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Budapest to Bucharest from $60: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Budapest, Hungary
to
Bucharest, Romania

How to Get from Budapest to Bucharest: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$60 by busBest price
399 milesDistance
9h 11m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Budapest to Bucharest with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
3h  30m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
17h  24m
Estimated price
$60-80
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 399 miles
Duration: 9h 11m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
9h  34m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Romanian Railways (CFR)
Train
Average Duration
16h  37m
Estimated price
$74-82
Company
Romanian Railways (CFR)
Train
Average Duration
17h  37m
Estimated price
$77-87
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
9h  11m
Estimated price
$140-210

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $32 $27 $30 $28 $31 $33 $30
Fly $50 $35 $41 $33 $56 $42 $62
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Budapest to Bucharest

This journey from Budapest to Bucharest offers a fascinating contrast between Hungary’s picturesque thermal baths and vibrant ruin pubs, and Romania’s rich history alongside its dynamic, urban energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Bucharest

Bucharest's neighborhoods each offer distinct flavors and charm for visitors.

Lipscani
• Lively atmosphere with art galleries and vibrant nightlife.
• Rich in history, featuring beautiful old architecture.
Cotroceni
• Peaceful residential area with elegant homes and parks.
• Close to the stunning Cotroceni Palace and museums.
Herăstrau
• Home to the expansive Herăstrau Park and lake.
• Trendy cafes and restaurants offering diverse cuisine.

Best Times To Visit Bucharest's Attractions

Experiencing Bucharest's attractions can be even better with good timing.

Palace of the Parliament
Visit early mornings on weekdays for fewer tourists and more photo opportunities.
Old Town (Lipscani)
Weekdays offer a quieter walk, allowing for a more leisurely exploration.
Herăstrau Park
Late afternoon, especially on weekdays, provides a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

Bucharest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Bucharest enjoys a temperate-continental climate, featuring hot summers and cold winters, making spring and early autumn ideal for comfortable exploration. Your travel experience can vary significantly with the weather, as sunny days enhance outdoor activities, while snow-covered winters offer a different charm to the city.

Dining Recommendation in Bucharest

Consider trying sarmale, Romanian cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mix of pork and rice, at Caru' cu Bere, a historic brewery restaurant that offers vibrant ambiance and traditional tunes. This dining experience stands in contrast to the more eclectic fusion found in Budapest, showcasing local ingredients and deep-rooted culinary traditions.

Budapest - Bucharest operators

Explore transport companies operating between Budapest and Bucharest, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+40 745 766 766
Website
maxibustravel.ro

Bus from Budapest to Bucharest

Average Duration
8h 8m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
0040263701919
Website
latinoexpres.ro

Bus from Budapest to Bucharest

Average Duration
17h 8m
Estimated price
$55-80
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0219521
Website
https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/en/

Train from Budapest-Keleti to Bucuresti Nord

Average Duration
16h 21m
Estimated price
$70-85

Train from Budapest-Kelenfoeld to Bucuresti Nord

Average Duration
16h 2m
Estimated price
$75-85
Plane Show flights
Website
tarom.ro

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP)

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$130-450
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP)

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$95-350
Website
airserbia.com

Plane from Budapest (BUD) to Bucharest Otopeni (OTP)

Average Duration
4h 25m
Estimated price
$80-250

Budapest to Bucharest: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Budapest and Bucharest offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Budapest to Bucharest, covering a distance of 830.4 km. 💰 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from €129 to €194 for the ultimate driving experience from Budapest to Bucharest. ⏱️ Allow around 9 hours and 11 minutes for the drive from Budapest to Bucharest, offering ample time to immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and natural beauty of Hungary and Romania.
Average price
€129 - €194
While there is no direct train, you can take a service departing from Budapest-Keleti and arriving at Piata Unirii via Gara de Nord. The journey, which includes transfers, will take approximately 16 hours and 37 minutes. 🌍 The distance between Budapest and Bucharest is 853 km, and the train ticket prices range from €68 to €76. One route option includes a transfer at Arad and then taking an Interregional Night Train to Bucharest North. Alternatively, you can opt for a route with a transfer at Timisoara Nord before boarding a train to Bucuresti Nord Gr.A. 🌞 Another route entails a transfer at Brasov before heading to Bucuresti Nord Gr.A. For those looking for a faster journey, there is a route that takes approximately 15 hours and 56 minutes directly to Bucharest North from Budapest-Keleti.
Departure Point
Budapest-Keleti station
Arrival Point
Bucuresti Nord station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the train from Budapest to Bucharest generally include a dining car with options for both light snacks and hot meals. Be sure to check the service schedule upon boarding because meal services may vary. Some trains also offer a cart service for drinks and small snacks directly to your seat.
• The primary operators for the Budapest to Bucharest route are the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) and the Romanian Railways (CFR). Seating options typically include First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class offers more spacious seating and quieter carriages, while Economy Class is more budget-friendly but can be crowded during peak travel times. You can check their websites for booking: MÁV - mavcsoport.hu and CFR - cfrcalatori.ro
• Upon arriving at Bucharest's Gara de Nord (North Station), note that there are facilities for luggage storage at the station for a small fee, making it convenient if you wish to explore the city before check-in. There are also public restrooms available, but showers may not be provided in the station. For navigating the city, the fastest way from Gara de Nord to the city center is by taking Metro Line M1 (the yellow line) directly to the Universitate station.
🛫 Your journey from Budapest to Bucharest by plane will be quick and convenient, with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Departure Point
Budapest Airport
Arrival Point
Bucharest Otopeni Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Opt for an early morning or late evening flight with Tarom or Ryanair for a reduced chance of delays, as these times typically see less air traffic.
• Upon arrival at Bucharest Otopeni Airport, utilize the signs for Terminal 1; the airport can be busy, so it's helpful to follow the clearly marked 'Arrivals' signs directly to the baggage claim.
• Expect to pay approximately 40-80 RON (about 8-16 EUR) for a taxi from the airport to the city center; use official taxi ranks to avoid scams, and consider downloading the Clever taxi app for easier payments and estimated fares.
🚌 The journey from Budapest to Bucharest by bus takes approximately 17 hours and 24 minutes covering a distance of around 958-985 km. Prices typically range from €55 to €74 for this route. 🚌 Various routes are available for the Budapest to Bucharest bus trip, with one-step transfers and durations between 15 to 17 hours. Buses depart from Nepliget and arrive at Bucharest Autogara Militari, operated by FlixBus.