- Must visit
East Slovak Museum
One of Slovakia’s oldest museums, known for regional history, archaeology, natural science, and the famous Košice Gold Treasure exhibition.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
15 h 17 m
Average duration
15 h 59 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Košice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Košice will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Košice without transferring at least 2 times.
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1003 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1003 (Prague -> Košice)Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Košice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $199.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$56 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $233 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 15m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration Fastest 7h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 40m Average total duration 14h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Budapest to Košice:
A bus is $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Košice costing on average $56 (€45).
A bus is $202 (€163) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Košice costing on average $233 (€188).
Other travel options to Košice take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 45m.
Flight takes on average 14h 40m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with ÖBB | InterCity, Hungarian Railways (MÁV).
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 Budapest to Košice trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 1003 (Prague -> Košice) · (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) | 10:50 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h22 | 4:12 PM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, May 29 | |||||
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) | 7:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 15h17 | 11:12 PM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 15h17 | 6:12 AM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Budapest to Košice run on average 7 times per day, taking around 9h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 15h 14m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 9h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 15h 14m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Košice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Košice trip today.
One of Slovakia’s oldest museums, known for regional history, archaeology, natural science, and the famous Košice Gold Treasure exhibition.
Major technical museum with exhibits on science, transport, industry, and historical inventions; a strong family-friendly stop in the city center.
A preserved former prison and executioner’s house presenting medieval justice and urban history in an atmospheric historic setting.
Košice’s main historic boulevard lined with landmarks, fountains, cafés, and lively public spaces; the city’s essential walking route.
The heart of the old town, framed by the cathedral, theatre, and singing fountain, ideal for first-time visitors and evening walks.
Popular central gathering spot with choreographed water displays, especially attractive in warmer months and after dark.
Slovakia’s iconic potato dumplings tossed with sheep cheese and topped with bacon. It is the best-known traditional dish and common in Košice restaurants.
A hearty sauerkraut soup often cooked with smoked meat, sausage, mushrooms, and spices. It is especially associated with holidays but widely loved year-round.
Dumplings filled with bryndza sheep cheese, sometimes served with butter or fried onion. A classic eastern Slovak comfort food.
Established beer hall and restaurant recognized for craft beer selection and solid Slovak-friendly pub food in a casual setting.
Established traditional restaurant in the old town known for Slovak and regional dishes in a historic, cozy setting.
Popular long-running restaurant near the center serving Slovak, Central European, and seasonal dishes in a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than Western Europe. Old Town dining is mid-priced, while local pubs and cafes are good value.
Service is often not included. In restaurants, tip around 5-10% for good service. Round up in cafes and taxis; hotel tipping is appreciated but not required.
Official public transport app
Košice Airport, Košice -> Hlavná ulica, Košice
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Košice 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 Košice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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