Prague to Budapest by train

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Prague and Budapest are connected by direct trains throughout the day. The main daytime services take around 6 to 7 hours, depending on which train you choose. Three main options cover the route: railjet and comfortjet trains via Bratislava, RegioJet services via Brno and Vienna, and the Metropol overnight sleeper. All depart from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi. Railjet and comfortjet trains arrive at Budapest Nyugati; RegioJet terminates at Budapest Deli.

Fares start from around EUR 19.90 on RegioJet in Standard class, or from around EUR 21 on railjet and EuroCity services when booked in advance through Czech Railways. Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on all three services.

Quick overview

• Journey time: around 6 to 7 hours by day (railjet/comfortjet fastest); around 10.5 hours overnight (Metropol)
• Departure station (Prague): Praha Hlavni Nadrazi
• Arrival station (Budapest): Budapest Nyugati (railjet/comfortjet/EuroCity/Metropol); Budapest Deli (RegioJet)
• First daytime departure: around 05:37 (railjet/EuroCity); around 06:01 (RegioJet)
• Daily services: seven or more daytime departures combining all operators, plus one overnight train
• Fares from: around EUR 19.90 (RegioJet Standard); around EUR 21 advance on railjet/EuroCity 2nd class
• Overnight option: Metropol sleeper, departs around 22:00, arrives Budapest Nyugati around 08:30
• Train options: railjet / comfortjet (main daytime service since December 2025), EuroCity (some remain), RegioJet (via Vienna), Metropol (night train)
• Seat reservation: optional on daytime trains, around EUR 3; compulsory supplement on Metropol

Introduction to the route

The Prague to Budapest train is a direct journey. No change of train is required on either the main Bratislava route or the RegioJet route via Vienna.

The main daytime services are now railjet and comfortjet trains, operated jointly by Czech Railways (CD), Slovak Railways (ZSSK), and Hungarian Railways (MAV). Czech Railways deployed these trains on the route from December 2025, replacing most of the classic EuroCity services, though a handful of EuroCity departures still run. All three train types use the same route: Prague to Bratislava, then south to Budapest Nyugati.

RegioJet runs a separate route. Its trains go via Brno and Vienna before arriving at Budapest Deli. The journey takes slightly longer, typically around 7 hours, but RegioJet is often the most affordable option, especially for last-minute bookings.

For most travellers, the railjet or EuroCity via Bratislava is the right choice. It is faster, runs more frequently, and arrives at Budapest Nyugati, which is centrally located with direct metro access. Choose RegioJet if price is the main factor or if Vienna is a useful stop on your trip.

The route covers around 610 km by rail and passes through southern Moravia and Slovakia before crossing into Hungary.

Tickets and booking

Train types and classes

Railjet and comfortjet (main daytime service)

Since December 2025, most daytime departures from Prague to Budapest use Czech Railways railjet or comfortjet trains. Both are modern intercity trains with three classes: Economy (equivalent to standard class), First, and Business (six seats only on railjet). All classes have air conditioning, power outlets at every seat, free WiFi, and a restaurant car. Economy is fine for this journey; First is worth it if you want more space or quieter seating. ComfortJet is a newer nine-car train with a similar class setup.

EuroCity (some departures remain)

A small number of classic EuroCity trains still operate on the same Bratislava corridor, run jointly by CD, ZSSK, and MAV. They offer 1st and 2nd class, with a cafe-bar car. Facilities are slightly older than railjet but the service is reliable.

RegioJet

RegioJet runs three departures a day on its own route via Brno and Vienna, arriving at Budapest Deli. It offers four seating classes:

• Low Cost: basic amenities, air conditioning, complimentary water; no complimentary coffee or at-seat coffee service. Priced slightly below Standard
• Standard: reserved seat, complimentary water and Illy coffee; the value choice for most travellers
• Relax: leather seats, extra legroom, complimentary bottled water and mint tea
• Business: premium seating, sparkling wine, priority boarding, full at-seat service

RegioJet allows changes up to 15 minutes before departure via its app.

