Rent a Boat in Budapest Without a License: Self-Drive Guide

If you want privacy but don't want to pay €200 for a water limousine, you can drive yourself.

The Rules

In Hungary, you can drive a boat with an engine power of up to 20 HP (limited speed) without a boating license.

• Alcohol: Zero tolerance. The driver cannot drink. Police cruise the river and do check.

Where to Rent?

Most rentals are not in the strict city center (parliament zone) because the traffic is too heavy with big hotel ships.

• Római Part (Roman Beach): Located in North Buda. This is the "holiday" strip of the river.
• Kopaszi Dam: In the south.

Electric Boats (Dunarama / Private owners)

Small electric dinghies are becoming popular. They are silent, slow, and easy to handle.

• Capacity: 4-5 people.
• Speed: Leisurely.
• Picnic: You can bring your own food and drinks.

The "Holiday" Boat (Nyaralóhajó)

There is a program building up houseboats for rent in the Tisza region, but on the Danube in Budapest, options are mostly hour-by-hour small motorboats.

Is it safe?

The Danube has a strong current (4-8 km/h).

1. Always wear the life vest.
2. Stay away from the big Viking/AmaWaterways hotel ships. They cannot see you and cannot stop.
3. Stay right. Rules of the road apply.

Recommendation: Rent a boat at Római Part for 2 hours, cruise up towards Szentendre island, then return and eat fried fish (Hekk) at the riverside stalls. Ideally summer only.