Looking to add an easy day trip from Budapest to your Hungarian holiday? Szentendre is a classic! This picturesque town, located some 20 km north of Budapest, is perfect to spend a few hours in, or even a full day.
Because it’s a popular half-day trip from Budapest, there are many ways to reach Szentendre. In this post, you will learn how to get from Budapest to Szentendre by train, boat, bus, car, and bike.
Help me run my blog! This post contains some affiliate links: the small commission I may earn if you click through and make a purchase/booking (at no extra cost to you) will go towards supporting the site and our travels. That means more posts and useful info for you!
We only recommend products we use ourselves and believe in. Thank you for supporting Travelling Sunglasses!
Click here to read our full disclosure.
Where is Szentendre, Hungary
Szentendre is located approximately 20 km north of Budapest and approximately 20 km south of the Danube bend, where the Visegrad Castle is. It is built by the western shore of the Danube (actually a small branch of the Danube), with the Pilis mountains behind it. (Map here)
And then? Read here what to do and see in Szentendre, and a special edition of Szentendre with a baby or toddler with all my best advice.
How to get from Budapest to Szentendre by train
The easiest way to go from Budapest to Szentendre is by train, more precisely with the suburban railway line HÉV H5 on Buda side. It’s easy, cheap and straightforward.
- It takes 40 minutes
- A one-way extension ticket costs 450 HUF, just a little more than 1 EUR, for the piece of the journey outside of Budapest. You’ll need also a simple ticket, or a pass, for the part inside Budapest.
- The train leaves every 20 minutes; the schedule shown on Google Maps is accurate (search for Szentendre and then ask for directions by public transportation), or use the Budapest Go App.
To be completely sure, find here the official information by BKK – when you click on the station name, a PDF will download with the schedule.
The 2 stations in Budapest where you can take train H5 are Batthyany Square Metro Station and Margaret Bridge, Buda side (in Hungarian: Batthyany ter map here and Margit Hid Budai Hidfo map here). The train departs from Batthyany Square, then the first stop is Margaret Bridge Buda side, and then it continues north with many stops until Szentendre, the last stop.
Batthyány Square is well-connected with trams, buses and metro 2; Margaret Bridge (Buda side) is also well-connected with trams, buses and tram 4/6.
The Batthyány tér HEV train station is located underground. After you purchase the ticket at the booth or at the machines, follow the signs on the left to the tracks. There are only three tracks, and not all trains go to Szentendre, so make sure you catch the right one! (map here)
The Margaret Bridge train station is located under Margaret Bridge on Buda side (in Hungarian: Margit híd, Budai hídfő). Reach it by taking the stairs down from the 4/6 tram stop, or from the sides open to the sidewalk. Get your ticket at the machines or at the booth, and then take the stairs down, on the right side (map here).
When you reach Szentendre, continue straight to leave the station. There are a couple of kiosks for a snack, a kebab stand, and public restrooms (accessible for a 200 HUF coin, which is 0,60 EUR). Take the stairs down under the main road, and continue along the road for some 500 meters/5-10 minutes until a small stone bridge: that’s where the old town starts (map here from the Szentendre train station to the info point after the bridge).
How much is the train ticket to Szentendre?
Now, pay attention here, because I’ve seen people get fined up to 25000 HUF = 50 EUR! There is no excuse for not having a ticket or not validating it, because there are signs EVERYWHERE (2023 update).
The point here is that the HEV 5 trains travel inside the Budapest area until the Békásmegyer (BKK company). From Békásmegyer to Szentendre, it’s not Budapest anymore (MAV company). That’s why you need 2 tickets.
- 1- Inside Budapest, you’ll need a single ticket of 350 HUF, or the 24-hour/72-hour pass you may already own. You can buy also a pack of 10 tickets for 3000 HUF.
- 2- Then, you’ll need an extension ticket of 450 HUF for the distance outside of Budapest, from Békásmegyer to Szentendre.
- Buy the ticket(s) at the booths or at the big purple machines. Card is accepted (I recommend the Wise multi-currency card where you can keep Hungarian Forints and save on banking fees) but cash/coins may be quicker.
- Remember to validate the ticket(s) at the machines inside the train. Put the ticket inside the yellow metal box, and pull hard the black part towards you until it punches holes in the ticket. IF YOU DON’T VALIDATE THE TICKET, YOU WILL BE FINED.
