Exciting News: Navigation Season on Lake Balaton Starts With More Cruises and Discounts
The main navigation season on Lake Balaton has officially started after a successful pre-season, with the Balaton Navigation Company (BAHART) increasing the frequency of its services on several routes. The high season brings more sailing opportunities for visitors to Lake Balaton, with ships now operating on weekdays in ports where they previously only ran on weekends during the pre-season.
According to reports from Turizmus Online, the two new catamarans and ferries introduced by BAHART have been very popular with passengers. Ferries are now departing every 30 minutes or more frequently, accommodating cars and cyclists. Additionally, the range of programme boats has been expanded, with new offerings such as the Evening Chill boat departing from Siófok on Wednesdays and the Circus Cavalcade children’s boat departing from Balatonfüred and Fonyód on Fridays.
The catamarans run on busy routes between Fonyód and Badacsony, as well as between Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Tihany. The ferries operate on a summer timetable, departing every half hour from Szántódrév and Tihanyrév. In addition to regular services, there are cruises departing from 15 ports, sunset cruises from 13 ports, children’s cruises from 10 ports, and party cruises from 9 ports.
BAHART is introducing new discounts for the peak navigation season on Lake Balaton. Children aged 6-11 can travel for free on BAHART scheduled services with a Kajla passport during the summer holidays. Additionally, a family ticket for scheduled cruises has been extended to include cruises and children’s cruises at a discounted fixed price. People with disabilities can now travel for free on scheduled boats in addition to ferries, and SZÉP cards are accepted at BAHART ticket offices.
Gábor Veigl, CEO of BAHART, reported that the cruise destinations are very popular this year, with a significant increase in passenger numbers compared to last year. The start of the high season has already seen a positive response, with more passengers using BAHART’s services and an increase in the transportation of bicycles. To avoid queues, passengers can purchase tickets in advance at jegy.bahart.hu.
It seems that the main navigation season on Lake Balaton is off to a great start, offering more opportunities for sailing and exploring the beautiful surroundings of Hungary’s largest lake.
