- 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.
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$150
Fastest journey
11 h 46 m
Average duration
11 h 57 m
Trains per day
8
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 $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
It's difficult to get from Basel to Budapest without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261
IC 60402 · ICE 619 · RJX 61 · IC 845
IC 60402 · ICE 619 · RJX 61
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261
TGV 9203+
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341
TGV 9203+
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341
IC 563 · EC 99 · RJX 67 · IC 853
IC 563 · EC 99 · RJX 67
TGV 9203+
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261Omio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$223 Average price | $158 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $310 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 $58 (€47) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Budapest costing on average $158 (€127).
A bus is $122 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Budapest costing on average $223 (€179).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 50m.
Bus takes on average 16h 19m.
Tickets start at around $223 (€179) compared to roughly $310 (€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, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 563 · EC 99 · RJX 67 | On time 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 12h02 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
IC 563 · EC 99 · RJX 67 · IC 853 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 11h51 | 8:24 PM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9203+ EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | 10:33 AM Basel SBB | 12h02 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
TGV 9203+ EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | 10:33 AM Basel SBB | 11h46 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
ICE 370 · ICE 567 · RJX 261 | Delayed 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 12h03 | 10:29 PM 10:29 PMBudapest Keleti | 2 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.
One of Central Europe’s major art museums, with Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European collections. Especially worthwhile for classical art lovers.
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.
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.
Budapest’s most atmospheric historic quarter, filled with cobbled streets, viewpoints, and major monuments. It is ideal for slow walks, photography, and evening views.
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.
A green island in the Danube popular for walking, running, gardens, and relaxed river views. It is especially loved by locals for outdoor time.
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.
A slow-cooked meat stew seasoned with onion and sweet paprika, usually served with nokedli. It is a classic home-style Hungarian comfort dish.
Tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with nokedli. It is one of the best-known Hungarian main courses.
A well-known traditional restaurant serving Hungarian classics such as gulyás, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage in a cozy, old-style setting.
A long-established family restaurant blending Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian traditions, known for excellent soups, stews, and warm service.
A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant reinterpreting Hungarian flavors with refined technique and seasonal ingredients.
Moderate by European capital standards. Food, transit, and attractions are fairly priced; central hotels cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti -> 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.

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