Car rental in Budapest (2025 updates)

Car rental in Budapest – Complete guide for tourists. Find the best rental companies, tips, prices, FAQs, and driving advice for travelers.

How to rent a car

When you book your holiday or business trip, it’s always a big question whether it’s worth renting a car or not. While there can be many factors contributing to the decision – how much it would be used, how many people will use it, how expensive it is, etc. – we’d like to make it a bit easier for you. We have gathered some useful information on what options you have and what to look out for when it comes to car rental in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.

Where to rent a car

It’s always best to scroll through your possibilities online before you travel, even better if you can book your car beforehand, you may end up saving a lot. The price of a car rental in Budapest can be influenced by several things: how long you’re renting it for, are there any weekends included in the time period, do you pick up your car during opening hours, how many people will drive it, how old they are, what extras you need, and many more.

Of course when you urgently need a car, booking one from home may not be an option, but finding out your preferences beforehand could go a long way. You’ll also have more time to compare insurance coverage, mileage limits, fuel policies, and customer reviews, helping you avoid hidden fees and unexpected conditions once you arrive in Budapest.

Top tip: When you browse prices and options on the website, be sure to check if all extras have been added to the daily price of the car so you can calculate with the exact costs.

Where to rent a car

The most places where you can rent a car in Budapest are at the airport, but renting a car there can be more expensive than in the city office of the same company. It’s best to check both prices, you may be able to save some money by taking public transport to the city center or using any other Budapest airport transfer service and renting your car there.

But while you’re at it, it’s worth mentioning that you’ll already have a lot of decisions to make at the airport. For example, whether to use the Budapest Airport Bus Shuttle or the Budapest Aiport Taxi in the name of quality airport lift. If you want to get e.g. to the main railway stations of Budapest, maybe the taxi will be the best option for you.

If you are okay with the prices at the airport, most car rental companies can be found between terminals 2A and 2B. Some of them are located behind the Ibis Styles hotel right outside the airport – this is also the place where you can pick up your car.

Top tip: When picking up your car, have a thorough inspection and inform the dealership of any tiny scratches you may have found. This way you can avoid possibly having to pay for them in the future. For car rental in Budapest, it’s also a good idea to take photos or short videos of the vehicle from multiple angles at pickup and return. Check the interior, wheels, and windshield as well, and make sure all noted damages are documented in the rental agreement before you drive away.

How long to rent a car for

We know, it may seem fairly obvious that you should rent a car for as long as you need it, but it’s not necessarily that simple. Sometimes renting for a whole week comes out cheaper than 5-6 days, so this is definitely something worth checking out. When comparing car rental in Budapest, pricing can also vary based on weekdays versus weekends, seasonal demand, and special promotions, making flexible travel dates a potential way to save money without changing your plans significantly.

Which car to choose

While there are many options to choose from, it’s not worth picking a much bigger and fancier car than you actually need. It’s important to note that in Budapest, and in Europe as well, cars with manual transmission are more popular, so you should pay extra attention to go for the automatic option if that’s what you prefer. When planning car rental in Budapest, also consider narrow streets, limited parking spaces, and busy traffic, as a smaller, fuel-efficient car can make city driving easier and more cost-effective, especially for first-time visitors.

Top tip: To use Hungarian highways, you need an electronic vignette (e-matrica). Check if the rental car already includes one to save time and money. When arranging car rental in Budapest, ask whether the vignette covers your entire rental period and which vehicle category it applies to. Driving without a valid vignette can result in significant fines, so confirming this detail in advance helps you avoid unnecessary costs and travel stress.

Payment

Most rental companies require a credit card for the deposit, though some accept cash. Always check payment options to avoid surprises. When arranging a car rental in Budapest, be aware that debit cards are not always accepted for deposits, especially by international providers. Exchange rates, additional authorization holds, and optional insurance upgrades can also affect the final amount charged.

What extras to get

This largely depends on personal preference, however there’s one that is highly recommended – insurance. You’re sitting in an unknown car, driving in a foreign country, so covering all bases just in case could be a smart move. This is especially true in case you rent a larger vehicle, like a van. When choosing car rental in Budapest, full coverage insurance can protect you from unexpected repair costs, minor damages, or parking incidents, which are more common in busy urban areas. It also provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about potential risks.

Top tip: You usually receive your car with a full tank, and they will ask you if you are going to bring it back with an empty one. Since that’s no easy feat to calculate exactly, you’ll be better off if you agree to bring it back with a full tank.

Top 10 car rental companies in Budapest (2025)

• 1.  Avis Car Rental
  It’s one of the most globally recognized brands, and with their services they ensure a stress-free car renting experience.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 2.  Sixt
  One of the first and most influential car rental companies in the world.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 3.  Autonom
  Local company, close to the airport, smaller cars. Check their website.
• 4.  Car Rental 8
  Easy and secure car renting experience.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 5.  Rentalcars.com
  The biggest online car rental platform in more than 160 countries.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 6.  Airport Rental Cars
  Low prices with free cancellation on most bookings.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 7.  Car Rentals
  A trusted Expedia brand where users can book a car in 3 easy steps.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 8.  Hertz
  An award-winning company providing easy travel for their customers for over 90 years.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 9.  Budget Rental Car
  They deliver great value and friendly service.
  Fore more information, visit their website.
• 10.   Travelocity
  A great platform for car rentals, hotels and even flights, with price matching.Fore more information, visit their website.

Conclusion

Car rental in Budapest can be a great way to explore not only the city but also Hungary’s beautiful countryside. Whether you’re planning a short city break or a longer road trip, choosing the right rental company and car type will help you travel comfortably and stress-free. Book in advance, check the rental conditions carefully, and enjoy the freedom of discovering Budapest at your own pace.

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