Train service
NTV
Italo (NTV) is Italy’s first private high-speed rail operator, offering a competitive alternative to Trenitalia since 2012.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway company, operating long-distance, regional, and international train services across Europe.
Leo Express
Leo Express is a Czech private transport company offering train and bus services in Central Europe, partly owned by Spain’s Renfe.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
When traveling by train from Budapest to Rome, both the Interrail Global Pass and Eurail Pass can be used, as long as travel crosses at least one border between Hungary and another country on the way to Italy. The Interrail Global Pass is available to European residents and is valid for international travel between countries, while the Eurail Pass is intended for non-European residents and allows international travel across multiple countries. The Interrail One Country Pass is not applicable in this instance as it is only valid for travel within a single country, which does not cover a multi-country trip from Hungary to Italy. European residents cannot use the Eurail Pass.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Rome by train, navigating the city using local transportation is straightforward. The metro is a popular choice with three lines, A (orange), B (blue), and C (green), covering key areas of the city. Line A connects to major attractions like the Vatican Museums and the Spanish Steps, while Line B serves the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. The trams are convenient for reaching neighborhoods not covered by the metro. One example is Tram 8, which connects Piazza Venezia to Trastevere, a lively district known for its dining options. Buses complement the metro and tram systems, reaching areas that other transport forms might not cover. Tickets are interchangeable between buses, trams, and the metro, and must be validated upon boarding. Taxis are available at ranks near major train stations, hotels, and city squares, and can also be hailed on the street. It's advisable to ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Ridesharing services like Uber are available, though less prevalent than taxis and at times more expensive. Rome's extensive transportation network makes it easy to explore the city's historical and modern districts efficiently.
Onward connections
Rome is a central hub in Italy's extensive train network, offering numerous domestic and international rail connections. Domestically, one of the most popular routes is Rome to Florence. This route is often served by high-speed trains like Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo, taking around 1.5 hours. Another key connection is Rome to Milan, which is also covered by high-speed services, with journeys typically lasting around 3 hours. Rome to Naples is another frequent and quick connection, often handled by high-speed trains, and it takes just over an hour. For those heading to Venice from Rome, high-speed trains provide a direct service taking about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Internationally, Rome connects to multiple European cities. While there aren't direct high-speed international services, you can travel to various destinations with connections. The Thello night train, for example, used to serve the route from Rome to Paris; however, services like those may require travelers to make connections now, often passing through Milan or Venice first and then onward to destinations like Paris via additional train services. Travelers can head to Switzerland via Milan, connecting further to cities like Zurich and Geneva. Rail connections via Austria pass through cities like Venice, providing access to Vienna with ÖBB trains.
Overall, Rome's train connections offer efficient access to not only the cultural heartlands of Italy but also various key cities across Europe, integrating well into the wider European rail network for seamless travel.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Rome are typically April, May, and October. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant, with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it ideal for sightseeing. This period allows you to enjoy Rome's outdoor attractions comfortably, without the heat of the summer. Additionally, traveling in these shoulder months often means fewer crowds compared to the peak season in June through August, which could mean slightly lower accommodation prices and more room to explore iconic sites. Arriving by train during these months also offers a scenic and stress-free journey through sun-drenched countrysides, especially pertinent in spring. Furthermore, this period often aligns with a robust calendar of events: in April, the city's birthday, Natale di Roma, features a vibrant array of festivities, while October hosts the Rome Film Festival and numerous food festivals, highlighting Italy’s rich culinary traditions. These elements combined make spring and early fall the most advantageous times to experience the splendor of Rome.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Budapest to Rome?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from Budapest to Rome are dynamic. Demand significantly influences prices. Higher demand leads to higher prices. Booking early often results in lower prices. Travel during weekdays is generally cheaper. Peak travel seasons can increase fares. Prices can vary by train type. Faster trains often cost more. Additional services affect the ticket cost. Currency fluctuations may play a role. Discounts can be available for advance bookings. Promotions can temporarily lower prices. Pricing strategies of rail companies also impact fares.
What trains run from Budapest to Rome?
There are no direct trains operated by Deutsche Bahn from Budapest to Rome. Leo Express does not operate trains from Budapest to Rome. Flixbus operates bus services from Budapest to Rome. NTV does not operate trains from Budapest to Rome. Trenitalia provides train services from Budapest to Rome with connections.
How long does the train from Budapest to Rome take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Budapest to Rome takes between 15 and 18 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Budapest to Rome?
Travel during weekdays. Avoid major holidays. Crowds are smaller then. Prices are usually lower. Demand is less intense. The journey can be more comfortable. Consider shoulder periods. They balance cost and convenience.
What’s the best route or train to take from Budapest to Rome?
Flixbus runs direct bus services from Budapest to Rome. No direct train services operate on this route.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Budapest to Rome?
According to EveryRail, if you are a resident of the EU or an eligible European country, the Interrail Global Pass can cover the route from Budapest to Rome because it allows travel between different countries. If you are not a resident of these countries, the Eurail Global Pass would be applicable, as it serves the same purpose for non-European residents. No One Country Pass applies since the journey crosses international borders.