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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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About the train journey from Berlin to Budapest
Want to travel from Berlin to Budapest by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Berlin to Budapest usually takes 12 hours 7 minutes on average to travel 687 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 10 hours 51 minutes. You can expect to find 14 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Budapest, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. You can choose to travel with DB or ÖBB to get to Budapest – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time. Budapest has a number of stations - check out our guide to the main station, Budapest Keleti, for more info on what to expect.
If you'd like to maximize your time in Budapest, you can take a overnight sleeper train from Berlin. For more information, check out our guide on what to expect on a sleeper train in Europe.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Berlin to Budapest in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from £27.17.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Budapest, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Berlin to Budapest by train
It takes an average of 11h 56m to travel from Berlin to Budapest by train, over a distance of around 427 miles (687 km). There are normally 16 trains per day traveling from Berlin to Budapest and tickets for this journey start from $41.61 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:17 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:34 pm | |
| Departure station | Berlin | |
| Arrival station | Budapest | |
| Journey time | From 10h 44m | |
| Distance | 427 miles (687 km) | |
| Frequency | 16 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $41.61 | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Berlin to Budapest
Want to know more about your journey from Berlin to Budapest? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Berlin to Budapest?
How close is Berlin to Budapest by train?
Which train companies operate from Berlin to Budapest?
Is it possible to get from Berlin to Budapest without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Berlin to Budapest?
What time does the first train from Berlin to Budapest leave?
What time does the last train from Berlin to Budapest leave?
How often are trains from Berlin and Budapest?
Do you need to book the train from Berlin to Budapest in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Berlin to Budapest?
Deutsche Bahn, EC (Eurocity) and ÖBB trains from Berlin to Budapest
Deutsche Bahn
EC (Eurocity)
ÖBB
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
More information
EuroCity (EC) trains offer convenient European cross-border connections between major cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria – it's often a good alternative to air travel.
More information
- Eurocity /
- Trenitalia /
- Deutsche Bahn /
- SBB /
- ÖBB
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Eurocity (EC) and ÖBB Eurocity classes from Berlin to Budapest
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurocity (EC) and ÖBB Eurocity when traveling from Berlin to Budapest.
Eurocity (EC)
ÖBB Eurocity
Second Class
Traveling in Second Class? Enjoy air-conditioning, power outlets and a bar car where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
First Class
Want to treat yourself? Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom, a quiet area and an in-seat meal service.
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Seat reservation
Economy
The Economy Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Baggage storage
- Air conditioning
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Power outlets
- In-seat meal service
First Class
There are plenty of amenities in First Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains, including adjustable seats, additional legroom and an in-seat meal service.
- Baggage storage
- Air conditioning
- Dining car
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Power outlets
- In-seat meal service
Onboard services on Eurocity (EC) and ÖBB Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Berlin to Budapest.
Eurocity (EC)
ÖBB Eurocity
You can take as much baggage as you like for free without making a reservation.
Baggage items include briefcases, laptops, rucksacks, trolley bags or suitcases. You can also take pushchairs, folding bikes, scooters, skis and surfboards.
Baggage should be stored under the seat or in the overhead baggage rack. The standard dimensions of baggage racks are 70 x 50 x 30 cm (27.5 x 19.6 x 11.8 inches). Larger items of baggage such as suitcases can be stored in the large baggage racks by the doors.
With EC, you can enjoy food and drink in the onboard restaurant, or you can grab a snack from the bistro carriage. If you opt for the latter, you can enjoy your food and drink in the bistro or take it back to your seat.
In First Class, you will be served complimentary food and drink at your seat.
DB trains offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and drink, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Deutsche Bahn are gradually installing free WiFi on all EC trains.
When traveling with EC, children under 5 years old travel free of charge and don’t require a ticket. Also, children up to 14 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by a person who is at least 15 years old.
On board most EC trains, you will find a family compartment or area suitable for families with babies and children up to the age of 3 years old.
When traveling with EC, you need a bicycle ticket and a reservation to take a bicycle with you. The reservation for your bike is included in the price.
Usually, bike storage spaces are located in second-class carriages. Please note that your seat and bike storage space might be located in different carriages.
If you’re traveling on an EC train, you can take your pet with you. If you have a small dog or pet, you do not need an additional ticket and they can travel for free in a transport box. If your dog or pet is bigger than the size of a house cat, you will need an extra ticket, which costs 50% less than a standard ticket. Dogs not traveling in a transport box must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
The Mobility Service can help you with boarding, disembarking and changing trains. In addition, staff are happy to answer any questions or assist with any queries to make your journey easier.
You can take your baggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re traveling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
A restaurant car is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.
Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re traveling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Kids aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for kids in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if it can be folded and is not larger than 90 x 60 x 40cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 15.7''). You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike so it's clearly visible to the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of car, several wheelchair bays, including one seat for an accompanying person, can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the in-seat meal service on offer there.
Cheap train tickets from Berlin to Budapest
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Berlin to Budapest by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.