Zurich, Zurich (Canton) to Budapest, Budapest from €54: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Zurich to Budapest: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$54 - Bus, TrainBest price
981 kmDistance
4h 17m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Zurich 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.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $49 | $47 | $57 | $56 | $58 | $56 | $56 |
| Train | $80 | $67 | $83 | $98 | $138 | $115 | $127 |
| Fly | $97 | $110 | $98 | $149 | $165 | $98 | $97 |
Traveling From Zurich to Budapest
Your journey from Zurich to Budapest showcases a fascinating contrast between Zurich's serene lakeside beauty and Budapest's vibrant nightlife and rich history.
Best Neighbourhoods in Budapest
Budapest boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and attractions.
District VII (Jewish Quarter)
• Known for its vibrant ruin bars.
• Home to historic synagogues and cultural sites.
District V (Belváros)
• Features iconic landmarks like the Parliament.
• Bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
District I (Buda Castle District)
• Offers stunning views of the Danube River.
• Rich in historical architecture and museums.
Best Times To Visit Budapest's Attractions
Timing your visits can enhance your Budapest experience significantly.
Buda Castle
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and picturesque lighting.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Weekdays in the early mornings offer a quieter, more relaxing experience.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Book a tour around opening time to enjoy smaller groups and a better experience.
Budapest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Budapest enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making each visit unique. Spring and early fall stand out as the best times to explore, offering mild weather that can enhance your overall travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in Budapest
Try goulash at one of Budapest's traditional eateries like Százéves, where the hearty stew bursts with rich flavors from local spices and ingredients. This dining experience contrasts with Zurich's more refined culinary scene, offering a warm, communal atmosphere that celebrates Hungary's vibrant food culture.
Zurich - Budapest operators
Explore transport companies operating between Zurich and Budapest, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
swiss.com
Plane from Zürich (ZRH) to Budapest (BUD)
Average Duration
4h 17mEstimated price
113-318Website
lufthansa.com
Plane from Zürich (ZRH) to Budapest (BUD)
Average Duration
4h 17mEstimated price
1137-3180Website
austrian.com
Plane from Zürich (ZRH) to Budapest (BUD)
Average Duration
3h 27mEstimated price
1135-3180Contact phone
+43 51717Website
oebb.at
Train from Zürich Hb to Budapest-Kelenfoeld
Average Duration
10h 22mEstimated price
125-1130Contact phone
+49 0180 6 99 66 33Website
bahn.com
Train from Zürich Hb to Basel Sbb
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
546-3186Contact phone
+49 (0) 7531 915109Website
sbb-deutschland.de
Train from Zürich hbf to Basel SBB
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
544-545Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
flixbus.de
Bus from Zurich Bus Station to Budapest Népliget
Average Duration
13h 20mEstimated price
547-1132Contact phone
05 17 17Website
oebb.at
all-pages.transport_night train from Zürich Hb to Budapest-Kelenfoeld
Average Duration
12h 22mEstimated price
977-3187Other from Zürich to Budapest
Average Duration
9h 1mEstimated price
1135-1136Zurich to Budapest: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Zurich 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.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Zurich to Budapest, spanning 610 miles of scenic European landscapes. The journey offers a blend of countryside charm and vibrant cityscapes, making it a delightful adventure for road-trippers.
💰 Experience the flexibility of pricing options ranging from €175 to €268 for the drive from Zurich to Budapest by car. This allows travelers to choose a budget-friendly or more luxurious travel experience, catering to different preferences and requirements along the way.
🌆 Arrive in Budapest after approximately 9 hours and 1 minute of driving, ready to explore the Hungarian capital's iconic sights, rich history, and vibrant culture. The road trip promises to be both a thrilling voyage and a gateway to discovering the beauty of Central Europe.
Average price
€175 - €267
🚆 Travel from Zurich to Budapest by train is convenient and efficient. The direct Railjet service operates twice daily, providing a smooth journey that takes approximately 10 hours and 22 minutes.
🚆 Prices for the train ride from Zurich to Budapest range from €129 to €203, offering a cost-effective way to travel between these two vibrant European cities. Explore the cultural delights of both Zurich and Budapest with ease thanks to this accessible and reliable train service.
Departure Point
Zuerich Hb station
Arrival Point
Budapest-Kelenfoeld station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: During your train journey from Zurich to Budapest, you will find catering services available on board, especially if you're traveling with the operators like ÖBB or Hungarian Railways. They offer a dining car where you can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages. Look out for local Swiss and Hungarian specialties, which can enhance your travel experience.
Seating Options: The train service on this route typically includes First Class, Business Class, and Economy seating. First Class offers spacious seating and more privacy, with complimentary meals and drinks. Business Class may provide additional amenities like faster Wi-Fi and power outlets. Economy Class is more budget-friendly, but still comfortable, with standard seating arrangements. Check the specific operator for seating selection details: ÖBB (oebb.at) and Hungarian Railways (mavcsoport.hu).
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Keleti Railway Station in Budapest, expect a busy atmosphere. There are luggage lockers available where you can securely store your bags while you explore the city. Restrooms are accessible, but keep in mind that showers are not available at the station. Planning your exit is crucial, as the station can be crowded, so familiarize yourself with the layout using the station map, which can be found on the official website (mai.gov.hu). Fastest Way to City Center: To get to the city center, hop on Metro Line 2 (the red line) from Keleti Station. This metro line will take you directly to Deák Ferenc tér, which is the central hub and connects with other lines.
🛫 Flying from Zurich to Budapest is quick and convenient with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 35 minutes. Airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Swiss, and Lufthansa offer this route from Zurich Airport to Budapest Airport.
