Emma Mykytyn Hungary’s first hop-on hop-off wine bus has launched on the shores of Lake Balaton, offering visitors a new way to explore the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region without needing a car.
The 46° Balaton Wine Bus is a new summer wine tourism experience connecting 22 wineries across two curated routes on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Running from mid-May until the end of September 2026, the service allows visitors to hop on and off at wineries, wine terraces and vineyard villages at their own pace.
For wine lovers planning a trip to Hungary, this could be one of the most exciting new things to do at Lake Balaton this summer.
What is the 46° Balaton Wine Bus?
The 46° Balaton Wine Bus is Hungary’s first-ever hop-on hop-off wine bus service. It has been created to make the wineries of the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region easier to visit without relying on taxis, private transfers or a designated driver.
The name refers to the region’s position close to the 46th parallel north, a latitude shared with some of Europe’s most famous wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley.
Departing from Vitorlás Square in central Balatonfüred, the wine bus runs four days a week from Wednesday to Saturday, returning around sunset.
Two Wine Routes Around Lake Balaton
Old Friends Route
The Old Friends route operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays and focuses on some of the best-known wineries in the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region.
The route includes stops around:
- Balatonfüred
- Aszófő
- Pécsely
- Balatonszőlős
- Csopak
- Paloznak
Buses circulate approximately every 90 minutes, giving guests time to enjoy wine tastings, vineyard views and relaxed stops before continuing the journey.
Hidden Treasures Route
The Hidden Treasures route runs on Fridays and Saturdays and offers a longer journey through the rolling hills of the Balaton Highlands.
This nearly 60-kilometre route focuses on smaller, family-run wineries and quieter villages including:
- Pécsely
- Mencshely
- Óbudavár
- Szentantalfa
- Tagyon
- Balatonakali
Buses initially run approximately every 120 minutes, making this route ideal for visitors who want a slower, more intimate wine tasting experience away from the busiest tourist spots.
22 Wineries Taking Part
At launch, the 46° Balaton Wine Bus connects visitors with 22 participating wineries, many of which offer award-winning wines, vineyard terraces and panoramic views over Lake Balaton or the Pécsely Basin.
Participating wineries include:
- Balogh Winery, Pécsely
- Balaton Wines Visitor Center, Balatonszőlős
- Dobosi Estate, Szentantalfa
- Dombi Winery, Szentantalfa
- Fodor Vinotéka, Aszófő
- Fülei Winery, Balatonakali
- Gazdag Winery, Mencshely
- Gyukli Winery, Balatonfüred
- Homola Wine Terrace, Paloznak
- Jásdi Winery & Wine Terrace, Csopak
- Kiss Winery, Szentantalfa
- Koczor Winery, Balatonfüred
- Madaras Winery, Mencshely
- Martinus Wine Terrace, Tagyon
- Mórocz Winery, Pécsely
- Palo Wine Estate, Paloznak
- Petrányi Winery, Csopak
- ST. DONAT, Csopak
- Tagyon Estate, Tagyon
- Végh Brothers Wine Cellar, Óbudavár
- Villa Gyetvai, Balatonfüred
- Zelna Wine Bistro, Balatonfüred
A Retro Convertible Wine Bus
One of the most distinctive parts of the experience is the bus itself. The organisers plan to operate a rare 1984 retro convertible DAF bus as the project’s flagship vehicle once final permits and insurance approvals are in place.
The bus features a covered front section and a fully open-air rear deck, turning the journey between wineries into part of the attraction. With views across vineyards, villages and Lake Balaton, it is designed to feel more like a scenic wine adventure than simple transport.
Easy Access from Tihany
Visitors staying in Tihany can use a dedicated return shuttle service linking the peninsula with Balatonfüred.
The shuttle includes five stops, including the Tihany ferry terminal, making the wine bus accessible for guests staying in Tihany and for visitors arriving from the southern shore of Lake Balaton.
Is the 46° Balaton Wine Bus Family-Friendly?
Yes. The 46° Balaton Wine Bus has been designed as a full-day, family-friendly experience. While wine tasting is the main attraction, the routes also offer countryside views, relaxed village stops, vineyard restaurants and a scenic way to discover the Balaton Highlands.
How to Book the 46° Balaton Wine Bus
Tickets for the 46° Balaton Wine Bus went on sale on 8 May 2026 via the official website.
Book tickets: 46balaton.hu
As capacity is limited, advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Why Visit the Balaton Wine Bus This Summer?
The 46° Balaton Wine Bus brings together wine tasting, lake views, historic villages and stress-free transport in one easy day out. For visitors searching for things to do at Lake Balaton, wine tasting in Hungary or a unique summer day trip from Balatonfüred, this new hop-on hop-off wine bus offers a fresh way to explore one of Hungary’s most beautiful wine regions.
