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Trip Summary
84 trains operate daily from Budapest to Essen. The train trip from Budapest to Essen is usually about 14 hours and 13 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Deutsche Bahn train can get you there in as little as 12 hours and 23 minutes.
| Distance | 604 mi (973 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 23m |
| Lowest price | $65.87 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Budapest to Essen?
2 train services operate from Budapest to Essen. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company usually has more trains scheduled, with 58 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bahn | 31 | 14h 29m | $106.81 |
| Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company | 58 | 14h 3m | $185.87 |
Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company train tickets from Budapest to Essen start from $76, and on average cost . Daily there are 58 Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company schedules to Essen. Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company in Budapest leaves from Budapest-Keleti and 2 other stations. And in Essen trains arrive at Kettwig and 5 other train stations.
From Budapest to Essen train travel on Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company takes 14 hours and 3 minutes. If you are looking to get to Essen faster, Deutsche Bahn with non-federally owned railway company offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 12 hours and 23 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Budapest and Essen is approximately 604 miles, or 973 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 23 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Budapest to Essen on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Budapest at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. 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 84 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 Essen 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.
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
Budapest-Déli
Budapest-Kelenföld
Where is the train station in Essen?
Main arrival station: Kettwig
There are more train stations and stops in Essen than most cities. Most trains from Budapest will stop at one (or more) of the 6 following stations in Essen:
All train stations in Essen:
Kettwig
Essen-Werden
Train Station
Kettwig Stausee
Essen-Kupferdreh
Essen-Dellwig
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Need a return trip from Essen to Budapest?
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