Cheap train tickets from Cologne to Budapest
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Cologne to Budapest Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Cologne to Budapest?
There are usually 17 daily bus trips available from Cologne to Budapest.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€81.40 | Avg. Price€95.30 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration19h 31m | Duration20h 11m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Cologne to Budapest. Traveling by train from Cologne to Budapest usually takes 23 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest FlixTrain train can make the trip in 17 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 594 mi (956 km) |
| Fastest train | 17h 56m |
| Lowest price | €56.93 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cologne to Budapest?
FlixTrain is the one and only train line which connects Cologne to Budapest. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixTrain | 3 | 23h 8m | €81.60 |
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 3 daily trips to Budapest from Cologne. The train usually departs from Cologne Messe Deutz Station - FlixTrain in Cologne and arrives at Airport Terminal 2A in Budapest after about 23 hours and 8 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Cologne to Budapest
The distance between Cologne and Budapest is approximately 594 miles, or 956 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 56 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cologne to Budapest. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 3 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 Cologne.
City Information
Cologne
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.
Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.
Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.
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 Cologne?
Main departure station: Cologne Messe Deutz Station - FlixTrain
Cologne has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Budapest.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Messe Deutz Station - FlixTrain
Cologne Central Station
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Where is the train station in Budapest?
Main arrival station: Airport Terminal 2A
There are more train stations and stops in Budapest than most cities. Most trains from Cologne will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Budapest:
All train stations in Budapest:
Airport Terminal 2A
Üllői út 131
Etele tér
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Budapest to Cologne?
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