Shocking: One day at Lake Balaton to cost EUR 135 for a family of four?

If you want to holiday at Lake Balaton this year, you’ll have to dig deep into your pocket. Those tourists who had a budget vacation in mind at the Hungarian sea are in for a rude awakening. The prices of foodstuff and beverages, parking fees and beach passes have increased significantly. One scoop of ice cream, for example, costs as much as HUF 550 (EUR 1.5), but business owners say they will most likely further raise their prices.

Due to inflation, basic necessities cost us more and more money. Pénzcentrum has reported that Hungarian families will have difficulty saving up for their holidays. A study made by Pénzcentrum also reveals that 60% of Hungarians will skip their summer vacation this year or opt for destinations cheaper than usual. Recent figures from the largest accommodation provider confirm this: the decline in domestic travel by local tourists is already striking. It might seem a good idea to book a one-day trip, but is it really worth it? The short answer is: no. A one-day getaway for a family of four might cost HUF 50,000 (EUR 135) without accommodation. Below, we’ll tell you in detail how this number adds up.

Travel expenses to Lake Balaton

First of all, you have to reach Lake Balaton in one way or another. Let’s see how much it costs to get there by car. According to the National Tax and Customs Administration, the average consumption for a car is 8 litres. If you set out from the capital for Balatonmáriafürdő, the furthest point of the southeastern shore, the total distance is 169 kilometres. Back and forth, an average car consumes about 26.5 litres. Roughly HUF 15,000 (EUR 40) would cover the expense of the journey. Of course, closer destinations are more affordable. For example, Balatonvilágos is only 95 kilometres. During a 190-kilometre round trip, an average family vehicle consumes 15.2 litres of petrol, which would cost around HUF 8,000 (EUR 22). You’ll be startled to learn that making the same journey by train would not only take more time but would cost more as well.

Cost of food

It’s easy to work up an appetite with all the fun activities during your holiday… Hungarians’ beloved deep-fried flatbread lángos, with sour cream and cheese, costs around HUF 1,900 (EUR 5). Fancy some ham on your lángos? Then you’ll end up paying HUF 2,400 (EUR 6.5), just for a beach snack. Obviously, there is an infinite variety of toppings and the prices change accordingly. Fewer toppings equal cheaper lángos and vice versa. Due to inflation, you can expect a 20-30 percent price increase in restaurants around Lake Balaton and countrywide. Ice cream is also getting pricier day by day. One scoop of this frozen delicacy is around HUF 550 (EUR 1.5). If all of you just take two scoops, that will amount to HUF 4,400 (EUR 11.75).

Balaton beach passes

Almost all locations offer free swimming spots, but the best beaches charge a fee. On average, the price of beach passes has doubled since 2021. Currently, they cost between HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.7) to HUF 2,000 (EUR 5.4). Children and pensioners might be eligible for discounted tickets.

One day for a family of four

Travel fees, on average, are around HUF 15,000 (EUR 40). The money spent on food will be approximately HUF 30,000 (EUR 80). Of course, this might depend on personal needs and preferences. Beach passes cost about HUF 4,000 (EUR 10,7). To conclude, one day for a family of four at Lake Balaton would cost roughly HUF 50,000 (EUR 135).