Exploring Beyond Croatia: A Road Trip to Budapest

As Americans, we often take for granted the vast distances between states, but in Europe, the proximity of countries offers an entirely different travel experience. One of the greatest advantages of renting a car while in Croatia is the flexibility it provides—not just for exploring the country itself but also for venturing beyond its borders. On one of our recent trips, we hopped into our car, set the GPS for Budapest, Hungary, and in just about two hours from Zagreb, we found ourselves in another country, ready for an adventure.

Preparing for the Drive

Before hitting the road, there were a few key preparations we needed to take care of beyond simply fueling up. Here’s what we learned:

1. The Vignette System – Unlike traditional toll roads based on distance traveled, many European countries require a "vignette," a prepaid sticker affixed to your windshield that allows access to specific highways for a set period. Hungary requires one, so we made sure to purchase it in advance.

2. Coins for Rest Stops – While some rest stops offer free facilities, many require a small fee (usually around 1 Euro) to access a clean bathroom. Carrying some change ensures you're not caught off guard when nature calls.

3. International Driver’s License & Rental Car Restrictions – Not all car rental agencies allow vehicles to be taken across borders, so it’s crucial to confirm this in advance. We always rent with Avis, which permits cross-border travel, so we were covered.

4. Road Atlas Backup – While GPS is incredibly useful, connectivity can be spotty in mountainous or rural regions. A road atlas of Europe is an invaluable backup for navigation.

5. Passport on Hand – Even though Hungary and Croatia are both in the Schengen Area, border checks can still happen. Having our passports accessible was a must.

6. Snacks for the Road – A small lunch bag with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks ensured that we wouldn’t have to rely solely on roadside stops for food.

The Journey to Budapest

Once we were fully prepared, we set off. The drive from Zagreb to Budapest was scenic, with rolling hills and well-maintained roads. One of the pleasant surprises was the bilingual signage—most major roads included English translations, making navigation smooth and stress-free.

One of the few drawbacks? A less-than-pleasant restroom experience. While we were relieved to find a free bathroom, let’s just say it was not the cleanest stop of our trip. Sometimes, a roadside tree might seem like a better option!

Arriving in Budapest

The moment we entered Budapest, we were in awe. The city's historical architecture towered over us, immersing us in its rich past. Parking was straightforward—we found a secure and well-maintained hotel parking garage in the city center, which gave us peace of mind while exploring.

Wandering through Budapest felt like stepping into a dream. Some of the highlights of our visit included:

• Buda Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking views of the city.

• Parliament Building – One of Europe’s most stunning governmental structures, beautifully lit up at night.

• Fisherman’s Bastion – Offering panoramic views of the Danube and the city skyline.

• Széchenyi Thermal Baths – A relaxing stop where we soaked in the historic hot springs.

• St. Stephen’s Basilica – An awe-inspiring church with incredible interior artwork.

As we strolled through the vibrant streets, snapping photos and soaking in the history, we reminded ourselves to be present in the moment. Being in places like Budapest is a dream, and we wanted to fully embrace the experience.

Heading Back to Croatia

After a full day of exploration, it was time to hit the road again. The return trip was just as smooth, and as we drove back to our home away from home in Croatia, we reflected on how incredible it is to be able to travel so easily between countries. This is one of the many reasons we love renting a car in Europe—it allows us to embrace spontaneous adventures and create unforgettable memories.

For anyone considering a road trip from Croatia to Budapest, we highly recommend it! Just plan ahead, prepare accordingly, and enjoy the ride.