Going to thermal baths on holiday is luxury for most Hungarian families
Due to the increase in the price of admission tickets for thermal baths, it is possible that a family of four has to pay about HUF 13,000 (EUR 33) per day on average for tickets, even while taking advantage of the discounts. This amount is often paid five or six times over the course of a week’s holiday, so families can expect to spend up to HUF 70,000 (EUR 177), although this is only one component of a summer holiday, along with accommodation and meals.
Last year, the typical increase in the price of thermal bath admission tickets was 18-20 percent, followed by a smaller increase this year, as we previously reported. Andor Albel, president of the Dél-Alföld Termálklaszter, told Népszava that in the case of the Szentes spa, ticket prices have increased by 38 percent in two years, which is an extreme example.
The sharp rise in energy prices and last year’s extremely high annual inflation made the price increase in 2023 inevitable, although this did not cover the increased costs of operating a thermal bath.
The majority of rural spas are likely to operate at a loss if only their annual turnover is taken into account. Losses are covered by the municipalities exercising ownership rights, which provide subsidies to the baths.
Thermal baths are the most expensive in Budapest
The highest ticket prices for adults are in Budapest, where for example you have to pay 10,500 HUF (EUR 26.5) for a full-day ticket in Széchenyi Bath and 16,200 HUF (EUR 40.9) in Gellért. In the two baths mentioned, there isn’t a cheaper ticket option than the ones indicated, and neither is the pensioner or student ticket an option, Népszava reports.
Expensive tickets in the capital do not mean that tickets are cheap in the countryside, although they do vary relatively widely. Among the most expensive is the RQ spa in Győr, where a full-day adult ticket costs HUF 8,900 (EUR 22.5), not far behind is Napfényfürdő in Szeged, where the prices are slightly higher. Egerszalók is in a similar category, where a daily ticket costs HUF 9,000 (EUR 22.7).
Among the more expensive spas in the countryside is Sárvár, and Zalakaros is only slightly cheaper. Miskolctapolca’s Barlangfürdő and the Ellipsum, the baths in Harkány and Bükfürdő are similarly priced at around HUF 7000 (EUR 17.7).
Most thermal baths offer discounts
There is a varying system of discounts at the entrances to spas, which can often seem complicated. In addition to adult, student/child and pensioner tickets, there are group tickets and family tickets, which vary based on the number of adults and children, but in some places, there are 2-3 hour swimming tickets, afternoon tickets after 4 PM-5 PM and night swimming tickets as well.
Passes are also available for those who spend a week or two at a spa. You can buy passes for 5 and 10 occasions, not just monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly passes. Tickets can be combined with the services available, as a basic ticket does not normally include the use of the adventure baths and saunas, which are charged separately.
Complex tickets, i.e. tickets for all services, can also be purchased. Many places offer a discount for locals, which must be proven by showing your address card. In most cases, this is only possible with prior registration.
Read also:
- 3+1 of the very best thermal baths in Budapest – Read here
- Outdoor pools and thermal baths: here are some budget-friendly options to consider this summer
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