- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
One of Central Europe’s major art museums, with Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European collections. Especially worthwhile for classical art lovers.
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$155
Fastest journey
12 h 43 m
Average duration
13 h 20 m
Trains per day
6
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 $155 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
Of the 6 trains that leave Essen for Budapest on Thu, May 28, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct trains cover the 972 km distance in an average of 13 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 43 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 14 h 6 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.










Omio 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 $65. 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 $65, and a flight costs an average of $102.
Distance: 603 miles (972 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$153 Average price | $235 Average price | $93 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 $60 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Essen to Budapest costing on average $153 (€124).
A bus is $142 (€114) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Essen to Budapest costing on average $235 (€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 $153 (€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 tomorrow, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:03 AM Essen | 13h16 | 7:19 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Essen | 14h19 | 9:19 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:03 AM Essen | 13h16 | 8:19 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:13 AM Essen | 14h06 | 9:19 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:36 AM Essen | 12h43 | 8:19 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Essen | 13h19 | 10:19 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $73 (€59) but you can travel from only $65 (€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 $73 (€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.
One of Central Europe’s major art museums, with Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European collections. Especially worthwhile for classical art lovers.
A powerful museum on Hungary’s fascist and communist periods, housed in a former secret police building. It is one of the city’s most discussed historical museums.
The national history museum of Hungary, covering archaeology, medieval history, and key events in the country’s past. A strong introduction to Hungarian culture and statehood.
Budapest’s most atmospheric historic quarter, filled with cobbled streets, viewpoints, and major monuments. It is ideal for slow walks, photography, and evening views.
A monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue, known for its statues of Hungarian leaders and ceremonial scale. It is among the city’s most visited public spaces.
A green island in the Danube popular for walking, running, gardens, and relaxed river views. It is especially loved by locals for outdoor time.
Hungary’s iconic paprika-rich soup with beef, potatoes, carrots, and csipetke dumplings. It is one of the most traditional dishes to try in Budapest.
A slow-cooked meat stew seasoned with onion and sweet paprika, usually served with nokedli. It is a classic home-style Hungarian comfort dish.
Tender chicken in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with nokedli. It is one of the best-known Hungarian main courses.
A well-known traditional restaurant serving Hungarian classics such as gulyás, paprikash, and stuffed cabbage in a cozy, old-style setting.
A long-established family restaurant blending Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian traditions, known for excellent soups, stews, and warm service.
A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant reinterpreting Hungarian flavors with refined technique and seasonal ingredients.
Moderate by European capital standards. Food, transit, and attractions are fairly priced; central hotels cost more.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
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.

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