- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum with major Swiss and international collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$164
Fastest journey
10 h 25 m
Average duration
10 h 30 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
789 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Zurich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Zurich will cost around $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Of the 28 trains that leave Budapest for Zurich on Wed, May 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 789 km distance in an average of 10 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 25 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 10 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
EN 40462
RJX 64+
IC 648+
RJX 168
R 4644 · RJX 66 · ECE 94
RJX 66 · ECE 94
R 4626 · RJX 68 · ICE 698 · IC 60403
EC 142+
RJX 166
EC 144+
RJX 168
RJX 62 · ECE 98
RJX 66 · ECE 94
RJX 64 · ECE 96Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $45.
Distance: 490 miles (789 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$188 Average price | $229 Average price | $102 Average price Cheapest | $297 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 27m Average total duration 9h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 12m Average total duration 16h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.4 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Zurich:
A bus is $86 (€70) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Zurich costing on average $188 (€152).
A bus is $127 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Zurich costing on average $229 (€185).
Other travel options to Zurich take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 57m.
Bus takes on average 16h 42m.
The journey is about 13m faster (9h 57m by train vs 10h 10m by car) and roughly $109 (€88) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($188 (€152) vs $297 (€240)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with EuroNight, ÖBB | Railjet.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Zurich trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 462+ NJ 466 | 8:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 11h50 | 8:20 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
EN 40462 | 8:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 11h50 | 8:20 AM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
R 4968 · R 9910 · REX 7605 · RJX 260 | On time 11:25 PM Budapest-Deli | 15h03 | 2:28 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
R 4968+ ER 62 · RJX 160 | 11:25 PM Budapest-Deli | 15h55 | 3:20 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
R 4968+ ER 62+ IC 542+ RJX 160 | 11:25 PM Budapest-Deli | 15h55 | 3:20 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
EC 342 · RJX 262 · ECE 192 | On time 5:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 10h58 | 4:28 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
EC 342+ IC 546+ RJX 162 | 5:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h50 | 5:20 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
EC 342+ RJX 662+ S 2+ IR 2219 | 5:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h23 | 4:53 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
R 4620 · EC 342 · RJX 262 · ECE 192 | On time 5:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 10h48 | 4:28 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
RJX 162 | 6:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 10h50 | 5:20 PM Zurich HB | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX 162+ IC 548+ RJX 860+ R 2 | 6:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 12h23 | 6:53 PM Zurich HB | 5 transfers | |
RJX 60+ IC 640+ RJX 766+ EC 164 | 7:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h50 | 7:20 PM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
EC 140+ RJX 766+ EC 164 | 8:30 AM Budapest Keleti | 10h50 | 7:20 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
R 4642 · RJX 62 · ECE 98 | On time 9:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 10h48 | 8:28 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ECE 98 | On time 9:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h33 | 8:28 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
RJX 62+ IC 644+ RJX 166 | On time 9:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 11h25 | 9:20 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
EC 142+ RJX 166 | 10:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h25 | 9:20 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
R 4624 · RJX 64 · ECE 96 | 11:40 AM Budapest-Deli | 10h48 | 10:28 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
RJX 64 · ECE 96 | On time 11:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h33 | 10:28 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
RJX 64+ IC 648+ RJX 168 | On time 11:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 11h27 | 11:22 PM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
EC 144+ RJX 168 | 12:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h27 | 11:22 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
R 4644 · RJX 66 · ECE 94 | On time 1:40 PM Budapest-Deli | 10h48 | 12:28 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
RJX 66 · ECE 94 | On time 1:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h33 | 12:28 AM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
EC 146+ RJX 760+ S 2+ IR 3251 | 2:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 16h27 | 7:22 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
RJX 68 · ICE 698 · IC 60403 | On time 3:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 16h35 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 2 transfers | |
RJX 68 · ICE 698 · IC 60403 · IC 559 | On time 3:30 PM Budapest Keleti | 15h56 | 7:26 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
R 4626 · RJX 68 · ICE 698 · IC 60403 | 3:40 PM Budapest-Deli | 15h46 | 7:26 AM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
R 4626 · RJX 68 · ICE 698 · IC 60403 | 3:40 PM Budapest-Deli | 16h25 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Zurich run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€48) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 490 miles (789 km) distance in 10h 40m.
Distance 490 miles (789 km) |
Average train duration 9h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€48) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 40m |
First train 12:23 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Zurich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Zurich trip today.
Zurich’s leading art museum with major Swiss and international collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
The country’s principal museum of cultural history, housed in a castle-like building near the main station.
A respected museum for non-European art set in a villa and modern pavilion within Rieterpark.
One of the world’s best-known shopping streets, ideal for strolling between the main station and the lake.
Zurich’s old town, packed with medieval lanes, churches, river views, and many of the city’s classic sights.
A scenic walking area along the lake with sweeping water views, swans, and popular sunset spots.
Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti.
A classic Swiss potato dish, pan-fried until crisp and golden. In Zurich it is often served as a side or topped with cheese, egg, or meat.
A traditional Swiss pot of melted cheese served with bread for dipping. It is a communal meal strongly associated with Swiss food culture.
Legendary upscale Zurich restaurant celebrated for refined Swiss and continental cuisine, classic service, and an elegant art-filled dining room.
Historic, traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armory, known for sausages, schnitzel, and hearty Zurich classics in a lively setting.
Famous historic vegetarian restaurant with Swiss and international dishes, known for its buffet and long-standing place in Zurich dining culture.
Zurich is among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and transport are costly, though supermarkets and lunch deals can lower daily spending.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB -> Zurich City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Zurich 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 Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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