Train service
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.
SNCF
SNCF is France’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, regional, and international TGV services across Europe.
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
The Interrail Global Pass is valid for travel from London to Budapest. However, if you are a UK resident, you cannot use the Interrail Global Pass for the UK portion of the journey, so you will need a separate ticket for travel within the UK. The Interrail One Country Pass is not applicable for a multi-country journey like London to Budapest, as it only covers rail travel within a single country. The Eurail Pass is valid for this journey if you are not a resident of the EU as it allows for travel between these countries.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Budapest by train, you'll likely find yourself at one of the city's main railway stations, such as Keleti, Nyugati, or Deli. From here, getting around the city is straightforward thanks to an efficient and extensive public transportation system. Budapest's metro is a convenient way to navigate the city, with four lines labeled M1 through M4. The M1, also known as the Millennium Underground, is particularly notable for being the oldest line and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For tram travel, lines such as the number 4 and 6 trams run along the Grand Boulevard and are some of the busiest in Europe, operating 24 hours. Trams are ideal for scenic views, especially lines 2 and 47, which pass alongside the Danube River. Buses and trolleybuses complement the metro and tram lines, covering areas not easily accessible by rail. If you're planning to use public transport often, consider purchasing a travel card for unlimited rides over various durations. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through phone apps. Ensure the taxi is officially licensed, identified by their yellow color and taxi company logo, to avoid unlicensed cabs. Ridesharing is another viable option, with services like Bolt available, providing a convenient and efficient alternative. Always check fare estimates in advance to avoid surprises. Whether using public transport or private hire, Budapest's reliable systems make exploring the city both easy and enjoyable.
Onward connections
Budapest is a major rail hub in Central Europe, offering a variety of domestic and international train connections. Domestically, popular rail connections include routes to Debrecen, Hungary’s second largest city, accessible in approximately 2.5 hours. Another significant route is to Szeged, taking roughly 2.5 hours as well. Trains to Lake Balaton, a popular holiday destination, can reach Siófok or Balatonfüred in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Internationally, rail connections are robust. The Railjet service connects Budapest with Vienna, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. Direct trains to Prague are available through EuroCity, with journey times of around 6.5 to 7 hours. The EuroCity and Railjet trains also connect Budapest to Bratislava in about 2.5 hours. For connections to the east, there are trains to Bucharest with travel times around 15 hours, typically requiring an overnight journey. Additionally, Budapest connects to Munich via Railjet in approximately 7 hours, and direct trains to Belgrade are available, taking about 8 hours. These connections make Budapest a strategic hub for travelers exploring Eastern and Central Europe by train.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Budapest is generally from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and mild, avoiding the peak summer heat, which can be intense, especially in July and August. Additionally, these shoulder seasons typically see fewer tourists compared to summer, which can result in lower accommodation prices and a more relaxed experience when exploring the city. In the spring, you can enjoy the vibrant blooms of the city's numerous parks, while the fall offers lovely autumn foliage and a cozy atmosphere. These periods also host a variety of local events and festivals, such as the Budapest Spring Festival, which boasts a range of cultural performances, and the Budapest Wine Festival in September, showcasing Hungary's wine-making tradition. Traveling by train provides a scenic arrival and departure, allowing you to enjoy the European countryside as it transitions between seasons. Winter, although quite cold, is also charming, especially if you're interested in Christmas markets, festive decorations, and thermal baths, but be prepared for chilly weather.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from London to Budapest?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices from London to Budapest are dynamic. Booking time affects prices. Purchasing tickets early often results in lower costs. Travel demand influences prices. Peak travel times lead to higher prices. Seat availability impacts cost. Fewer available seats can increase prices. Different train services offer varied pricing. High-speed trains may be costlier. Travel class affects ticket prices. First-class is usually more expensive. Discounts and promotions can reduce prices. Prices vary by operator policies.
What trains run from London to Budapest?
Trains that run from London to Budapest involve multiple operators. SNCF operates train services from London to Paris. Deutsche Bahn provides train connections from Paris to Germany. Flixbus offers bus services from Germany to Budapest. Leo Express operates buses within Central Europe.
How long does the train from London to Budapest take?
According to EveryRail, the train from London to Budapest takes between 19 and 24 hours.
When is the best time to travel from London to Budapest?
Travel during off-peak periods. Off-peak times often have fewer crowds. Tickets are usually cheaper then. Avoid holidays if possible. Demand is lower during weekdays. Early bookings can secure better rates. Consider weather impacts on comfort. Each factor affects travel experience.
What’s the best route or train to take from London to Budapest?
Flixbus runs direct bus services from London to Budapest.
What rail passes can I use to travel from London to Budapest?
According to EveryRail, the appropriate rail pass depends on your residency. If you are a resident of the EU or eligible European countries, the Interrail Global Pass applies. If you are not a resident of these regions, the Eurail Global Pass is the correct option. No One Country Pass applies because the journey covers multiple countries.