Budapest’s Thermal Baths: Price Increases and Renovation Plans for 2025

Budapest’s thermal baths, a major attraction drawing over 3.8 million visitors annually, are set to implement modest price increases while planning significant renovations in the coming years. These historic spas continue to be among the city’s top revenue generators, balancing the growing number of international visitors with affordable options for local residents.

Price Adjustments for 2025

Starting from the second week of January 2025, Budapest’s thermal baths will introduce a modest 5% price increase, essentially keeping pace with inflation. This adjustment is notably lower than the price hikes implemented in 2024:

• Historical baths: 10-12% increase
• Rudas Bath: 8% increase
• Other baths and beaches: 6-7% increase

Accessibility for Local Residents

The Budapest Spas and Hot Springs Co. (BGYH) has maintained its commitment to keeping the baths accessible to domestic visitors:

• A renewed season pass system introduced two years ago has attracted over 3,000 subscribers
• The Zsigmondy Card, offering more than 60% discount for historical baths, has seen its sales double in three years, with 22,000 cards sold in 2024

Financial Performance

Despite challenges such as increased water and sewage costs, Budapest’s historical baths have achieved record revenues:

• Projected 2024 results: approximately 5 billion HUF, exceeding targets
• Net revenue for the first ten months of 2024: 24 billion HUF
• 13.5% salary increase implemented to retain highly qualified staff

Renovation Plans for 2025 and Beyond

The coming years will see significant renovations to preserve Budapest’s bathing heritage:

• Gellért Bath: Decision expected in 2025 for a comprehensive renovation, coordinated with the hotel’s reconstruction
• Rác Bath: Included in the investment program
• Széchenyi Bath: Thermal section to undergo ceiling and technical renovations
• Király Bath: Discussions underway with local authorities for its renovation

Holiday Operations

The baths remain a popular destination during the holiday season:

• Historical baths (Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas, and Lukács) open on December 24th with shortened hours
• Special New Year’s Eve events at Rudas Bath and the New Year’s Eve afterparty at Széchenyi
• Lumina Park at Palatinus Strand continues to attract visitors with its light installations

As Budapest’s thermal baths enter 2025, they continue to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring these historic sites remain vibrant centers of relaxation and culture for both locals and tourists alike.

Image source: Budapest Spas and Hot Springs Co.