Top Northern Hungary Transport Options: Reviews & Handy Hints

Visiting Northern Hungary, with its hills, old towns, and thermal springs, is quite something! You’ll want some way to get around and see it all, that is unless you want to spend your whole holiday in one spot. I did some digging into all your transport choices in Northern Hungary, so you don’t have to! So, here are my top picks, along with experiences and helpful pointers to assist your exploration.

1. MÁV-START Trains: Scenic Routes Explored

MÁV-START, that is the Hungarian State Railways, very much makes getting between cities and bigger towns an easy task. You know, something I enjoyed? The trip from Budapest to Eger. The landscape rolls by; I’m talking little villages and wine regions, which really made the three-hour trip fly by. That is even when the train itself was a little, well, vintage. Make sure to book ahead, very especially if you are traveling at the high-season times or on weekends, to grab yourself a seat and maybe save a bit on ticket costs. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (MÁV-START Trains)

Another journey you might just think about is from Miskolc to Lillafüred. This ride delivers you up to Lillafüred’s stunning hanging gardens and the Szinva Waterfall. Getting around using MÁV is quite an affordable pick. That is if you’re fine with maybe a couple of older trains. Read our full review: MÁV-START Trains Full Review and Details

2. Volánbusz: Regional Adventures by Bus

Now, for getting to all the places the trains won’t reach, Volánbusz, a country-wide bus network, comes into its own. This can get you to all kinds of appealing spots, very especially smaller villages or those beauty spots a bit off the beaten track. When I went to Hollókő, that living village known for guarding its traditions, I needed to catch a Volánbusz from Szécsény. Those buses were clean enough and, to be fair, kept to something like a regular schedule. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Volánbusz Buses)

Tickets can easily be secured at bus stations, so too online if you want, making this a handy mode of transportation. That is if you aren’t too pushed about sticking to time or just love experiencing rural vistas at a relaxed pace. The service links up pretty much all of Northern Hungary. Volánbusz can certainly expand your sightseeing trip out of the central spots. Read our full review: Volánbusz Buses Full Review and Details

3. Local Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Door-to-Door Comfort

For ease and quick travel inside towns such as Eger or Miskolc, grabbing a cab, very even using ride-sharing apps if available, might just be the ticket. When late for supper in Eger once, I caught a local taxi that, I gotta tell you, was far faster than waiting about for the local bus. It does ratchet up those costs a little; you pay for what you get, don’t you? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Taxis & Ride-Sharing)

Confirming prices before you jump in could save a bit of pain, yet generally taxi fares seem fair enough. Also, having a little bit of local lingo goes a bit further with your driver; a smile, a friendly greeting or being polite gets results! I did uncover this as a more effortless way to hop to particular locations a little out from the heart of town. Read our full review: Taxis & Ride-Sharing Full Review and Details

4. Car Rentals: Freedom on Four Wheels

Considering absolute flexibility? A rental car offers you that, particularly if seeing Northern Hungary’s more scattered sites, such as the Bükk Mountains. Having wheels aided my trip no end when moving between distant attractions at my rhythm. That freedom came with studying local motoring rules plus dealing with Hungarian road layouts which did ask for a bit of awareness. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Car Rentals)

Plenty of agencies run car hire from Debrecen Airport plus in major cities. Reserve in advance, so too very particularly during holidays. Check that your rental agreement holds suitable cover. Having a GPS would also take away common tensions when chasing after undiscovered vistas around Northern Hungary! Read our full review: Car Rentals Full Review and Details

5. Bike Rentals: Pedal-Powered Exploration

Taking on sightseeing at ground level? Local bike hire gives that sort of exposure, perfect to take on places like the Tokaj wine district, where those routes running among wineries just ask to be used. A bit of exploration using two wheels allows stops very, very regularly to take photos, sample the local goods or just drink in what is around. That is something that bigger transport just won’t get you near. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bike Rentals)

Certain towns come with hire shops. So, too, accommodation offering bikes to guests! Consider wearing safety clothing; planning paths keeps trips pleasurable plus reduces problems. That could just enhance any outside travels through the scenic heart of Northern Hungary. Read our full review: Bike Rentals Full Review and Details