Lowest Prices
We partner with the top coach & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are 4 daily trains from Cologne to Budapest. Traveling by train from Cologne to Budapest usually takes around 22 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can make the trip in 11 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 594 mi (956 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 5m |
| Lowest price | €55.35 |
| Most frequent service | FlixTrain |
| Train lines | 4 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Cologne to Budapest?
In the last month, €79.75 was the average price of a train ticket from Cologne to Budapest. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 14 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €54.24 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Cologne to Budapest often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only €106,
If you're thinking of traveling from Cologne to Budapest during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €161 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Cologne to Budapest?
There are 4 train lines with service from Cologne to Budapest. FlixTrain is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity-Express | 7 | 13h 2m | €131.46 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 16 | 12h 53m | €127.48 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 4 | 16h 56m | €229.29 |
| FlixTrain | 3 | 22h 40m | €87.31 |
The most popular Deutsche Bahn ICE routes travel to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, and Munich. Seating is spacious with a good amount of legroom, and onboard amenities include complimentary WiFi, restrooms, and a restaurant car selling beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Unlike the rest of the Deutsche Bahn network, ticket prices on Deutsche Bahn ICE services are not based on a per-kilometer rate but on specific station-to-station links.
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Cologne to Budapest start from €146, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Budapest. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Cologne leaves from Central Station and one other station. And in Budapest trains arrive at Budapest-Déli and one other train station.
From Cologne to Budapest train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 16 hours and 56 minutes. If you are looking to get to Budapest faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 11 hours and 5 minutes.
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 Central Station in Cologne and arrives at Üllői út 131 in Budapest after about 22 hours and 40 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Cologne and Budapest is approximately 594 miles, or 956 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 5 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.
Friday 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 Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cologne at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 06:00. 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 4 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 Central Station
Cologne has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Budapest.
All train stations in Cologne:
Cologne Central Station
Central Station
Köln Messe/Deutz Gl.11-12
Where is the train station in Budapest?
Image credit: Globetrotter19
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Üllői út 131
The station at Üllői út 131 is Budapest's center of intercity bus transport, plus a hub for local bus and subway services that run through the Népliget station. The station itself is large and spacious, so you can expect to find public restrooms as well as a comfortable waiting area with seats. The station's location is slightly south of Budapest's inner city, but there are still many cafes and hotels in the area since the immense People's Park and the MVM Dome are on either side of the station. Many of Budapest's local buses stop here, along with intercity service on lines including FlixBus and Slovak Lines.
Train stations in Budapest:
Üllői út 131
Etele tér
Airport Terminal 2A
Budapest-Déli
Budapest-Keleti
Budapest-Kelenföld
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Budapest to Cologne?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Cologne
Continue by train from Budapest
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more