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Cardiff to Budapest from $31: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cardiff, United Kingdom
to
Budapest, Hungary

How to Get from Cardiff to Budapest: 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.

$31 by busBest price
1666.4 kmDistance
4h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff to Budapest 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
Average Duration
5h  23m
Estimated price
$99-275
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK / Trans Nicolaescu
Bus
Average Duration
30h  5m
Estimated price
$31-85
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1666.4 km
Duration: 4h 51m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
17h  51m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
6h  12m
Estimated price
$84-240
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
4h  51m
Estimated price
$91-268
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
24h  40m
Estimated price
$296-751
Company
P&O Ferries / Irish Ferries
Drive
Drive
Average Duration
19h  4m
Estimated price
$380-568

Traveling From Cardiff to Budapest

The journey from Cardiff to Budapest offers a fascinating juxtaposition of Cardiff's charming coastal culture with Budapest's vibrant historical architecture and lively café scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Budapest

Budapest boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct atmosphere and attractions.

District VII (Erzsébetváros)
• Home to the famous ruin bars.
• Vibrant nightlife and cultural events abound.
District V (Belváros-Lipótváros)
• Heart of the city with stunning architecture.
• Close to Parliament and the Danube River.
District I (Castle District)
• Offers historical sites like Buda Castle.
• Scenic views of the Danube and Pest.

Best Times To Visit Budapest's Attractions

Planning your visit around crowd patterns can enhance your Budapest experience.

Buda Castle
Visit early in the morning for serene views and fewer tourists.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Weekdays, especially on chilly afternoons, provide a relaxing escape.
Fisherman's Bastion
Aim for sunset to enjoy breathtaking city panoramas without the crowds.

Budapest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Budapest experiences a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring and early autumn ideal for comfortable sightseeing. Understanding the weather can help you prepare for outdoor activities and choose the best time to enjoy the city's vibrant parks and thermal baths.

Dining Recommendation in Budapest

Savoring a plate of goulash at a traditional Hungarian restaurant like Gundel immerses you in a rich tapestry of flavors that distinctly contrasts with the culinary scene in Cardiff. This hearty stew showcases a blend of local spices and ingredients, while the restaurant's historic ambiance enhances your dining experience, reflecting Budapest's vibrant culture.

Cardiff - Budapest operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
klm.com

Plane from Cardiff (CWL) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
6h 23m
Estimated price
140-440

Plane from Birmingham (BHX) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
140-440

Plane from Bristol (BRS) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
4h 51m
Estimated price
190-1200
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Cardiff (CWL) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
7h 45m
Estimated price
45-210

Plane from Birmingham (BHX) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
35-190

Plane from Bristol (BRS) to Budapest (BUD)

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
30-150
Train
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
gwr.com

Train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
22-55

Train from Cardiff Central to Paddington

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
85-190
Contact phone
+44 343 218 6186
Website
eurostar.com

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi

Average Duration
2h 4m
Estimated price
120-350
Contact phone
+43 51717
Website
nightjet.com

Train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Wien Hbf

Average Duration
15h 10m
Estimated price
75-200
Contact phone
+420 222 222 221
Website
regiojet.com

Train from Wien Hbf to Budapest-Kelenfoeld

Average Duration
2h 31m
Estimated price
11-40
Contact phone
+43 (0)5 1717
Website
oebb.at

Train from Wien Hbf to Budapest-Kelenfoeld

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
35-55
Bus
Website
uk.megabus.com

Bus from Cardiff North Road to London Victoria

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
18-26

Bus from London Victoria to Budapest

Average Duration
24h 55m
Estimated price
13-60
Ferry
Contact phone
01304 448866
Website
poferries.com

Ferry from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
55-75
Contact phone
+353 818 300 400
Website
irishferries.com

Ferry from Port of Dover to Calais

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
35-50

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

Traveling between Cardiff and Budapest 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.

🚂 The train journey from Cardiff to Budapest is a scenic route that involves several transfers, starting at Cardiff Central station and passing through iconic stops like London St Pancras Intl and Wien Hbf before reaching Budapest-Kelenfoeld. The entire trip takes approximately 24 hours and 40 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the Cardiff to Budapest train range from £233 to £592, depending on the class of service and availability. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best fares and ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from Wales to Hungary by rail.
Departure Point
Cardiff Central station
Arrival Point
Budapest-Kelenfoeld station
🛫 Flying from Cardiff to Budapest involves a one-stopover journey, with airlines such as Ryanair and KLM offering this route. The total flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. 🌍 Despite there not being a direct flight, travelers can expect to reach Budapest in around 5 hours and 23 minutes from Cardiff Airport. 💸 Prices for flights between Budapest and Cardiff can range from £78 to £217, providing a range of budget options for passengers traveling between these two vibrant European cities.
Departure Point
Cardiff Airport
Arrival Point
Budapest Airport. The quickest flight takes 4h 40m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Opt for KLM flights as they often provide a smooth connection through Amsterdam, which can be less hectic compared to Ryanair's budget options, especially when traveling with hand luggage.
• Upon arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, follow the clear signage for customs and baggage claim, but also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to check public transport schedules or taxi services before you exit the terminal.
• Expect a taxi fare from Budapest Airport to the city center to be around 6,000 to 9,000 HUF (£15 - £22), and consider using the Főtaxi service which is the official taxi provider at the airport to avoid overcharging, or check out public transport options via the BKK website (bkk.hu) for cheaper alternatives.
🚌 Starting your journey from Cardiff, you will first catch a Megabus UK service departing from Cardiff North Road to London Victoria. From there, you will transfer to a bus operated by Trans Nicolaescu bound for Budapest. 🌍 The scenic bus ride from Cardiff to Budapest is a long but affordable travel option. With a total journey time of approximately 30 hours and 5 minutes, make sure to pack some snacks and entertainment for the road. 💰 Ticket prices for the Cardiff to Budapest bus route range from £24 to £67, offering a budget-friendly way to travel between the UK and Hungary while experiencing the beauty of multiple European cities along the way.
Departure Point
Cardiff North Road station
Arrival Point
Budapest station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cardiff to Budapest.

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The distance between Cardiff and Budapest is 1667.3 km. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 23 hours and 14 minutes to reach Budapest from Cardiff. By taking a train to Bristol first and then flying, the travel time is around 6 hours and 41 minutes. By plane, the journey from Cardiff to Budapest takes about 8 hours and 22 minutes. Lastly, by bus, it takes the longest time of 38 hours and 37 minutes to travel from Cardiff to Budapest.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Cardiff to Budapest is by taking a bus and ferry combination, which costs £110-£149 and takes approximately 38 hours and 37 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the fastest way to reach Budapest from Cardiff is by taking a train to Bristol and then flying, which costs £55-£282 and takes approximately 6 hours and 41 minutes.
When traveling from Cardiff to Budapest the prices for a train ticket can range from £264 to £564. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Budapest to Cardiff can range from £111 to £146.
The recommended way to travel from Cardiff to Budapest without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 23 hours and 14 minutes and can cost between £259 and £588.
There is no direct link between Cardiff and Budapest. The most convenient mode of transportation is by taking a combination of train and plane. It takes approximately 6 hours and 41 minutes to reach Budapest from Cardiff by taking a train to Bristol and then flying. If you prefer to travel solely by train, it would take approximately 23 hours and 14 minutes. A bus journey would take the longest, with a travel time of approximately 38 hours and 37 minutes.
The flight between Cardiff and Budapest typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, ranging from £74 to £273 depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Budapest with over 1246 hotels to choose from. Prices start at £22 per night, so there are options available for various budgets.

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