- You can buy the single ticket on the BudapestGo app, but the extension ticket has to be a paper ticket. Anyway, I recommend old-fashioned paper tickets for this trip, safe in your pockets.
- I hope it’s clear: if you board the train without a ticket or you don’t validate it, you will be fined. There are signs everywhere and ticket machines at all stops. When in doubt, ask someone for help.
2023 note: my friend and expert local tour guide Adam mentioned that the extension ticket doesn’t have to be validated, as it’s not requested by the MAV company. However, I’ve always punched it and the controllers never told me off nor fined me. So, I recommend validating it anyway, to avoid risking a discussion with the controllers. The Budapest simple ticket definitely must be validated.
In general, going by train to Szentendre is a pleasant journey. The trains are old, which makes it feel like travelling back in time even more. The big city and the residential neighbourhoods slowly make way to smaller houses and green fields, while the Danube flows on the right. However, it can be crowded on weekends and during the Sziget Festival in August, because the Sziget island is located on the way to Szentendre.
How to get from Budapest to Szentendre by boat
During summer 2023, Mahart Pass Nave operates a river cruise from Budapest to Szentendre. Please check on their website for updated hours and exceptions
- From May to September 2023, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Departure from Vigadó Square in Budapest at 09:00 with arrival at Szentendre at 10:30, or at 10:00 with arrival at 12.00
- Return from Szentendre at 17:00 with arrival at Vigadó Square in Budapest at 18:10, or at 18:15 with arrival at 19:20
- On Wednesdays, there is also a trip from Budapest at 10.30 and a return from Szentendre at
- One-way ticket 3500 HUF (approx. 9 EUR), return ticket 5500 HUF (approx. 14 EUR)
- It’s recommended to buy a ticket online the day before here (choose the traditional ship from the menu)
- You can also get a 20% discount if you have the Budapest card
It’s a nice boat ride… but, if you want to enjoy the Danube, I’d recommend a local cruise in the Budapest part of the river instead of the full cruise until Szentendre.
If you want to try the Szentendre cruise, I would recommend taking the boat only on the way back to Budapest, since the trip down the river is faster than going up the river.
How to get from Budapest to Szentendre by bus
I don’t recommend going to Szentendre by bus, because it’s complicated and it takes a long time.
I’ve done it once, to go straight to the Japan Garden in the outskirts of Szentendre (not worth your time): I had to go to take one of the Volanbusz lines number 880-889, which leave from Budapest at the station of Újpest Varoskapu – far away – and it took almost 1,5 hours – way too long.
Trust me, you’re much better off with the HEV suburban train.
However, Mr. Mallick tested it for you and enjoyed the bus ride. You can find his instructions in a comment below. Thank you!
How to get from Budapest to Szentendre by bike
I’ve never been to Szentendre by bike, but we may do it soon, because the last stretch of the bike path was recently completed.
Once you rent your bike in Budapest, the bike path will run on Buda side, pretty close to the Danube shore and also among trees. Check out this YouTube video for a quick idea.
- The ride takes approx. 1 hour, without stops
- Bring plenty of water, especially in the summer, as there’s little shade
- You can also load your bike on the H5 train on the way back (just remember to buy the special ticket) or on the boat.
How to get from Budapest to Szentendre by car
To reach Szentendre by car, take road 11 going north on Buda side. Szentendre is approximately 20 km away from Budapest city centre, which means approximately 30 minutes (depending on the traffic). It’s a toll-free road.
Even though there are a lot of parking lots, free and paid, I am told that often they are all full. So you may end up wasting some time going up and down the streets, looking for a free spot.
For this reason, I recommend going to Szentendre by train.
How to get from Szentendre to Budapest
When you walk back to the train station along the street and down the stairs under the main road, you will find the big, purple ticket machines right in front of you, and the train will be on your left. The trains leave every 20 minutes.
If you’re coming back from the Danube beach, then choose the rural walk/bike path between the stream Bükkös Patak and Petőfi street for a beautiful, relaxing walk.
As usual, buy the ticket (extension ticket, and single ticket if needed) and validate it.
By bus, I’m not even going to research it, because you’ll end up at the station of Újpest in the outskirts of Budapest. However, Mr. Mallick’s experience was pleasant, so you can read it in a comment below.
By bike, just remember that you’ll be pretty tired, especially if you don’t cycle often. Make sure you ask the bike rental about their closing time.
By boat, I recommend doing the return journey, as I mention above. Here is more information.
By car, watch for the traffic jams around 6-7 pm.
