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Want to travel from Budapest to Bratislava by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Budapest to Bratislava usually takes 3 hours 33 minutes on average to travel 161 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 25 minutes. You can expect to find 11 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Bratislava, 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 ÖBB or Regiojet to get to Bratislava – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Budapest to Bratislava in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $26.69.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Bratislava, 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.
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.
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.
There are plenty of amenities in First Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains, including adjustable seats, additional legroom and an in-seat meal service.
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
In addition to the amenities of the Low Cost Class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power outlets and adjustable seats.
In the Relax Class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, leather seats and individual seating.
Travel in RegioJet’s Business Class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet car and enjoy spacious seats.
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.
There are no weight limits when it comes to baggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Strollers should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your stroller at the front or back of the car.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper cars or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
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 Budapest to Bratislava by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.