Travel Information Hungary

Hungary is a very beautiful country with a pleasant climate and incredibly diverse nature. There is much to see and some activities that will turn your stay into an adventure. But of course, you can also relax. You can stroll through various cities, walk or hike in the national park, visit a cave, watch animals, or bathe in steaming thermal baths. This article covers information you need for your trip to Hungary, as well as recommendations and tips.

The most important facts at a glance

• You need a vignette.

• The blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.0.

• In Hungary, you are not allowed to drink alcohol everywhere in public.

• Smoking is banned in restaurants, cafés and bars.

• The consumption, trade, and possession of drugs (even small amounts) is punished with significantly higher penalties in Hungary.

• The currency in Hungary is the forint.

• Border controls are not uncommon; valid identification documents are mandatory.

• A pet passport is also required for certain animals (dogs, cats, ferrets). Among other things, to prove that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.

• Hungary is generally considered safe for tourists.

Entry requirements

German nationals can enter Hungary with a passport or national ID card. Children also need their own identification document (national ID card, passport, or a still valid child's passport). We recommend traveling only with valid documents, especially if continuing on to non-EU countries such as Serbia.

Language

The official language in Hungary is Hungarian. Hungarians themselves call their language "Magyar". About 10 million Hungarians speak Hungarian.

Although the German language has left some traces in Hungarian, the two languages differ greatly from each other. Hungarian is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn. The language's structures are said to make it so difficult, for example through 40 cases compared to the 4 cases in German. Nevertheless, the language is built in a very logical and harmonious way.

Driving in Hungary

Traffic rules

Although many traffic rules match German traffic rules, there are some important differences. You should keep these in mind to ensure your safety and avoid fines. In this section, we list the most important differences for you.

• The blood alcohol limit is 0.0.

• Although there is no winter tire requirement, their use may be mandated by appropriate signage.

• If your vehicle already shows damage upon entering Hungary, it is best to have this documented when crossing the border. Vehicles with clearly visible damage may only leave Hungary with a police damage confirmation.

• A German driving licence is sufficient

• In addition to the driving licence, you must carry the vehicle registration certificate Part I. We also recommend bringing the IVK (International Insurance Card).

• Outside built-up areas and on motorways, you must wear a warning vest outside the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident.

If you would like to learn more about traffic rules and driving behaviour, or read a detailed article on specific topics related to traffic rules, feel free to take a look at the traffic rules here.

Toll and vignette

Whether you need a digital vignette in Hungary depends on which roads you use during your trip. On Hungarian motorways and expressways marked with an "M", electronic vignettes are required for all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, which are automatically checked via the license plate.

Motor vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (trucks, buses) are subject to distance-based tolling (HU-GO system). Exception: motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight will require a category D2 e-vignette from 1 January 2026.

The corresponding fees depend on the respective vehicle class your vehicle falls into. The following classes apply:

• D1M: Motorcycles (daily, 10-day, and monthly vignette)

• D1: Motorcycles (annual vignette) / cars and motorhomes of vehicle class M1 up to 3.5t gross vehicle weight and up to 7 seats (including with trailer)

• D2: Commercial vehicles (vehicle class N1) as well as all motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight that do not fit into any other category, plus - from 1 January 2026 - motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.

• U: Trailers up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight belonging to vehicles of class D2

A vignette requirement applies to cover the costs of maintaining motorways and expressways in Hungary. The vignette is only available digitally in Hungary; there are no sticker vignettes to attach to the windscreen.

With us, you have the option of purchasing a vignette for Hungary completely stress-free. Here you can find more information and explanations about the toll and vignette requirement in Hungary.

Charging and refuelling

Hungary has a well-developed network of petrol stations. It covers both urban and rural areas. The largest petrol station chains include MOL, OMV and Shell. These providers are present nationwide and offer all common fuel types.

There are now also over 2,000 charging stations for EV charging in Hungary. Large cities such as Budapest, Győr and Debrecen are particularly well served. There are also many charging stations along the M1, M3 and M7 motorways. In rural areas, the network still has room for improvement.

In remote regions such as the Balaton Uplands or the Puszta, the number of petrol stations and charging stations is significantly lower. Therefore, plan your refuelling and charging stops in advance. This will help you avoid unnecessary detours and frustration.

