- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s leading art museum, known for major European works, Swiss art, and high-profile temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$192
Average price
$192
Fastest journey
15 h 3 m
Average duration
15 h 3 m
Trains per day
1
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 $192 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $192.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Zurich without transferring at least 5 times.
R 4980+
ER 62+
REX 6+
RJX19910
R 4980+
ER 62+
REX 6+
RJX19910Omio 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 $67. 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 $67, and a flight costs an average of $44.
Distance: 490 miles (789 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$185 Average price | $225 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $292 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 $85 (€70) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Zurich costing on average $185 (€152).
A bus is $124 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Zurich costing on average $225 (€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 $107 (€88) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($185 (€152) vs $292 (€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 tomorrow, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 4980+ ER 62+ REX 6+ RJX19910 | 1:25 AM Budapest-Deli | 15h03 | 4:28 PM Zurich HB | 5 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 $58 (€48) but you can travel from only $44 (€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 $58 (€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, known for major European works, Swiss art, and high-profile temporary exhibitions.
The country’s main cultural-history museum, with strong exhibits on Swiss heritage, design, and everyday life.
A respected museum for non-European art, set in a villa and modern extension within a pleasant park.
Zurich’s famous shopping boulevard, ideal for a central stroll from the station toward the lake.
The old town’s lanes, squares, and riverside passages form the city’s most atmospheric walking area.
A scenic waterfront walking area popular for views, relaxed strolls, and classic Zurich city-lake photos.
Zurich’s signature dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, traditionally served with rösti. It is one of the city’s most classic meals.
A Swiss potato dish of pan-fried grated potatoes with a crisp exterior and soft center. In Zurich it is often served as a side, but it can also be topped as a full meal.
Melted cheese shared from a communal pot and eaten with bread. It is a beloved Swiss cold-weather specialty strongly associated with traditional dining culture.
One of Zurich’s most famous dining institutions and a landmark vegetarian restaurant, offering a large buffet and Swiss-inspired meat-free dishes in a modern setting.
An iconic Zurich institution combining classic fine dining, Swiss and continental cuisine, and a celebrated art-filled interior with old-world elegance.
A historic and very popular traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armory, known for sausages, rösti, and hearty Zurich classics in a lively setting.
Zurich is among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and daily transport usually cost more than in most nearby destinations.
Service is included by law. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares slightly.
Official public transport app
Zurich HB, Zurich -> Zurich HB, Zurich
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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