Cheap bus tickets from Zurich to Budapest
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Zurich to Budapest Bus Schedule
Bus from Zurich to Budapest: Journey Information
There are 12 intercity buses per day from Zurich to Budapest. Traveling by bus from Zurich to Budapest usually takes around 16 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 490 mi (789 km) |
| Shortest duration | 13h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $52.07 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Zurich to Budapest?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Zurich to Budapest. FlixBus connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 12 | 16h 22m | $87.79 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 12 trips from Zurich to Budapest, and usually makes the trip in about 16 hours and 22 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Zurich to Budapest
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 490 miles from Zurich to Budapest. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Budapest at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Zurich to Budapest, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Zurich to Budapest every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Zurich to Budapest; ticket prices start at $79.49.
City Information
Zurich
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Europe, the Swiss capital lies at the northwestern tip of the eponymous Lake Zurich. This cosmopolitan city is buzzing year-round with vibrant city life, while the relaxing and peaceful Alps are less than an hour away.
Lake Zurich provides an elegant focal point of the city, with daily cruises available to explore this vast lake. Many chic cafes and restaurants are dotted along the banks, epitomizing Zurich's urban and cosmopolitan vibe.
The Old Town, or Altstadt, is arguably one of the city's most beautiful areas, characterized by winding cobblestone streets and medieval-style architecture. Here, you'll discover some of Zurich's most iconic landmarks, such as St Peter's church with its impossibly large clock face, the largest clock in Europe.
If the weather isn't suited to wandering, there are over 50 museums within Zurich to explore. Go traditional with the Swiss National Museum, or opt for something a bit more exhilarating at the FIFA Museum.
Zurich's airport is the largest in Switzerland, and it is just 10 kilometers from the city center. Several train carriers, including the German Deutsche Bahn network, operate routes to Zurich from across Europe. Long-distance buses also make it easy to reach Zurich from cities like Bern, Stuttgart, Munich, and Milan.
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 does the bus leave from in Zurich?
Main departure station: Limmatstrasse 5
Zurich Central Bus Station is directly next to Zurich HB (the city's central train station), and buses operate here to various destinations across Europe. Although there are few amenities for the station, most people rely on the train station's extensive shopping facilities, including restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, and souvenir shops. There is also a large, multi-story parking garage and stops for different services, such as Flixbus and OneBus. Flixbus also has a ticket and information center here, although they encourage passengers to buy tickets online in advance. Destinations include Paris, Nantes, Salzburg, Sofia, and Bucharest.
All bus stations in Zurich:
Limmatstrasse 5
Where does the bus arrive 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.
All bus stations in Budapest:
Üllői út 131
Etele tér
Airport Terminal 2A
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