- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
One of Central Europe’s major art museums, with Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European collections. Especially worthwhile for classical art lovers.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Zalău to Budapest
Showing times and prices for Jun 01
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
9 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
304 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zalău to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zalău to Budapest will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Zalău for Budapest on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 304 km distance in an average of 9 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 9 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:35 AM9h45Zalău6:20 PMBudapest$421One-way0 transfers
- 8:35 AM9h45Zalău6:20 PMBudapest$421One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zalău to Budapest
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zalău to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 9h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $162.
Distance: 188 miles (304 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price | $316 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 13m Average total duration Fastest 9h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 39m Average total duration 16h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 54m Average total duration 10h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Zalău to Budapest is a train with an average price of $27 (€22).
This is compared to other travel options from Zalău to Budapest:
A train is $31 (€25) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Zalău to Budapest costing on average $59 (€47).
A train is $289 (€233) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zalău to Budapest costing on average $316 (€255).
The fastest way to travel from Zalău to Budapest is by bus with an average journey time of 9h 43m.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 24m.
Flight takes on average 16h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zalău and Budapest including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Zalău to Budapest Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 05:16PM | Duration 9h41 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 07:16PM | Duration 9h41 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Compare prices and tickets Zalău to Budapest by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Zalău to Budapest
Romania
Hungary
Buses from Zalău to Budapest run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:30, the last at 10:35. The fastest bus covers the 188 miles (304 km) distance in 9h 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $27 (€22)
Distance 188 miles (304 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 41m |
First bus 4:30 AM |
Last bus 10:35 AM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $27 (€22)
Complete guide to Budapest
Things to do in Budapest
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
- Must visit
House of Terror Museum
A powerful museum on Hungary’s fascist and communist periods, housed in a former secret police building. It is one of the city’s most discussed historical museums.
- Recommended
Hungarian National Museum
The national history museum of Hungary, covering archaeology, medieval history, and key events in the country’s past. A strong introduction to Hungarian culture and statehood.
- Must visit
Castle District
Budapest’s most atmospheric historic quarter, filled with cobbled streets, viewpoints, and major monuments. It is ideal for slow walks, photography, and evening views.
- Must visit
Heroes' Square
A monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue, known for its statues of Hungarian leaders and ceremonial scale. It is among the city’s most visited public spaces.
- Must visit
Margaret Island
A green island in the Danube popular for walking, running, gardens, and relaxed river views. It is especially loved by locals for outdoor time.
Gulyás
Hungary’s iconic paprika-rich soup with beef, potatoes, carrots, and csipetke dumplings. It is one of the most traditional dishes to try in Budapest.
Pörkölt
A slow-cooked meat stew seasoned with onion and sweet paprika, usually served with nokedli. It is a classic home-style Hungarian comfort dish.
Chicken Paprikash
Tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with nokedli. It is one of the best-known Hungarian main courses.
Hungarikum Bisztró
A well-known traditional restaurant serving Hungarian classics such as gulyás, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage in a cozy, old-style setting.
Rosenstein Vendéglő
A long-established family restaurant blending Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian traditions, known for excellent soups, stews, and warm service.
Stand Restaurant
A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant reinterpreting Hungarian flavors with refined technique and seasonal ingredients.
Hungarian Forint
Moderate by European capital standards. Food, transit, and attractions are fairly priced; central hotels cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- HUF 3,000-5,500 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- HUF 6,500-12,000 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- HUF 20,000+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- HUF 800-1,500 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. If not, tip 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars and for hotel staff.
BudapestGO
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 450 HUF
- Day pass
- 2,500 HUF
To the city center
Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
- Distance
- 16 km
- Travel time
- 35 min
- Validate single tickets before boarding; metro entry also requires a validated ticket or pass.
- On-board card payment is generally not available on regular BKK buses and trams, so buy tickets in advance or use BudapestGO.
FAQs: Bus from Zalău to Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zalău to Budapest by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Zalău to Budapest can start from as little as $31 (€25) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Zalău to Budapest is $59 (€47) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Zalău to Budapest is 9h 41m to travel the 188 miles (304 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Zalău to Budapest leaves at 4:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Zalău to Budapest leaves at 10:35 AM.
A trip to Budapest from Zalău is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 41m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Zalău to Budapest is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zalău and Budapest including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
No, the bus from Zalău to Budapest has no accessibility options.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Budapest are:
- Buda Castle, a historic castle complex offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Budapest History Museum
- Parliament Building, an iconic Gothic Revival structure situated on the Danube River, known for its stunning architecture and guided tours
- Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace providing picturesque views of the Danube and Pest
- St. Stephen's Basilica, a grand cathedral named after Hungary's first king, featuring a beautiful interior and panoramic dome views
- Heroes' Square, a major square in Budapest noted for its iconic statues and the Millennium Monument.
The best things to do in Budapest include:
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest and most popular thermal bath complexes in Europe
- Explore the vibrant Great Market Hall, offering a variety of local foods and crafts
- Take a scenic cruise on the Danube River, providing unique views of Budapest's landmarks
- Visit the House of Terror Museum, which commemorates the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary
- Enjoy a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House, renowned for its stunning architecture and world-class productions.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
No, luggage for the bus from Zalău to Budapest needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Zalău to Budapest.
Since both Zalău and Budapest are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Travelers often find it convenient to use cards in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is recommended for smaller shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Budapest, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and popular tourist sites. Overcharging and unofficial taxi scams can occur, so it's best to use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Be wary of street vendors and people offering unsolicited help or friendship, as these can sometimes lead to distraction theft or pressure to pay for services. Always keep personal belongings secure and stay alert in busy locations.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Zalău to Budapest
Zalău
Budapest
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:30-22:00
Distance to city center
5 km
Car connection
Üllői útWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria Népliget (in the station)
- Gulyás Tér (0.5 km)
- Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available near the entrance.
Public transit options for Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar
- Bus: 103, 254E, 901, 918 Metro: M3
More options for your journey from Zalău to Budapest
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Budapest and Zalău
Most popular bus connections to Budapest
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