The 15 Best Lake Balaton Day Trips from Budapest

From Budapest: Lake Balaton Day Tour

/ August 15, 2026

1.Lake Balaton Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 108 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $128Our pick

Budapest to Lake Balaton day tour with bus, nostalgia train, a 1-hour lake cruise, and the UNESCO Tihany Peninsula plus Abbey of Tihany.

“The trip was excellent but was marred by the state of the bus - all chairs were broken & leaned back & I had no back support. Our lovely guide organised some cushions for me which helped greatly. Also - no seat belts!! We were late leaving and lost an hour of the time we could have had at Tihany because we sat in a hotel car park waiting for a late arrival Otherwise the experiences were excellent & our guide Yolanda was outstanding.”

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Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Budapest: Lake Balaton Tour

/ August 15, 2026

2.Lake Balaton Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 107 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $128

Lake Balaton day trip from Budapest with Balatonfüred promenades, a 1-hour cruise, and Tihany Peninsula views and lavender fields.

“Nella descrizione del tour viene detto che si può fare un bagno nel lago, ma risulta invece impossibile sia per i tempi sia per l'organizzazione. Ci è stato fatto fare un tour su un trenino su gomma, a mio giudizio totalmente inutile, non ho visto cose interessanti. Il posto è estremamente turistico e caro.”

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Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private tour from Budapest to a top hidden treasure region of Europe: Lake Balaton

/ August 15, 2026

3.Private tour from Budapest to a top hidden treasure region of Europe: Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $265Top rated

Private day trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton with scenic towns, Tihany lavender village, Benedictine abbey views, and a ferry ride included.

“The tour guide was exceptional. He picked us up in a beautifully restored 1965 Volvo, its vintage charm immediately setting the stage for a memorable adventure. His deep knowledge of Hungarian history was evident as he wove captivating stories and historical facts into our journey, making each location come alive with context and significance. Our conversations about cars were particularly engaging; his enthusiasm and passion for automobiles were infectious, and it felt like we were sharing in his lifelong hobby. The highlight of the day was crossing the serene waters of Lake Balaton on a ferry. The gentle breeze and stunning views made the ride unforgettable. We capped off the…”

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Budapest River Cruises, Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Tour Reviews

Lake Balaton & Cruise

/ August 15, 2026

4.Lake Balaton & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 35 reviews · 9 hours · from $100

A 9-hour Lake Balaton day trip from Budapest with Tihany Abbey, Balatonfüred promenade, and an included boat ride across the lake.

“Escursione completa al Lago Balaton, la suora ha spiegato molte cose interessanti; luogo tranquillo, dorata e tappe giuste”

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Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Turquoise Sea of Hungary: Lake Balaton Private Tour

/ August 21, 2026

5.The Turquoise Sea of Hungary: Lake Balaton Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 8 hours · from $235

Private Lake Balaton tour from Budapest with expert guide, Tihany village, monastery visit option, and a scenic ferry ride.

“The guide today was just fabulous! Balascz Ackermann arrived in one of his lovely classic cars and gave us a delightful experience to the lake and back, he was attentive and kind and a gentleman. Will definitely book him when back in Budapest!”

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Budapest River Cruises, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Sailing at Lake Balaton

/ August 23, 2026

6.Sailing at Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $418

Private Lake Balaton sail from Balatonföldvár with Captain Szilárd. Life vests included, winds set distance, up to 4 people.

“I had the absolute honor of sailing with Szilárd, and I can genuinely say it was one of the most beautiful, empowering experiences of my life.”

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Budapest River Cruises, Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Tour Reviews

Lake Balaton & Cruise

/ August 23, 2026

7.Lake Balaton & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 19 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $102

Day trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton, Tihany Abbey and Balatonfüred, with a lake cruise and great views.

“A great day trip! The perfect choice for my first day - I did not have to get up too early, and, the tour was a nice, easy pace all day. Ample time to explore on my own at the different stops. Great driver and tour guide. Very knowledgeable and professional. I plan to arrange another of your tours on my next visit!”

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Canoes & Kayaks, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park

/ August 26, 2026

8.Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours · from $94

Paddle Lake Balaton in Tihany National Park on a SUP, with clear coaching, 3 km of scenic glides, and free parking in Club Tihany.

“The padel boarding was great. We had lovely weather and the guide was very polite and really made the experience. I would recommend.”

