Rent a Car in Budapest and BUD Airport

Budapest International Airport (BUD) › Car Rentals

Rent a Car in Budapest

Budapest taxis offer effective and fast transfers, while the city’s public transportation system provides efficient services at the most affordable prices. However, if you are looking for comfortable and independent rides without having to hail a taxi or align your schedule with the public modes of transport routes and itineraries, then a Budapest car rental would be the best way to move around Budapest.

Is it Worth Renting a Car in Budapest?

If your places of interest are limited to Budapest city center, then renting a car isn’t definitely worth your time and money. Driving around Budapest downtown can be tricky, especially during the peak hours when the traffic levels are high and finding a parking spot isn’t an easy task. Therefore, using cheap public transport, hiring a pricier, still affordable Budapest taxi, or even renting a bike would be good ideas for transferring inside the city center. However, if you intend to explore Budapest suburbs, and other Hungarian cities or cross the borders to visit Bratislava or Vienna, a car rental will be the ideal option, allowing you to move freely during your trips. 

Our Tip: Please note that not all car rental companies allow cross-border transfers. Moreover, even when they do, they usually charge an extra fee.

How to Rent a Car in Budapest?

If you are in search of the best value for money car rental deal and you are looking for premium car rental at low-cost prices, the first thing you should do is to cast about the available options. After searching and comparing the potential bargains and deciding on the car rental company, you’ll have to enter its website and fill in the booking form. Please keep in mind that early bookings always end up at better prices and a wider variety of vehicle options.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Budapest?

The cost of a car rental depends on the model, the month of the year, and, of course, the rental duration. Overall, longer rentals offer a cheaper cost per day. In general terms, a mini car in Budapest costs about 13750HUF (35€/38.80$). On the other hand, if you choose a Budapest Airport car rental -that is, if you rent a car from the airport- you should expect prices to be slightly higher.

Can I Rent a Car without Insurance?

Liability insurance is necessary by Hungarian law. Thus, renting a car without insurance isn’t an option. However, the fee for that insurance is usually included in the price. On the other hand, if you want to be fully covered, you can decide upon full insurance. In any case, some credit cards offer insurance packages. Therefore, you should always check if you can use your credit card for insurance too.

What are the Parking Options in Budapest?

Budapest parking settings are formed based on a zone division of the city. Each zone has different fares for street parking. In some of them, free parking is allowed on weekends and in the evenings after 6:00 am. However, for all of them, the maximum stay duration is 2-3 hours. The safest way to find a parking spot without wasting your time or circling around the city is to use one of the private car parks. On the other hand, finding a free parking space outside the city center is far more likely.

Budapest Airport Car Rental

Plan your trip to Bupadest the way you want by renting a car at BUD Airport. Forget all about waiting in line for a bus, a train, or even a taxi and travel to all your destinations stress-free. Rental cars offer you autonomy and independence. What time do you want to have your day started? You don’t have to check the public transportation itineraries or call for a cab. You just take your car and start driving to your destination.

In general terms, car rentals are ideal for travelers who wish to travel at their own pace. Are you one of them? You’ll find plenty of car rental agencies at Liszt Ferenc Airport. Major international car hire companies and local providers are at your disposal. You can check, compare, and find the best value for money option for you. What type of car do you need? Do you want an economy or a standard car? Or perhaps you are eager to hire a luxury or premium car? Do you travel with lots of baggage and need an SUV or minivan vehicle? Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it at BUD Airport. All you have to do is review all the alternatives and end up with the one that has the lowest rates with the topmost benefits to offer.

Car Rental Companies at Budapest Airport

The car rental offices are to be found near the baggage areas of terminal 2. International car rental agencies and local companies are present at BUD T2 (at the Arrivals level), offering premium services. Thus, the car hire companies operating at Budapest Airport are the following: 

• Avis Rent-A-Car (open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm)
• Budget Rent-A-Car (open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm)
• Enterprise, National, Alamo Rent-A-Car (open 08:00 am to 10:00 pm)
• Europcar Rent-A-Car (open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm)
• Green Motion (open 08:00 am to midnight)
• Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty Rent-A-Car (open 07:00 am to midnight)
• Sixt Rent-A-Car (open 08:00 am to midnight)
• Schiller Rent a Car (open 08:00 am to 08:00 pm)

Our Tip: The pick-up point for the car rentals is usually the T2 parking area.

Car Sharing in Budapest International Airport

Are you interested in the environmentally-friendly option of car sharing? MOL Limo and wigo car sharing service operate at BUD Airport, offering quality services. Their parking spaces are to be found at Holiday Parking. All you have to do is download the MOL Limo app or the wigo app and follow the instructions.

Car Rental Tips & Guidelines

• A fuel-to-fuel option is always advisable, as car rental companies charge a lot for refilling the vehicles when dropping them off.
• Before starting your journey, take some pictures of the already existing car’s damages, to be able to prove that you aren’t responsible for them.
• Benefit from the 24-hour type of charge and return your vehicle during that time limit. In that way, you won’t get charged for an extra day.
• Hungary has a zero-tolerance policy against alcohol. Therefore, you can’t drink and drive.
• Car child seats for children up to 3 years old are required.
• If you see the sign “Matrica Vignette” on the motorway, you’ll have to buy a pass from one of the gas stations.

FAQs

What documents do I need for car hire in Budapest?

In order to hire a car in Budapest, you’ll need to hand over at least a 1-year valid driving license, an ID or passport, a credit or debit card (that depends on the company’s requirements), and the voucher that was mailed to you right after your booking. If your driving license isn’t written in English, an International Driving Permit will be necessary. Moreover, if the address on your ID doesn’t match your current address, you’ll have to deliver a document proving the correct address.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Budapest?

An age limit of 21 years applies to car rentals in Budapest. Although some car rental companies claim to have lower age limits, the legal age for renting a car is 21 years. Furthermore, some car hire agencies have even more strict limits, overall or especially for some car categories (luxury, full-size, etc.). In any case, young drivers, that is drivers between 21 and 24 years of age, usually pay an extra fee.

What is the most popular car rental type in Budapest?

Mini city cars, such as Hyundai i10, Fiat 500, or Citroen C1, are among the most popular choices for car rentals in Budapest. Bigger-size cars are preferred for large groups of travelers, splitting the fare.

Should I rent a car at Budapest Airport?

Car rental companies have official desks all over the city. Hence, picking up a car rental in the city center is not only possible, but it is also advisable. Car hires at the airport might be convenient, yet most of the time, they are charged at much higher rent prices.