- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Major fine arts museum on Heroes’ Square with strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian art, and European painting.
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
11 h 21 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
299 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zagreb to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zagreb to Budapest will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 4 trains that leave Zagreb for Budapest on Tue, May 26, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 299 km distance in an average of 11 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 16 h 56 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Zagreb to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $184.
Distance: 185 miles (299 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $408 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 56m Average total duration 9h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 Zagreb to Budapest:
A bus is $67 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zagreb to Budapest costing on average $108 (€87).
A bus is $367 (€296) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zagreb to Budapest costing on average $408 (€329).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 37m.
Train takes on average 9h 26m.
Tickets start at around $108 (€87) compared to roughly $94 (€76) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.84 (€-11.16). The journey takes 9h 26m versus 3h 41m 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 Zagreb to Budapest trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 PM Zagreb | 5h54 | 8:24 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Zagreb | 5h54 | 9:24 PM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:39 PM Zagreb | 16h56 | 10:35 AM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:39 PM Zagreb | 16h40 | 11:19 AM Budapest | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Zagreb to Budapest run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 (€55) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 185 miles (299 km) distance in 5h 46m.
Distance 185 miles (299 km) |
Average train duration 9h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 46m |
First train 1:25 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 strong collections of Old Masters, Egyptian art, and European painting.
The national art museum inside Buda Castle, showcasing Hungarian art from medieval works to modern painting and sculpture.
A powerful museum on 20th-century fascist and communist repression in Hungary, known for immersive and emotional exhibits.
Historic hilltop quarter of cobbled lanes, courtyards, and viewpoints, ideal for scenic walks and classic Budapest atmosphere.
Elegant boulevard lined with mansions, cultural institutions, and luxury storefronts, connecting downtown with Heroes’ Square.
Major viewpoint area with panoramic city vistas, walking paths, and some of Budapest’s most shared skyline photos.
Hungary’s iconic paprika-rich goulash soup with beef, potatoes, and vegetables. In Budapest, it is a classic introduction to traditional home-style cooking.
A slow-cooked meat stew seasoned with onion and sweet paprika, usually served with nokedli. It is one of the most typical hearty Hungarian main dishes.
Tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, often served with dumplings. It is a beloved comfort dish found across traditional Budapest restaurants.
A long-running family restaurant known for classic Hungarian and Hungarian-Jewish dishes. Warm, traditional atmosphere and consistently strong reputation.
A Michelin-starred Budapest restaurant presenting refined modern Hungarian cuisine with strong local ingredients and elegant service.
An established traditional restaurant near City Park, famous for generous portions of goulash, paprikash, and other classic Hungarian meals.
Cheaper than many Western European capitals. Good value for transit, casual dining, and attractions; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxis. Small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti railway station, Budapest -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zagreb 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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