapolca Cave Lake trip by Private Transport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $270

Leave Budapest at 9:30 am with private driver-guide Peter for Tapolca’s underground cave lake, where you row through the water, then visit Tihany and Balatonfüred on Lake Balaton. Hotel pickup, drop-off, entrance fees, and private transport are included. The day lasts about 6 to 8 hours and can be tailored to your group.

“Tapolca Cave Lake is an amazing place. You do not want to miss the fun underground boat ride through the caves. My adult son and I had a blast. The beauty of the water and caves is stunning and otherworldly.We had a wonderful lunch nearby and saw the beautiful town and mill pond. Lake Balaton was also a part of the tour and it was absolutely beautiful. I had two tours with Peter during our week in Budapest, and we learned so much from him. He really gives you a personalized tour that is unique and he is very attentive to your needs. We didn't feel like tourists, we felt…”

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11.Budapest to Lake Balaton and Porcelain Museum Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $385

Travel from Budapest in a private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel or airport pickup. Visit Herend’s hand-painted porcelain workshop, see Tihany Peninsula, stroll Balatonfüred, and enjoy a three-course Hungarian lunch in Csopak. Guides including Susan, Attila, and Nora have shaped the day around local history, scenery, and your pace.

“Our tour guide Atilla made the trip wonderful! Informative, attentive, and authentic. Lake Balatan is such a beautiful area. We got lucky with the weather. Rode a ferry boat, fed the swans, and immersed ourselvs in the history of the area. What more would you want?”

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12.See the Hungarian Sea: Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $131

Travel from central Budapest to Lake Balaton in an air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Balatonfüred by nostalgia train, cruise for one hour, pause for optional lunch, and explore Tihany Peninsula, including its abbey viewpoint, inner lake, and lavender fields. English service is offered, with guide Christine named in one review.

“The overall experience was fantastic. I will say though that the cruise on the lake was a bit disappointing. There was no commentary so we didn’t know what we were looking at. Once we got to Tihany, the Lavender town it became obvious what we saw. The tour leader was very informative and patient.”

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13.Lake Balaton & Herend Porcelain Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 7 reviews · 9 hours · from $412

Travel by private car or minivan from Budapest to Lake Balaton, Herend Porcelain, Tihany, and Balatonfüred. You will tour the Herend factory, watch a 3D film, visit Tihany Abbey, enjoy lake views, and choose an optional local lunch. Guides speak English, German, or Italian.

“Le Lac balaton est à voir au moins une fois si vous êtes de passage en Hongrie et la visite de la fabrique de porcelaine de Herend est très sympa à faire, tout comme le village de Tihany. Néanmoins, notre guide était très moyen !!! (comme l'atteste l'évaluation générale de notre journée). Elle répondait que brièvement à nos interrogations, elle nous a laissée que très peu de liberté concernant les itinéraires à suivre surtout au cours de notre promenade au cœur du village de Tihany et le pire est qu'elle s'est ajoutée d'elle même à notre table pendant notre diner au restaurant panoramique de Tihany sans nous demander si cela…”

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14.Lake Balaton and Herend Full-Day Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 5 reviews · 10 hours · from $436

Travel privately from Budapest to Herend and Lake Balaton with a Spanish, English, French, German, or Italian-speaking guide. Tour the historic porcelain manufactory, see Tihany Abbey, and walk Balatonfüred’s lakeside promenade. The route can be adjusted to suit your wishes, though entrance fees and meals are extra.

“A very delightful day. We enjoyed the tour at Herend Porcelain Co. The guide was very informative,polite and very informative. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

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15.Sunset SUP Tour along the Tihany National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 4 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

You’ll paddle about 3 kilometers across Lake Balaton from Club Tihany, following the reeds toward the tip of Tihany Peninsula as the sun drops. A guide provides your SUP board, paddle, safety vest, and a short lesson. The tour suits confident swimmers and older participants, but beginners should take the daytime course first.

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