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Budapest River Cruises, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Private, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Lake Balaton:Private Sailing Cruise with Skipper

/ August 27, 2026

9.Lake Balaton:Private Sailing Cruise with Skipper

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $330

Private 2-hour sailing cruise on Lake Balaton from Balatonfüred, with skipper, swims, and Tihany Peninsula views of the historic abbey.

“Het was heel leuk om in een zeilboot over het Balatonmeer te varen. Lekker rustig, en lekker gezwommen tussendoor. Onze schipper was een super aardige man die een hoop wist te vertellen. Dus ook een leerzaam tochtje geweest.”

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Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tihany: SUP Course and Tour at Lake Balaton

/ August 27, 2026

10.Tihany: SUP Course and Tour at Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $94

Learn SUP from a simulator to Lake Balaton water, then paddle your own short tour near Tihany National Park with gear and jacket included.

“We had a really great time at this paddle boarding lesson. By the end of the lesson we felt confident and were enjoying being out on the water on the paddle board. Andreas was a great teacher. Very patient with lots of helpful tips to improve our technique. We would really recommend this activity.”

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Buda Caves & Caving Tours, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Private, Tour Reviews

Lake Balaton Tihany & Tapolca Cave Lake trip by Private Transport

/ August 28, 2026

11.Lake Balaton Tihany & Tapolca Cave Lake trip by Private Transport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $270

Private Lake Balaton trip with a Tapolca cave lake boat ride, plus Tihany and Balatonfured shore time, door-to-door Budapest pickup.

“Tapolca Cave Lake is an amazing place. You do not want to miss the fun underground boat ride through the caves. My adult son and I had a blast. The beauty of the water and caves is stunning and otherworldly.We had a wonderful lunch nearby and saw the beautiful town and mill pond. Lake Balaton was also a part of the tour and it was absolutely beautiful. I had two tours with Peter during our week in Budapest, and we learned so much from him. He really gives you a personalized tour that is unique and he is very attentive to your needs. We didn't feel like tourists, we felt…”

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Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Museums, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest to Lake Balaton and Porcelain Museum Private Day Tour

/ August 28, 2026

12.Budapest to Lake Balaton and Porcelain Museum Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $385

Private day trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton with Herend porcelain, Tihany Abbey area, Balatonfüred, and a 3-course Hungarian lunch.

“Our tour guide Atilla made the trip wonderful! Informative, attentive, and authentic. Lake Balatan is such a beautiful area. We got lucky with the weather. Rode a ferry boat, fed the swans, and immersed ourselvs in the history of the area. What more would you want?”

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Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Tour Reviews

See the Hungarian Sea: Lake Balaton

/ August 28, 2026

13.See the Hungarian Sea: Lake Balaton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $131

See Lake Balaton from Balatonfüred to Tihany Peninsula with a nostalgia train, 1-hour cruise, and Abbey Hill lavender views from Budapest.

“It was great, but you need to do a lot of hiking. No for people on 60s without shape like me. Beautiful experience”

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Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Balaton: All-Weather Private Stargazing & Planetarium Tour

/ August 31, 2026

14.Balaton: All-Weather Private Stargazing & Planetarium Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $62

Private hilltop stargazing near Lake Balaton with 360° ESA planetarium, telescope views, a retro 4x4 ride, and real space food.

“Great experience – really worth it! We learned a lot during this tour. Everything was explained with so much passion and knowledge that it was easy to get excited. Even without speaking Hungarian, it was very interesting and fun! The couple who runs the planetarium was super friendly and kind. You can feel that they really love what they do. It was one of the best parts of our trip – we really recommend it!☺️”

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Budapest Tours & Activities, Lake Balaton & Tihany Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest: Lake Balaton & Herend Porcelain Private Day Tour

/ August 30, 2026

15.Lake Balaton & Herend Porcelain Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 7 reviews · 9 hours · from $412

Private 9-hour day trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton, Herend porcelain, and Tihany Peninsula, with the Abbey and scenic views.

“Le Lac balaton est à voir au moins une fois si vous êtes de passage en Hongrie et la visite de la fabrique de porcelaine de Herend est très sympa à faire, tout comme le village de Tihany. Néanmoins, notre guide était très moyen !!! (comme l'atteste l'évaluation générale de notre journée). Elle répondait que brièvement à nos interrogations, elle nous a laissée que très peu de liberté concernant les itinéraires à suivre surtout au cours de notre promenade au cœur du village de Tihany et le pire est qu'elle s'est ajoutée d'elle même à notre table pendant notre diner au restaurant panoramique de Tihany sans nous demander si cela…”

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