- Must visit
Latvian National Museum of Art
Latvia’s main art museum, housing major Baltic and Latvian collections in a landmark historic building.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Budapest to Riga
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Riga among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $85. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.1 - 2.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $85, and a flight costs an average of $81.
Distance: 686 miles (1105 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$85 Average price Cheapest | $112 Average price | $274 Average price | $307 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
51h 52m Average total duration 51h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 0m Average total duration 23h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.3 - 6.6kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Riga is a train with an average price of $85 (€70).
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Riga:
A train is $27 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Budapest to Riga costing on average $112 (€92).
A train is $189 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Riga costing on average $274 (€225).
The fastest way to travel from Budapest to Riga is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 34m.
Other travel options to Riga take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 30m.
Train takes on average 51h 22m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Budapest and Riga including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Budapest to Riga among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $85 (€70) compared to roughly $307 (€251) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $221 (€181). The journey takes 51h 22m versus 15h 43m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Riga 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 Budapest to Riga
Hungary
Latvia
Trains from Budapest to Riga run on average 1 times per day, taking around 51h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $85 (€70) but you can travel from only $73 (€60) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:12, the last at 08:12. The fastest train covers the 686 miles (1105 km) distance in 51h 22m.
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 $73 (€60)
Distance 686 miles (1105 km) |
Average train duration 51h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 (€70) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 51h 22m |
First train 8:12 AM |
Last train 8:12 AM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 $73 (€60)
Train companies: Hungarian Railways (MÁV) from Budapest to Riga trainsHungarian Railways (MÁV) trains will get you between Budapest and Riga from $73 (€60). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Hungarian Railways (MÁV)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51h 22m
Cheapest Price
$85 (€70)
Hungarian Railways (MÁV) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Riga
Things to do in Riga
Discover the best of Riga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riga trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Important museum documenting Latvia under Soviet and Nazi occupation through exhibits, testimonies, and archives.
- Recommended
Art Museum Riga Bourse
Fine arts museum in a grand Venetian-style former stock exchange, known for European and Asian art collections.
- Must visit
Vecriga (Old Town)
Riga’s historic center with cobbled lanes, medieval squares, churches, and the city’s densest concentration of landmarks.
- Must visit
Alberta iela
The city’s most famous Art Nouveau street, especially popular for architecture walks and social media photography.
- Recommended
Dome Square
One of the main public squares in Old Riga, framed by historic buildings and anchored by Riga Cathedral.
- Gluten-free
Pelēkie Zirņi Ar Speķi
Grey peas cooked and served with fried bacon and onions, one of Latvia’s most iconic traditional dishes, especially common in winter and at festive meals.
- Vegetarian
Sklandrausis
A traditional Latvian pie with rye pastry filled with potato and carrot, protected as a traditional specialty and strongly associated with western Latvia.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Aukstā Zupa
Cold pink soup made with beetroot, kefir, cucumber, herbs, and usually egg, very popular in summer across Riga and Latvia.
Vincents
One of Riga’s best-known fine dining restaurants, celebrated for refined cuisine, elegant service, and long-standing international reputation.
Folkklubs Ala Pagrabs
A famous cellar tavern known for Latvian food, local beer, live folk music, and an authentic rustic setting.
Milda
A popular modern Latvian restaurant serving updated national dishes in a cozy, central setting with strong local identity.
Euro
Generally moderate by European standards. Old Town dining costs more, while local cafes and transit stay fairly affordable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- EUR 15-30 per person.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-100+ per person.
- Coffee
- EUR 2.50-4.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Small tips for taxis are optional; tipping in cafes is not expected.
Rīgas satiksme
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.50
- Day pass
- EUR 5.00
To the city center
Riga International Airport, Riga -> Riga Central Station, Riga
- Distance
- 10 km
- Travel time
- 30 min
- Buy tickets in the Rīgas satiksme app, from ticket machines, or at Narvesen; onboard purchases are usually more expensive. Card payment availability can vary by vehicle and sales channel, so buying in
- Validate your ticket when required and keep it until the end of the trip. Route 22 is the standard public transport link between Riga Airport and the city center.
FAQs: Trains from Budapest to Riga
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Riga 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 Riga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Budapest to Riga can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $85 (€70), while the average price is around $85 (€70).
The train from Budapest to Riga runs once a day and takes approximately 51h 22m.
The first train from Budapest to Riga leaves at 8:12 AM.
The distance by train from Budapest to Riga is 686 miles (1105 km).
The last train from Budapest to Riga leaves at 8:12 AM.
There is no high speed train available from Budapest to Riga.
There is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Riga.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Budapest to Riga.
The cheapest way to get from Budapest to Riga is by bus, with a cost of around $73 (€60).
The train journey from Budapest to Riga is not primarily known for its scenic views, as it predominantly passes through urban and industrial areas. However, there are sections with picturesque landscapes, especially when traversing the countryside of Hungary and Latvia.
In Riga, you can explore the Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltic states, and enjoy its impressive organ. Attend a performance at the Latvian National Opera, known for its high-quality productions. Relax at Jurmala Beach, a popular seaside resort town near Riga. Discover Latvian and international art at the Latvian National Museum of Art, and experience the vibrant cultural hub of Kalnciema Quarter with its markets and events. Visit Riga Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, and shop at Riga Central Market, one of Europe's largest. Enjoy panoramic views from St. Peter's Church, admire the Art Nouveau District's intricate facades, and learn about traditional Latvian rural life at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
Three to four days is ideal to explore Riga's main attractions, including the Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, and local markets.
Yes, you can take the train from Budapest to Riga.
Since both Budapest and Riga 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.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Budapest to Riga 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.
Latvia uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. For travelers, card payments are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, making them convenient for most purchases, while cash may be preferred in small towns, markets, or rural areas.
In Riga, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and public transport. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides without meters and currency exchange fraud at unofficial exchange points. It's advised to use official taxis, avoid street money changers, and keep belongings secure in busy spots.
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.
More options for your journey from Budapest to Riga
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Riga and Budapest
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