- Must visit
Tatra Museum Main Building
Flagship branch of the Tatra Museum in a restored palace, covering Podhale history, art, ethnography, and natural heritage.
Cheapest price on Sep 23
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$42
Fastest journey on Sep 23
12 h 52 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
13 h 19 m
Trains on Sep 23
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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
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) · (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 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Ostrava) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice)
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · (Brno -> Olomouc) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice)Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Zakopane among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $47 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 8h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, while a train costs an average of $55.
Distance: 131 miles (211 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 17m Average total duration 9h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration Fastest 8h 10m 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 $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Zakopane costing on average $55 (€45).
Other travel options to Zakopane take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 47m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $91 (€75) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $36 (€30). The journey takes 9h 47m 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, Tuesday, September 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) · (Brno -> Ostrava) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h34 | 4:32 AM Poprad-Tatry | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) · (Brno -> Ostrava) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 12h52 | 3:50 AM Zakopane | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1021 (Prague -> Košice) · (Brno -> Ostrava) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h20 | 4:18 AM Štrba, Nádraží | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, September 23 | |||||
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) · (Brno -> Olomouc) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h53 | 9:51 PM Poprad-Tatry | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) · (Brno -> Olomouc) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h38 | 9:36 PM Štrba, Nádraží | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) · RJ 1011 (Prague -> Košice) · (Brno -> Olomouc) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 13h11 | 9:09 PM Zakopane | 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 3 times per day, taking around 9h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 131 miles (211 km) distance in 9h 14m.
Distance 131 miles (211 km) |
Average train duration 9h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 9h 14m |
First train 5:10 AM |
Last train 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Zakopane — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zakopane trip today.
Flagship branch of the Tatra Museum in a restored palace, covering Podhale history, art, ethnography, and natural heritage.
Historic villa museum presenting the Zakopane Style and interiors of the late 19th century. Essential for architecture lovers.
Traditional highlander cottage museum showing everyday Podhale life, furniture, and folk craft in an authentic setting.
Zakopane's main pedestrian street, lined with historic villas, shops, and local culture. The town's essential promenade and people-watching spot.
Scenic peak viewpoint above town, reached by funicular or foot. Famous for broad Tatras panoramas and sunset views.
Mountain district and transport hub leading into the Tatras. Starting point for cable car rides and many classic hiking routes.
Smoked sheep’s milk cheese from Podhale, often grilled or served cold with cranberry. It is Zakopane’s signature mountain product with protected regional status.
Hearty sauerkraut soup with smoked meat, often enriched with ribs or sausage. A classic highlander dish valued for warmth and strong flavor in mountain weather.
Pan-fried potato pancakes, usually crisp outside and soft inside. In Zakopane they are a beloved rustic staple, often served with goulash or sour cream.
Refined Polish dining inside Hotel Aries, offering modern takes on regional ingredients in an elegant mountain setting.
Well-known regional restaurant serving kwaśnica, grilled meats, and oscypek in a classic wooden chalet setting with strong local character.
Historic traditional inn near Krupówki known for highlander dishes, rustic timber interiors, and live regional music in a lively local atmosphere.
Budget-friendly for a mountain resort. Guesthouses, casual meals, and local buses cost less than in many Alpine destinations, though peak winter and holiday prices rise.
Service is not always included. In restaurants, round up or tip 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is enough.
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 Poprad-Tatry 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