Is your upcoming travel plan taking you from Budapest to Barcelona? Riding a train saves time and helps you admire the countryside. This guide will describe the best routes, ticket costs and important tips to make your journey as relaxed as possible.

1. Picking and Booking Activities

Always remember to plan how you will spend your trip before getting on the train. You can get to Barcelona from Budapest in just under 1500 kilometers which means you might want to pause your journey at different points on the road. Here are the two itineraries that are most common:

Start your trip in Budapest, go to Vienna and end in Barcelona.

If you are able, visit Vienna on your way to Barcelona. A trip there means getting to enjoy a beautiful part of Europe as well as breaking up the travel time. There are many trains that go between Budapest and Vienna and the trip takes about 2.5 hours. You can get a direct train from Vienna to Barcelona and it will take about 17 hours to complete the journey.

This way gives people the opportunity to visit two famous cities in Europe. You should allow at least a day or two to explore Vienna which has a long history, stunning palaces and lots of coffeehouses. Trains from Vienna to Barcelona make it possible to see many different countries and areas as you travel.

Itinerary starts in Budapest, then goes to Zurich, ending in Barcelona.

It is also possible to catch a train from Budapest to Zurich and after, travel by train all the way to Barcelona. It takes an average of 10 hours to get from Budapest to Zurich by train. From Zurich you can hop on a direct train to Barcelona; the ride lasts about 12 hours. This choice lets you see the beautiful Swiss countryside on the way to your destination.

Zurich is famous for its clear lakes, historical old town and location not far from the Alps. Stopping here gives you a taste of both the scenery and the culture. The route starts in Switzerland’s beautiful nature, moves through Italy’s lively city centers and continues to the colorful sights of Barcelona.

2. Buying your Tickets

Because you have your itinerary, you can now buy your train tickets. Some options you could use are:

Website Booking

Going to the website of the national train system is one of the best ways to purchase your tickets. For the trip from Budapest to Vienna, try the Hungarian State Railways (MAV) website and for the route from Vienna to Barcelona, the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) website is useful. Enter when you want to travel, choose your train and complete the booking step by step.

Booking on the official websites allows you to view the most correct timings and prices. Also, you can find offers or discounts that are only available on the railway’s own website. Be sure to see if your ticket grants you seat reservations and if there are any additional charges.

Third-Party Websites

Rail Europe and Trainline are two good options for finding out prices and looking at different alternatives. On these websites, you can look for trains, compare prices for tickets and reserve your seats all at the same time. Travelers who plan to move from one route to another and compare prices will benefit a lot from a flexible ticket.

On some sites, you are able to book flexible tickets and include several train operators’ services together. Keep in mind that a few websites may require you to pay a small fee for your booking which makes comparison a wise choice.

3. Travel Tips for Getting Through the Journey

Here are some basic things to keep in mind to have a smooth travel experience:

• Be at least 30 minutes early at the station so you aren’t stressed just before your train leaves.
• Travel Light: Carrying less will help you on days when stations or platforms are crowded or have steps.
• Be sure to pack food and beverages for the trip, mainly when traveling for a long time. Bear in mind that some trains offer food and drink in their dining cars or trolleys.Prepare some forms of entertainment like books, music or movies to enjoy during the trip.
• The Train May Suggest or Not Require Seat Reservations, So Be Sure to Check. It’s better to book your ticket before your planned trip, especially if you are traveling when many people do.
• Carry your passport, tickets and visas or ID safely and where you can quickly see them.
• Applying these guidelines helps you take stress out of traveling and focus on pleasure. While trains are often very comfortable in Europe, it helps a lot to be prepared in advance.

4. Have a Nice Trip on the Train

Trains make it easy to just sit, relax and take in the lovely European views as you travel between Budapest and Barcelona. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, talk to other passengers and have a good trip. Try to record some fantastic moments too!

The road to Barcelona takes you from Hungary’s plains through Austria, by the Swiss lakes, across southern France and lastly to the Mediterranean coast. The magic of riding a train includes noticing new outdoor sights right outside your window.

Comfortable seats and big windows in many trains give people the chance to enjoy the view outside. You might come across a few charismatic villages, old castles, local vineyards and amazing mountains as you travel. Oftentimes, the views from a train are just as impressive, if not more impressive and you get to enjoy smooth and spacious travel.

Traveling by train in Europe also allows people to meet people from many different places. Exchanging information and experiences with those near you adds to your trip and could get you meeting new friends.

Conclusion

You are all ready to start your train trip from Budapest to Barcelona with this guide. Set up your journey, buy your tickets and get ready for an amazing trip!

Riding the train from London to Paris gives you a chance to arrive in a calm state, experience some amazing European views and cultural moments along the way. No matter if you pick: Vienna, Zurich or decide on a mix with some stops in between, you’ll get comfort, convenience and enjoy an enriching travel experience.

Stuff your suitcase, pick out your train tunes and be set to tour by rail from Budapest all the way to Barcelona!