- Recommended
Stadtmuseum Vogtturm
Local history museum in Zell am See’s medieval Vogtturm, with exhibits on the town, region, and everyday life in Pinzgau.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
6 h 49 m
Average duration
7 h 6 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
470 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Zell am See is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Zell am See will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Zell am See without transferring at least once.
EC 146+
IC 744+
D 816
EC 144+
RJX 168+
R 3
EC 144+
RJX 168 · IR 510+
ICE 211
EC 144+
IC 740+
IR 818
EC 146+
RJX 760+
R 3
EC 146+
RJX 760+
EC 213+
IR 618
EC 144+
RJX 168 · IR 510+
ICE 211
RJX 68 · D 816
EC 146+
RJX 760+
R 3
EC 144+
RJX 168+
R 3Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Zell am See among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $152.
Distance: 292 miles (470 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$99 Average price | $81 Average price Cheapest | $342 Average price | $152 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration 7h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg 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 Zell am See:
A bus is $18 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Zell am See costing on average $99 (€80).
A bus is $261 (€211) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Zell am See costing on average $342 (€276).
Other travel options to Zell am See take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 19m.
Train takes on average 7h 42m.
Tickets start at around $99 (€80) compared to roughly $152 (€123) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $53 (€43). The journey takes 7h 42m versus 6h 33m 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 Zell am See trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 144+ RJX 168+ R 3 | 12:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h33 | 8:28 PM Zell am See station | 2 transfers | |
EC 144+ RJX 168 · IR 510+ ICE 211 | 12:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 6h49 | 7:44 PM Zell am See station | 3 transfers | |
EC 144+ IC 740+ IR 818 | 12:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h49 | 8:44 PM Zell am See station | 2 transfers | |
EC 146+ RJX 760+ EC 213+ IR 618 | 2:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 6h49 | 9:44 PM Zell am See station | 3 transfers | |
EC 146+ RJX 760+ R 3 | 2:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h27 | 10:22 PM Zell am See station | 2 transfers | |
EC 146+ IC 744+ D 816 | 2:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h54 | 10:49 PM Zell am See station | 2 transfers | |
RJX 68 · D 816 | 3:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 6h54 | 10:49 PM Zell am See station | 1 transfer | |
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 Zell am See run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 292 miles (470 km) distance in 7h 6m.
Distance 292 miles (470 km) |
Average train duration 7h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 7h 6m |
First train 12:13 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Zell am See — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zell am See trip today.
Local history museum in Zell am See’s medieval Vogtturm, with exhibits on the town, region, and everyday life in Pinzgau.
Popular regional museum near Zell am See featuring classic cars, motorcycles, tractors, and nostalgic transport exhibits.
Tunnel gallery and exhibition space at Kitzsteinhorn presenting the high-alpine environment, geology, and views over the national park.
Lakeside walking promenade with mountain views, piers, and easy access to the old town; one of the town’s signature strolling areas.
Compact historic center with charming streets, traditional buildings, shops, and lake access; ideal for a relaxed walk.
Panoramic mountain viewpoint above Zell am See, famous for broad Alpine vistas and highly popular in summer and winter.
A hearty regional pasta dish from Pinzgau made with small dumplings or noodles, melted cheese, and fried onions. It is one of the best-known local comfort foods around Zell Am See.
Flat bread dumplings mixed with alpine cheese, usually served in clear broth or with salad. This is a classic Salzburg and Pinzgau mountain dish.
Traditional fried pastries from the Pinzgau region, often filled with potato, cheese, or sauerkraut. They are a distinctive local specialty found at inns and festivals.
An established Zell Am See favourite known for Austrian classics, steaks, and generous portions in a cosy rustic atmosphere.
A historic, well-known restaurant and boutique hotel in the old town, serving Austrian and regional dishes in a stylish traditional setting.
A long-running hotel restaurant offering polished Austrian cuisine and regional specialties with a more refined atmosphere near the centre.
A resort town with higher prices than many Austrian cities, especially in ski season. Hotels and dining rise most in peak months.
Service is often included, but rounding up is standard. Add about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up in taxis, and tip hotel staff modestly if helpful.
Official public transport app
Zell am See Bahnhof, Zell am See -> Zell am See Zentrum, Zell am See
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Zell am See 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 Zell am See, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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