How to get from Bratislava to Budapest
Both Bratislava and Budapest offer a superb taste of what Central Europe has to offer - from Gothic architecture and centuries of tumultuous history to the rich, crave-worthy dishes in every corner pub, you can’t help but be drawn straight to the heart of Slavic culture. Get lost on the cobblestone streets, find yourself a pint of world-famous brew, and enjoy! If you decide to take a car transfer from Bratislava and Budapest, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the Hungarian town of Sopron, the historic Gyor, UNESCO-listed Pannonhalma Archabbey, architecturally diverse Komarno, as well as Esztergom and the Brunszvik Castle.
How to get from Bratislava to Budapest
If you’re traveling from Bratislava to Budapest, you have several options. For budget travelers, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bratislava to Budapest. The fastest way to travel from Bratislava to Budapest is by train or car, though a car is of course the best way to travel from Bratislava to Budapest since it’s so convenient.
Bratislava to Budapest by train
To travel from Bratislava to Budapest by train, you need to get to the Bratislava Hlavna Stanica station and purchase a ticket to Budapest-Nyugati, or you can buy your tickets in advance online. The earliest train is at 7:57 AM, and the last train is at 7:57 PM, with trains departing every 2 hours. The train from Bratislava to Budapest is operated by Czech Railways and Deutsche Bahn Eurocity, with train tickets from Bratislava to Budapest costing €30-50 on average for the 3-hour trip. The distance from Bratislava to Budapest is about 200 kilometers. Trains have bathrooms on board and usually offer a dining car.
Train intervals 2 hours
First/Last departure 7:57 AM/7:57 PM
Avg. price $32-$54 (€30-€50)
Distance ~200 km
Duration ~3 hr
Operating companies Czech Railways and Deutsche Bahn Eurocity
Bratislava to Budapest by bus
There are several journey options to travel from Bratislava to Budapest by bus, as there are multiple bus stations in each city. In Bratislava, you will go to Bus Station Nivy, Einsteinova, or Novy Most stations and purchase a ticket to Budapest, Kelenföld vasútállomás (sometimes Budapest, Könyves Kálmán körút is also available). While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 3:15 AM, and the last bus is at 8:15 PM, with at least two buses leaving every 1-2 hours. The bus from Bratislava to Budapest is run by Flixbus, Eurolines, or Regiojet. Bus tickets from Bratislava to Budapest cost between €8-€14 for the 2.5-hour trip. The distance from Bratislava to Budapest is about 200 kilometers. Most options offer direct service from Bratislava to Budapest.
Time intervals 2 per 1-2 hours
First/Last departure 3:15 AM/8:15 PM
Avg. price $9-$15 (€8-€14)
Distance ~200 km
Duration ~2.5 hr
Operating companies Flixbus, Eurolines, Regiojet
Bratislava to Budapest private car transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Bratislava to Budapest. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Bratislava, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Budapest and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
Along the road, this trip offers the ideal chance to savor the rich legacy and culture of Central Europe. One of Hungary's oldest and most revered monasteries, UNESCO-listed Pannonhalma Archabbey, is worth stopping at to explore its tranquil grounds and learn about its legendary past. You might also decide to see Esztergm, the location of Hungary's biggest basilica with expansive views over the Danube. These optional stops transform your transfer from Bratislava to Budapest into a memorable journey with moments to savor.
Price from $50 (€46) per seat
Distance 202 km
Duration door-to-door in 2 hr 10 min