🌍 The journey from Zurich to Budapest by plane takes approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes, allowing travelers to reach the vibrant Hungarian capital in a relatively short time. The flight offers a comfortable way to travel between these two European cities.
💸 Prices for flights between Zurich and Budapest can vary, with fares typically ranging from €117 to €328.
Departure Point
Zurich Airport
Arrival Point
Budapest Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• When flying from Zurich to Budapest, check in online with Swiss, Austrian Airlines, or Lufthansa to save time, as the airports can get busy, especially during holiday seasons.
• Upon arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, follow the signs for customs and baggage claim, and consider purchasing a Budapest travel card right at the airport, which offers unlimited public transport and might be a better value for your city exploration.
• Expect to pay around 30-35 EUR for a taxi ride from Budapest Airport to the city center; alternatively, you might want to reserve a city airport shuttle via the Főtaxi service for a slightly higher price but with a guaranteed service level, further details can be found at their website: Főtaxi.
🚌 Traveling from Zurich to Budapest by bus involves a journey with transfers that takes approximately 13 hours and 58 minutes. While there isn't a direct route, services by FlixBus depart from Zurich Bus Station and arrive at Budapest Népliget bus station.
💰 Prices for a bus ticket between Zurich and Budapest typically range from €74 to €101, offering a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore these vibrant European cities while enjoying the convenience of bus travel.
Departure Point
Zurich Bus Station
Arrival Point
Budapest Népliget bus station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Zurich to Budapest.
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The distance between Zurich and Budapest is approximately 493 miles by air. By train, it takes about 10 hours and 22 minutes to reach Budapest from Zurich. If you take a combination of bus and train, the travel time is around 14 hours and 36 minutes. For those who prefer to drive, it takes about 9 hours and 1 minute to reach Zurich from Budapest by car.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Zurich to Budapest is by taking a bus and train combination, which costs around €50-€69 and takes approximately 14 hours and 36 minutes. This option may be more time-consuming compared to others but offers a more affordable choice. However, if time is a priority, the fastest way to travel between the two cities is by flying, which takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs €92-€302. Flying is a more time-efficient option but can be pricier compared to the bus and train combination.
The prices for a train ticket between Zurich and Budapest range from €302 to €550. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Budapest and Zurich range from €77 to €104. It is important to note that these prices can vary depending on the time of year and the availability of tickets. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices for your trip.
To get from Zurich to Budapest without using public transportation, your best option would be to drive. The driving distance is approximately 610 miles, and it takes around 9 hours and 1 minute to reach Budapest from Zurich by car. The prices for car rentals may vary, ranging from €174 to €266.
To travel from Zurich to Budapest without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes around 10 hours and 22 minutes and costs between €302-€550. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs between €92-€302. Bus travel is also available, but it takes longer and costs between €73-€110.
Yes, there is a direct train connection between Zurich and Budapest. The train departs from Zuerich Hb station and arrives at Budapest-Kelenfoeld station. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 22 minutes. Alternatively, there is no direct bus from Zurich to Budapest, but there are bus services available with transfers that take about 14 hours and 48 minutes.
The flight between Zurich and Budapest typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes. The prices for this flight route can vary, ranging from €92 to €297. It's important to note that these prices are subject to change and may depend on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are over 1246 hotels available in Budapest with prices starting at €26. There are various accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some popular areas to consider for accommodation in Budapest include the city center, the Castle District, and the Danube riverfront, where you can find a range of hotels to suit different preferences and budgets. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and get the best deals.
Trips from Zurich
- Zurich to Strasbourg
- Zurich to Geneva
- Zurich to Lucerne
- Zurich to Basel
- Zurich to Munich
- Zurich to Lugano
- Zurich to Grindelwald
- Zurich to Vienna
- Zurich to Lausanne
- Zurich to Davos
- Zurich to Athens
- Zurich to Florence
- Zurich to Innsbruck
- Zurich to Madrid
- Zurich to Rome
- Zurich to Brussels
- Zurich to Stuttgart
- Zurich to Berlin
- Zurich to Amsterdam
- Zurich to London
- Zurich to Barcelona
- Zurich to Andermatt
- Zurich to Milan
- Zurich to Bern
- Zurich to Paris
- Zurich to Interlaken
- Zurich to St. Moritz
- Zurich to Chur
- Zurich to Zermatt
- Zurich to Prague
- Zurich to Lauterbrunnen
- Zurich to Salzburg
- Zurich to Como
- Zurich to Frankfurt am Main
- Zurich to Venice
- Zurich to Chamonix
- Zurich to Kilchberg (Zurich)
- Zurich to Nice
- Zurich to Lichtenstein (Saxony)
- Zurich to Sarrebourg
Trips to Budapest
- Istanbul to Budapest
- Rome to Budapest
- Venice to Budapest
- Dubrovnik to Budapest
- Bucharest to Budapest
- Split to Budapest
- Bratislava to Budapest
- Ljubljana to Budapest
- Zagreb to Budapest
- Warsaw to Budapest
- Belgrade to Budapest
- Florence to Budapest
- Brussels to Budapest
- Barcelona to Budapest
- Amsterdam to Budapest
- Paris to Budapest
- Prague to Budapest
- Madrid to Budapest
- Vienna to Budapest
- Frankfurt am Main to Budapest
- Munich to Budapest
- Milan to Budapest
- Dublin to Budapest
- Berlin to Budapest
- Salzburg to Budapest
- London to Budapest
- Krakow to Budapest
- Nice to Budapest
- Pécs to Budapest
- Miami to Budapest
- Oslo to Budapest
- Edinburgh to Budapest
- New York City to Budapest
- Atlanta to Budapest
- Seattle to Budapest
- Houston to Budapest
- Denver to Budapest
- Dubai to Budapest
- Singapore to Budapest
- Sandomierz to Budapest