The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Budapest
Cheapest price
€233
Average price
€254
Fastest journey
11 h 47 m
Average duration
12 h 24 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
789 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Budapest will cost around €254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €233.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Budapest without transferring at least once.
EC 191 · RJX 261
EC 163+
RJX 165
EC 99 · ICE 119 · RJX 165
EC 99 · ICE 119 · RJX 165
EC 163+
RJX 165
EC 191 · RJX 261Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Budapest
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €58, and a flight costs an average of €87.
Distance: 789 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€154 Average price | €281 Average price | €85 Average price Cheapest |
11h 55m Average total duration 11h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 37m Average total duration 15h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.4 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Budapest train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Budapest trains for today, Wednesday, January 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 99 · ICE 119 · RJX 165 | On time 8:32 AM Zurich HB | 11h47 | 8:19 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
EC 191 · RJX 261 | On time 10:32 AM Zurich HB | 12h47 | 11:19 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, January 15 | |||||
EC 163+ RJX 165 | 7:40 AM Zurich HB | 12h39 | 8:19 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Budapest by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Budapest?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Budapest
Trains from Zurich to Budapest run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €84 but you can travel from only €58 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 789 km distance in 10h 22m.
Distance 789 km |
Average train duration 11h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price €84 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 22m |
First train 00:02 |
Last train 23:42 |
Train companies: EuroNight, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | Railjet from Zurich to Budapest trainsEuroNight, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, ÖBB Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | Railjet trains will get you between Zurich and Budapest from €58. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
ÖBB | Railjet
EuroNight
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Budapest
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Zurich HB, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Budapest Keleti, located 2.7 miles (4.4 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Budapest
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
- Restaurant Au Premier
- Brasserie Federal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
- Hotel St. Gotthard
- Central Plaza Hotel
- Cost CHF 12
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 1,300 places, mostly covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
- Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
- Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
- Outback Lodge
- Tibits
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Opera Zurich
- Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
- Hotel Seehof
- Located in the main hall
- 1000 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
- Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
- Tram: Line 11, Line 15
- Bus: Several lines available
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Kerepesi út.
- Rosenstein Restaurant
- Huszar Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Hungaria City Center
- Baross City Hotel
- Royal Park Boutique Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-13 for regional trains
- Hall 3: platforms 14-18 for suburban trains
- Metro: Line M2, Line M4
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 24
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Etele tér.
- Restaurant Etele Plaza
- KFC Etele Plaza
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Griff
- Hotel Ventura
- Hotel Berlin
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and domestic long-distance trains
- Hall 2: regional and suburban train platforms
- Hall 3: Metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line M4
- Tram: Line 1, Line 19, Line 49
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
- Déli Terasz Söröző
- Ibrahim török büfé
- Vagon Etterem
- Fornetti
- Trio pizza
- Turkish Döner KEBAB
- Déli Mosoly
- Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi
- Club D One
- Lokomotív Falatozó
- There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
- Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
- Christina Residence Budapest
- ibis Budapest Castle Hill
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
- Metro lines: M2 (red)
- Tram lines: 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61
- Bus lines: 21, 21A, 39, 102, 139, 140, 140A, N960, N990
- Train lines: IC, IR, S (10, 12, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42), Z30
Most popular train connections from Zurich
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