Car Rental at Budapest Airport, Hungary

Welcome to Budapest, the enchanting pearl of the Danube! As you immerse yourself in the city's rich history and breathtaking architecture, make your exploration even more remarkable with U-Save Car Rental. Navigating the charming streets and discovering hidden gems is a breeze with our reliable and well-maintained vehicles at your disposal. Whether you're planning a visit to the majestic Buda Castle or a relaxing day at the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath, U-Save Car Rental offers the perfect solution for your transportation needs.

Our dedicated team, familiar with Budapest's unique attractions, will ensure you receive personalized assistance and insider tips to make the most of your journey. Experience the wonders of Budapest like a local with U-Save Car Rental - your gateway to an unforgettable adventure in this captivating city. Secure your rental now and let the magic unfold!

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Tips for renting a car at Budapest Airport

Before you rent:

Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.

When you collect your Vehicle:

Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.

Create the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport, and active credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.

Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.

While you rent:

Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.

When you return your vehicle:

Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.

Hungary

Drive on the right side of the road

Forint (HUF) is the local currency

Average temperatures are 26°F (-3°C) - 79°F (26°C)

Budapest airport hero

Driving in Budapest & Central Hungary – Conditions, Rules & Local Tips

 

Driving from Budapest Airport is generally efficient, especially when heading out of the city. Within Budapest itself, drivers should be prepared for one-way streets, congestion, and complex intersections, particularly near the Danube bridges and historic areas.

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and road signage is in Hungarian, using international symbols. Most rental cars are manual, so request an automatic early if needed.

Speed limits in Hungary are:

50 km/h (31 mph) in cities

90 km/h (56 mph) on country roads

110 km/h (68 mph) on expressways

130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways

Hungary Header 1417 x 945

Driving in Budapest & Central Hungary – Conditions, Rules & Local Tips

 

All motorways require a digital toll sticker (vignette). If your rental doesn’t include one, purchase it at a fuel station near the airport or online — enforcement is via license plate scanning, and fines for non-payment are automatic.

Headlights must be on at all times outside city limits, even during daylight. Seatbelts are mandatory, and mobile phone use is prohibited unless via a hands-free system.

Hungary enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving (BAC limit is 0.00%). Never drive after consuming alcohol — penalties are severe and immediate.

Fuel stations near the airport and on highways are well-equipped and usually accept cards, though rural stations may require cash. Watch for the Hungarian word “benzinkút” (gas station).

Parking in central Budapest is regulated. Most areas use paid zones (blue signs) with hourly limits. Parking garages are available near key attractions, and app-based payment (such as Simple or Parkl) is common.

Traffic can be dense during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM), especially near bridges and on the M0 ring road. Plan accordingly when leaving or returning the car.

FAQs About Renting a Car at Budapest Airport

Where do I pick up my car?

We are located at the Airport. For more details please contact us!

How far is Budapest Airport from the city center?

Roughly 16 km (10 miles) — around 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic and route.

Is there a direct highway from the airport?

Yes. The airport connects easily to Route 4 and the M0 ring road, which links to all major motorways leading across Hungary and into neighboring countries.

Do I need a vignette to use Hungarian highways?

Yes. Hungary uses a digital vignette system. If your rental doesn’t include one, buy it immediately after picking up the car to avoid fines.

Is it easy to park in Budapest?

In central areas, parking is limited and regulated. Use public garages or park outside the center and walk or use public transport.

Can I drive from Budapest to Austria or Slovakia?

Yes. Budapest is about 2.5 hours from Vienna and 2 hours from Bratislava. Ensure your rental contract allows cross-border travel and request written permission if needed.

Are there any driving quirks I should know about in Hungary?

Yes. Hungarian drivers are generally calm, but road signs may be only in Hungarian, and speed traps are common. Also, always keep headlights on outside towns.