From Budapest to Prague by Train

Traveling from Budapest to Prague by train might not be the cheapest, but the most comfortable choice!

The distance and as well the 7-hour long travel time is endurable in the first and second class cars, and the night trains also offer berths or sleeping cars. At the end of your trip you arrive in the heart of Prague, from where you can easily reach many parts of the city by subway or tram.

Travelling during daytime

Trains leave Nyugati trainstation in Budapest to Prague every two hours from 5:40 a.m. to 17:40 p.m. I recommend to reserve a seat! It will cost a little more, but you will surely have a seat and won’t have to give it up to the person who booked his ticket exactly where you sat down. On the train you can choose between compartment and cabin seats. Cabins may be more enclosed, however if you travel a lot, sitting here is a good way to separate from the other passengers. There are only second class cabins!

Many travelers compare the different train options between Prague and Budapest before deciding on their preferred travel class and schedule.

For travelers who enjoy flexibility, the vast to travel options include direct trains, night trains, and even scenic transfer tours. Each method offers its own advantages depending on budget, convenience, and experience preferences.

One popular way to travel from Budapest to Prague is by train. Czech RegioJet trains also operate on this route, offering budget-friendly alternatives with onboard services like free Wi-Fi and complimentary drinks.

From my experience, there is not much difference between first and second class cars. In the first class, there are two rows of seats on one side and one row on the other, so if two of you travel, you can sit facing each other and no one will be sitting next to you! In the first class, seats come with tables! In the second class there are double rows on both sides, but not every seat has a table. I think it is better to reserve a seat with table!

Most trains available on this route are air-conditioned, ensuring a more comfortable journey. The Prague rail system also provides modern trains with amenities like onboard dining and Wi-Fi, making the trip between the two cities more enjoyable. The travel classes on these trains vary, offering passengers different levels of comfort and service depending on their budget and preference.

For those who prefer a more scenic and customized experience, a Budapest to Prague transfer tour is also an excellent alternative, allowing travelers to explore sights along the way and travel in comfort.

Separate storage space has been developed for larger bags, but be careful when using it, don’t let greater value in the bags, and if possible, check them occasionally because this storage space is not always in your immediate vicinity.

Passengers with wheelchairs can take a seat in a car designed for them on these trains. Here you can find a space with a table by the window, and you can also charge the batteries from the nearby sockets. Of course, the toilet is barrier-free, too!

Every train service running from the capital of Hungary to Prague, capital of Czech Republic.

On the train passengers are awaited with a renewed menu and enhanced quality. Sweet-toothed travelers are welcome, too, as Kaiserschmarren and Gerbeaud can be picked besides the classic catering dishes! If you’re planning your time for lunch, the onboard dining car offers a convenient option during the trip.

High-speed trains are still not widely available on this route, but EuroCity trains provide a smooth and efficient journey. These air-conditioned trains ensure a comfortable trip, but it’s important to note that price can jump depending on demand. To get the cheapest fares, it’s best to book early, as there can be significant price differences between tickets bought in advance and those purchased last-minute. Checking a train review before booking can also help you decide on the best option for your trip.

Pro tip: You can take some Hungarian snacks with you on the train, for example from the Central Market Hall.

The direct train departs from platform 6 in most cases, but it is always best to check the train timetable and train information at the beginning of the platform. Board the train only after confirming your departure details. Departure information is crucial, especially if you are unfamiliar with Budapest’s train stations. On the day of travel, it’s crucial to arrive early. It departs from the central station, so make sure you are at the right place before boarding. The best way is to take a moment to verify the details to avoid getting on the wrong train!

It’s also important that the car number is on the side of the train, and you have to board the car corresponding to your ticket. If you have any questions, it is always worth asking the conductor!

Travelling during nighttime

If you want to save time when traveling from Budapest to Prague, choose a night train! The Budapest to Prague night train has sleeping cars and common seats as well. A night train departs from Keleti-trainstation at 19:25 p.m. Keep in mind that this train leaves from a different station than the daytime trains! There are different types of sleeper accommodations available, including couchettes and private compartments, allowing passengers to choose the level of comfort they prefer.

This goes to Hlavní Nádrazí trainstation in Prague, too, and arrives there at 8:15 a.m. Remember that this may be a quite early arrival and be prepared that you may only be able to occupy your accommodation at 11 a.m. or later! Night train has first and second classes, too, and cabins with more beds, which means you won’t be the only one sleeping in that cabin.

To ensure a smooth departure, it is advisable to arrive at the train station at least 20–30 minutes early to find your platform and boarding area.

Tickets from Budapest to Prague by train

Online tickets can be bought on this website or on the Czech Railways website. Please note that Budapest to Prague train tickets online can be only printed in Budapest, in the special ticketing machines at the train stations. It’s also important to note that ticket prices may vary depending on demand, and they tend to increase as the day of travel approaches. During the online buying you will get a 10-digit code that has to be entered into the ticketing machine, and your paper ticket will be printed. Also important that MÁV only accepts these kind of tickets! You can book your train tickets from Budapest to Prague personally at the Keleti train station too, next to platform 6, in the International Box Office.

In 2025, the first train from Budapest to Prague departs at 5:40 a.m., while the last train leaves at 17:40 p.m.

As far as I know, these tickets are limited to 6 pieces per train, they can not be bought online and are only valid for a specific date. SparDay and SparNight tickets are available from € 19 for the second class, from € 35 for the first class. It is worth reserving a seat because if you don’t have one, and someone has their seat where you sit, you have to give it up to them. The price of reserving a seat is € 3, and you can ask it to be next to a window or not next to a window, and there is one seat with table in every car.

Additionally, certain passengers, such as young children or those with special railway passes, may be eligible to travel for free on select trains, but it’s always best to check with the railway companies in advance.

MÁV also offers an excursion ticket, which is a return ticket for €49, valid for 4 days. This means you have about one day to explore Prague. For this ticket, you can also buy a 3-day public transport pass in Prague for €10. By the way, standard tickets cost €140 for first class and €93 for second class. If you travel on direct trains and buy your ticket for the Budapest–Prague route, railway companies offer huge discounts. By choosing a less popular train and booking in advance, you can travel to the Czech Republic for only €19!

Before traveling, it is worth asking as many options as possible, as you may get a better offer by choosing another train. The EuroCity Budapest to Prague train is among the most popular choices, offering a comfortable journey with several services onboard. Cheap tickets are always available in limited numbers per train, so it is worth buying tickets as soon as possible. However, the only downside to cheap tickets is that they are for a certain day and train and cannot be exchanged or redeemed. Some trains stop at Budapest before continuing their journey closer to Prague, while others operate as a direct extension to Prague. If you choose a high-speed Railjet train, you can expect a smooth and efficient ride. Many European train services on this route also provide excellent onboard facilities, making the journey more comfortable. Tickets can be bought at the international box office of MÁV, and you can find more information about the timetable and ticket prices on the website.

Checking a train review before booking can also help you utilize the travel options more effectively.

You can also buy a ticket for the train from Prague to Budapest at a low price.

End of the Journey in Prague

At the end of your trip, you arrive in the heart of Central Prague, from where you can easily reach many parts of the city by subway or tram. Whether you’re heading to historical sites or modern attractions, the city’s well-connected public transport makes it easy to explore.

Q&A