How to get from Budapest to Bratislava
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 Esztergom and the Brunszvik Castle, architecturally diverse Komarno, UNESCO-listed Pannonhalma Archabbey, the historic Gyor, and the Hungarian town of Sopron
How to get from Budapest to Bratislava
If you’re traveling from Budapest to Bratislava, you have several options. For budget travelers, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Bratislava. The fastest way to travel from Budapest to Bratislava is by train or car, though a car is, of course, the best way to travel from Budapest to Bratislava since it’s very convenient.
Budapest to Bratislava by train
To travel from Budapest to Bratislava by train, you need to get to the Budapest-Nyugati station and purchase a ticket to Bratislava Hlavna Stanica, or you can buy your tickets in advance online. The earliest train is at 5:40 AM, and the last train is at 5:40 PM, with trains departing every 2 hours. The train from Budapest to Bratislava is operated by Czech Railways and Deutsche Bahn Eurocity, with train tickets from Budapest to Bratislava costing €30-50 on average for the 3-hour trip. The distance from Budapest to Bratislava is about 200 kilometers. Trains have bathrooms on board and usually offer a dining car.
Train intervals 2 hours
First/Last departure 5:40 AM/5:40 PM
Avg. price £32-£54 (€30-€50)
Distance ~200 km
Duration ~3 hr
Operating companies Czech Railways and Deutsche Bahn Eurocity
Budapest to Bratislava by bus
There are several journey options for traveling from Budapest to Bratislava by bus, as there are multiple bus stations in each city. In Budapest, you will go to Budapest, Kelenföld vasútállomás (sometimes Budapest, Könyves Kálmán körút is also available) and purchase a ticket to Bratislava Bus Station Nivy, Einsteinova, or Novy Most. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 7:00 AM, and the last bus is at 11:40 PM, with multiple buses departing each hour. The bus from Budapest to Bratislava is run by Flixbus and Regiojet, with bus tickets from Budapest to Bratislava costing between €8-€14 for the 2.5-hour trip. The distance from Budapest to Bratislava is about 200 kilometers. Most options offer direct service from Budapest to Bratislava.
Time intervals 1 hour
First/Last departure 7:00 AM/11:40 PM
Avg. price £9-£15 (€8-€14)
Distance ~200 km
Duration ~2.5 hr
Operating companies Flixbus, Regiojet
Budapest to Bratislava private car transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Budapest to Bratislava. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Budapest, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Bratislava and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
To make the most of your journey, you might choose to visit some fascinating sights along the route. Stop in Esztergom, where Hungary’s largest basilica offers breathtaking views over the Danube, or Brunszvik Castle, a charming estate surrounded by beautiful gardens. For something truly unique, pause in Komarno, a town that celebrates both Hungarian and Slovak heritage through its diverse architecture. Each of these stops allows you to turn your transfer into a memorable adventure, enjoying the highlights of Hungary and Slovakia at your own pace.
Avg. price from $50 (€46) per seat
Distance 202 km
Duration door-to-door in 2 hr 10 min
