- 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
$68
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
12 h 43 m
Average duration
13 h 4 m
Trains per day
8
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 $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Essen to Budapest without transferring at least 2 times.
ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711
ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341
ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631
ICE 119 · RJX 19915
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631
ICE 915+
REX 1+
D 347+
EC 1217
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631
ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essen to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $100.
Distance: 603 miles (972 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$150 Average price | $230 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 51m Average total duration 12h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 55m Average total duration 19h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.4kg 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 Essen to Budapest:
A bus is $59 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Budapest costing on average $150 (€124).
A bus is $139 (€114) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Budapest costing on average $230 (€189).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 21m.
Bus takes on average 19h 25m.
You'll arrive about 14m sooner (12h 21m by train vs 12h 35m by car). Tickets start at around $150 (€124) compared to roughly $37 (€30) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Essen to Budapest trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 915+ EC 1217+ REX 1+ D 347 | Delayed 6:37 AM 8:36 AMEssen Hbf | 12h57 | 9:33 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | Delayed 6:37 AM 8:36 AMEssen Hbf | 12h59 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 915 · ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631 | Delayed 6:37 AM 8:36 AMEssen Hbf | 12h43 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711 | On time 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 13h26 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
ICE 621 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 8:53 AM Essen Hbf | 13h42 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IC 2040 · ICE 515 · RJX 69 | On time 8:00 AM Essen Hbf | 14h19 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 5 transfers | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 · R 4631 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 13h16 | 9:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
ICE 119 · RJX 19915 | On time 8:03 AM Essen Hbf | 13h32 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 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 Essen to Budapest run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€59) but you can travel from only $64 (€52) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 603 miles (972 km) distance in 12h 26m.
Distance 603 miles (972 km) |
Average train duration 12h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€59) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 12h 26m |
First train 1:25 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
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-Kray Süd is 4 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Kray Süd 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: Haus Gantenberg, Il Pastaro, Zum Zauberwald, Gaststätte "Am Stadion"
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Kray Süd. ATMs are available at Essen-Kray Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Kray Süd. Information desks are available at Essen-Kray Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Kray Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Kray Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Kray Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Kray Süd.
Nearby hotels include Zur Guten Quelle, Hotel Töff-Töff, Budike.
Essen-Hügel is 5 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
Essen-Hügel 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: Parkhaus Hügel, Cafe au Lac, ETUF, LUJO
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Hügel. ATMs are available at Essen-Hügel.
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Hügel. Information desks are available at Essen-Hügel.
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Hügel. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Essen-Hügel: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Essen-Hügel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Hügel.
Nearby hotels include Parkhaus Hügel.
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.
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