Budapest baths to get more expensive in 2026: here’s what to know about the new prices
Budapest’s famous thermal baths are preparing for a busy festive season with special programmes, extended holiday opening hours, and a moderate but noticeable ticket price increase from early 2026.
According to Budapest Spas cPlc (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt., BGYH), visitor numbers traditionally surge during the Christmas and New Year period, as families and tourists alike look for relaxation, wellness experiences, and unique winter activities. In response, the operator is once again offering a wide range of seasonal events across the capital’s best-known baths.
Sauna marathons and festive experiences
According to Pénzcentrum’s report, at the Csillaghegy Bath, an Advent Sauna Marathon series is running on weekends throughout the pre-Christmas period, offering a slower-paced, restorative experience designed to counter the year-end rush. Visitors can enjoy multiple themed sauna sessions in the panoramic sauna on Saturdays and Sundays from late November until Christmas.
The Széchenyi Bath will host its Year-End Winter Sauna Marathon on 28 December 2025, providing a carefully curated post-holiday sauna experience aimed at helping guests unwind before the new year. The programme at the Palm House will feature special festive editions led by experienced sauna masters, promising a calm transition into 2026.
One of the most popular annual events returns with New Year’s Eve at Rudas Bath, where traditional bathing meets modern entertainment. The evening will include dance performances, LED juggling shows, revue-style dance acts, cocktail shows, and music, creating a distinctive atmosphere where water, visuals, and sound combine to welcome the new year. On 1 January, Rudas will also host its well-known “Hangover” regeneration programme, designed to help guests recover with the help of thermal waters.
Meanwhile, the festive atmosphere will be complemented by Lumina Park – World of Magic at the Palatinus area, where visitors can enjoy illuminated installations throughout the holiday season. The light park has become a popular winter attraction for families and groups of friends.
Holiday opening hours explained
Between 19 December 2025 and 6 January 2026, the Széchenyi and Rudas baths will operate with special holiday opening hours. During this period, Rudas will only offer mixed (co-ed) bathing. All other municipally operated baths will follow weekend opening hours and ticket pricing.
On 24 December, the Széchenyi, Rudas, and Lukács baths will be open from the morning until 1 PM, while all other baths will remain closed. On 25 December, these three baths will open at 10 AM and operate until their normal evening closing time. On 26 December, most baths will open at 10 AM, with Palatinus opening earlier at 9 AM. On 31 December, baths will operate with reduced hours, while on 1 January, all baths will open uniformly from 10 AM.
Ticket prices rise from January 2026
BGYH has confirmed that
from 7 January 2026, entrance fees at Budapest’s baths will increase by an average of around 5%, broadly in line with inflation.
However, the exact level of increases will vary by bath.
The Palatinus Bath and Zsigmondy Club Card ticket holders will not be affected by the price rise. Higher increases are expected at historic baths that are particularly popular among foreign visitors, although detailed, bath-specific pricing has not yet been disclosed.
Children’s tickets, pensioner tickets, and passes will also rise by close to 5%. At the same time, discounts introduced in 2025, including BudapestGO-related benefits as well as morning and evening discounts, will remain in place in the new year.
Gift vouchers still available
Bath tickets can also be purchased as gift vouchers, including online at short notice. These vouchers remain valid until the end of 2026 and can be used not only for entry tickets but also for treatments and wellness services, making them a popular choice during the holiday season.
