- 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 Sep 20
$52
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$69
Fastest journey on Sep 20
14 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
15 h 26 m
Trains on Sep 20
11
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Košice to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Košice to Budapest will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
It's difficult to get from Košice to Budapest without transferring at least 2 times.
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1116 (Bohumín -> Brno) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1116 (Bohumín -> Brno) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1116 (Bohumín -> Brno) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno)Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Košice to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $28 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, while a flight costs an average of $615.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $615 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | 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 Košice to Budapest:
A bus is $26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Košice to Budapest costing on average $54.
A bus is $587 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Košice to Budapest costing on average $615.
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 27m.
Train takes on average 5h 1m.
Tickets start at around $54 compared to roughly $83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $29. The journey takes 5h 1m versus 2h 33m 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.
Direct services run with ÖBB | InterCity, Railways of Slovak Republic (ZSSK).
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 Košice to Budapest trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · (Ostrava -> Brno) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 9:36 PM Kosice | 18h39 | 4:15 PM Budapest, Kelenföld Vasútállomás | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Ostrava -> Brno) | 9:36 PM Kosice | 18h22 | 3:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · (Prague -> Budapest) · (Ostrava -> Brno) | 9:36 PM Kosice | 18h59 | 4:35 PM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · (Ostrava -> Brno) · RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest) | 9:49 PM Kysak station | 18h09 | 3:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Ostrava -> Brno) | 10:08 PM Margecany station | 17h50 | 3:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1116 (Bohumín -> Brno) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 3:50 AM Kosice | 16h08 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno) | 3:50 AM Kosice | 16h08 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Frýdek-Místek -> Brno) · (Prague -> Vienna) | 3:50 AM Kosice | 16h08 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 transfers | |
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1116 (Bohumín -> Brno) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 4:03 AM Kysak station | 15h55 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Olomouc -> Brno) | 4:03 AM Kysak station | 15h55 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1008 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) · (Frýdek-Místek -> Brno) · (Prague -> Vienna) | 4:03 AM Kysak station | 15h55 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 transfers | |
RJ 1012 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1130 (Bohumín -> Brno) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 7:48 AM Kosice | 22h17 | 6:05 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 2 transfers | |
RJ 1012 (Košice -> Prague) · R 1132 (Bohumín -> Brno) · (Prague -> Budapest) | 8:04 AM Kysak station | 22h01 | 6:05 AM Budapest, Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Košice to Budapest run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 3h 44m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 5h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 44m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 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 Košice 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 Košice to Budapest trains use the Kosice to Budapest-Kelenföld station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest Keleti. Use this guide to compare Košice and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Kosice is 1 km from Košice city centre. Public transport options include:
Kosice has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Med Malina, Villa Regia
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kosice. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kosice. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kosice: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kosice: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kosice: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kosice, Hotel Yasmin Kosice, Boutique Hotel Maraton.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need