- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price
$92
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
13 h 45 m
Average duration
15 h 29 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
789 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zurich to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Budapest will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
Of the 11 buses that leave Zurich for Budapest on Fri, Jul 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 789 km distance in an average of 15 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 16 h 50 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.
7990 · 30498
7990 · 30498
7990 · 30498
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 490 miles (789 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price Cheapest | $191 Average price | $248 Average price | $293 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 36m Average total duration 14h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 58m Average total duration 10h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.4 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Budapest:
A bus is $89 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Budapest costing on average $191 (€157).
A bus is $146 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Budapest costing on average $248 (€203).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 28m.
Bus takes on average 14h 6m.
Tickets start at around $102 (€83) compared to roughly $293 (€240) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $191 (€157). The journey takes 14h 6m versus 10h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 22h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 21h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator BlaBlaCar Bus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Budapest buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 16h20 | 11:50 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 AM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 19h05 | 6:10 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 13h45 | 5:35 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 15h40 | 7:30 AM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 17h15 | 9:05 AM Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 14h50 | 6:40 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 16h50 | 8:40 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 transfers | |
7990 · 30498 | 8:30 PM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 21h25 | 5:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
7990 · 30498 | 8:30 PM Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) | 21h50 | 6:20 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 1 transfer | |
7990 · 30498 | 8:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 21h05 | 5:55 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from Zurich to Budapest run on average 7 times per day, taking around 14h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 490 miles (789 km) distance in 13h 45m.
Distance 490 miles (789 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 13h 45m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Official public transport app
Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar -> Deák Ferenc tér
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.

Most Zurich to Budapest buses use the Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) to Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Budapest bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai).
Available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai): Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás is 4 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kelenföld (in the station), Bistro Budapest (0.5 km), Café Central (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás.
Available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás: Elevators, ramps.
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar is 5 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Népliget (in the station), Gulyás Tér (0.5 km), Pesti Burger (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar.
Available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need