General information for travellers

Nearest airports to Győr

-         Vienna

-         Bratislava

-         Budapest

I usually travel from/to Vienna. It is much easier to reach the airport than for example Ferihegy in Budapest. Also, flights from/to Vienna are sometimes cheaper than the other two.

From Vienna and Budapest there is a direct train connection (travel time should be about one and a half an hours).

From Bratislava there is a train too with one interchange.

For timetables and prices see the official website of the Hungarian railways company.

Local TAXI company in Győr

Duna (means Danube) Taxi

+36 96 444 444

There is not much of a chance that the taxi driver will understand English but some of them speak German and understand a couple of words in English. 

Tourist information within the city

Visitor's centre

The brand new visitor’s centre in Győr has opened its doors in February 2012.

Amongst many things, the centre consists an interactive display of sights and possible trip routes in the county. You basically can hop on a bike and take a virtual tour in the area.

There is also a souvenir shop, currency exchange, information desk and a conference room available. 

Car rental
I would simply suggest Europcar. 

Official language: Hungarian

• German is widely spoken in the Győr Moson Sopron county area and English is more likely spoken in the Budapest area. People in their early 30’s and under will most likely have a better knowledge of foreign languages than elder people. Some of the latter one still speak Russian though.

Official currency:    

Hungarian Forint

1 EUR = 300 HUF (this is only a rough rate typical for Jan 2012)

Most shops and restaurants accept EUROS.

Politics

• Hungary is a member of the NATO (1999) and also an EU member (2004).
• The present government is ruled by FIDESZ, a democratic party. 
• The prime minister is Viktor Orbán.
• Hungarians talk way more about politics than they should. To debate about the latest acts of the prime minister can sometimes be a sensitive topic.

Weather

• Hot summer (30-38 Celsius from June to August), cold winter (minus 10-15 Celsius from November to February), mild spring and autumn.
• In the last 10 years winters have become much milder and autumns much longer and warmer.
• Early short periods of mild weather during the winter months is not typical but has happened more often lately. Unfortunately this resulted in poor harvest.