Great news: Navigation season on Lake Balaton begins with more cruises and discounts

Following a successful pre-season, the main navigation season on Lake Balaton kicked off on the first weekend of July. Consequently, the Balaton Navigation Company (BAHART) has increased the frequency of its services on several routes.

During the high season, visitors to Lake Balaton have many more sailing opportunities. In ports where ships previously operated only on weekends during the pre-season, it is now possible to sail on weekdays. The two new catamarans and ferries remain very popular with passengers, reports Turizmus Online.

Ferries depart every 30 minutes or more frequently and can accommodate cars and cyclists. Additionally, the range of programme boats will be further expanded this year, with the Evening Chill boat departing from Siófok on Wednesdays and the Circus Cavalcade children’s boat departing from Balatonfüred and Fonyód on Fridays.

Photo: FB / Balatoni Hajózási Zrt.

The catamarans run on the busiest routes between Fonyód and Badacsony, and Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Tihany. The ferries operate according to the summer timetable: from Szántódrév between 7.00 a.m. and 11.30 p.m., and from Tihanyrév between 7:15 a.m. and 11.45 p.m.every half hour, or more often if the traffic requires it. In addition to these services, there are also cruises departing from 15 ports, sunset cruises from 13, children’s cruises from 10, and party cruises from 9 ports, along their respective itineraries.

In addition to the usual children’s and party boats, the shipping company is also introducing two new offerings. Passengers on the Evening Chill boat, which departs from Siófok on Wednesdays, can enjoy the waves of Lake Balaton on board the new catamaran, accompanied by pleasant background music and a cocktail. Meanwhile, children can enjoy the Circus Cavalcade on board the children’s boat, which departs from Balatonfüred and Fonyód on Fridays.

More discounts for the peak navigation season on Lake Balaton

Photo: FB / Balatoni Hajózási Zrt.

During the summer holidays from 22 June to 1 September 2024, children aged 6-11 can travel free of charge on BAHART scheduled services with a Kajla passport. Additionally, from 1 June, the popular family ticket for scheduled cruises has been extended to include cruises and children’s cruises at a discounted, fixed price, regardless of the number of children.

People with disabilities can now travel free of charge on scheduled boats in addition to ferries. At BAHART ticket offices, passengers can also pay with SZÉP cards. To avoid queuing, tickets can be purchased in advance at jegy.bahart.hu.

“Once again this year, BAHART’s cruise destinations are very popular, as shown by the fact that 150,000 more passengers have used BAHART’s services since the end of the pre-season compared to last year.”

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