Balaton expands free beach options and launches unified travel ticket

Hungary will have more than 40 free public beaches around Lake Balaton in the 2026 season, most of them on the southern shore. The list includes popular stretches in Siófok, Balatonfüred, Balatonberény and many other towns, allowing swimmers to enjoy the lake without paying entry fees.

Transport Minister Vitézy Dávid announced a test of the Balaton24 daily ticket from July 1 to August 30, allowing travelers in Siófok and Balatonfüred to use the same ticket on local buses as on regional trains. The measure aims to simplify summer travel, encourage public transport over cars, and offer climate‑controlled carriages, bike carriage, and onboard catering services during the peak holiday period.