The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Budapest
Cheapest price
€130
Average price
€206
Fastest journey
10 h 39 m
Average duration
10 h 49 m
Trains per day
12
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 €206 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €130.
Of the 12 trains that leave Zurich for Budapest on Wed, Apr 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Apr 15 the direct trains cover the 789 km distance in an average of 10 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 39 m .
On Wed, Apr 15 the slowest trains will take 11 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
ICE 275+
S 4 · S 2+
RJX 86911:07 AM12h28Zurich HB11:35 PMBudapest Keleti€1301One-way5 transfers
EC 163+
RJX 767+
IC 649+
RJX 678:40 AM11h55Zurich HB8:35 PMBudapest Keleti€1521One-way3 transfers
ICE 275+
S 4 · S 2+
RJX 86911:07 AM11h28Zurich HB10:35 PMBudapest Keleti€1571One-way4 transfers
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 471111:32 AM10h47Zurich HB10:19 PMBudapest-Deli€2111One-way3 transfers
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 34111:32 AM11h03Zurich HB10:35 PMBudapest Keleti€2111One-way2 transfers
RJX 16510:40 AM10h39Zurich HB9:19 PMBudapest Keleti€2281One-way0 transfers
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 471111:32 AM10h47Zurich HB10:19 PMBudapest-Deli€2111One-way3 transfers
EC 99 · RJX 67 · R 46219:32 AM10h47Zurich HB8:19 PMBudapest-Deli€2371One-way2 transfers
EC 163+
RJX 767+
EC 1498:40 AM10h49Zurich HB7:29 PMBudapest Keleti€2281One-way2 transfers
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 34111:32 AM11h03Zurich HB10:35 PMBudapest Keleti€2111One-way2 transfers
Travel 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 €56. 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 €56, and a train costs an average of €52.
Distance: 789 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€146 Average price | €117 Average price | €78 Average price Cheapest |
11h 54m Average total duration 11h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 55m Average total duration 15h 25m 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 tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 163+ RJX 767+ IC 649+ RJX 67 | On time 6:40 AM Zurich HB | 11h55 | 6:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 3 transfers | |
EC 163+ RJX 767+ EC 149 | 6:40 AM Zurich HB | 10h49 | 5:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
EC 99 · RJX 67 · R 4621 | On time 7:32 AM Zurich HB | 10h47 | 6:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
EC 99 · RJX 67 | On time 7:32 AM Zurich HB | 11h03 | 6:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJX 165+ IC 743+ EC 341 | 8:40 AM Zurich HB | 11h55 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
RJX 165 | 8:40 AM Zurich HB | 10h39 | 7:19 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 275+ S 4 · S 2+ RJX 869 | 9:07 AM Zurich HB | 11h28 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 4 transfers | |
ICE 275+ S 4 · S 2+ RJX 869 | 9:07 AM Zurich HB | 12h28 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 5 transfers | |
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341 · R 4711 | On time 9:32 AM Zurich HB | 10h47 | 8:19 PM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
EC 191 · RJX 69 · EC 341 | On time 9:32 AM Zurich HB | 11h03 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
RJX 167 · RJX 261 | 10:40 AM Zurich HB | 11h49 | 10:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJX 167+ IC 747+ RJX 261 | 10:40 AM Zurich HB | 11h49 | 10:29 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
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.
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 19
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
Apr 24
Apr 25
Apr 26
Apr 27
Apr 28
Apr 29
Apr 30
May 01
May 02
May 03
May 04
May 05
Why should you book Zurich to Budapest trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs EuroNight?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for EuroNight, but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet or ÖBB | Euro City (EC) to find the best option for your trip from Zurich to Budapest.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare EuroNight with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Zurich to Budapest.
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 6 times per day, taking around 11h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €52 but you can travel from only €28 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 789 km distance in 10h 39m.
Distance 789 km |
Average train duration 11h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 10h 39m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: EuroNight, ÖBB, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | Railjet from Zurich to Budapest trainsEuroNight, ÖBB, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Nightjet, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | Railjet trains will get you between Zurich and Budapest from €28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB
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 | 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.

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
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
- Restaurant Markthalle
- Restaurant LaSalle
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators.
- CHF 1
- Placid Hotel Zurich
- Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
- H+ Hotel Zürich
- Located in the main hall
- 240 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
- Tram: Line 4
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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
More options for your journey from Zurich to Budapest
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