Metropol (overnight)

The Metropol sleeper departs Prague around 22:00 and arrives at Budapest Nyugati around 08:30 the following morning, a journey of roughly 10.5 hours. It is operated by CD and offers couchette compartments and private sleeper cabins.

• Couchette (6-berth): from around EUR 48
• Couchette (4-berth): from around EUR 56
• 3-bed sleeper: from around EUR 87
• 2-bed sleeper: from around EUR 112
• Single-bed sleeper: from around EUR 175

Book the Metropol directly from Czech Railways at cd.cz. Fares on international reseller platforms are often higher or not available at all for this service.

If you want to save a night's accommodation or need an early arrival in Budapest, the Metropol is a practical choice. With regular 7-hour daytime trains on the same route, most travellers take a daytime departure, but in peak season the overnight option has real value, and the couchette price holds up well against a Budapest hotel room.

Where to buy tickets

For outbound journeys from Prague, book direct from cd.cz for railjet and EuroCity trains. For the return from Budapest, MAV sells tickets on the same corridor. RegioJet bookings are only available via regiojet.com or the RegioJet app.

Fares

Prices vary by train type, class, and how far in advance you book. Advance fares on Czech Railways are non-refundable; weigh that against the full-flex price if your plans might change.

Railjet and EuroCity:

• 2nd class / Economy: advance fares from around EUR 21; full-flex (any train, fully changeable) up to around EUR 70
• 1st class: advance from around EUR 37; full-flex up to around EUR 106

RegioJet:

• Low Cost: priced a little below Standard
• Standard: from around EUR 19.90
• Relax: from around EUR 23.40
• Business: from around EUR 27.40

RegioJet fares are available without a long booking window, so it is a reliable option when booking close to travel.

Buying a railjet or EuroCity ticket on the day, without a reservation, typically costs around EUR 70 or more in 2nd class.

Train companies and services

Operators on this route

The Prague-Budapest route is served by three main operating arrangements:

CD, ZSSK, and MAV (jointly) operate railjet, comfortjet, and the remaining EuroCity trains on the Bratislava corridor. CD is Czech Railways; ZSSK is Slovak Railways (which operates the Slovak portion of the route); MAV is Hungarian Railways. Tickets are sold and validated across all three networks, so you buy one ticket through any of the operators for the full journey.

RegioJet is a private Czech operator that runs independently on its own route via Brno and Vienna to Budapest Deli.

Metropol is the overnight service between Prague and Budapest, operated by CD.

What is on board

Railjet and comfortjet trains:

• Air conditioning throughout
• Free WiFi
• Power outlets at every seat
• Restaurant car serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks
• Luggage racks in each carriage

RegioJet:

• Free WiFi in all classes
• Complimentary water and Illy coffee in Standard class and above
• At-seat service in all paid classes
• Sparkling wine and full at-seat service in Business class
• Small pets are permitted in carriers or on a leash; guide dogs travel at no extra cost (check regiojet.com for current pet policy before travel)

Metropol night train:

• Sleeping cars with washbasins
• Couchette compartments: 4-berth or 6-berth
• Sleeper cabins: 1-, 2-, or 3-bed

Praha Hlavni Nadrazi: Prague departure

All Prague to Budapest trains depart from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi, the main Prague railway station. It is connected to the metro network (Lines A and C), has tram stops outside, and taxi and rideshare pickup is available directly in front of the building. The station has a left-luggage office, ticket counters, and food options. Arrive with enough time to check your platform; the station is large and platforms can be spread across two levels.

Timetable

Daytime railjet and EuroCity trains from Prague to Budapest run roughly every two hours. RegioJet has three departures per day.

Departure times shift with the seasonal timetable. Always check your exact departure on cd.cz or regiojet.com before travel.

