- 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
$119
Average price
$208
Fastest journey
10 h 14 m
Average duration
10 h 21 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
806 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Budapest will cost around $208 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Budapest without transferring at least once.
ICE 569+
RJ 1293+
IC 843+
R 9919
RE1+
ICE 919+
EC 1219+
R 9919
ICE 565+
RJX 69+
IC 745+
EC 343
RE1 · RE5+
ICE 211+
IC 747
RE1 · RE5+
ICE 211+
IC 747
ICE 267 · RJX 65 · R 4643
ICE 567+
RJX 261+
IC 201
ICE 267+
RJX 65
ICE 567+
RJX 261
ICE 267 · RJX 65Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 11h 50m. 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 $48, and a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 500 miles (806 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$159 Average price | $72 Average price Cheapest | $210 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 20m Average total duration Fastest 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 33m Average total duration 13h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Karlsruhe to Budapest:
A bus is $88 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Budapest costing on average $159 (€130).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 3m.
Tickets start at around $159 (€130) compared to roughly $210 (€171) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $51 (€42). The journey takes 11h 50m versus 9h 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Budapest trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711 | On time 12:05 PM Karlsruhe | 10h14 | 10:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
ICE 565 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 12:05 PM Karlsruhe | 10h30 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 565+ RJX 69+ EC 341 | 12:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h30 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 565+ RJX 69+ IC 745+ EC 343 | 12:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 11h30 | 11:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
RE1 · RE5+ ICE 211+ IC 747 | 12:32 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 11h57 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
RE1 · RE5+ ICE 211+ IC 747 | 12:32 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 11h52 | 12:24 AM Budapest Keleti | 5 transfers | |
ICE 567 · RJX 261 · IC 201 | On time 2:05 PM Karlsruhe | 10h19 | 12:24 AM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 567 · RJX 261 | On time 2:05 PM Karlsruhe | 10h24 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
ICE 567+ RJX 261+ IC 201 | 2:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h19 | 12:24 AM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 567+ RJX 261 | On time 2:05 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h24 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RE1+ ICE 919+ EC 1219+ REX 6 | 2:32 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 16h32 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 5 transfers | |
IC 2163+ ICE 519+ RE5 · RJX13483 | 3:06 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 15h58 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 6 transfers | |
| Friday, August 14 | |||||
ICE 561+ RJX 63 | 6:00 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h35 | 4:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RE1+ ICE 911+ EC 115+ RJX 186 | 6:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h57 | 5:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
ICE 267+ RJX 65+ IC 647+ EC 149 | 8:05 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 11h24 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
ICE 267 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | 8:05 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 12h30 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
ICE 267+ RJX 65 | On time 8:05 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h24 | 6:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
ICE 267 · RJX 65 · R 4643 | On time 8:05 AM Karlsruhe | 10h14 | 6:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
ICE 267 · RJX 65 | On time 8:05 AM Karlsruhe | 10h24 | 6:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RE1+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX19977 | 8:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 10h57 | 7:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
RE1+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJX 67 | 8:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 12h03 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
RE1+ ICE 563+ RJX 67 | 9:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 11h03 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
RE1+ ICE 563+ RJX 67+ IC 741 | 9:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 12h03 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
RE1+ ICE 119+ IC 743+ EC 341 | 10:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 12h03 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
RE1+ ICE 119+ RJX19915 | 10:32 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 11h03 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Karlsruhe to Budapest run on average 9 times per day, taking around 11h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:25, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 500 miles (806 km) distance in 10h 14m.
Distance 500 miles (806 km) |
Average train duration 11h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 10h 14m |
First train 12:25 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 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 Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe to Budapest trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Budapest Keleti station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Déli. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe 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: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach 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: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Bahnhofsvorplatz.
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