The 8 Best Lake Balaton Tours from Budapest

1.Lake Balaton Day Tour

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

This 9.5-hour trip pairs a two-hour coach ride from Budapest with Balatonfüred’s little nostalgia train, a one-hour Lake Balaton cruise, and a guided visit to Tihany Peninsula and its 1055 abbey. You get transport, a guide, and the main transfers, but lunch is extra and free time is limited. Guides vary, so book for the route, not a particular guide.

“I was looking forward to this trip, i.e. leaving the hustle & bustle of the big city and getting some "fresh air". Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate: cloudy and rainy - NO sun!! A small group of 15 people and 2 guides (1x for the English & German speaking travellers and 1x for the Spanish ones). Nevertheless, it was a quiet & relaxing day with few people around.”

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2.Lake Balaton Tour

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

Spend 9.5 hours exploring Lake Balaton’s northern shore by air-conditioned bus or minivan. Walk Balatonfüred’s promenades and marina, take a one-hour cruise, then visit Tihany Peninsula for lake views. A live guide leads the trip in English, German, French, Italian, or Spanish. Lunch is not included, and time for swimming may be limited.

“El guía muy buena gente, y el hecho de saber varios idiomas, gana mucho puntos…solo que 90€ por persona me parece un poco caro, sin embargo, el país es caro en general”

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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

Spend about eight hours travelling from Budapest to Lake Balaton in a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit Balatonfüred and Tihany, see the Benedictine abbey, and cross the lake by ferry. Guides such as Attila and Balazs are known for adapting the day to your interests. Classic cars have been used, but the vehicle can vary.

“In 2006 I had gone to Lake Balaton with my father and I remembered how beautiful it was. This year I was taking my two adult sons on their first visit to Hungary, and I wanted them to experience Lake Balaton. It was a great tour. Our driver/guide Balazs picked us up in a classic Lincoln Town Car. He answered all our questions but also added context by bringing in personal experiences, current events, and things like that. He had an excellent knowledge of Hungarian history, particularly from the old Soviet era to the present day. We had very pleasant stops for refreshments and lunch. Balazs took us to all…”

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4.Lake Balaton & Cruise

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

Leave Budapest at 8:30 AM for a 9-hour English-language excursion to Lake Balaton. Visit Tihany Abbey, founded in 1055, spend free time in Balatonfüred, then take a boat ride. A guide and air-conditioned transport are included; lunch and the abbey entrance fee are extra.

“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

Spend eight hours outside Budapest with an English-speaking private guide, air-conditioned transport and a short ferry ride across Lake Balaton. Visit Balatonfüred and the Tihany Peninsula, with time for views, a village stroll and an optional church and monastery exhibition. Guides have included Attila and Balascz Ackermann; the guide and exact stops may vary.

“The guide today was just fabulous! Balascz Ackermann arrived in one of his lovely classic cars and gave us a delightful experience to the lake and back, he was attentive and kind and a gentleman. Will definitely book him when back in Budapest!”

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6.Lake Balaton & Herend Porcelain Private Day Tour

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

Leave Budapest by private car or minivan for Lake Balaton, Herend’s hand-painted porcelain workshop and the Tihany Peninsula. You’ll see porcelain production, watch a 3D film, visit the Benedictine Abbey and stop in Balatonfüred. Guide Gabor earned particular praise for listening to his guests’ interests, though guides can vary.

“Our guide was very attentive and courteous. He explained the area we drove through and made every effort to insure we saw all that we wanted.”

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7.Lake Balaton and Herend Full-Day Private Tour

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

Take a private 10-hour trip from Budapest to Herend and Lake Balaton. Your guide leads a visit to the porcelain manufactory, then the route continues to Tihany Abbey and Balatonfüred’s promenade. Hotel pickup and bus transport are included; entrance fees and meals are not. Choose from five guide languages, with the route and duration flexible to your wishes.

“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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8.Lake Balaton and Herend Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · 9 hours · from $412

This nine-hour private tour links Herend’s porcelain-making rooms and museum with Lake Balaton views, Tihany Peninsula, and Balatonfüred’s historic promenade. You travel from your Budapest hotel with a guide in an air-conditioned car. George Molnar is the guide named by one guest, though you should ask whether he is available.

“Beautiful area of Hungary that was interesting to see. Nice combination with the lake and manufacturing tour. The quality of the tour does not match the price.”

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