- 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.
Cheapest price on 11 Oct
£93
Average ticket price on 11 Oct
£140
Fastest journey on 11 Oct
10 h 39 m
Average journey duration on 11 Oct
11 h 13 m
Trains on 11 Oct
11
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Budapest will cost around £140 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £93.
On Sun 11 Oct, we found 11 trains from Zurich to Budapest, including 11 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 789 km distance in an average of 11 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 11 h 39 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.










Trains from Zurich to Budapest run on average 7 times per day, taking around 10h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 789 km distance in 9h 51m.
Distance 789 km |
Average train duration 10h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 51m |
First train 0:23 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Budapest trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 13473+ RJX19985+ RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 6:32 Zurich HB | 13h26 | 19:58 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 changes | |
EC 13473+ RJX19985+ RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest)+ IC 647 | 6:32 Zurich HB | 13h26 | 19:58 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 changes | |
IC 284+ ICE 913 · ICE 1215+ RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 6:37 Zurich HB | 13h21 | 19:58 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 3 changes | |
RJX13477 · D 347+ IC 741 | 8:32 Zurich HB | 13h01 | 21:33 Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s leading fine arts museum, known for European paintings, Egyptian antiquities and strong temporary exhibitions on Heroes’ Square.
Museum inside Buda Castle covering Budapest’s past from medieval remains to modern urban history, with notable views from the building.
Major collection of Hungarian art from medieval works to the 20th century, set in palace wings with a calm atmosphere and city views.
Long avenue linking the centre with City Park. Grand facades, embassies and historic mansions make it one of Budapest’s classic walks.
Popular lookout terrace in the Castle District with neo-Romanesque towers and memorable panoramas over the Danube and Pest skyline.
Leafy island park in the Danube with running paths, gardens, fountains and ruins. A relaxing break from the busy centre.
Rich beef soup with paprika, onion and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a classic on Budapest menus.
Slow-cooked beef stew heavy with sweet paprika and onions, traditionally served with nokedli. A cornerstone of Hungarian home cooking.
Deep-fried flatbread, often topped with garlic, sour cream and cheese. It is one of Budapest’s most familiar street foods.
Long-running Jewish-Hungarian restaurant serving hearty local dishes in a warm, nostalgic dining room.
Traditional restaurant near the Great Market Hall specialising in paprika-rich Hungarian classics in a cosy, old-style setting.
Elegant riverside restaurant serving classic Hungarian dishes with polished service and grand Danube views.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti railway station -> Deák Ferenc tér, 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.

Most Zurich to Budapest trains use the Zürich HB to Budapest Keleti station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Kelenföld. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti 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 options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need