Trains from Prague to Budapest
Why Choose Bus from Prague to Budapest
Traveling from Prague to Budapest offers a blend of history and culture along a breathtaking route. Choosing the right mode of transportation can significantly enhance your travel experience.
💰 Scenic Views
pros
- The train ride showcases stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to quaint villages, providing a picturesque journey that buses and flights can't match.
- Passengers can enjoy large windows for unobstructed views of the countryside, creating memorable photo opportunities throughout the journey.
cons
- Weather conditions can affect visibility, potentially obscuring the scenic views.
🛎️ Comfort and Amenities
pros
- Trains typically offer more legroom and comfortable seating compared to buses, allowing for a more relaxing travel experience over the 6h 59m journey.
- Train services like RegioJet provide onboard amenities, including Wi-Fi and food services, enhancing passenger comfort.
cons
- Amenities may vary by service and class, which can sometimes lead to inconsistency in comfort levels.
⭐ Convenient Station Locations
pros
- Prague hlavní nádraží and Budapest Déli Train Station are centrally located, making them easily accessible for travelers and saving time on commutes to and from the station.
- Direct trains operate regularly, which simplifies the travel schedule and minimizes transfer hassles.
cons
- Travelers might face longer queuing times at busy stations, especially during peak travel hours.
highlights:
Train fares can vary widely, so travelers should book in advance to secure the best prices.
Direct trains reduce travel time significantly compared to bus routes that may take longer.
Buses often have limited legroom and amenities compared to the comfort of trains.
The train journey is less subject to delays affected by road traffic, providing a more reliable schedule.
Train Options from Prague to Budapest
| Type | company | departure station | arrival station | departure time | arrival time | Frequency | Duration | Price Range | layover city |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | RegioJet | Prague hlavní nádraží, Prague | Budapest Déli Train Station, Budapest | 06:45, 10:45, 14:45, 18:45 | 13:44, 17:44, 21:44, 01:44 | Every 4 hours | 6h 59m | € 22-113 | |
| Connecting | ÖBB | Prague hlavní nádraží, Prague | Budapest Keleti Station, Budapest | 07:30 | 15:20 | Daily | 7h 50m | € 30-90 | Vienna |
| Connecting | Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko | Prague hlavní nádraží, Prague | Budapest Nyugati pu, Budapest | 08:15 | 15:23 | Daily | 7h 8m | € 25-75 | Bratislava |
| Connecting | ÖBB and MÁV-START Zrt. | Prague hlavní nádraží, Prague | Budapest-Keleti, Budapest | 09:00 | 17:30 | Daily | 8h 16m | € 35-95 | Vienna,Sopron |
| Connecting | RegioJet | Prague hlavní nádraží, Prague | Budapest-Kelenföld, Budapest | 11:30 | 18:50 | Daily | 7h 20m | € 28-82 | Vienna |
Comparison of Train Operators from Prague to Budapest
Comparing train operators on the Prague to Budapest route is crucial for travelers to make informed decisions that fit their budgets and preferences. Factors such as pricing, amenities, and accessibility play a significant role in ensuring a comfortable journey.
| Criteria | RegioJet | ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) | MÁV-START Zrt. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | € 22 - € 113 | € 30 - € 90 | € 25 - € 85 |
| pricing policies | |||
| refund policy | Refunds allowed for up to 24 hours before departure with a fee. | Full refunds available up to 14 days before travel; 50% refund up to 24 hours prior. | Partial refunds available up to 2 days before travel. |
| Ticket Changes | Changes can be made up to 1 hour before departure; additional fees may apply. | Free changes permitted if made 3 days in advance; fees apply otherwise. | Changes may incur a fee if done within 24 hours before departure. |
| discounts | Discounts available for students and seniors. | Available discounts for families and groups. | Discounts available for children and frequent travelers. |
| amenities | Free Wi-Fi, Comfortable seating, On-board snack service, Power outlets, Entertainment options | On-board dining, Free Wi-Fi, Comfortable seating with more legroom, Power outlets, Media options | Free Wi-Fi in certain carriages, Comfortable seating, Power outlets, On-board snack service |
| baggage allowance | |||
| Additional Fees | Extra baggage fees apply for additional pieces over the allowance. | Charges apply for heavy or oversized baggage. | Fees for baggage exceeding weight limits. |
| accessibility | Facilities available for passengers with reduced mobility, including boarding assistance. | Trains are equipped with accessible features including restrooms and designated seating. | Equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs. |
Travelers should select a train operator based on specific needs—RegioJet offers competitive prices with solid amenities, while ÖBB provides comfort and flexibility in pricing policies. MÁV-START strikes a balance between price and service options, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers who still want a comfortable journey.
