- Must visit
Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich’s flagship art museum with major Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
Cheapest price
$169
Average price
$240
Fastest journey
12 h 58 m
Average duration
13 h 8 m
Trains per day
2
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 $240 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $169.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Zurich without transferring at least once.
R 4910 · R 9420 · REX 9402 · EC 1218
RJX 62 · ECE 96
RJX 62 · ECE 96
R 4910 · R 9420 · REX 9402 · EC 1218Omio 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 $66. 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 $66, and a flight costs an average of $44.
Distance: 490 miles (789 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$183 Average price | $223 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $290 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 $84 (€70) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Zurich costing on average $183 (€152).
A bus is $123 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Zurich costing on average $223 (€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 $106 (€88) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($183 (€152) vs $290 (€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, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
R 4910 · R 9420 · REX 9402 · EC 1218 | On time 3:10 AM Budapest-Deli | 13h18 | 4:28 PM Zurich HB | 4 transfers | |
RJX 62 · ECE 96 | On time 9:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 12h33 | 10:28 PM Zurich HB | 1 transfer | |
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 flagship art museum with major Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern and contemporary works.
The country’s leading museum of Swiss cultural history, housed in a landmark castle-like building beside the main station.
Major museum for non-European art set in a villa and modern extension, known for Asian, African, American, and Oceanian collections.
Zurich’s best-known shopping boulevard, ideal for a central stroll from the main station toward the lake.
The old town is the city’s essential walking area, packed with lanes, squares, historic houses, and river views.
A peaceful hilltop square and viewpoint above the old town, popular for classic photos over the Limmat.
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 often accompanies meat dishes or is topped with cheese or eggs.
Melted Swiss cheese served communally with bread for dipping. It is a beloved cold-weather staple across Switzerland and widely enjoyed in Zurich.
Iconic classic Zurich restaurant with an elegant atmosphere, noted for traditional cuisine, fine service, and a celebrated art-filled interior.
A long-standing Zurich restaurant in a leafy setting, serving Swiss seasonal dishes with a more upscale yet relaxed atmosphere.
Historic vegetarian restaurant in central Zurich, famous for extensive buffet selections and refined meat-free Swiss and international dishes.
Among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, dining, and drinks are costly, though public transport is efficient and good-value.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good 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.

Most Budapest to Zurich trains use the Budapest Keleti to Zürich HB station pair, with some services arriving at Zürich Stadelhofen. Use this guide to compare Budapest and Zurich train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti 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: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
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.
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.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Stadelhofen 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: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich, Oerlikon Bahnhof Nord.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need