Budapest to Bratislava train with ÖBB

Fri, Oct 30
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ÖBB
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Bratislava

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 30

Cheapest price on Oct 30

$33

Average ticket price on Oct 30

$45

Fastest journey on Oct 30

9 h 49 m

Average journey duration on Oct 30

13 h 53 m

Trains on Oct 30

2

Distance

161 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Bratislava is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Budapest to Bratislava will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Budapest to Bratislava without transferring at least 2 times.

  • RegioJet a.s.RJ 1068 (Budapest -> Vienna) · (Vienna -> Brno) · RJ 1041 (Prague -> Bratislava)
    2 transfers
  • RegioJet a.s.RJ 1034 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1047 (Prague -> Bratislava) · (Vienna -> Prague)
    2 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Budapest to Bratislava

HungaryHungary
SlovakiaSlovakia
Icon of train

Trains from Budapest to Bratislava run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€54) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 2h 50m.

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
Bus from $10 (€8)
Distance
100 miles (161 km)
Average train duration
3h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$64 (€54)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
2h 50m
First train
5:00 AM
Last train
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
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
Bus from $10 (€8)

Frequently asked questions about your Budapest to Bratislava trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Budapest to Bratislava.

Train ticket prices from Budapest to Bratislava can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $64 (€54), while the average price is around $77 (€65).
The train from Budapest to Bratislava runs once a day and takes approximately 2h 50m.
The distance by train from Budapest to Bratislava is 100 miles (161 km).
The first train from Budapest to Bratislava leaves at 5:00 AM.
The last train from Budapest to Bratislava leaves at 11:50 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Bratislava.

Live departures

Budapest to Bratislava train times

The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Bratislava trains for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
RegioJet a.s.RJ 1034 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1047 (Prague -> Bratislava) · (Vienna -> Prague)11:56 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld
9h51
9:47 PM Bratislava hlavná stanica2 transfers
RegioJet a.s.RJ 1068 (Budapest -> Vienna) · RJ 1041 (Prague -> Bratislava) · (Vienna -> Brno)5:56 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld
17h58
11:54 AM Bratislava hlavná stanica2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Budapest to Bratislava by trainBudapest to Bratislava by Comfortable EuroCity Train

By Simon Andersen

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Simon AndersenRail Travel Content Creator
Simon Andersen
Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.

Every one to two hours, a comfortable EuroCity train links the capitals of Hungary and Slovakia, traveling along the Danube River for much of the journey. With a journey time of around two hours, the train is an ideal and scenic way to get between Budapest and Bratislava. In this article, I’ll share my experience and give you some tips to make the most of your trip.

A EuroCity train with a locomotive and carriages at Budapest Nyugati station.

A EuroCity train with a locomotive and carriages at Budapest Nyugati station.

Route overview

Budapest and Bratislava are about 200 kilometers apart. The cities are connected by a scenic rail route that follows the Danube River through a beautiful valley up to the Slovak border. Buses from Budapest also cover the journey within a similar time, but they take a far less scenic road. So, if you want to enjoy the views, I strongly recommend taking the train instead!

Transportation experience

Catching the train between Hungary and Slovakia is a relaxing and hassle-free experience. There are no formal check-in procedures or complicated ticketing systems. You just hop on, pick a seat, and enjoy the ride. The train follows the Danube River past Vác and Szob and arrives in Bratislava just over 2 hours later. Simple, scenic, and comfortable!

Departure station

All trains to Bratislava depart from Budapest Nyugati, one of the city's four main stations (the others being Keleti, Déli, and Kelenföld). Bratislava Main Station, by contrast, is a bit dark and rundown, located outside the city center. Head straight for the frequent tram to get downtown quickly.

Arrival station

Nyugati’s historic building was designed by the Eiffel Company (yes, the same behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris), so it's worth arriving a few minutes early to admire the architecture.

Schedule & frequency

EuroCity trains run every 1 to 2 hours, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. They are jointly operated by MÁV (Hungarian Railways) and ZSSK (Slovak Railways). Most trains continue beyond Bratislava to cities like Prague, Warsaw, or Hamburg. The final destination is what will be shown on the departure board, so don't be worried if it's one of these.