Train Stops and Stations from Prague to Budapest
Understanding the train stations when traveling between Prague and Budapest is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Main Train Stations in Prague
Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station)
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Ticket counters and self-service kiosks
- Luggage storage lockers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage options (cafés, vending machines)
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators)
Transportation Links
- Public transportation options: metro lines C, trams, and buses
- Taxi and rideshare services availability
- Parking facilities for private vehicles
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departure
- Be aware of security checks, especially for international trains
- Avoid peak hours between 8 AM and 9 AM or 5 PM and 6 PM
- Explore nearby shops and restaurants if you have extra time
Main Train Stations in Budapest
Budapest Keleti Railway Station
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Ticket counters and self-service kiosks
- Luggage storage lockers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage options (cafés, kiosks)
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators)
Transportation Links
- Public transportation options: metro lines M2, trams, and buses
- Taxi and rideshare services availability
- Parking facilities for private vehicles
- Arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival
- Look for signs to help navigate the station easily
- Consider avoiding busy travel times such as late afternoon
- Check out local markets or eateries for a quick bite after arrival
En Route Stops
Brno
facilities
- Restrooms
- Ticket counters
- Food options available nearby
Vienna
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas
- Cafés and shops
Familiarizing yourself with the train stations in Prague and Budapest, as well as the stops along the route, will enhance your travel experience and ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.
Travel Tips
⛰ Enjoy the Scenic Views
The train journey from Prague to Budapest offers stunning views as it passes through the Moravian countryside and the picturesque rolling hills of Slovakia. Be sure to sit by the window to capture the changing landscapes.
📍 Pack Snacks from Local Bakeries
Before boarding, visit a local bakery in Prague to pick up some traditional pastries like trdelník or koláče. Enjoying these treats on the train makes for a delightful experience.
🚍 Look Out for Special Trains
Some local companies operate special tourist trains along this route during peak seasons. These trains might offer unique amenities or themed experiences, adding to your adventure.
🎭 Timing is Everything
Plan your trip to coincide with local festivals or events in both cities, such as the Budapest Spring Festival or Prague's Christmas markets, to enhance your travel experience.
🏛 Be Mindful of Local Customs
Familiarize yourself with simple Hungarian and Czech phrases, and customs. For instance, it's polite to greet fellow passengers with 'Dobrý den' in Czech or 'Jó napot' in Hungarian.
FAQ
Trips from Prague
- Prague to Dubrovnik
- Prague to Rome
- Prague to Split
- Prague to Zagreb
- Prague to Brno
- Prague to Brussels
- Prague to Hallstatt
- Prague to Milan
- Prague to Barcelona
- Prague to Salzburg
- Prague to Ostrava
- Prague to Nuremberg
- Prague to Bratislava
- Prague to Amsterdam
- Prague to Munich
- Prague to Passau
- Prague to Venice
- Prague to Karlovy Vary
- Prague to Copenhagen
- Prague to Frankfurt am Main
- Prague to Warsaw
- Prague to Paris
- Prague to Vienna
- Prague to Berlin
- Prague to Dresden
- Prague to Pilsen
- Prague to London
- Prague to Krakow
- Prague to Oswiecim
- Prague to Wroclaw
- Prague to Cesky Krumlov
- Prague to Kutná Hora
- Prague to Zurich
Trips to Dubrovnik
- Athens 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
- Brno to Budapest
- Amsterdam to Budapest
- Paris to Budapest
- Vienna to Budapest
- Frankfurt am Main to Budapest
- Munich to Budapest
- Milan to Budapest
- Berlin to Budapest
- Debrecen to Budapest
- Salzburg to Budapest
- London to Budapest
- Krakow to Budapest
- Zurich to Budapest
- Pécs to Budapest