Car Rentals in Budapest, HUN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Budapest

Renting a car in Budapest provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families and those interested in cultural experiences, as it allows for easy luggage management and the ability to create flexible travel plans. With a rental car, you can effortlessly visit key attractions such as the historic Parliament Building and the romantic Buda Castle, both located in the city centre. Other notable destinations include Margaret Island, an urban park perfect for outdoor family experiences, and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Erzsebetvaros and Inner City Budapest, where you can find the Hungarian State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica. Having a car makes it convenient to travel between these sites without the constraints of public transport schedules. Whether you are planning a leisurely day exploring the cultural heart of Budapest or venturing to nearby areas, a rental car enhances your sightseeing experience, allowing you to take in the city's charm while ensuring comfort and ease for everyone in your party.

Most popular car hires in Budapest

• Compact SUV: This popular choice accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact SUV is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families who desire the flexibility to explore Budapest and its surroundings comfortably. With its higher stance, it offers a better view of the road and surroundings, making it an excellent option for navigating both city streets and rural areas.
• Economy: A favourite among travellers, the Economy car type also accommodates 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, this option offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to explore Budapest without compromising on comfort. Its smaller size makes it easy to manoeuvre through the busy streets and find parking in the city.
• Midsize SUV: Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle provides ample space for passengers and luggage, making it an excellent choice for those planning longer trips or needing extra room for gear. With its combination of comfort and versatility, the Midsize SUV is well-suited for exploring both urban and natural attractions around Budapest.

Top rated car suppliers in Budapest

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice among travellers in Budapest, boasting 3 convenient rental locations throughout the city. Known for its well-maintained fleet, the most frequently booked vehicles with Sixt are Compact and Midsize SUVs, ideal for navigating both urban and rural areas. With a reputation for excellent customer service and a seamless rental process, Sixt ensures a flexible travel experience, allowing you to explore the beautiful surroundings of Budapest at your leisure.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 3 rental locations in Budapest, making it easily accessible for tourists. This supplier is particularly favoured for its Economy and Compact cars, perfect for city driving and efficient parking. Customers appreciate Hertz for its reliable service, quick rental procedure, and a wide selection of vehicles to suit various needs. Renting from Hertz provides the freedom to discover Budapest and its nearby attractions comfortably.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car features 1 rental location in Budapest, making it a convenient option for those looking to hire a vehicle. This supplier is known for its well-maintained cars, with Compact and Economy models being the most popular choices among renters. Alamo enjoys positive feedback for its quick pickup process and friendly staff, ensuring a pleasant experience as you venture through Budapest and its enchanting vicinity.

Where to stay in Budapest

• Budapest City Centre: This vibrant neighbourhood is the heart of Budapest, perfect for those seeking a family or culture-themed experience. Close to significant landmarks like the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen's Basilica, it offers a rich historical backdrop. You can explore the local public market and enjoy various food and drink options, including wineries and cafes.
• Jozsefvaros: Known for its entertainment and cultural attractions, Jozsefvaros features exciting venues such as an arena entertainment facility and a water park. Key points of interest include Orczy Park, suitable for outdoor family activities, and the Hungarian State Opera House, ideal for romantic evenings. The area is also well-served by dining options, making it a convenient stay for food lovers.
• District VI: This district is popular among families and culture enthusiasts, offering a mix of shopping and theatrical experiences. Notable attractions include the House of Terror Museum and the Parliament Building, both steeped in history. St. Stephen's Basilica is also within reach, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. The area's shopping scene and body treatment venues add to its appeal for a comfortable stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Budapest

1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for affordability, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best options for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often allows you to obtain lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favourable option. Other policies may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Budapest

The best value period for renting a car in and around Budapest is October, as demand is low and prices are generally lower. September also offers slightly low prices with average demand, making it a decent shoulder month. In contrast, July through August sees high demand and slightly high prices, marking the most expensive period for car hires. June tends to be busy as well, with similar pricing trends, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	32.9°F (0.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	36.1°F (2.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	44.2°F (6.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	53.8°F (12.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
November	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	35.2°F (1.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average