How to find a cheap car hire deal in Budapest
Grab a cheap rental car in Budapest and start your adventure for around R 3,436 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.
Daily rental prices in Budapest start from just R 270.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from R 1,888 and fit more into your itinerary.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Budapest car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
Klass Wagen, Sixt and Dryyve are some of the most popular providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Budapest car hire policy, whether with Klass Wagen or a different supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can score some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Budapest.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average R 1,231 a day.
Next up is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/green-motion/675)), offering daily rates of around R 1,673.
The third option also performs well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly R 1,435 a day.
The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Budapest.
Flying to Budapest? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Budapest, start exploring sooner by booking a car hire at Budapest Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 16 kilometres and takes about 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Budapest
Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Budapest car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Budapest that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Budapest car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Budapest.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Hungary. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your Budapest car hire booking.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Driving in Hungary might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
Drinking and driving are not allowed under any circumstances in Hungary. The country has a zero-tolerance approach, so leave the car parked if you're planning to consume alcohol.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Hungarian Forint (HUF) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
Best hotels in Budapest for drivers
Offering valet parking, Hotel Clark Budapest - Adults Only makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 0.16 kilometres from central Budapest and also comes with station shuttle services and a coffee maker.
Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Hotel Vision Budapest by Continental Group. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features massage services and an airport shuttle.
Need more ideas? Browse through the full list of hotels in Budapest. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Budapest and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to explore first. Kick things off with must-see attractions such as Fisherman's Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Budapest
Shift gears and take off to Kecskemét. Around 80 kilometres southeast of central Budapest, you'll find must-do sights like Széchenyi tér and Kecskemét Cathedral.
You'll be well taken care of at Aranyhomok Hotel Business & Relax and Gokart Hotel, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Kecskemét.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Budapest and drive around 56 kilometres southwest to Székesfehérvár. Featuring Székesfehérvári Ciszterci templom and Új Magyar Képtár, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Székesfehérvár has some good places to stay including Hotel Platan and Best Western Plus Lakeside Hotel. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Szeged, about 161 kilometres southeast of Budapest. From Votive Church to Uj Zsinagoga, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
Check out the room availability at Art Hotel Szeged or Novotel Szeged. They're an ideal base for exploring everything Szeged has to offer. They also have parking available.
