- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with European paintings, sculpture, and temporary exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
6 h 51 m
Average duration
6 h 51 m
Trains per day
31
Distance
444 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Prague to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Prague to Budapest will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 31 trains that leave Prague for Budapest on Fri, Jun 26, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 444 km distance in an average of 6 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 51 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 6 h 51 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.
rj 175
RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest)
rj 277
EC 281
EC 279
rj 275
rj 273Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Prague to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $42.
Distance: 275 miles (444 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $294 Average price | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 24m Average total duration 6h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.7kg 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 Prague to Budapest:
A bus is $31 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Prague to Budapest costing on average $71 (€58).
A bus is $255 (€211) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Prague to Budapest costing on average $294 (€243).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
Train takes on average 6h 54m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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 RegioJet a.s., České dráhy, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), EuroNight, ÖBB | Railjet, České dráhy (ČD).
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 Prague to Budapest trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
rj 51 · rjx 19929 | 4:35 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 7h30 | 12:05 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
rj 273 | 5:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 12:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 273 | 5:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 12:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) | 5:47 AM Praha-Zahradní Město | 7h11 | 12:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) | 6:01 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h57 | 12:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 53 · rjx 61 | 6:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 7h25 | 2:02 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
rj 275 | 7:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 2:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 275 | 7:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 2:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 55 · rjx 63 | 8:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 7h25 | 4:02 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest) | 8:47 AM Praha-Zahradní Město | 7h11 | 3:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest) | 9:01 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h57 | 3:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 277 | 9:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 4:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 277 | 9:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 4:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 251 · rjx 65 | 10:36 AM Prague-Holešovice | 7h26 | 6:02 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
EC 279 | 11:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 6:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 279 | 11:37 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 6:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 253 · EC 131 | 12:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 7h12 | 7:49 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 1 transfer | |
EC 131+ RJ 253 | 12:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 7h12 | 7:49 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 12:47 PM Praha-Zahradní Město | 7h11 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 1:01 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h57 | 7:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 281 | 1:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 8:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 281 | 1:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h51 | 8:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 255+ D 347 | 2:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 6h56 | 9:33 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
rj 175 | 3:36 PM Prague-Holešovice | 6h52 | 10:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 175 | 3:36 PM Prague-Holešovice | 6h52 | 10:28 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 257 · rjx 261 | 4:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 7h25 | 12:02 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
EC 283 · EC 107+ REX 6+ R 9919 | 5:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 13h27 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 4 transfers | |
rj 259 · R 7638 · R 9919 · D 9309 | 6:37 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 12h25 | 7:02 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 transfers | |
rj 177 · R 7781 · R 9401 · D 9307 | 7:36 PM Prague-Holešovice | 12h26 | 8:02 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 transfers | |
rj 177 · R 7781 · Os 1331 · R 9429 | 7:36 PM Prague-Holešovice | 11h56 | 7:32 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 4 transfers | |
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.
By Nancy Sevilla
When my friend and I mapped out our route through Central Europe, we knew we wanted the journey to feel like part of the adventure, not just a means of transportation. That’s why we chose to travel from Prague to Budapest by train. With scenic countryside views and a smooth cross-border ride, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing legs of our trip. In this post, I’ll share what it was like to travel in Business Class and offer a few tips to help make your own ride even better.

Street in Prague
The Prague to Budapest train is a scenic and convenient route that connects two of Europe’s most iconic capitals. The direct journey typically takes between 6.5 and 7 hours, depending on the service, and it’s a surprisingly smooth ride across three countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. If you're wondering about the best way to get from Prague to Budapest, I’d absolutely recommend taking the train over flying. You avoid the airport hassle and instead get a comfortable seat, panoramic views, and an easy city-to-city connection.
We booked our train tickets on Omio about a week in advance. The entire process was seamless, and it was reassuring to have mobile tickets right on our phones, which is especially helpful while on the go. We chose Business Class for this trip since it’s a longer train ride and both of us were carrying heavy suitcases. That little upgrade made a significant difference in comfort, allowing us to truly relax, work, or nap without feeling cramped. While flying might seem faster at first glance, when you factor in airport transport, check-in, and security lines, the train is much more convenient and stress-free.

