Zagreb to Budapest by train

A direct IC 201 runs from Zagreb Glavni kolodvor to Budapest-Déli each day. It leaves at 16:30 and arrives at 22:24, so the journey takes 5 hours 54 minutes. There is no change.

The direct Zagreb to Budapest train

IC 201 is the only direct train from Zagreb to Budapest. It leaves Zagreb Glavni kolodvor at 16:30 and reaches Budapest-Déli at 22:24, a journey of 5 hours 54 minutes.

The train back is a different service. IC 204 leaves Budapest-Déli at 15:35 and reaches Zagreb at 22:03. In summer, IC 1206 from Budapest Keleti takes its place.

Times, stations and operators

There is one direct train a day from Zagreb to Budapest. HŽPP operates IC 201 from Zagreb Glavni kolodvor, and MÁV operates the matching Hungarian service into Budapest-Déli. The train runs through Koprivnica, Nagykanizsa and Siófok to Budapest-Déli, with no change on the way.

Zagreb Glavni kolodvor is at Trg kralja Tomislava 12. The ticket office is open every day from 5:20 to 21:40, and the information desk is in the vestibule, with Passenger Service at Platform 1. Arrive with enough time to find the international platform and keep your ticket ready.

The train arrives at Budapest-Déli, at Krisztina krt. 37/a. Budapest-Déli has domestic and international ticket services, customer service and luggage storage. The station map also shows the M2 metro connection, which is useful for continuing into Budapest.

Tickets, reservations and rail passes

Buy the international ticket and any optional reservation at an HŽPP international ticket office. HŽPP recommends buying them in advance.

Seat reservations are optional on IC 201 for rail pass holders. Book one anyway: domestic InterCity trains in Hungary require a reservation, and this is the only direct train of the day. If you buy a ticket instead of using a pass, you can buy a seat reservation at the same time.

An Interrail Global Pass valid in both Croatia and Hungary covers travel on the participating HŽ and MÁV-START network. The pass does not include a seat reservation, which is optional on this train.

Arriving at Budapest-Déli

Budapest-Déli is the arrival station for IC 201, rather than Budapest Keleti. It has ticket offices, customer service and luggage storage, and the M2 metro station is at the station. Check the arrival station before arranging a hotel transfer or a connection across the city.

If IC 201 does not suit your day, build a connecting itinerary in the HŽPP or MÁV timetable. For the other direction, see the Budapest to Zagreb page. A change can make the trip much longer, so leave a clear margin when you have a fixed arrival plan.