- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
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Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Budapest by coach or flight
Compare coach 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Budapest
Italy
Hungary
Trains from Cologne to Budapest run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
The fastest train covers the 727 km distance in 11h 28m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 727 km |
Average train duration 11h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 11h 28m |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: ÖBB from Cologne to Budapest trainsÖBB trains will get you between Cologne and Budapest from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB
About
ÖBB is Austria’s national railway company, offering a comprehensive network of train services across the country and to neighboring nations. Its fleet includes high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains for the fastest and most comfortable journeys, EuroCity (EC) trains for international connections, InterCity (IC) trains for reliable long-distance travel, and Regional Express (REX) trains for frequent local stops. Ticket types include Standard Ticket, Comfort-Ticket, ÖBB Sparschiene-Ticket, and ÖBB Sparschiene Comfort-Ticket, along with options for single, return, and group travel. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and food and beverage services. Popular routes include Vienna–Salzburg, Vienna–Innsbruck, and Vienna–Graz
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB Duration
11h 28m
Cheapest ÖBB Price
£3
ÖBB frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (on long-distance trains), bistro service, at-seat service in first class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for €3 in second class, included in first class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance, and special seating areas
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare), guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Budapest
Things to do in Budapest
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
- Recommended
Budapest History Museum
Museum inside Buda Castle covering Budapest’s past from medieval remains to modern urban history, with notable views from the building.
- Recommended
Hungarian National Gallery
Major collection of Hungarian art from medieval works to the 20th century, set in palace wings with a calm atmosphere and city views.
- Must visit
Andrássy út
Long avenue linking the centre with City Park. Grand facades, embassies and historic mansions make it one of Budapest’s classic walks.
- Must visit
Fisherman's Bastion
Popular lookout terrace in the Castle District with neo-Romanesque towers and memorable panoramas over the Danube and Pest skyline.
- Recommended
Margaret Island
Leafy island park in the Danube with running paths, gardens, fountains and ruins. A relaxing break from the busy centre.
- Gluten-free
Gulyásleves
Rich beef soup with paprika, onion and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a classic on Budapest menus.
Pörkölt
Slow-cooked beef stew heavy with sweet paprika and onions, traditionally served with nokedli. A cornerstone of Hungarian home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Lángos
Deep-fried flatbread, often topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It is one of Budapest’s most familiar street foods.
Rosenstein Vendéglő
Long-running Jewish-Hungarian restaurant serving hearty local dishes in a warm, nostalgic dining room.
For Sale Pub
Traditional restaurant near the Great Market Hall specialising in paprika-rich Hungarian classics in a cosy, old-style setting.
Halászbástya Restaurant
Elegant riverside restaurant serving classic Hungarian dishes with polished service and grand Danube views.
Hungarian forint (Ft)
Budget to moderate for Europe. Public transport is cheap, meals are reasonable, and hotels often cost less than in Vienna or Prague, though central stays and nightlife can add up.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 3,500-6,000 Ft for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- 6,000-12,000 Ft per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 20,000+ Ft per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 800-1,500 Ft for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included, so check the bill first. If not, tip around 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares are usually rounded up slightly; cafés often get small change.
BudapestGO
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 500 Ft
- Day pass
- 2,500 Ft
To the city centre
Budapest Keleti railway station -> Deák Ferenc tér, Budapest
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Validate paper tickets before travel; on the metro, validate at the station entrance, and on trams or buses validate on boarding.
- BudapestGO sells mobile tickets and passes. Bankcard payment is available at BKK ticket machines, and Pay&GO contactless bankcard ticket purchase is available on all metro lines.
FAQs: Cologne to Budapest train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Budapest can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £3.
The train journey from Cologne to Budapest covers a distance of 727 km and takes approximately 11h 28m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Budapest is 727 km.
Trains from Cologne to Budapest run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cologne to Budapest.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Budapest.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Budapest.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Budapest is Cologne station, and it arrives at Budapest-Kelenfoeld.
Booking trains from Cologne to Budapest in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cologne to Budapest offers a scenic experience, with picturesque views of the Rhine Valley and the rolling hills of Bavaria, culminating in the charming landscapes of Austria and Hungary.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Budapest.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Budapest
Most Cologne to Budapest trains use the Cologne to Budapest-Kelenföld station pair. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Budapest
Which Cologne station do trains to Budapest leave from?
Trains from Cologne to Budapest leave from Cologne. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at 25033 Cologne, Province of Brescia, Italy.
Cologne25033 Cologne, Province of Brescia, Italy
City-centre transport
Getting to Cologne from Cologne city centre
TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4
Cologne train station facilities and services
Cologne has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cologne.
Which Budapest station do trains from Cologne arrive at?
Trains from Cologne to Budapest arrive at Budapest-Kelenföld. Budapest-Kelenföld is 4 km from Budapest city centre.
Budapest-KelenföldEtele tér, 1115 Budapest, Hungary+36 1 3 49 49 49
City-centre transport
Getting to Budapest-Kelenföld from Budapest city centre
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainIc, 968, 1818, 1852, Re, 9006, 9056, 9066, 9702, 9704, 9706, 9708, 9792, 9794, 9796, Ir, 19712, 19714, 19716, 19718, 19722, 19724, 19726 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~18 min
Rjx · 13m · £10
Bus139 · 17m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
770 · 19m · £0.90
Tram19 · 23m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
SubwayM4 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~28 min
Budapest-Kelenföld train station facilities and services
Budapest-Kelenföld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
More options for your journey from Cologne to Budapest
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Budapest and Cologne
Most popular train connections to Budapest
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