- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bucharest to Budapest
Showing times and prices for Aug 23
Cheapest price
€53
Average price
€53
Fastest journey
15 h 21 m
Average duration
15 h 21 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
643 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bucharest to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bucharest to Budapest will cost around €53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €53.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Bucharest for Budapest on Sun, Aug 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 643 km distance in an average of 15 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 h 21 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 15 h 21 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.
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5:29 AM15h21Bucharest8:50 PMBudapest€531One-way0 transfers
- 5:29 AM15h21Bucharest8:50 PMBudapest€531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bucharest to Budapest
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bucharest to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.6 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, and a flight costs an average of €26.
Distance: 399 miles (643 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€53 Average price | €88 Average price | €50 Average price Cheapest |
15h 51m Average total duration 15h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration Fastest 4h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 27m Average total duration 8h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
- CO2 emissions | 1.9 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bucharest to Budapest is a bus with an average price of €48.
This is compared to other travel options from Bucharest to Budapest:
A bus is €5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bucharest to Budapest costing on average €53.
A bus is €5 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bucharest to Budapest costing on average €53.
The fastest way to travel from Bucharest to Budapest is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 35m.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 25m.
Train takes on average 15h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bucharest and Budapest including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bucharest to Budapest among Omio's users.
Live departures
Bucharest to Budapest train times
The table below shows live departures for Bucharest to Budapest trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:29 AM Bucharest | 15h21 | 8:50 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bucharest 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: Train from Bucharest to Budapest
Romania
Hungary
Trains from Bucharest to Budapest run on average 1 times per day, taking around 15h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €53 but you can travel from only €26 by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:29, the last at 05:29. The fastest train covers the 399 miles (643 km) distance in 15h 21m.
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
Flight from €26
Distance 399 miles (643 km) |
Average train duration 15h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price €53 |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 15h 21m |
First train 5:29 AM |
Last train 5:29 AM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Flight from €26
Train companies: Romanian Railways (CFR) from Bucharest to Budapest trainsRomanian Railways (CFR) trains will get you between Bucharest and Budapest from €26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Romanian Railways (CFR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 21m
Cheapest Price
€53
Romanian Railways (CFR) frequency
1 a day
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.
- Recommended
Ludwig Museum
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
- Recommended
Hungarian National Museum
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
- Must visit
Castle District
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
- Must visit
Andrássy Avenue
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
- Must visit
City Park
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
Gulyás
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Pörkölt
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
- Gluten-free
Halászlé
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Rosenstein Vendéglő
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Stand Restaurant
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Gettó Gulyás
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Hungarian forint (Ft)
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 3,500-5,500 Ft for street food or fast food.
- Mid-range
- 6,000-10,000 Ft per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 20,000 Ft+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- 900-1,500 Ft for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
BudapestGO
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 450 Ft
- Day pass
- 2 500 Ft
To the city center
Budapest Keleti Railway Station -> Deák Ferenc tér
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Validate paper tickets before boarding or at metro entrances; mobile tickets in BudapestGO must be activated before travel.
- Contactless bank card payment is available in BudapestGO and at many ticket machines, but not generally on board buses, trams, or metro.
FAQs: Trains from Bucharest to Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bucharest 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.
Train ticket prices from Bucharest to Budapest can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €53, while the average price is around €53.
The train from Bucharest to Budapest runs once a day and takes approximately 15h 21m.
The first train from Bucharest to Budapest leaves at 5:29 AM.
The distance by train from Bucharest to Budapest is 399 miles (643 km).
The last train from Bucharest to Budapest leaves at 5:29 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Bucharest to Budapest.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bucharest to Budapest. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Romanian Railways (CFR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bucharest to Budapest.
The cheapest way to get from Bucharest to Budapest is by flight, with a cost of around €16.
The train journey from Bucharest to Budapest is relatively scenic, offering views of the Carpathian Mountains, picturesque villages, and the lush landscapes of Transylvania, providing travelers with a glimpse of Eastern Europe's natural beauty.
A day trip from Bucharest to Budapest is not feasible, as the journey takes 15h 21m. The distance is 399 miles (643 km), and there are 3 trips per day by train.
In Budapest, you can relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, explore the vibrant Great Market Hall, take a scenic cruise on the Danube River for unique views of landmarks, visit the House of Terror Museum, and enjoy a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House. Don't miss sights like Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Heroes' Square for their stunning architecture and historical significance.
Three to four days are generally recommended to explore Budapest’s main attractions, including the historic Buda Castle, thermal baths, and vibrant ruin bars.
Yes, you can take the train from Bucharest to Budapest.
Since both Bucharest 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.
Popular day trips by train from Budapest include Győr, Hegyeshalom, Mosonmagyaróvár, Nickelsdorf, Csorna.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bucharest to Budapest among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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.
Most popular train connections from Bucharest
More options for your journey from Bucharest to Budapest
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Most popular trains to and from Budapest and Bucharest
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