Onboard experience & services

The rolling stock varies by departure, with trains made up of Hungarian, Slovak, or Czech carriages. Most seats have Wi-Fi, which worked reasonably well for me, as well as power outlets and air conditioning. You may, however, occasionally find one or two older cars without these amenities. Since seat reservations aren’t mandatory, feel free to move to another empty seat in a different carriage if you’d like a better spot. Traveling with large or heavy luggage? Consider choosing one of the open, airline-style seated carriages, as the compartment carriages don’t have luggage racks except above the seats. I took the 09:30 EC 278 to Prague via Bratislava, formed of comfy Slovakian carriages. First Class featured a new carriage with plush leather seats. Second Class offered a mix of various open-plan and compartment seating. The train has a bistro car serving freshly prepared meals in the onboard kitchen. Snacks and drinks are also available, which is super handy if you miss your hotel breakfast before the 9:30 departure. I’ve tried the fried cheese onboard on a previous trip, a local delicacy, and it was very tasty! Tip: Sit on the left-hand side in the direction of travel to enjoy the best views of the Danube and Visegrád Castle near Vác. My train arrived in Bratislava around 12:00, about 10 minutes late. On this route, delays of 10–30 minutes are not unusual.

The interior of a Second Class carriage on a EuroCity train.

The interior of a Second Class carriage on a EuroCity train.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

The cheapest fares are only sold via the official Slovakian or Hungarian railway channels: A special Second Class fare of €18.50 is always available and can be purchased at the station right up until departure. It’s also valid for a return journey, and surprisingly, it’s often the cheapest one-way option when booking at short notice. Advance booking one-way fares: From €10.50 (Second Class) and €19 (First Class). Optional seat reservation: ~€3 (worth it during peak times and holidays). My trip breakdown:

ItemCost (eur)
Ticket price€21.50
Food & drinks€1
Travel to departure station€18.5
Travel from arrival station€1
Total€ 42

Top tips & recommendations

  • Sit on the left-hand side for the best views of the Danube and Visegrád Castle.
  • Reserve a seat during holidays or peak times to avoid having to stand.
  • Train logos may differ from what's printed on your ticket. Trains from CD, MÁV, and ZSSK all run this route in cooperation.

Conclusion

The train from Budapest to Bratislava is a scenic, affordable, and comfortable alternative to the bus. With beautiful views, good onboard amenities, and frequent departures, it’s the best way to travel between these two Central European capitals. What are you waiting for? Plan your journey on Omio, where you can compare schedules and book your seat in just a few clicks.

ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Budapest to Bratislava

userReviewImage
userReviewLogo
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
IconFast
IconClean
IconFavourable
IconNice staff
Disadvantages
IconIs there no
The train journey from Budapest to Bratislava was absolutely excellent and deserves a full five stars. The journey was fast and pleasant, the train was clean and comfortable. You could relax throughout the journey and enjoy the friendly atmosphere on board. All in all, a perfect journey that I can recommend to anyone!
Advantages
IconVery favourable price
IconUncomplicated, smooth organisation of the trip
Disadvantages
IconNot a high-speed train, so could be even faster
I travelled on the EuroCity 172 Hungária from Budapest to Bratislava. The direct journey took 2:25 hours and was on time. The comfort of the seats was fine, cleanliness was unobtrusive, and there were power sockets. Excellent value for money for only €16.

Train companies: ÖBB from Budapest to Bratislava trainsÖBB trains will get you between Budapest and Bratislava from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

ÖBB

About
ÖBB is Austria’s national railway company, offering a comprehensive network of train services across the country and to neighboring nations. Its fleet includes high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains for the fastest and most comfortable journeys, EuroCity (EC) trains for international connections, InterCity (IC) trains for reliable long-distance travel, and Regional Express (REX) trains for frequent local stops. Ticket types include Standard Ticket, Comfort-Ticket, ÖBB Sparschiene-Ticket, and ÖBB Sparschiene Comfort-Ticket, along with options for single, return, and group travel. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and food and beverage services. Popular routes include Vienna–Salzburg, Vienna–Innsbruck, and Vienna–Graz
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest ÖBB Price
$64 (€54)
ÖBB frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (on long-distance trains), bistro service, at-seat service in first class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for €3 in second class, included in first class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance, and special seating areas
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare), guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Budapest and Bratislava

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train from Budapest to Bratislava.
Yes, there is a night train from Budapest to Bratislava.
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.

