For anyone going from Budapest to Prague, figuring out your travel options is important. Many tourists choose to travel by train from one city to the other. In this article, we give you the facts you require to know when using trains between Budapest and Prague.

A look at the train service from Budapest to Prague

The journey by train from Budapest to Prague leads through Central Europe, letting you see enjoyable scenery and interesting communities along the way. Traveling on this route is a great way to discover the area and gain the benefits of train travel.

The journey takes 525 kilometers (326 miles) and links two of the most famous cultural centers in Europe. Along the way, you’ll see sights of the Danube, hills and typical villages as you travel through Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Regardless of how much you’ve traveled in Europe, this route is sure to please you with comfort and views.

How to get on a train from Budapest to Prague

Regarding trains, you can be happy to find several departures each day from Budapest to Prague. The amount of time it takes to get to your destination will depend on the sort of train you take.

• If you want to go fast, take a direct train to Prague, as this usually takes about 6-7 hours. The trains are run mainly by Czech Railways (České dráhy) and occasionally join forces with Hungarian Railways (MÁV) and Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). On EuroCity (EC) routes, you can use direct services featuring air-conditioned cars, power points, bathrooms and Wi-Fi on many trains.
• You can use a connecting train, as this might mean a change at a city station along the route, for example Vienna or Bratislava. Though it may take slightly longer, you have time to discover different cities or towns while you’re traveling.

At Budapest Keleti (Eastern) Station which serves the city’s international trains, you will depart for Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station), a short walk or metro ride from the town center.

Buying your train tickets

You can easily book train tickets from Budapest to Prague. You can buy your tickets in different ways.

• Booking online is usually one of the easiest options; you can use reputable sites or go directly to train company websites. You are able to check prices, pick the time you want to travel and confirm your seats early. You can travel with CD.cz or MAV.hu for Czech and Hungarian trains, respectively or you can search on international websites like Trainline and Omio.
• You can buy your tickets for trains at the Budapest train station by visiting the counter. You should book your trips in advance when it’s busy, as various travel periods may cause limited seat availability.

Depending on how much time you allow, the type of seat you want and whether the train is full, prices differ. Early booking means you may pay as little as €20–€30 for a second-class ticket.

Ways to make your trip more pleasant

To have a pleasant and trouble-free trip by train from Budapest to Prague, follow these helpful tips.

• Come to the train station before your train is due, so you can deal with any unwanted delays or find your platform easily. The large crowds at Budapest Keleti mean you should allow yourself a bit more time to get around.
• Pack some food and drinks: A few trains will have places to buy snacks, but it’s safer to bring your own. Having something you enjoy ready to eat is nice when you’re watching what you eat or traveling outside of normal dining hours.
• Be neat: Keep your most important travel documents close so you easily retrieve them. Documents may be checked several times by some ticket inspectors during international travel.
• Pack some entertainment: Long trips on the train can be relaxing, but having a book, music or a podcast will make the time go by faster. You can use the train’s Wi-Fi to watch content or reply to emails.
• Stay aware of the great views while you travel and snap some pictures to remember the moment. You’ll see beautiful rivers, beautiful mountains and great country views right from your seat.
• Usually, European trains allow you to take whatever luggage you can manage, but be sure your bags fit into the racks. Put labels on your bags and don’t leave your valuables inside them.

Conclusion

Visiting Prague and Budapest by train from Budapest is both simple and enjoyable. Because of its regular journeys, short travel times and wonderful views, taking the train appeals to many who choose to travel. Arranging your tickets on time, planning in advance and using the tips mentioned will make your trip enjoyable. Have a wonderful holiday!

If you like the classic look of Budapest or the enchanting architecture of Prague, the journey by train is an extra chance to enjoy your visit.