Planning a trip to Budapest? Here are all my useful resources!
Final thoughts on how to get to Szentendre for a day trip
You’re set! Now you have all the information about how to go from Budapest to Szentendre, so you can choose the best option for you.
I hope you enjoy your excursion to this pretty and picturesque town.
Let me know in the comments what means of transport you chose!
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! Without this blog we would not have made the journey to Szentendre today. It was a stressful experience and had a lady hassling to help us but in exchange for cash. Trying to understand the ticket machine is not straightforward but then I found this blog which saved our day!
I’ve also shared this blog in the Things to do in Budapest facebook group 🙂
Hi Natalie!! Thank you for your feedback and for sharing on the Things to do in Budapest Facebook group, it means a lot. I hope it can help many more travellers 🙂
I am an EU citizen over 65 years old, and therefore can ride on Hungarian trains for free. Would this mean I do not need a ticket for the MAV part of the trip, the extension ticket?
Hi Steven, unfortunately I couldn’t find out on the websites of BKK nor MAV. I emailed them, but I didn’t receive any reply. This is disappointing! If I were you, I’d buy the ticket for the MAV part of the trip, just to be on the safe side. It happens that the ticket booth attendant says one thing, and the controller another… so my advice is to buy the ticket, it’s cheap and you’ll avoid trouble. Enjoy Szentendre!
Very handy information, especially train ticket guidelines. Thank you.
Hi Phil, thank you for your feedback! Glad I could help 🙂
Your instructions are spot on. especially about the 2 step ticket and making sure to validate. Bought return tickets at Batthyani Ter from the ticket agent and she was very helpful. Thank you
Had a lovely day in Szentendre.
Dear Marcy, excellent! Thank you for your feedback, I am glad my post was useful. And yes ticket agents can be very helpful. Enjoy your travels!
Hi Giulia, thanks for excellent webpage on travelling to Szentendre. All your instructions for travelling from Batthyány Square were spot on, except that it seems the extension ticket must have increased in price at the beginning of July. It is now 450 Ft. There was a couple on the train that didn’t know about this. Lucky for them the ticket inspector just charged them the 900 Ft so they were not fined. Veronica seems to have been unlucky.
We decided to return by bus and found this faster and pleasant. Yes it goes to the outskirts of Budapest, but the beginning of the Metro number 3 line runs from there. The bus stop at Szentendre, next to the train station is the first or second stop next tp the station. Opposite are two yellow ticket machines. Select Budapest Ujpest-Varoskapu. Tickets are 450 Ft per person so in theory a little cheaper than the train depending on where you are going the other end. If you pay for more than one person you will still only get one ticket which will be shown on the ticket. To validate it, just hand the ticket to the driver who will tear off half along the serrated edge. You get off at the big bus station terminus situated between Lidl and Tesco. If you want to travel the other way, there are yellow ticket machines at the bottom of the steps as you come down from the Metro. Hope this information is useful to somebody.
Hello Mike, thank you for your helpful comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the trip by bus. I am sure your experience will be useful to other readers, it’s a very detailed explanation. I didn’t find the bus stops area at Ujpest easy, I had to wait a long time for a bus, but I’ll give it a go next time I go to Szentendre 🙂
just 2 minutes after I left my previous comment the ticket inspector came to us. I’d purchased my return tickets at Szentendre station exactly as shown above. The inspector said they were the wrong tickets. These were for Budapest extension not HEV. He went on to say we would have to pay a cash fine of 12,500 ft each for our mistake. I argued it was confusing for tourists and anyway we didn’t have the cash to pay. He said we would have to pay by card, I said we couldn’t, he then asked for ID saying the fine would double to 25,000 ft if paid later. I said our ID (passport) was back at the hotel. I asked if we could buy the correct tickets from him as we had on the inward journey, or if we could leave the train to buy new tickets. He said no to both. Eventually (worn down I think) he said as we’re tourists he would allow us to leave the train. We bought new tickets with the help of a lovely Dutch lady and caught the next train. The tickets were from the large box on right of the screen “other tickets and passes suburban rail way”
Hi Veronica, thank you for the thorough story. Sorry you had such a hard time. I see what you mean about the ticket machines: at the station along the Budapest-Szentendre line, the screen might look different and propose the extension on a different button, and that’s where I made my instructions from. I have just updated the post with pictures from a ticket machine at the Deak ter stop, from the first tap to the last, as of June 2023. Thank you for the heads-up!
