With airlines charging extra for luggage and airports becoming increasingly crowded during the holiday season, international train travel is enjoying a renaissance across Europe. From Budapest, travellers can reach major capitals, the Adriatic coast and even Germany or Switzerland without stepping on a plane.
Here’s a complete guide to the most popular international train routes from Hungary this summer, including destinations, approximate ticket prices, journey times and where to book.
Vienna: The easiest international getaway
Austria is the most popular rail destination from Hungary. Frequent Railjet and EuroCity services connect Budapest and Vienna almost every hour, making it one of Europe’s most convenient cross-border rail routes.
Journey time: approximately 2 hours 25–40 minutes
From: from around EUR 9–15 when booked well in advance, although last-minute fares can be considerably higher.
From Vienna, travellers can easily continue towards Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich or Italy.
Bratislava: A quick day trip
Slovakia’s capital is even closer than Vienna and can comfortably be visited as a day trip.
Journey time: around 2 hours 20 minutes
From: typically EUR 10–20, depending on availability and booking date.
Many services continue onwards to Prague or Berlin, making Bratislava an excellent stop on a longer Central European journey.
Prague: One of Central Europe’s favourite city breaks
Direct EuroCity trains connect Budapest with the Czech capital several times daily.
Journey time: approximately 6 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours
From: roughly EUR 19–30 with advance purchase.
The scenic journey passes through Slovakia before reaching Prague’s historic centre.
Berlin and Hamburg without changing trains
Several direct EuroCity and overnight services link Hungary with Germany.
Budapest–Berlin daytime services take around 11–12 hours, while the overnight Metropol service allows passengers to sleep through much of the journey. The historic Hungaria EuroCity continues beyond Berlin all the way to Hamburg.
Typical advance fares:
- Berlin: from around EUR 30–40
- Hamburg: generally from EUR 40–60, depending on demand.
Munich and Stuttgart overnight
Travellers heading to southern Germany can board the popular EuroNight sleeper. The Kalman Imre night train reaches Munich in roughly 9 hours and Stuttgart in just over 12 hours.
Accommodation options include:
- standard seats
- couchettes
- private sleeping compartments
Advance fares generally begin around EUR 30 for seated travel, while sleeper compartments cost more depending on comfort level.
Zurich: Wake up in Switzerland
Budapest also enjoys a direct overnight connection to Zurich.
Journey time: approximately 12–13 hours
Travellers can board in Budapest during the evening and arrive in Switzerland the following morning. Advance tickets usually start at approximately EUR 40–50, with couchette and sleeper supplements available.
The Adriatic returns: Croatia and Slovenia
One of the highlights of summer 2026 is the return of seasonal overnight trains to the Adriatic.
Split (Croatia)
The popular Adria InterCity operates between 3 July and 2 October 2026, running several times each week. Passengers leave Budapest in the evening and arrive in Split the next morning.
Starting fares: from around EUR 49 for seated accommodation, with couchettes and sleepers available at higher prices.
Rijeka and Koper
The seasonal Retro Istria Express once again connects Budapest with:
- Rijeka (Croatia)
- Koper (Slovenia)
The train divides in Ljubljana before continuing towards the Croatian and Slovenian coasts. Promotional fares begin from approximately EUR 20, making it one of the cheapest ways to reach the Adriatic this summer.
Romania: Bucharest by sleeper
Travellers can also reach Romania directly by overnight train. The EuroNight Ister service connects Budapest with Bucharest.
Journey time: around 15 hours
Advance fares: generally from EUR 30–40, depending on accommodation type.
Where can you buy international train tickets?
Most international rail tickets from Hungary can be purchased through:
- MÁV’s international ticket offices
- the official MÁV online booking system
- the ÖBB booking platform for Austrian and Nightjet-operated services
- Deutsche Bahn for many German connections.
Booking several weeks or months ahead often results in dramatic savings, especially for Railjet, EuroCity and overnight services. Promotional fares are usually limited and sell out quickly during the summer holiday season.
Tips for travelling this summer
International rail travel offers several advantages over flying:
- city-centre to city-centre travel
- generous luggage allowances
- no airport security queues
- comfortable overnight options that save on hotel costs
- lower carbon emissions.
For the busiest summer routes (particularly those to Croatia, Slovenia, Germany and Switzerland) seat reservations and sleeper compartments can sell out weeks in advance. Travellers planning a July or August holiday are therefore advised to book as early as possible.
If you missed it: Budapest to Split: Hungary’s popular Adriatic night train returns for summer 2026!