Complete guide to Bratislava

Things to do in Bratislava

Discover the best of Bratislava — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bratislava trip today.

  • Must visit

Slovak National Gallery

Modern and contemporary art museum in a riverside modernist building, known for temporary exhibitions and strong Slovak art context.

  • Recommended

Slovak National Museum - Historical Museum

Slovakia’s leading national museum presents archaeology, history, and cultural collections inside Bratislava Castle.

  • Recommended

Museum of the City of Bratislava

Main city museum documenting Bratislava’s urban past through diverse exhibits in the Old Town’s historic core.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Central Europe: hotels and dining are usually below Vienna, while transit is cheap and many sights are low cost.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-12 for fast food or street food.
Mid-range
€20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
€60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€2.50-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included, but 5-10% is common in restaurants. Round up in cafes and for taxis if service was good.

Plan your visit to Bratislava

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Bratislava.

The train journey from Budapest to Bratislava offers scenic views of the countryside, with glimpses of the Danube River, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, making it a pleasant and visually appealing trip.
Popular day trips by train from Bratislava include Vienna, Brno, Parndorf, Dunajská Streda, Trnava.
The currency used in Slovakia is the Euro (EUR). For travelers, card payments are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller shops, rural areas, and public transport.
In Bratislava, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, the Old Town, and near popular tourist sites. Taxi scams can occur, so it's advisable to use official taxi services or ride-hailing apps. Be cautious when exchanging money and avoid street currency exchangers offering unusually favorable rates. Always keep an eye on personal belongings and stay vigilant in busy places.
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.

FAQs: Trains from Budapest to Bratislava

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Bratislava 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 Bratislava, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Yes, you can take the train from Budapest to Bratislava.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Budapest to Bratislava

Most Budapest to Bratislava trains use the Budapest-Nyugati to Bratislava Hlavná Stanica station pair, with some services arriving at Bratislava-Nové Mesto. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Bratislava train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Budapest
Arrival train stations in Bratislava

Which Budapest station do trains to Bratislava leave from?

Trains from Budapest to Bratislava leave from Budapest-Nyugati. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Budapest city centre at Budapest, VI. kerület, Nyugati tér 1, 1066 Hungary.
Budapest-NyugatiBudapest, VI. kerület, Nyugati tér 1, 1066 Hungary+36 1 349 8503WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Budapest-Nyugati from Budapest city centre

Budapest-Nyugati is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus15 · 18m · $2 · every ~8 min
SubwayM3 · 3m · $2 · every ~28 min

Budapest-Nyugati train station facilities and services

Budapest-Nyugati has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Két Szerecsen, Menza Restaurant

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Nyugati. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Nyugati. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Budapest-Nyugati: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Budapest-Nyugati: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Nyugati: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Parlament, Radisson Blu Béke Hotel, Hilton Budapest City.

Budapest-KelenföldEtele tér, 1115 Budapest, Hungary+36 1 3 49 49 49WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Budapest-Kelenföld from Budapest city centre

Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainIc, 968, 1818, 1852, Re, 9006, 9056, 9066, 9702, 9704, 9706, 9708, 9792, 9794, 9796, Ir, 19712, 19714, 19716, 19718, 19722, 19724, 19726 · 6m · $2 · every ~18 min
Rjx · 13m · $14
Bus139 · 17m · $2 · every ~11 min
770 · 19m · $2
Tram19 · 23m · $2 · every ~9 min
SubwayM4 · 8m · $2 · every ~28 min

Budapest-Kelenföld train station facilities and services

Budapest-Kelenföld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.

Budapest-DéliKrisztina körút 37/A, I. kerület, 1013 Budapest, Hungary+36 13558657LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Budapest-Déli from Budapest city centre

Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus5, 956 · 3m · $2 · every ~12 min
Tram17, 56, 56A, N18 · 6m · $2 · every ~17 min
SubwayM2 · 7m · $2 · every ~29 min

Budapest-Déli train station facilities and services

Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.

Train stations for Budapest to Bratislava

Check train stations information for Budapest and Bratislava, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Budapest that goes to Bratislava is Budapest-Nyugati, which connects to Bratislava Hlavná Stanica.

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