PHOTOS: Passenger shipping season started at Lake Balaton

The passenger shipping season officially began on Lake Balaton on 28 March with significant discounts. This is the 179th passenger shipping season of Balatoni Hajózási Ltd. (BAHART), and they opened it with brand-new boats, thanks to a 2023 development.

Lake Balaton passenger shipping season kicked off

According to bahart.hu, passenger transport services are available from five ports with scheduled routes operating between Siófok and Tihany (Tomaj catamaran), as well as Fonyód and Badacsony (Balaton catamaran). Sightseeing cruises are also available from Siófok, Badacsony, and Keszthely. During the early spring schedule until 18 April, boats will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Passenger shipping season started at Lake Balaton
Photo: FB/Bahart
Passenger shipping season started at Lake Balaton
Photo: FB/Bahart

The first catamaran (Tomaj) departed from Fonyód to Badacsony, where it was welcomed with a ceremony featuring local wine tastings and performances by the Badacsony-Tördemic Folk Dance Ensemble. This year, passengers can enjoy new and nostalgic fleet options, along with family discounts and other promotions.

New ports will open in May

Additional ports will open on 1 May, expanding the network to include Balatonföldvár, Balatonlelle, Balatonboglár, Balatongyörök, Balatonmáriafürdő, Révfülöp, and Szigliget.

Passenger shipping season started at Lake Balaton
Photo: FB/Bahart

Based on Bahart, family ticket prices on boats decreased, and families with one child are already eligible to buy such tickets. On the boats, you may travel for free if you are under 14, a pensioner, raise 3 or more kids, while youth between 14-25 also receive discounted tickets. Moreover, cyclists also get discounts since bicycle ticket prices have decreased.

In the summer, Bahart will receive tourists on kids’ boats, cruises, sunset boats, chill trips and party boats.

Passenger shipping season started at Lake Balaton
Photo: FB/Bahart

Ferries commute every day in every 30 minutes. Until 17 April, the last ferry will depart at 7.15 PM, while after 18 April, that time will be 8.15 PM.

Passenger shipping season started at Lake Balaton
Photo: FB/Bahart

Read also:

  • Futuristic boats take possession of Lake Balaton – read more HERE and check out some photos and video
  • 5+1 reasons why Lake Balaton is a must-visit destination in winter – details in THIS article