- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
A major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European art. It is a leading choice for art lovers visiting Budapest.
Cheapest price
$76
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
13 h 45 m
Average duration
15 h 29 m
Buses per day
9
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 $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
Of the 9 buses that leave Zurich for Budapest on Mon, Jun 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 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 Mon, Jun 15 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · 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 $66.
Distance: 490 miles (789 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$103 Average price Cheapest | $193 Average price | $250 Average price | $296 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 $90 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Budapest costing on average $193 (€157).
A bus is $147 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Budapest costing on average $250 (€203).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 28m.
Bus takes on average 14h 6m.
Tickets start at around $103 (€83) compared to roughly $296 (€240) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $193 (€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 Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 22h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator RegioJet a.s. | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Budapest buses for tomorrow, Monday, June 15. 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) | 18h00 | 5:05 AM 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 · 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) | 14h50 | 6:40 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 · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 16h50 | 8:40 AM Budapest, Keleti Vasútállomás (Kerepesi út) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 17h15 | 9:05 AM Budapest, Krisztina körút / Kosciuszkó Tádé utca | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM Kloten, Zürich Flughafen (Bahnhof) | 22h20 | 6:45 PM Budapest, Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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.
A major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European art. It is a leading choice for art lovers visiting Budapest.
Located inside Buda Castle, this museum focuses on Hungarian art from medieval works to modern painting. The setting and hilltop views add to the visit.
This museum documents the fascist and communist dictatorships in Hungary in a powerful former secret police building. It is among Budapest’s most discussed modern-history museums.
The historic hilltop quarter around Buda Castle is ideal for walking among old streets, viewpoints, churches, and major monuments. It is one of Budapest’s essential areas to explore.
A monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue, framed by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. It is one of the city’s most photographed public spaces.
The exterior courtyards and yellow neo-Baroque setting in City Park are a Budapest icon, and the bath is highly popular with visitors. Advance booking is often useful during busy periods.
A rich Hungarian goulash soup with beef, paprika, potatoes, and vegetables. It is one of the country’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A spicy river fish soup made with paprika, carp or mixed freshwater fish. It is especially associated with Hungary’s river regions and widely enjoyed in Budapest.
Tender chicken cooked in a paprika sauce, usually finished with sour cream and often served with nokedli. It is a classic Hungarian home-style meal.
A long-established family-run restaurant known for traditional Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian dishes in a warm, classic setting.
A Michelin-starred Budapest restaurant offering refined modern Hungarian cuisine with excellent service and an elegant fine-dining atmosphere.
A popular central Budapest restaurant specializing in goulash, stews, and hearty Hungarian comfort food in a lively casual atmosphere.
Affordable for most tourists versus Western Europe. Public transport and casual dining are cheap; hotels in peak season cost more.
Service may be included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars, cafés, and by hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Budapest Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér, Budapest -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need