Great instructions, thank you. We’ve had a really pleasant morning in Szentendre and did a bit souvenir shopping. We made the mistake of getting our outgoing extension tickets at Deak Ferenc, our local metro station. When they were checked on the szentendre train the inspector said they were just for Budapest but he allowed us to buy the correct ones from him. No fine!
Thank you again for such an informative write up.
Hi Veronica, I’m glad you were checked by a nice inspector! They seem to be more strict on the way back from Szentendre to Budapest.
How far is it from the train station at Szentendre to the craft Village where the artisan shops are please I went on a day trip a few years ago and want to return but have limited walking so wondering how far from rail station to there .
Many thanks, also what is the destination of the train we have to look for when boarding at Buda side ? Does it terminate in Szentendre of continue on somewhere else? And also does it have a route number and also a destination station name for return. Sorry for all the questions 😅.
Hi Carole, no problem at all. The craft village you mention must be the Skanzen Village Museum; I’ve never been there, but it looks like a long walk. There should be a bus by VolanBusz, according to the official website. With regards to the train ride, the destination at Szentendre is simply Szentendre, the H5 train ends there – no route number, just H5. When you come back to Budapest, the most convenient stops are the Margit Hid Budai Hidfo (to catch tram 4/6) or Batthyany Ter (to catch metro 2). A few other other trams and buses are available at these stops. I wish you a great time in Szentendre!
Hi Giulia and Darek,
I took the train ride from Budapest to Szentendre with my 24hrs BudapestGO which I did not realised this is not included for ride till Szentendre. I was then fined 12,000HUF. I’m wondering, as a tourist, how do I avoid this as in what other travel card I can buy which includes all ride to desinations within Hungary so I won’t be caught in situation like this. Appreciated your advice.
To be exact, I was fined on my way back from Szentendre to Budapest.
Hi Carenie, I’m really sorry you had this bad experience on the way back. I do believe that it’s written at the HEV train stations at Batthyany Square and Margit Hid (Margaret Bridge), either on maps or on the ticket machines. I’m sorry you didn’t notice it on this post, in the “How much is the train ticket” section. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any travel card for tourists that applies on all destinations; there must be some yearly pass by MAV, the Hungarian train company, but it’s probably aimed at local commuters and I am not familiar with that – and I don’t think the HEV train to Szentendre is managed by MAV anyway. To sum up, as a tourist, it is important to check that you have the appropriate ticket for your destination, by asking at an information point, at the ticket desk, at your hotel reception, or by researching online. I hope you enjoyed your day in Szentendre, at least 🙂
Good day, how do I get to Batthyany Square Metro Station from the Corinthia Hotel, Budapest? And doe the ticket machines take credit cards? Or, just Hungarian currency exact change. Curtis
Hi Curtis. Yes the ticket machines take cards more often than Hungarian currency. From the Corinthia Hotel, you can either: 1) walk/take trams 4 or 6 until Blaha Square and then metro 2 until Batthyany Square, or 2) take trams 4 or 6 until Margaret Bridge Budai Hidfo and then walk/take a tram until Batthyany Square. The second option has better views. I think they take the same amount of time.
I hope you enjoy your day!
Thank you for the good directions.
Now – June 2022, the boat to Budapest is only Saturday at 11:00 and 17:00. No boat during the week.
Hi Chris! Thank you for the added information 🙂 as I can see on Mahart Passnave, boats go on Friday-Saturday-Sunday from April 29th to October 2nd, 2022. Departure is at 10 from Budapest and at 17 from Szentendre.
You make this trip a straightforward one. Thank you very much for this. I was with my family today in Szentendre. We traveled by train and supported by your instructions the trip was pleasant and relaxed.
Maybe I can add something to your perfect directions. The instruction is related to the validation of the ticket(s) at the machines inside the train. This machine is purely mechanical, it’s not a bar code reader! Once a ticket is placed in the appropriate opening in the machine, It’s necessary to press the machine and make holes in the tickets. After that, you have validated tickets. It’s important to say that we had ticket control in both directions.
Hi Milorad, Thank you for reading my post and for adding this precious information! You are right, they are quite vintage validating machines 🙂 I hope you enjoyed Szentendre!
Fab guide ! I filled these instructions today and got to we’re I needed to be great information! Thankyou !
Hi Vanya! Excellent, I’m really happy to hear! I hope you enjoyed Szentendre 🙂