The terms for fuel in Hungary are as follows:

• Super: Szuper Benzin

• Super Plus: Szuper Plus / 98 Octane

• Diesel: Dizel / Diesel

At most petrol stations in Hungary, you can pay both in cash and by credit card. However, please note that the forint (HUF) is Hungary's official currency. Payment in euros is therefore only accepted at a few petrol stations. Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet are now also widespread, especially in larger cities.

Find out more about refuelling and charging in Hungary here.

Safety and health

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs particularly at markets, train stations, on public transport, in shopping centres, and in touristy, crowded places.

Especially around Lake Balaton, break-ins and thefts from holiday apartments are not uncommon, sometimes even while the occupants are present.

Keep a close eye on your valuables and pay with cash as little as possible. In large crowds, you should be especially careful with your belongings. Do not leave valuables or documents in your holiday apartment if you are going to be out for a long time. Only park your vehicle in guarded car parks, and be careful with strange emails, phone calls, alleged prize notifications, and chance acquaintances who offer you invitations (for example to a club - you may then face high bills if you don't ask about the price beforehand).

Border controls

You should expect border controls especially when entering Austria: Austria currently carries out checks (until 15 March 2027) at the border with Hungary. Before travelling, check the validity of your travel documents and carry them with you; a driving licence or birth certificate is not sufficient as identification. If these obligations are not met, you may face fines and other penalties. A pet passport is also required for certain animals (dogs, cats, ferrets). Among other things, to prove that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.

Vaccination protection

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Hungary. Nevertheless, some vaccinations are recommended. Find out about the current status and current requirements before you travel.

Medical care

Despite well to very well trained doctors, the standards of medical care may differ from Western European standards. Top-level medical care is not always available, and language and communication can also be an issue. However, there are private facilities with good treatment options in large cities. Bring your health insurance card with you and take out travel health and repatriation insurance for the duration of your stay. Nevertheless, Hungary is considered safe.

Legal particularities

The consumption, trade, and possession of drugs (even small amounts) is punished with significantly higher penalties in Hungary.

Climate and best time to travel

Hungary has a transitional climate between the continental climate in the east, the maritime climate in the west, and the Mediterranean climate in the south. The generally temperate continental climate results in hot summers and cold winters.

The temperatures are very similar to those in Germany. The coldest month is January with an average of -4°C. From October onwards, the days become noticeably shorter and it gets colder. Between June and August it is warmest, with summer temperatures of around 25 to 27°C, and the most rain falls in June.

The best time to travel is from May to September.

Geographic location

Hungary is located in the middle of Europe and borders several countries. Hungary borders Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.

Hungary is a landlocked country, which means the country has no connection to the open sea.

In the west, the foothills of the Alps shape Hungary's landscape, while the north is shaped by the Mátra Mountains. The Kékes (1,014 m) is the country's highest mountain.

There is no time difference between Hungary and Germany, as both countries are in the same time zone.

Currency

The currency in Hungary is the forint (HUF). In addition to cash (forint), credit cards and some bank cards are usually also accepted as means of payment.

Attractions

Hungary has some attractions to offer. Here we list five of the most popular attractions for inspiration.

• Lake Balaton: The largest lake in Central Europe. Along its 179 km shoreline, picturesque beaches, hotels, clubs, various shops and restaurants stretch out. Several festivals also take place there in summer.

• Budapest: Hungary's capital. Whether you want to stroll along the banks of the Danube or try the culinary specialities of Hungary. There is something for everyone in this diverse capital. Beautiful photo spots and numerous activities make it almost impossible not to like this city.

• Baradla: A dripstone cave in Aggtelek National Park (in northeastern Hungary). The already very impressive cave system currently houses the tallest stalagmite in the world. There are 200 dripstone caves in total in the system.

• Sódomb (Salt Hill): Basins with steaming thermal water. The region's most famous thermal bath impresses with its steaming thermal water pools and delights visitors with various spas set in nature.

• Bükk National Park: A gigantic forest area. To get to know Hungary's nature, Bükk National Park is ideal. You can explore the national park by bike or on one of the numerous hiking trails, getting to know Hungary's flora and fauna perfectly.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!

Hungary is a wonderful country with diverse nature, breathtaking landscapes, worthwhile cities, and great activities. A visit is definitely worthwhile! Be sure to remember a vignette to save yourself the stress and avoid fines. You can find more information on the toll in Hungary in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are available to you at any time by email.

If you are interested in more exciting topics about Hungary, feel free to check out our guide and discover interesting articles such as culinary specialities in Hungary, the most popular cities in Hungary or worthwhile places in nature.