- Must visit
East Slovak Museum
Leading regional museum with archaeology, natural history, and the famous Košice Gold Treasure in a grand historic building.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
14 h 42 m
Average duration
15 h
Trains per day
9
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 $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
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)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (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 $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 28m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $189.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $565 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 2h 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Budapest to Košice:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Košice costing on average $55 (€44).
A bus is $535 (€432) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Košice costing on average $565 (€455).
Other travel options to Košice take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
Train takes on average 5h 5m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€44) compared to roughly $84 (€68) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $29 (€23). The journey takes 5h 5m versus 2h 46m 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, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 11:15 AM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 18h57 | 6:12 AM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 15h14 | 6:12 AM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 14h42 | 5:40 AM Margecany station | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 14h56 | 5:54 AM Kysak station | 2 transfers | |
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1003 (Prague -> Košice) | 10:50 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h22 | 4:12 PM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1003 (Prague -> Košice) | 10:50 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 17h04 | 3:54 PM Kysak station | 2 transfers | |
(Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1003 (Prague -> Košice) | 11:10 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 17h02 | 4:12 PM Kosice | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 14h56 | 10:54 PM Kysak station | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 15h14 | 11:12 PM 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 4 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) 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 3h 49m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 49m |
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 35 days |
Discover the best of Košice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Košice trip today.
Leading regional museum with archaeology, natural history, and the famous Košice Gold Treasure in a grand historic building.
Museum dedicated to Slovakia’s aviation history, displaying aircraft, engines, and technical exhibits near the airport.
Major art museum in a historic prison building, presenting Slovak and international modern and contemporary exhibitions.
Košice’s grand central promenade, lined with historic facades, fountains, shops, and major monuments for an easy city walk.
Historic main square around the cathedral and singing fountain, ideal for architecture, events, and people-watching.
Popular urban park with paths, sports areas, seasonal events, and local atmosphere just outside the old town.
Bryndzové halušky are potato dumplings with salty sheep cheese and bacon. It is Slovakia’s best-known national dish and common in eastern Slovak homes and inns.
Kapustnica is a rich sauerkraut soup often cooked with smoked meat, sausage, and mushrooms. It is a festive staple, especially at Christmas and family gatherings.
Pirohy are filled dumplings, often stuffed with bryndza, potato, or cabbage. They are a beloved traditional comfort food across eastern Slovakia.
Elegant fine dining near the historic center, known for refined Slovak and international cuisine, careful plating, and a polished atmosphere.
Traditional Slovak restaurant with hearty regional dishes, rustic decor, and a central location popular for bryndzové halušky and soups.
Well-known restaurant in a historic building offering upscale Slovak and European dishes, wines, and a more formal old-town atmosphere.
Moderate for Europe: hotels are often cheaper than capitals, meals are reasonable, and public transport is low-cost for visitors.
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes: small change or round up is common.
Official public transport app
Kosice Airport -> 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.

Most Budapest to Košice trains use the Budapest-Kelenföld to Kosice station pair. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Košice train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti 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 options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
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 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
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
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 storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Kosice is 1 km from Košice city centre. Public transport options include:
Kosice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Med Malina, Villa Regia
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kosice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kosice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kosice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kosice: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kosice: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kosice, Hotel Yasmin Kosice, Boutique Hotel Maraton.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need