Debrecen is the regional choice for eastern Hungary. Compare a return here with the driving time and one-way conditions of a Budapest return.
The airport lists a rental service, but confirm availability and handover for your actual flight. Arrange late arrival directly with the supplier rather than assuming continuous counter staffing.
A rental is useful for Lake Balaton, villages and a countryside circuit beyond Budapest. For a stay entirely in the capital, compare public transport and collect the car only when leaving the city.
Compare airport collection with a later collection if you start with a city stay. Include the transport to a different rental branch and any extra parking nights when comparing the total cost.