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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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Take the train from Zürich to Budapest in 11 hours 22 minutes
If you want to travel from Zürich to Budapest by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Zürich to Budapest by train to take around 13 hours 2 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 11 hours 22 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 14 trains per day running on this route, which spans 790 km. You'll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Budapest. Both ÖBB and SBB trains operate on this route, offering modern comfortable services with plenty of room for luggage as standard.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Zürich to Budapest start from $44.55 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Zürich to Budapest by train
It takes an average of 13h 2m to travel from Zürich to Budapest by train, over a distance of around 491 miles (790 km). There are normally 14 trains per day traveling from Zürich to Budapest and tickets for this journey start from $44.55 when you book in advance.
| First train | 12:24 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:38 pm | |
| Departure station | Zürich | |
| Arrival station | Budapest | |
| Journey time | From 11h 22m | |
| Distance | 491 miles (790 km) | |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From $44.55 | |
| Train and bus operators |
ÖBB and SBB trains from Zürich to Budapest
ÖBB
SBB
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 Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Cheap train tickets from Zürich 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 Zürich 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.
FAQs for Zürich to Budapest
Want to know more about your journey from Zürich to Budapest? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Zürich to Budapest take?
The average journey time by train between Zürich and Budapest is 13 hours and 2 minutes, with around 14 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Zürich and Budapest by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Zürich to Budapest is 11 hours and 22 minutes.
How much does the train from Zürich to Budapest cost?
Train tickets from Zürich to Budapest can start from as little as $44.55 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Zürich to Budapest?
No, there are no direct train services from Zürich to Budapest. Travelling from Zürich to Budapest by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Zürich to Budapest leave?
The first train from Zürich to Budapest leaves at 00:24. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Zürich to Budapest leave?
The last train from Zürich to Budapest leaves at 22:38. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Zürich and Budapest by train?
Trains travelling from Zürich to Budapest cover a distance of around 491 miles (790 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Budapest to Zürich.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.