- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
A major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European art. It is a leading choice for art lovers visiting Budapest.
Cheapest price
$104
Average price
$161
Fastest journey
16 h 14 m
Average duration
16 h 20 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
1154 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rotterdam to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Budapest will cost around $161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
It's difficult to get from Rotterdam to Budapest without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625
IC 28427 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625
IC 527 · ICE 225 · RJX 261
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625
IC 28427 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625
IC 527 · ICE 225 · RJX 261Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a train costs an average of $96.
Distance: 717 miles (1154 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$242 Average price | $116 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $342 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 47m Average total duration 15h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 41m Average total duration 21h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.9kg 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 Rotterdam to Budapest:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Budapest costing on average $129 (€106).
A bus is $126 (€104) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rotterdam to Budapest costing on average $242 (€199).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 17m.
Bus takes on average 21h 11m.
Tickets start at around $242 (€199) compared to roughly $342 (€280) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $99 (€81). The journey takes 15h 17m versus 14h 32m 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 Rotterdam to Budapest trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 527 · ICE 225 · RJX 261 | On time 8:05 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 16h24 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
IC 28427 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625 | On time 8:06 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 16h23 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
IC 1127 · IC 3525 · 20075 · ICE 625 | On time 8:15 AM Rotterdam Centraal | 16h14 | 12:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
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 Rotterdam to Budapest run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $96 (€79) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 717 miles (1154 km) distance in 14h 59m.
Distance 717 miles (1154 km) |
Average train duration 15h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€79) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 14h 59m |
First train 1:25 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
A major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian antiquities, and European art. It is a leading choice for art lovers visiting Budapest.
Located inside Buda Castle, this museum focuses on Hungarian art from medieval works to modern painting. The setting and hilltop views add to the visit.
This museum documents the fascist and communist dictatorships in Hungary in a powerful former secret police building. It is among Budapest’s most discussed modern-history museums.
The historic hilltop quarter around Buda Castle is ideal for walking among old streets, viewpoints, churches, and major monuments. It is one of Budapest’s essential areas to explore.
A monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue, framed by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art. It is one of the city’s most photographed public spaces.
The exterior courtyards and yellow neo-Baroque setting in City Park are a Budapest icon, and the bath is highly popular with visitors. Advance booking is often useful during busy periods.
A rich Hungarian goulash soup with beef, paprika, potatoes, and vegetables. It is one of the country’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A spicy river fish soup made with paprika, carp or mixed freshwater fish. It is especially associated with Hungary’s river regions and widely enjoyed in Budapest.
Tender chicken cooked in a paprika sauce, usually finished with sour cream and often served with nokedli. It is a classic Hungarian home-style meal.
A long-established family-run restaurant known for traditional Hungarian and Jewish-Hungarian dishes in a warm, classic setting.
A Michelin-starred Budapest restaurant offering refined modern Hungarian cuisine with excellent service and an elegant fine-dining atmosphere.
A popular central Budapest restaurant specializing in goulash, stews, and hearty Hungarian comfort food in a lively casual atmosphere.
Affordable for most tourists versus Western Europe. Public transport and casual dining are cheap; hotels in peak season cost more.
Service may be included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are appreciated in bars, cafés, and by hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti Railway Station, Budapest -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam 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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