- Must visit
Tatra Museum - Main Building
The main branch of Zakopane’s regional museum, presenting Podhale history, folk culture, art, and the natural heritage of the Tatra region. A strong starting point for understanding the town beyond a山
Cheapest price
$60
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
12 h 52 m
Average duration
13 h 19 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
211 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Zakopane is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Zakopane will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Zakopane 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) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (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)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Zakopane among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a train costs an average of $24.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$41 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 41m Average total duration 9h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration Fastest 7h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Zakopane:
A bus is $0.68 (€0.56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Zakopane costing on average $41 (€34).
Other travel options to Zakopane take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 11m.
Tickets start at around $41 (€34) compared to roughly $91 (€74) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $50 (€41). The journey takes 9h 11m versus 4h 57m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Zakopane trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 12h52 | 3:50 AM Zakopane | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h34 | 4:32 AM Poprad-Tatry | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h20 | 4:18 AM Štrba, Nádraží | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h11 | 9:09 PM Zakopane | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h38 | 9:36 PM Štrba, Nádraží | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · R 1121 (Brno -> Bohumín) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h53 | 9:51 PM Poprad-Tatry | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Zakopane run on average 9 times per day, taking around 9h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (211 km) distance in 12h 52m.
Distance 131 miles (211 km) |
Average train duration 9h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 12h 52m |
First train 5:10 AM |
Last train 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Zakopane — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zakopane trip today.
The main branch of Zakopane’s regional museum, presenting Podhale history, folk culture, art, and the natural heritage of the Tatra region. A strong starting point for understanding the town beyond a山
A classic Stanisław Witkiewicz design and one of the most important examples of the Zakopane Style in architecture. Ideal for visitors interested in design, wooden craftsmanship, and local identity.
A biographical museum in the villa where composer Karol Szymanowski lived. It offers an intimate look at his life, music, and the artistic atmosphere of interwar Zakopane.
Zakopane’s best-known pedestrian street, lined with traditional architecture, shops, and constant activity. It is the social heart of town and the obvious first stop for most visitors.
A famous ridge and viewpoint above Zakopane with wide panoramas of the Tatras. Extremely popular with first-time visitors and highly visible on social media.
One of the best-known mountain destinations near Zakopane, reached by cable car and valued for dramatic alpine scenery. A top-priority outing for mountain views.
Smoked sheep’s milk cheese from Podhale, traditionally made in carved wooden molds. It is Zakopane’s signature regional product, often served grilled with cranberry.
Fresh, mild sheep’s milk cheese from the Tatra region. It is softer and less salty than Oscypek and is a traditional highlander dairy specialty.
A hearty highlander soup made from sauerkraut and usually pork or ribs. It is especially associated with mountain cuisine and cold-weather dining.
Popular restaurant presenting refined Podhale cuisine in a more modern style, with strong emphasis on regional ingredients and polished service.
One of Zakopane’s most recognized regional restaurants, known for atmospheric wooden decor, grilled meats, soups, and iconic mountain dishes.
Well-known traditional mountain tavern serving regional Podhale dishes such as kwaśnica, grilled meats, and Oscypek in a rustic highlander setting.
Cheaper than Kraków for food, but mountain location and peak ski or summer periods raise hotel and dining prices.
Service is often included only in higher-end places. Tip about 10% for good service, round up in cafés and taxis, and leave cash if possible.
Official public transport app
Zakopane, Plac PKP, przy ul. Chramcówki, Zakopane -> Krupówki, Zakopane
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Zakopane 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 Zakopane, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Budapest to Zakopane trains use the Budapest-Kelenföld to Štrba, Nádraží station pair. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Zakopane 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-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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need