$42 Car Rental Budapest

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Budapest

Renting a car in Budapest offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for family trips or cultural excursions. You can visit key attractions such as the historic Parliament Building and the romantic Buda Castle, both conveniently located within the city. Additionally, Margaret Island provides a serene urban park experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Exploring neighborhoods like Budapest City Centre and Inner City Budapest becomes effortless, allowing you to discover highlights like St. Stephen's Basilica and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge without the constraints of public transportation. The convenience of a rental car also allows you to venture to Erzsebetvaros, where you can visit the Postal Stamp Museum and the Hungarian State Opera House. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or seeking a cultural journey, the option to rent a car in Budapest enhances your sightseeing experience and makes traveling across the city and its surroundings enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in Budapest

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for travelers in Budapest, accommodating up to 5 people with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families looking for a budget-friendly vehicle that offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With its compact size, the Economy car makes navigating Budapest's streets easy and efficient, making it a smart choice for those who prioritize affordability without sacrificing convenience.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, offering ample space for up to 5 travelers and the ability to carry up to 3 large suitcases. This car type combines comfort and versatility, making it an excellent option for longer trips or when you need extra room for luggage. With its higher seating position and spacious interior, the Midsize SUV is great for navigating Budapest and its scenic surroundings, providing a comfortable ride for all passengers.
• Compact: The Compact car is another great option for travelers in Budapest, accommodating up to 5 individuals with space for 3 medium suitcases. This type is well-suited for solo travelers, couples, and families on the go. Its smaller size allows for easy parking and maneuverability in the city, while still offering enough room for luggage, making it an ideal choice for those who want a balance between space and convenience while exploring Budapest.

Top rated car suppliers in Budapest

• Sixt: Sixt operates 4 rental locations throughout Budapest, providing travelers with convenient access to their vehicles. Known for its friendly service, Sixt has an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10, ensuring a pleasant rental experience. The most popular vehicles booked through Sixt include Compact and Midsize SUVs, perfect for navigating the city's streets and exploring the surrounding area.
• Budget: Budget features 2 rental locations in Budapest, making it easy for tourists to pick up their vehicles. This supplier is recognized for offering affordable rates and great value. The most frequently booked vehicles with Budget are Compact SUVs and Economy cars, ideal for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore the city with ease and comfort.
• Greenmotion: Greenmotion also has 2 rental locations in Budapest, providing flexibility for travelers seeking to rent a car. This supplier is popular for its Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, which are well-suited for both city driving and venturing into the countryside. With an emphasis on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly options, Greenmotion is a solid choice for environmentally conscious travelers.

Where to stay in Budapest

• Budapest City Centre: Located in the heart of the city, Budapest City Centre offers a rich cultural and family-oriented experience. Visitors can explore notable landmarks such as the historic Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen's Basilica, all within a short range. The area is also known for its vibrant public market, shopping areas, and various cafes and wineries, making it a great spot for dining and relaxation.
• Jozsefvaros: This neighborhood is popular among families and culture enthusiasts. It features attractions like Orczy Park, perfect for outdoor activities, alongside the Hungarian State Opera House, ideal for a romantic evening. With a variety of dining options and an entertainment arena nearby, Jozsefvaros offers a diverse experience for travelers looking to enjoy both leisure and culture.
• District VI: Known for its cultural significance, District VI is another excellent choice for families and city explorers. Key points of interest include the House of Terror Museum and the iconic Parliament Building. The district is also home to vibrant shopping areas and theaters, ensuring that visitors have plenty to see and do while enjoying the local atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Budapest

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, filters on Expedia can help you identify the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a good compromise between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—could be restricted. This policy may also apply to renters over 70. Always verify age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most favorable option. Other policies may be full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well, but be sure to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if unforeseen issues arise during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Budapest

The best value period to rent a car in and around Budapest is March, when both prices and demand are low. January and February also offer slightly low prices and quiet demand, making them good options for travelers. As spring arrives, April and May see average pricing and demand, which can still be reasonable for rentals. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand, followed closely by June and August, which also experience elevated prices and busy rental activity.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	32.9°F (0.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	36.1°F (2.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
March	44.2°F (6.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
April	53.8°F (12.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	35.2°F (1.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Budapest

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Budapest into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Budapest and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Budapest

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Budapest. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Budapest

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals