- Must visit
National Museum
Major museum of Czech history and natural sciences in a monumental Neo-Renaissance building overlooking Wenceslas Square.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Prague is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Prague will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 21 trains from Budapest to Prague, including 14 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 444 km distance in an average of 6 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 53 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 6 h 53 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 1036 (Budapest -> Prague)
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rj 270
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EC 280
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EC 130 · rj 252
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EC 278
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RJ 274
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EC 278
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rj 276
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EC 280
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rj 274
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Trains from Budapest to Prague run on average 20 times per day, taking around 7h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 15 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 5h 56m.
Distance 275 miles (444 km) |
Average train duration 7h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 15 |
Fastest train 5h 56m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Budapest to Prague.
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Prague trains for today, Thursday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
rj 270 | 5:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h55 | 12:25 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Vienna -> Cracow) · RJ 1020 (Košice -> Prague) · RJ 1068 (Budapest -> Vienna) | 5:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 11h48 | 5:46 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 2 transfers | |
EN 40476 | 7:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 7h39 | 3:09 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
ER 62 · RJX 368+ EC 336+ R 9468 | 9:56 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 12h43 | 10:39 AM Prague hlavní nádraží | 5 transfers | |
| Friday, November 13 | |||||
EC 280 | 5:30 AM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 12:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 342 · rj 254 | 5:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h28 | 1:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
rj 174 | 7:30 AM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h56 | 2:26 PM Prague-Holešovice | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague) | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 6h58 | 2:56 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 130 · rj 252 | 8:12 AM Budapest-Nyugati | 7h11 | 3:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
EC 278 | 9:30 AM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 4:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
rjx 62 · rj 250 | 9:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h31 | 5:26 PM Prague-Holešovice | 1 transfer | |
rj 276 | 11:30 AM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 6:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
rjx 64 · rj 56 | 11:55 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h28 | 7:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1034 (Budapest -> Prague) | 11:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h02 | 7:00 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 274 | 1:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 8:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 274 | 1:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 8:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
rjx 66 · rj 54 | 1:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h28 | 9:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1036 (Budapest -> Prague) | 2:58 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h00 | 9:58 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
rj 272 | 3:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 10:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 272 | 3:30 PM Budapest-Nyugati | 6h53 | 10:23 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 0 transfersDirect | |
rjx 68 · rj 52 | 3:55 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 7h37 | 11:32 PM Prague hlavní nádraží | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
By Simon Andersen
Getting between the Hungarian and Czech capitals has never been easier, thanks to multiple daily trains. Most are run in cooperation between the Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian railways, branded EuroCity. However, in my opinion, the more interesting and better option is to go with RegioJet, a private operator running up to three direct trains from Budapest to Prague a day. In this article, I’ll describe what my experience was like, what to watch out for along the route, and my best tips for taking advantage of RegioJet’s great onboard service.

A RegioJet train with its distinctive yellow livery, at Budapest-Déli station.
RegioJet offers three daily departures from Budapest-Déli to Prague. State railway operators, including MÁV, ZSSK, and ČD, run EuroCity trains in cooperation every two hours, as well as an overnight train with beds. Day trains take about 7 hours, while night trains take slightly longer. These leave from Budapest-Nyugati station. The key difference: RegioJet trains leave from Budapest-Déli and route via Vienna. EuroCity trains leave from Budapest-Nyugati and route via Bratislava. You can compare all Budapest to Prague travel options on Omio, including buses and flights.
RegioJet uses a mix of new and older carriages depending on the class you choose (more on this later). I traveled in Standard Class, which I think offers the best value for money. Just show up at the station a few minutes before departure. Then head onboard and sit in your assigned seat—no need to show a ticket unless asked. Staff can see that you’re in the right seat via their tablets. Simple and stress-free!
RegioJet trains depart from both Budapest-Déli and Budapest-Kelenföld. Both stations are on the metro network and easily accessible from the city center. EuroCity trains depart from Budapest-Nyugati, about a 10–15 minute walk from the center, with good tram and metro connections.
All trains arrive at Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Central Station), located just 10–15 minutes walk from the historic center and with direct metro and tram connections.
RegioJet runs 3 daily trains: Leaving Budapest at: 07:45 11:45 14:45 Travel time: just under 7 hours EuroCity trains run about every 2 hours, offering more flexibility.
RegioJet offers 4 seating classes: Low Cost – from €16.90 Older carriages, basic seating, A/C, free Wi-Fi, water, and a paid onboard menu. No guaranteed power outlets. Standard – from €21.90 Newer carriages with power outlets, free Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment, newspapers, free coffee and water. Standard offers the best value in my opinion! Relax – from €25.90 Same perks as Standard, but with more spacious seating and a dedicated attendant. Business – from €30.90 Same seating as Relax, but in private 4-seat compartments with complimentary Prosecco and a dedicated host. Regiojet has an excellent and very affordable onboard menu! In Relax and Business, you order from your attendant. While in Low Cost and Standard, you order via the RegioJet app and get the food delivered straight to your seat. Try the apple crumble cake—it’s my favorite thing on the menu and is very affordable.

Comfortable seating in the Standard Class carriage on a RegioJet train.
Tickets range from €20 to €40, depending on demand. Cheap tickets are often available close to departure, making Regiojet a great deal at short notice! My trip cost:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €21.90 |
| Food & drinks | €1 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 22.9 |
RegioJet offers an affordable and reliable way to travel between Budapest and Prague. I found the Standard Class carriages very comfortable, and being able to enjoy free coffee and cheap snacks throughout the journey made the seven-hour journey pass quickly. I’d definitely pick RegioJet over the EuroCity train again. But no matter which operator you choose, you can compare trains and book everything easily on Omio.

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Prague — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Prague trip today.
Major museum of Czech history and natural sciences in a monumental Neo-Renaissance building overlooking Wenceslas Square.
Well-curated Jewish history museum across several historic sites. Important for understanding Prague's Jewish heritage and resilience.
Leading Czech art museum with medieval to modern works in a grand historic palace. Essential for fine art and decorative arts lovers.
Historic square at Prague's core, surrounded by Gothic and Baroque landmarks. A must for first-time visitors and classic city views.
Lively boulevard of Czech modern history, lined with shops and major buildings. Worth visiting for atmosphere and historic significance.
Romantic quarter of palaces, lanes, and church domes beneath Prague Castle. Ideal for wandering, photography, and quieter historic charm.
Slow-braised beef in a creamy root-vegetable sauce, usually served with bread dumplings. A classic Czech Sunday dish strongly linked to Bohemian home cooking.
Crisp roasted pork knuckle, often served with mustard, horseradish, and pickles. A hearty pub staple popular with Czech beer culture.
Roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings. This iconic Czech combination is a cornerstone of traditional pub and family meals.
Traditional Czech restaurant and brewery by Prague Castle, praised for roast meats, dumplings, and polished historic interiors.
Upscale restaurant focused on Czech ingredients and game, with sophisticated service in an Art Nouveau municipal house setting.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant known for modern Czech tasting menus in a refined setting near the Vltava.
Moderate for Europe: transit is cheap, casual meals are reasonable, and hotels in the center can raise daily costs in peak season.
Service is often not included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up for cafes, and round up or add about 10% for taxis if service is good.
Official public transport app
Praha hlavní nádraží -> Václavské náměstí, Prague
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Prague.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Prague 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 Prague, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need