Significant price rise in Budapest baths in 2024

Hungarians frequently voice discontent that the iconic baths and spas of Budapest are no longer accessible to the average local due to recent increases in prices.

As reported by Menedzsment Fórum, the entrance ticket prices for Budapest’s spas and baths, managed by Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévizei Zrt. (Contact for Budapest Spas cPlc.), underwent changes on 8 January. The price surge is particularly felt in baths popular among foreign tourists, with other establishments seeing a more moderate average increase of around 5-6%.

For instance, in the world-famous Széchenyi and Gellért baths, entrance ticket costs have risen from HUF 9,400 to HUF 10,500 (EUR 27), representing an almost 11.5% increase. The weekend ticket now stands at HUF 12,000 (EUR 31), up from HUF 10,900 (a 10% rise). In Széchenyi bath, the ticket purchased before 9.00 a.m. increased to HUF 8,400 (EUR 21) from HUF 7,500 between Monday and Thursday, rising to HUF 9,700 (EUR 25) on weekends.

In Rudas bath, the weekday ticket now costs HUF 9,300 (EUR 24), up from HUF 8,600, while the weekend ticket is even pricier than Széchenyi, at HUF 12,200. Lukács Bath charges HUF 4,800 (EUR 12.5) for weekdays and HUF 5,200 (EUR 13.5) for weekends. Discounted tickets for pensioners and students experienced a milder increase.

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Here is how you can buy discounted tickets to the historic baths

Mfor.hu argues that these prices surpass what the average Hungarian can afford. For example, a young couple intending to enjoy the Rudas bath, including bathing, eating and having a drink, needs at least HUF 30,000 to spare (EUR 78).

An exception is Palatinus in Budapest, where fees have remained unchanged after 8 January.

 

Notably, there is the Zsigmondy Club Card, allowing the purchase of a ticket to Széchenyi, Gellért and Rudas baths for only HUF 4,000 or 4,500 (EUR 10-11.5). However, it is valid for four hours only, once a day, and costs HUF 5,000. The card is exclusive to its owners and is valid for one year.

The core reasons for these price hikes are escalating energy, water, and water treatment costs, along with increasing salaries. Additionally, during the COVID pandemic, the government prohibited price increases, and the baths are now compensating for this.

Experts consistently assert that despite the price increases, Hungarian baths remain among the most affordable in Europe and Central Europe. While nominally true, this statement may take on a different perspective considering average Hungarian salaries. This might explain the presence of non-Hungarian conversations in Budapest’s historic baths and spas.