Routes and stops

Main route: via Bratislava

Railjet, comfortjet, and EuroCity trains go direct from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi to Budapest Nyugati via Bratislava. No change of train is required. The route passes through Brno, Breclav, and Bratislava before crossing into Hungary. Prague to Bratislava covers around 396 km; Bratislava to Budapest is around 214 km further.

Bratislava's central station is on this route, so you can stop there if you want a few hours in the Slovak capital.

Alternative route: via Brno and Vienna (RegioJet)

RegioJet takes a different route via Brno and Vienna, arriving at Budapest Deli rather than Nyugati. The journey takes slightly longer. This route is worth considering if Vienna is a planned stop, but for a direct Prague-Budapest trip the Bratislava route is faster.

No change of train is required on either route.

Budapest arrival

Your Budapest arrival station depends on which train you take, and they are not interchangeable. Book a transfer to the wrong one and you will be on the wrong side of the city.

Budapest Nyugati is the arrival station for railjet, comfortjet, EuroCity, and Metropol trains. It is in Pest, on the Pest side of the Danube, close to the centre. Metro Line 3 (blue line) stops at Nyugati palyaudvar directly outside the station. The station has left-luggage lockers, taxis outside, and is a short metro ride from most accommodation in central Budapest.

Budapest Deli is the arrival station for RegioJet. It is in Buda, on the western side of the Danube. Metro Line 2 (red line) stops at Deli palyaudvar, giving direct access to the city centre. Deli is smaller than Nyugati but well connected.

Check your ticket carefully before leaving for the city. If your ticket shows Nyugati, do not plan your transfer via Deli, and vice versa.

Budapest Keleti is not used by any of the services on this route.

Costs and how to save money

Advance fares and booking windows

Book early to get the best price on railjet and EuroCity. Czech Railways advance fares, called First Minute fares, for 2nd class start from around EUR 21. The same ticket bought on the day without a reservation typically costs around EUR 70. Advance fares are non-refundable, so only book them when your plans are fixed.

RegioJet does not use the same advance-purchase model. Its fares are available without a long booking window, so it is a good option when you are booking closer to your travel date.

For the Metropol sleeper, book as early as possible if you want a private compartment. Couchette places go later; private sleeper berths, especially singles, sell out first on busy dates.

Discounts

• ISIC student card: RegioJet offers a 10% discount in Standard and Relax classes for ISIC cardholders. This does not apply to Low Cost or Business class.
• Children under 15: reduced fares are available on CD and MAV services; check cd.cz for current conditions.
• Seniors 65 and over: CD offers reduced fares for seniors on First Minute tickets; check cd.cz for current eligibility and rates.

Train versus flight on this route

The train is direct from one central station to another with no check-in or airport transfer. Advance fares start lower than many Central European flights once you factor in baggage and airport access costs. For most travellers on this route, the train is the most practical choice.

Interrail and Eurail passes

Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on all three services on this route: railjet/comfortjet/EuroCity, RegioJet, and the Metropol sleeper.

Do not board the Metropol with only your pass. The pass covers the travel day, but you still need to pay for your accommodation on the train, whether a couchette or a sleeper. Supplements cost the same as the standard booking prices: couchette from EUR 48 (6-berth) or EUR 56 (4-berth), sleeper from EUR 87. Book via cd.cz.

On railjet, comfortjet, and EuroCity: a seat reservation is optional, not compulsory, but is worth booking in busy periods. The fee is around EUR 3 per journey, booked via cd.cz.

On RegioJet: a small passholder reservation fee applies, which varies by class. Book through the RegioJet website.

A pass makes most sense if you are combining this journey with several other European legs. For a single Prague-Budapest trip, compare the point-to-point fare against the cost of a pass plus reservation before deciding.

Key facts at a glance

Railjet and comfortjet trains arrive at Budapest Nyugati. RegioJet arrives at Budapest Deli. No services on this route use Budapest Keleti.