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Trip Summary
12 trains operate daily from Essen to Budapest. The train trip from Essen to Budapest is usually about 22 hours and 55 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest FlixTrain train can get you there in as little as 17 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 604 mi (973 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 51m |
| Lowest price | €45.70 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Essen to Budapest?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Essen to Budapest. However, there are 12 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 12 | 22h 56m | €80.21 |
Part of the FlixBus family, FlixTrain launched in 2018 to offer affordable and sustainable train travel in Germany. Its trains provide Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and access to an entertainment portal full of movies, games, and music. In addition, each passenger gets a guaranteed seat, so you don't have to worry about standing in any aisles. FlixTrain operates 12 daily trips to Budapest from Essen. The train usually departs from Essen Hbf in Essen and arrives at Etele tér in Budapest after about 22 hours and 56 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Essen and Budapest is approximately 604 miles, or 973 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 51 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Essen to Budapest are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Essen at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 12 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Budapest to Essen.
City Information
Budapest
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As the commercial and cultural hub of Hungary, Budapest is a multi-faceted city that appeals to many different kinds of travelers. The city’s star attraction is the blue Danube, which runs through town, dividing it in two. To explore the river to its fullest, you should go on a boat cruise. This is also a good way to enjoy an unobstructed view of the surrounding architecture. After enjoying the sapphire-colored water of the Danube, take a stroll around the historic Castle Hill quarter, which features cobblestone streets and quaint old buildings. While here, don’t hesitate to visit the area’s iconic Buda Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. For those who do not want to pass up a good photo shoot, Fisherman’s Bastion offers amazing panoramic views.
If you are looking for some unique Hungarian dishes, Arany Kaviar Restaurant offers a great selection. For a more casual experience, Hoppacska is a great choice.
The three main rail stations in Budapest are Keleti, Nyugati, and Déii, which offer access to various other Hungarian and European cities. The main bus station is Népliget and it is located on the edge of Budapest’s popular People’s Park. The main airport in the city is the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main departure station: Essen Hbf
There is one train station in Essen.
All train stations in Essen:
Essen Hbf
Where is the train station in Budapest?
Main arrival station: Etele tér
There are more train stations and stops in Budapest than most cities. Most trains from Essen will stop at one (or more) of the 4 following stations in Budapest:
Train stations in Budapest:
Etele tér
Üllői út 131
Airport Terminal 2A
Mexikói út
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Need a return trip from Budapest to Essen?
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