Best Ways to travel between Prague and Budapest

Prague and Budapest are two of the most highly visited capital cities in Europe. Although a country or two separates them (we’re looking at you, Slovakia and Austria), it really doesn’t take that long to get between both capitals. 

And there are tons of reasons you should visit both during your next European getaway! Prague is home to Old Town, Charles Bridge, Vltava River, Prague Castle complex, and much more. You can wander around the cobblestone streets, gaze at the beautiful buildings, enjoy the crisp Pilsner beer, and get lost in the sprawling castle complex (the biggest in Europe!). 

You will marvel at how inexpensive everything is in Budapest, having a locally-sourced fine dining meal for just under $15 per person. You will love the Budapest baths for a relaxing afternoon after sightseeing during the morning hours. Talk to the locals to find out the best places to eat, visit, and see during your upcoming trip. 

And when you are ready to move to the next city, there are a few ways you can travel between Prague, Czech Republic, and Budapest, Hungary.

Rent a Car

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One of the best ways to get from Prague to Budapest is to rent a car. Sure, it will be a LOT more expensive if you are crossing country borders — and hundreds of dollars (or thousands) more costly if you decide to do a one-way rental. 

But the upside of this way is that you can go at your leisure, be more flexible, and stop as many times as you want along the way. If you find places that you want to stop on the road trip between Prague and Budapest, sometimes a car can be the best bet. 

At just about 550 kilometers of road separating the two capital cities, the scenic route is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. You can pass through the Ceske Budejovice and Vienna, taking your time to stop in some Bavarian cities and countryside towns as you meander through Austria. 

If you want to rent a car beginning in Prague, consider looking at the airport to find the lowest prices. Look at reputable companies known around the world, such as Europcar or Sixt, to work with English-speaking agents who can help you figure out the best plan for your upcoming vacation. 

*Tip – You may need an international driving permit depending on your driver’s license nationality. Make sure you check with the driving rules beforehand! 

Company: Multiple (Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Rent Plus, G8way, Avis, Green Motion, Right Cars, etc.) 

Price: €40 to €100 per day (not including one-way fees) 

Train

Regio Panter – By Lasy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48303073

The following way to get from Prague to Budapest is by train. If we had to choose one way to travel, this would be it! Not only are the trains clean, fast, and convenient, but they are the best combination of cost-effectiveness and speed. 

Plus, we love how trains are ideal for those who are remotely working on their holidays. Need to write a paper for school? No problem! The trains almost always have WiFi and power outlets that make travel a breeze. 

If you are coming from Prague, head to the Praha Hlavni Nadrazi station (the main station), and in just under 7 hours, you will be walking around the streets of Budapest. If you want to combine convenience with a lower price, purchase a 2nd class seat. Although first-class seems more luxurious, they are basically the same — but just a little bit more room. So if you don’t mind having about one foot less space in front of your seat, opt for second class. 

If you aren’t a fan of lengthy train rides and would prefer to sleep, get the sleeper train! This convenient option is more expensive, but it is also the price of your accommodation for the night, so take that into consideration when planning your budget.

Head to the Czech Rail website to find the best tickets for your desired date of departure. 

Company: Ceske Drahy 

Price: €30 to €90

Bus

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The third option to travel from Prague to Budapest is by bus. So, firsthand, I have done this — but if I could go back, I would recommend the train. I was a super budget-conscious traveler when I was 21, so any extra money was a no-no. However, now that I have just a little more funds in my account, the added voice and comfort of the train are well worth the slightly higher price.

The bus is great for those who like to sleep on long car rides and want the cheapest option. However, the bus is prone to traffic, cramped spaces, and limited luggage space. BUT for those who want flexibility and want to buy a ticket to Budapest on a whim, the bus is the most cost-effective option, with multiple departure times throughout the day (the earliest is 2:30 am and the latest is 11 pm). 

Company: Multiple (Arda, Flixbus, Student Agency, Andanas Trans, DMD Group) 

Price: €15 to €30 

Plane

Prague Airport Terminal 2 – By Felix Riehle – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77587148

The last option is flying from Prague to Budapest. Although this seems a bit unnecessary due to the cape proxy of the two cities, sometimes you can find cheap flights from one to the next that are under $30 a person. Or, if you are really in a rush and you are staying by the Prague airport, toucan head here for a 90-minute flight that has you touching down in Budapest in no time. 

Check out Ryanair or Czech Airlines to find budget deals! 

Company: Multiple Airlines

Price: €17 to €60 

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