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Trip Summary
You can pick from 12 daily train trips between Budapest and Kiel. The average train journey from Budapest to Kiel takes 16 hours, but some Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train trips are as short as 14 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 610 mi (982 km) |
| Fastest train | 14h 19m |
| Lowest price | $187.02 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Budapest to Kiel?
2 train services operate from Budapest to Kiel. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company usually has more trains scheduled, with 11 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 1 | 15h 30m | $187.02 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 11 | 16h 3m | $197.58 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Budapest to Kiel start from $187, and on average cost . Daily there are 11 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Kiel. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Budapest leaves from Budapest-Keleti . And in Kiel trains arrive at Kiel-Elmschenhagen and 4 other train stations.
From Budapest to Kiel train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 16 hours and 3 minutes. If you are looking to get to Kiel faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 14 hours and 19 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Budapest and Kiel is approximately 610 miles, or 982 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 19 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 Budapest to Kiel are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Budapest at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 Kiel to Budapest.
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.
Kiel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Kiel is a port city on the coast of the Baltic Sea, known for its role in WWII as the base of Germany's submarine fleet. Large ferries transport visitors from Scandinavia into the city. So, if you're ready to discover Kiel, start at its harbor. Right on the waterfront, the Kiellinie is a promenade that begins at Schlossgarten and ends at Hindenburgufer. It is filled with sailing clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a small aquarium.
For more water-based attractions, check out the Kiel Canal, a manufactured canal that runs from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In nearby Holtenau, you can watch ships pass through the locks and learn more in a small museum devoted to the canal.
If you want to experience Kiel's history, then the Schiffahrtsmuseum is a must-see. This maritime museum is appropriately located where Kiel's fish market used to be. Paintings, installations, and even ships showcase the city's legacy in the maritime industry.
There is definitely a lot to see, do, and experience in Kiel. To get to the city, you can ride Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, or FlixTrain. There are also a few buses serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Budapest?
Image credit: zoetnet
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Budapest-Keleti
Budapest-Keleti is the central station for railway transportation services in Budapest. Although it is located about 2 miles from the city center, a metro stop at the station connects you to the subway system. The station was constructed in 1884, and it has gone through multiple renovations throughout its lifetime, but the splendor of its eclectic architectural style remains the same. The station features all sorts of amenities, including public restrooms, ATMs, food stalls, and much more. Intercity and international rail routes from Budapest go to such cities as Berlin, Krakow, and Prague.
All train stations in Budapest:
Budapest-Keleti
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Image credit: Vicuna R
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Kiel-Elmschenhagen
Kiel-Elschenhagen is a small train station on the southeastern side of Germany's northern city of Kiel. The station is served by Regiobahn trains and is only one stop from Kiel Central Station. Trains also depart regularly to the nearby city of Lübeck, running about every 30 minutes. The station has no amenities as there are only two platforms, but it's a quick walk away from shops and restaurants, including large REWE and Penny grocery stores.
Train stations in Kiel:
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
Kiel-Russee
oppendorf
ellerbek
Suchsdorf
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Need a return trip from Kiel to Budapest?
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