- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
One of Central Europe’s leading art museums, known for major collections of European old masters, antiquities, and temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square. A top choice for art lovers
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bucharest to Budapest
Showing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$64
Average price
$64
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 $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Bucharest for Budapest on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 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 Thu, Jul 09 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$641One-way0 transfers
- 5:29 AM15h21Bucharest8:50 PMBudapest$641One-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 $45. 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 $45, and a flight costs an average of $32.
Distance: 399 miles (643 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$64 Average price | $107 Average price | $61 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 $61 (€50).
This is compared to other travel options from Bucharest to Budapest:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bucharest to Budapest costing on average $64 (€53).
A bus is $46 (€38) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bucharest to Budapest costing on average $107 (€88).
The fastest way to travel from Bucharest to Budapest is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 15m.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 57m.
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, Wednesday, July 8. 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 $64 (€53) but you can travel from only $32 (€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 $32 (€26)
Distance 399 miles (643 km) |
Average train duration 15h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€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 Sun |
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 $32 (€26)
Train companies: Romanian Railways (CFR) from Bucharest to Budapest trainsRomanian Railways (CFR) trains will get you between Bucharest and Budapest from $32 (€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
$64 (€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.
- Must visit
Hungarian National Gallery
Located inside Buda Castle, this museum focuses on Hungarian art from medieval altarpieces to modern works. The setting and panoramic terraces add to the visit
- Recommended
Hungarian National Museum
The National Museum presents Hungary’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era in a grand neoclassical building. It is one of the city’s core cultural institutions and a strong starting point
- Must visit
Castle Hill
Budapest’s most atmospheric historic quarter, filled with cobbled lanes, viewpoints, and landmark buildings. It is ideal for slow walks, photography, and classic city views
- Must visit
Heroes’ Square
A monumental square framed by major museums and dominated by the Millennium Monument. It is one of Budapest’s key ceremonial and photographic landmarks
- Must visit
Gellért Hill
A prominent hill with walking paths and sweeping panoramas over the Danube, bridges, and parliament. It remains one of the best outdoor viewpoints in Budapest
- Gluten-free
Gulyásleves
Hungary’s iconic goulash soup made with beef, paprika, potatoes, and vegetables. It is a classic Budapest comfort dish and a staple of traditional Hungarian cooking.
Pörkölt
A rich Hungarian meat stew slowly cooked with onions and paprika, often served with nokedli. It is a deeply traditional home-style dish found across Budapest.
Paprikás Csirke
Chicken braised in a creamy paprika sauce, usually served with dumplings. It showcases the famous Hungarian use of sweet paprika in a comforting classic.
Hungarikum Bisztró
A well-known traditional Hungarian restaurant popular for goulash, paprikash, and warm hospitality in a cozy, old-fashioned setting.
Rosenstein Vendéglő
A long-established family-run restaurant known for refined Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian dishes, with a classic and welcoming atmosphere.
Gettó Gulyás
A popular casual spot specializing in stews, goulash, and other hearty Hungarian classics in the Jewish Quarter.
Hungarian Forint
Generally affordable for European city breaks. Food, transit, and sights are good value; central hotels cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- HUF 3,000-5,500 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- HUF 6,000-12,000 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- HUF 25,000+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- HUF 900-1,500 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
A 10% service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10%. Round up taxis. Small tips are welcome in bars, cafés, salons, and for hotel help.
BudapestGO
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 450 HUF
- Day pass
- 2,500 HUF
To the city center
Budapest Keleti Railway Station, Budapest -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Validate paper tickets before boarding or entering the metro; mobile tickets in BudapestGO must also be activated before travel.
- Card payment is available in BudapestGO and at most ticket machines, but onboard cash purchase is generally not available on metro services.
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 $64 (€53), while the average price is around $64 (€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 $32 (€26).
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Budapest and Bucharest
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