Outdoor pools at the Széchenyi Baths, Budapest

Budapest Thermal Baths 2026: Prices, Which to Choose & Tips

Budapest bath prices for 2026: Széchenyi, Rudas and Lukács, the Gellért closure, ways to save, Sparty nights and bath etiquette.

Updated October 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer: In 2026, the Széchenyi Baths cost 13,200 HUF Monday–Thursday and 14,800 HUF Friday–Sunday (locker included). Rudas costs 12,000–15,000 HUF and has night bathing at weekends. Lukács is the budget, local choice at 7,000–8,000 HUF. The famous Gellért Baths are closed for renovation until about 2028. Arrive early for the “Good morning” discount at Széchenyi.

Budapest sits on more than 100 thermal springs, and soaking in its historic baths is a must. Here’s how the main baths compare and how to save money.

Budapest bath prices (2026)

Bath Mon–Thu Fri–Sun Highlights
Széchenyi 13,200 HUF 14,800 HUF Huge outdoor pools, neo-baroque yellow palace
Rudas 12,000 HUF 15,000 HUF A 16th-century Ottoman dome, a rooftop pool, night bathing
Lukács 7,000 HUF 8,000 HUF Local atmosphere, fewer tourists
Gellért Closed (renovation, expected to reopen around 2028) Art Nouveau interiors

Prices are from Budapest Trip (2026). Széchenyi charges a peak rate of 15,800 HUF during holiday periods (for example, 18 December 2026 to 6 January 2027), and a cabin costs an extra 1,000 HUF.

Ways to save

  • Széchenyi “Good morning” ticket: enter before 9:00 for 10,500 HUF (Mon–Thu) or 11,800 HUF (Fri–Sun).
  • Go on a weekday, which saves up to 3,000 HUF at Rudas.
  • Choose Lukács for half the price of Széchenyi.
  • Bring your own towel, flip-flops and swim cap (caps are required in some lap pools).

Which bath should you choose?

  • First-timers should go to Széchenyi for the iconic outdoor pools, which are magical in winter steam.
  • History and views: Rudas, with its Turkish dome and the rooftop pool overlooking the Danube.
  • A local feel and value: Lukács.
  • Nightlife: the Saturday “Sparty” bath parties at Széchenyi (check the official dates) and Rudas night bathing on Fridays and Saturdays (22:00–03:00).

Bath etiquette

  • Shower before entering the pools, and keep valuables in a locker.
  • Stay hydrated, and don’t spend too long in the hottest pools.
  • Pregnant visitors and people with heart conditions should check with a doctor first.
  • Compare skip-the-line bath tickets.

More Budapest guides

FAQ: Budapest thermal baths

How much is Széchenyi Bath in 2026?

13,200 HUF Monday–Thursday and 14,800 HUF Friday–Sunday, with a locker. Holiday peak days cost more.

Is Gellért Bath open in 2026?

No. It closed on 1 October 2025 for renovation, with reopening expected around 2028.

Which is the cheapest thermal bath in Budapest?

Lukács, from around 7,000 HUF on weekdays.

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