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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

South Central Hungary, Hungary

Air Travel

Major Airports

Pécs-Pogány Airport (PEV) is a small regional airport with limited flights, mainly for charter or private aviation. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is Hungary's main international gateway, ~200 km north of Pécs, and the most common arrival point.

Airlines and Routes from BUD

  • Legacy carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, BA, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Swiss) offer flights from their hubs.
  • Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet) have many direct European flights.
  • BUD has direct flights from major European cities, some transatlantic (NYC, Toronto-seasonal), and Middle East routes.

Seasonal Fluctuations & Facilities

Flight availability and prices to Budapest vary by season. Highest prices appear during summer (June-August) and around major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter).

Airport Facilities at BUD

  • Shopping: Duty-free, fashion, souvenir shops.
  • Dining: Variety of restaurants, cafes, fast-food.
  • Services: Car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi (often limited free time), luggage storage, lounges.

Better Flight Value

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) often present better value for flights, with pleasant weather.

Lowest Flight Prices

Lowest prices typically appear during the low season (November-March), excluding the holiday period.

Accessibility at BUD

Facilities for travelers with reduced mobility are available at Budapest Airport.

Transfers from Budapest Airport BUD to Pécs

Train Travel

  • Most common and recommended way to travel.
  • From BUD: Bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest metro, then Metro 3 to Keleti or Nyugati railway stations.
  • Direct InterCity (IC) trains from Keleti/Nyugati to Pécs: ~3 hours journey.
  • Check Hungarian Railways (MÁV) website for schedules and tickets.

Bus, Shuttle & Car Rental

  • Long-distance buses from Budapest Népliget Bus Station (Volánbusz) to Pécs: ~3.5-4 hours.
  • Shuttle/Private Transfer: More expensive, door-to-door convenience; book in advance.
  • Car Rental: At BUD airport. Drive to Pécs ~2-2.5 hours via M6 motorway (toll road).
  • Consider a Car rental service for flexibility.

Border Crossings & Land Transport

Schengen Borders

Hungary is a Schengen Area member. Travel from adjacent Schengen countries (e.g., Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia) has no routine passport checks at the border.

Non-Schengen Borders

For non-Schengen neighbors (e.g., Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia), standard passport and customs controls are in place. Have all required documents.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not applicable for Pécs; it is an inland city, distant from any major navigable sea or river for international passenger arrivals.

Domestic Train & Bus Travel

Train Connections

Pécs has frequent and reliable direct InterCity (IC) train services to and from Budapest. The journey typically takes ~3 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic way to travel.

Train Operators & Booking

  • MÁV-START is the national railway company of Hungary.
  • Check schedules and purchase tickets on their website (MÁV-START) or at train stations.
  • International connections usually involve first arriving in Budapest, then domestic connection to Pécs.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Volánbusz is Hungary's main long-distance bus operator. They give extensive connections from Pécs to other Hungarian cities. Buses can prove more economical than trains for some routes.

Bus Booking & Routes

  • Purchase bus tickets at the Pécs bus station (Autóbusz-állomás) or online.
  • Online booking available via the Volánbusz website.
  • Buses offer direct services from Budapest Népliget Bus Station to Pécs.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car and driving in Hungary offers flexibility, especially for exploring the region around Pécs. You need a valid national driving license.

Requirements & Tolls

  • For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually with national license.
  • A major credit card is needed for the security deposit.
  • An electronic road tax sticker, called a vignette (e-matrica), is needed for motorways.

Driving Laws & Safety

Hungarian motorways (M prefix) are well-maintained. Secondary roads can vary but are generally in good condition. Consider a GPS device for car travel.

Traffic Rules

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Strict zero-tolerance policy for drink-driving.
  • Headlights must be on at all times when driving outside urban areas.

Departure Information

  • Hungary imposes no specific exit fees or taxes for tourists.
  • Air travel (from BUD): Arrive at least 2 hours for European, 3 hours for international flights.
  • Train/Bus (from Pécs): Arrive 20-30 minutes before departure for boarding.
  • Pécs Train/Bus Stations: Basic facilities (waiting areas, restrooms, kiosks/cafes).
  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): Extensive facilities (shops, restaurants, lounges).
  • Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner can aid in flight search.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Quality in Hungary

Road conditions are generally good, especially on main routes. Motorways are well-maintained, providing smooth travel.

Speed Limits

  • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph).
  • Outside urban areas: 90 km/h (56 mph).
  • Expressways: 110 km/h (68 mph). Motorways: 130 km/h (81 mph).

Driving Safety & Rules

Pay attention to local traffic, especially in city centers. Drivers must be aware of the strict drink-driving laws. A first-aid kit, warning triangle, and reflective vest must be in the car.

Driving Rules

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Headlights must be on at all times outside urban areas.

Fuel Availability

Petrol stations are widely available across Hungary.

Online Vignette

Purchase electronic road tax (e-matrica) online or at petrol stations for toll roads via National Toll Payment Services PLC.

City Traffic

Roads within Pécs are good, though some older streets in the city center can be cobbled.

Driving & Parking

Car Rental

To rent a car in Hungary, you generally need to be 21-25 years old (age requirements vary; surcharges for under 25). Book your rental car in advance.

Major Companies

  • Major international car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget) have offices in Pécs.
  • Also available at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).
  • Advance booking secures preferred vehicle type and better rates.

Motorcycle & Bicycle

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common in Pécs. Inquire at local rental shops, but options may be limited.

Bicycle Rentals

  • Pécs Bikes: Public bike-sharing system via mobile app, convenient for short rides.
  • Local bicycle shops offer daily or multi-day rentals.
  • Helmets are recommended for safety, though not legally needed for adults.

Parking Information

Street Parking

Paid street parking appears common in the city center of Pécs. Look for parking meters or signs indicating zones.

Parking Garages

Parking garages are also available for secure parking options.

Avoid Illegal Parking

Avoid parking illegally, as fines or towing are possible consequences.

Flight Search Tip

Websites like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are valuable for finding economical flights.