- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price on Oct 16
$72
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$150
Fastest journey on Oct 16
12 h 43 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
13 h 17 m
Trains on Oct 16
5
Distance
972 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Essen to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Essen to Budapest will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
On Fri, Oct 16, we found 5 trains from Essen to Budapest, including 5 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 16 the direct trains cover the 972 km distance in an average of 13 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 43 m .
On Fri, Oct 16 the slowest trains will take 14 h 19 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.










Trains from Essen to Budapest run on average 5 times per day, taking around 12h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€48) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 603 miles (972 km) distance in 10h 57m.
Distance 603 miles (972 km) |
Average train duration 12h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€48) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 57m |
First train 1:25 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Budapest trains for today, Thursday, October 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S9 · ICE 513 · RJX 67 | On time 6:20 AM Essen Hbf | 14h15 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
26707 · ICE 785 · ICE 119 · RJX 165 | 7:13 AM Essen Hbf | 14h06 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 165 | 8:08 AM Essen Hbf | 13h11 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 165 | 8:08 AM Essen Hbf | 13h27 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
28074 · ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | 8:39 AM Essen Hbf | 13h56 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
28074 · ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | 8:39 AM Essen Hbf | 13h40 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 105 · ICE 2013 · ICE 517 | On time 9:20 AM Essen Hbf | 15h09 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
S6 · ICE 625 · RJX 261 | On time 10:28 AM Essen Hbf | 14h01 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
S9 · ICE 107 · IC 1644 · ICE 519 | 11:20 AM Essen Hbf | 19h44 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 8 transfers | |
28080 · ICE 629 · IC 406 · REX 7638 | 12:39 PM Essen Hbf | 18h25 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 5 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti Railway Station -> Deák Ferenc tér
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essen to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Essen to Budapest trains use the Essen Hbf to Budapest Keleti station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Déli. Use this guide to compare Essen and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Essen Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need