Street in Prague
Our journey started at Prague Main Station (Praha hlavní nádraží), which is centrally located and easily accessible by metro. You can even get there on foot if you’re staying nearby. The station is clean, well-signed in English, and offers cafés and luggage lockers for those arriving early. We arrived at Budapest Keleti Station, a large terminal just outside the city center. From there, it was a quick metro ride to our accommodation in District VII. There are taxis and rideshare services right outside, but the metro is affordable and easy to navigate.
There are several daily train departures from Prague to Budapest. We took a late morning EuroCity (EC) service that left around 10:30 AM and arrived in Budapest just before 6 PM. The train was punctual throughout, and we appreciated not having to make any transfers.
As mentioned, we opted for Business Class, and it was absolutely worth it. The carriage was quiet and spacious, with extra-wide seats, ample legroom, and fold-out tables. It was perfect for journaling or working on laptops. There was plenty of luggage space, including racks right beside our seats, which made it easier to keep an eye on our belongings. On EuroCity trains from Prague to Budapest, you're allowed to carry luggage free of charge, with no weight limits, assuming you can handle your bags yourself. The Wi-Fi worked well for messaging and light browsing, and each seat had its own power outlet. Although we brought snacks with us, we also stopped by the dining car mid-journey to stretch our legs and grab a coffee. The restrooms in Business Class were clean and well-stocked throughout the ride. I also appreciated how attentive and kind the train staff were. They even helped a nearby passenger rearrange their seat so they could sit with their travel buddy. The scenery became truly magical in the second half of the trip, with rolling hills, wide open fields, and a quaint village. It really felt like we were gliding through a European storybook.

White and yellow buildings in Budapest
Our Business Class tickets cost approximately €55 each, and we booked them just under a week in advance. If you're on a tighter budget, Second Class starts around €29, but for longer routes with luggage, the extra space can make a big difference. Booking ahead definitely helps with pricing, and there are often discounts available for youth, seniors, or rail pass holders. You don’t need a printed ticket, either. You can just show your digital one when the conductor comes by. Estimated budget:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €55 |
| Food & drinks | €16 |
| Travel to departure station | €8 |
| Travel from arrival station | €1.50 |
| Total | € 80.5 |
Taking the train from Prague to Budapest was one of the highlights of our trip to Central Europe. Between the comfort of sitting in Business Class, the scenery, and the ease of travel, the train turned a long ride into a treat rather than a chore. If you're looking for a smooth, scenic way to cross countries, book your seat and enjoy the ride.

Business class seats

Trains from Prague to Budapest run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 275 miles (444 km) distance in 6h 52m.
Distance 275 miles (444 km) |
Average train duration 6h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€17) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 6h 52m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with European paintings, sculpture, and temporary exhibitions.
A powerful museum on the fascist and communist dictatorships in Hungary, set in the former secret police headquarters.
The main museum for Hungarian art, housed inside Buda Castle with medieval, baroque, and modern collections.
Historic hilltop quarter of cobbled lanes, viewpoints, and elegant buildings surrounding Buda Castle.
Popular walking area for dramatic overlooks of the Danube, bridges, and the Pest skyline.
Grand boulevard lined with mansions, cultural venues, and cafés, ideal for architecture-focused walks.
Hungary’s iconic paprika-rich soup with beef, potatoes, and vegetables. In Budapest, it is a classic introduction to traditional home-style cooking.
Spicy fisherman’s soup made with river fish and paprika. It is a celebrated Hungarian dish, especially valued for its bold, deep flavor.
Tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with nokedli. It is one of the most beloved comfort dishes in Hungarian cuisine.
A respected family-run restaurant serving Hungarian and Hungarian-Jewish specialties in a warm, classic setting loved by locals and visitors.
A Michelin-starred Budapest dining room offering refined contemporary Hungarian cuisine with polished service and a fine dining atmosphere.
A stylish, long-running restaurant near Andrássy Avenue known for reliable Hungarian classics, retro atmosphere, and broad local appeal.
Moderate by European standards: public transport and casual dining are good value, while central hotels and upscale restaurants cost more.
A 10% service charge is often added in restaurants. If not, tip 10%. Round up for taxis; small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Prague 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 Prague to Budapest trains use the Praha hlavní nádraží to Budapest-Nyugati station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Kelenföld. Use this guide to compare Prague and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Praha hlavní nádraží is 1 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha hlavní nádraží has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Fantova Kavárna, Sushi Time
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha hlavní nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha hlavní nádraží: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Esplanade Prague, Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag, Hotel City Central.
Praha-Zahradní Město is 6 km from Prague city centre. Public transport options include:
Praha-Zahradní Město has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Praha-Zahradní Město.
ATMs are available at Praha-Zahradní Město.
Available at Praha-Zahradní Město: Parking, WC.
Available at Praha-Zahradní Město: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha-Zahradní Město.
Praha Masarykovo Nádraží 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 Kotleta, Café Imperial
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Praha Masarykovo Nádraží: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kings Court, Grand Hotel Bohemia, Hotel Paris Prague.
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-Nyugati is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Nyugati 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: Két Szerecsen, Menza Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Nyugati. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Nyugati. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Nyugati: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Nyugati: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Nyugati: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Parlament, Radisson Blu Béke Hotel, Hilton Budapest City.
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