Spring Long Weekends in Hungary – Which Highway Vignette Is the Best Choice?

2025. 04. 08. 13:29

Several long weekends are coming up soon, so whether you're planning family gatherings, weekend getaways, or exploring your favorite city, it's worth planning your travel costs in advance to make your trips as economical as possible.

Table of Contents

• Spring Long Weekends in 2025
• Why Travel During a Long Weekend?
• Is It Worth Traveling on the Highway?
• Where Are E-Vignettes Used vs. Payment Gateaway toll collection in Europe?
• Which Hungarian Highway Vignette Is Worth Buying?
• What to Watch Out for on Hungarian Highways in Spring?
• Where to Travel via Hungarian Highways?
  • Tokaj and Zemplén
  • Győr and Szigetköz
  • Pécs and the Villány Wine Region
  • Lake Balaton
• Buying a Hungarian Highway Vignette Online
• Summary

Spring Long Weekends in 2025

As the long weekends and Easter approach, more and more people start thinking about traveling for relaxation or family visits. A few days off offer the perfect opportunity to recharge, discover new places, and spend quality time with loved ones, so it's worth making the most of these extended weekends. This spring, the long weekends in Hungary will be:

• Easter – 4-day weekend: Friday, April 18 – Monday, April 21
• International Workers' Day – 4-day weekend: Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 4

Why Travel During a Long Weekend?

• Break from everyday life: Even a short change of scenery can work wonders for your mental health. A new landscape, a cozy accommodation, a peaceful walk, or an exciting city tour can help you escape the daily grind.
• Discovery: Hungary is full of hidden gems – historical towns, thermal spas, wine regions, mountain hiking trails, and culinary adventures await.
• Cost-effective: A long weekend trip is usually cheaper than a full vacation – and if you don’t need to drive far, fuel and toll sticker costs are predictable and easier to optimize.

Is It Worth Traveling on the Highway?

Traveling by car is undoubtedly the most convenient way to travel. If you plan ahead and purchase the necessary highway vignettes, you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey. It’s usually best to take the faster route, even if it’s a toll road – you'll make better progress and save fuel along the way.

Moreover, you won't have to look for alternative routes during your trip or worry about accidentally driving on a toll road without a valid vignette. Nothing is worse than being abroad, unsure about the toll road rules, only to find out later that you're likely to be fined. It’s best to avoid such situations by purchasing an e-vignette in advance on highways across Europe that use an electronic toll system.

Where Are E-Vignettes Used vs. Payment Gateaway toll collection in Europe?

While border crossing within Europe is generally easy, it’s essential to have accurate information about toll systems before hitting the road. European highways operate under various toll collection systems. While payment gateaways typically require payment on-site, e-vignettes can be purchased online in advance.

Which Hungarian Highway Vignette Is Worth Buying?

If you're traveling to Hungary, it’s highly recommended to use the toll roads, as the country has a well-developed and well-maintained highway network. Based on your route and travel duration, there are several types of vignettes to choose from. Depending on how long you’ll be traveling, the following options are recommended:

• Daily Vignette

If you're only using toll roads for a single day and not frequently, the one day vignette is ideal – it’s valid until midnight on the day of purchase.

• Weekly Vignette

If your trip spans more than one day, the 10-day vignette is the right choice.

Pro Tip: If you buy the vignette on a Friday, it’ll be valid until midnight the following Sunday – allowing you to enjoy two weekends!

• Monthly and Several-Monthly Vignettes

Ideal for those traveling frequently or for trips longer than 10 days. With the upcoming long weekends and Easter, this might be the most cost-effective choice – the price of two daily or weekly vignettes can already cover the monthly one.

What to Watch Out for on Hungarian Highways in Spring?

Beyond purchasing the appropriate highway vignette, time management is also key. In spring, major road renovations begin across Hungary, leading to congestion on many road sections. Additionally, traffic increases during this period due to long weekends, pleasant weather, and spring breaks, so expect more vehicles on the road.

Where to Travel via Hungarian Highways?

Tokaj and Zemplén

Route from Budapest: M3 highway→ Route 37

Tokaj is perfect for wine lovers, and the peaceful environment guarantees relaxation. Enjoy a glass of furmint or aszú by the Bodrog River, stroll through the historic town, or visit the Zemplén Adventure Park for a bit of excitement.

Pro Tip: On the way to the adventure park from Tokaj, make detours to see the Bridge of National Unity in Sátoraljaújhely or explore Regéc Castle.

Győr and Szigetköz

Route from Budapest: M1 highway

Győr offers experiences for all ages – from its baroque downtown to the Rába Quelle thermal bath and the nearby water-filled world of Szigetköz, it's a great mix of calm and activity.

Pro Tip: Rent a kayak or bicycle in Szigetköz for an extra adventure!

Pécs and the Villány Wine Region

Route from Budapest: M6 highway → Route 57

Pécs is rich in cultural treasures – the cathedral, the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, and Mecsek’s lookouts all offer unique experiences. Villány is just a short drive away, home to excellent wineries and cozy cellars.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Harkány thermal spa while you're there!

Lake Balaton

Route from Budapest: M7 highway

Balaton isn’t just a summer destination. Spring and autumn offer their own charms: Tihany's lavender fields, Badacsony’s wine terraces, hiking trails in the Balaton Uplands, strolls along the piers, or romantic sunsets on the shore.

Pro Tip: Try the BalatonBike365 routes or enjoy the panoramic views from the Balatonboglár Globe Lookout!

Buying a Hungarian Highway Vignette Online

Buying a Hungarian e-vignette online is fast, convenient, and secure – and you can do it without waiting in line or going to a gas station, all from home or even on the go with just a few taps. Play it safe: buy online.

Summary

Spring 2025 offers multiple long weekends – perfect for short trips. Whether you're planning to relax or go on an adventure, it’s smart to plan ahead and choose the right highway vignette. Daily, weekly, or monthly – each has its best use case. If you're only traveling once, a weekly vignette may suffice, but for multiple trips, a monthly pass is more economical.