- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian art, and European painting.
Cheapest price
$185
Average price
$185
Fastest journey
12 h 3 m
Average duration
12 h 12 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
860 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Budapest will cost around $185 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $185.
It's difficult to get from Basel to Budapest without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261
ICE 372 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341
ICE 372 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341
ICE 372 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261
ICE 372 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Basel to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 534 miles (860 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$221 Average price | $157 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $308 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 49m Average total duration 16h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.6 - 5.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Basel to Budapest:
A bus is $57 (€47) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Budapest costing on average $157 (€127).
A bus is $121 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Budapest costing on average $221 (€179).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 50m.
Bus takes on average 16h 19m.
Tickets start at around $221 (€179) compared to roughly $308 (€249) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $87 (€70). The journey takes 11h 50m versus 10h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Budapest trains for tomorrow, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 372 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 12h19 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 372 · ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 12h03 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261 | On time 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 12h13 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Basel to Budapest run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€73) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 534 miles (860 km) distance in 11h 46m.
Distance 534 miles (860 km) |
Average train duration 11h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 (€73) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 11h 46m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian art, and European painting.
The national art museum inside Buda Castle, showcasing Hungarian art from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture.
A powerful museum on 20th-century fascist and communist repression in Hungary, known for immersive and emotional exhibits.
Historic hilltop quarter of cobbled lanes, courtyards, and viewpoints, ideal for scenic walks and classic Budapest atmosphere.
Elegant boulevard lined with mansions, cultural institutions, and luxury storefronts, connecting downtown with Heroes’ Square.
Major viewpoint area with panoramic city vistas, walking paths, and some of Budapest’s most shared skyline photos.
Hungary’s iconic paprika-rich goulash soup with beef, potatoes, and vegetables. In Budapest, it is a classic introduction to traditional home-style cooking.
A slow-cooked meat stew seasoned with onion and sweet paprika, usually served with nokedli. It is one of the most typical hearty Hungarian main dishes.
Tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with dumplings. It is a beloved comfort dish found across traditional Budapest restaurants.
A long-running family restaurant known for classic Hungarian and Hungarian-Jewish dishes. Warm, traditional atmosphere and consistently strong reputation.
A Michelin-starred Budapest restaurant presenting refined modern Hungarian cuisine with strong local ingredients and elegant service.
An established traditional restaurant near City Park, famous for generous portions of goulash, paprikash, and other classic Hungarian meals.
Cheaper than many Western European capitals. Good value for transit, casual dining, and attractions; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti railway station, Budapest -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Budapest by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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