How to Get to Szentendre from Budapest

Looking for the perfect day trip from Budapest? Let me put Szentendre on your radar.

I spent a few weeks in Budapest and knew I wanted to see more of Hungary than its beautiful capital. Luckily, Budapest makes exploring nearby towns incredibly easy — and everyone kept recommending Szentendre.

Just an hour away, this charming, pastel-colored village is packed with culture, art galleries, museums, and cobblestone streets that feel straight out of a storybook. It’s the ideal spot to slow down, wander, and get a taste of everyday Hungarian life beyond the city.

How Far is Szentendre from Budapest

Szentendre is about 12 miles north of Budapest, making it one of the most popular day trips from the city. Depending on your mode of transportation, the journey takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure.

How to get from Budapest to Szentendre

You can reach Szentendre by train, boat, bus, car, or guided tour. Each option has its pros and cons.

• Fastest: Train
• Cheapest: Train or bus
• Most scenic: Boat
• Most flexible: Driving
• Most effortless: Guided tour

How to Get to Szentendre by Train (The Easiest Option)

The HEV suburban train is the most reliable way to reach Szentendre.

• Departure station: Batthyány tér (on the Buda side of the river)
• Travel time: About 40 minutes
• Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
• Tickets: You’ll need a regular HEV ticket + a short extension ticket for travel beyond Budapest’s city limits. You can buy tickets at the station machines or counters. Make sure to validate your ticket on the train or you will be fined.

Once you arrive, it’s just a 15-minute walk into Szentendre’s Old Town.

How to Get to Szentendre by Boat (The Most Scenic Route)

If you’re visiting in spring, summer, or early fall, the boat ride is a dreamy way to reach Szentendre. Taking the boat from Budapest to Szentendre is easily the most scenic and romantic way to reach this charming little town.

Operating seasonally from April to October, the river cruise glides along the Danube, with views of Budapest’s skyline before drifting into the quieter, greener stretches north of the city. The journey takes about one hour, giving you plenty of time to relax, sip a drink, and enjoy the breeze. Boats usually depart from the city center and drop you off right at Szentendre’s waterfront, just steps from the Old Town. It’s slower than the train, but the beautiful views and gentle pace make it absolutely worth it. Plus you’ll skip the 15 minute walk from the train station.

How to Get to Szentendre by Bus

Buses to Szentendre leave from Újpest-Városkapu and offer another affordable option.

• Travel time: About 30 minutes
• Tickets: Available at the station or from the driver (cash may be needed for onboard purchases).
  Buses are frequent and comfortable, though trains are generally easier for first-time visitors.

Can You Drive to Szentendre?

You can also drive to Szentendre but I would only rent a car in Budapest if you planned on visiting multiple cities outside of Budapest, as Budapest is very accessible by public transportation.

It’ only take’s about 25-30 minutes from central Budapest, but please bring cash or a card to pay for parking. There are lots of spaces, but they get filled quickly during high season. Most of the Old Town is pedestrian-friendly.

Is It Worth Booking a Tour to Szentendre?

A tour is a great option if you prefer everything planned for you. Many tours combine Szentendre with the Danube Bend, Visegrád, or Esztergom.
Choose a guided tour if you want:

• Zero logistics
• A deeper cultural or historical explanation
• To pair Szentendre with another destination

If you love wandering, shopping, and café-hopping at your own pace, a self-guided trip is perfect.

How Much Does It Cost to Get to Szentendre?

• Train: Very affordable — typically just a few euros
• Boat: More expensive but scenic
• Bus: Cheap
• Taxi: Easy but pricey compared to public transport
• Tours: Moderate to high depending on inclusions

Can You Use the Budapest Travel Card to Get to Szentendre?

You can use the Budapest Travel Card within the city limits, but you’ll need to purchase a supplementary ticket for the portion of the HEV ride that travels outside Budapest. This is super easy and inexpensive.

How Long Should You Spend in Szentendre?

Most visitors find that 4–6 hours is enough to explore galleries, grab dessert at a riverside café, wander the cobblestone streets, and visit a museum or two.
If you love art or want a slower pace, you can easily stretch it into a full-day trip. I wouldn’t spend more than 2 days here personally. Most museums are closed Monday through Wednesday during the winter, so aim to visit Thursday- Sunday.

Best Things to Do in Szentendre

Visit the Marzipan Museum and Szamos Café

The Marizpan Museum and Szamos Cafe was my favorite part of Szentendre. The interior was pink and blue with lots of artwork and beautiful tile. The cafe has lots of locally made chocolate and pastries.

Connected to the cafe is a museum that gives you a quick, tasty look at how marzipan became the city’s claim to fame. Niederegger has been making it since 1806, and you’ll even see life-size marzipan figures and old molds that show how everything was crafted back in the day. It’s a light, easy visit, and the best part is grabbing a treat from the café downstairs afterward.

Take Photos Under the Umbrella Street

And of course, you can’t go to Szentendre without grabbing a photo under the famous umbrella street. It’s bright, colorful, and one of those spots that instantly puts you in a good mood. The hanging umbrellas create such a fun backdrop for pictures, especially on a sunny day when the light filters through all the colors. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but stop, smile, and snap a few photos before continuing your wander through the Old Town.

Buy Hungarian Souvenirs

Szentendre is a great place to buy souvenirs, especially if you want something local and handmade. As you walk through the small streets, you’ll find shops selling painted pottery, embroidered tablecloths, hand-carved wooden toys, and even tasty treats like Hungarian paprika or local chocolates. The town is known for its artists, so a lot of the items you’ll see are made right there. It’s an easy and fun way to bring home a little piece of Hungary.

Visit the Micro Art Museum

One of the cutest stops in Szentendre is the Museum of Micro Art, where you can see insanely tiny sculptures—like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them tiny. Everything is so small it has to be viewed through a microscope, which makes the whole experience feel a little magical and a lot mind-blowing. It’s a quick visit but definitely worth it if you love quirky attractions or anything that feels a bit whimsical.

Take a Stroll Along the Danube River

Taking a stroll along the Danube River in Szentendre is a lovely way to spend some time, especially if you enjoy calm waters and gentle walks. While it’s not quite as dramatic or romantic as the iconic views in Budapest, it has its own charm — especially if you visit during the shoulder season when the crowds are lighter. You can wander along the riverbank, watch small boats drift by, and soak up a slower, more relaxed pace. It’s perfect for a peaceful break between exploring the town’s galleries and cobblestone streets.

Where to Eat in Szentendre

Is Szentendre Good for Winter or Christmas Market Visits?

Szentendre is so dreamy and whimsical in the winter, especially if you’re visiting around the holidays. The town puts up small but charming Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and plenty of spots to grab a hot mulled drinks while you wander the cobblestone streets.

It’s quieter than Budapest’s big holiday markets, which honestly makes it feel more intimate and local. Just keep in mind that some museums and shops may have shorter hours in the colder months but the festive atmosphere and cozy cafés more than make up for it. It’s a perfect little winter escape.

 Is Visiting Szentendre Worth It?

Here’s my honest take. If your visit to Budapest is very limited, I’m talking less than a week, then it’s not necessary to visit. But if you have more than that, you should visit. Everyone paints Szentendre as this super traditional Hungarian town, but it’s not. It’s a very touristy area. If you’re looking for a place off the beaten path, try Esztergom instead.