Best Ways to Travel Between Prague and Budapest: Complete Guide 2025

Prague and Budapest, two magnificent jewels of Central Europe, attract millions of visitors each year with their stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re planning to travel from Prague to Budapest or Budapest to Prague, there are several excellent options to match your preferences, timetable, and budget.

As a local who has made this journey countless times, I’ll guide you through all the best ways to travel between Prague and Budapest. From enriching tours with sightseeing stops to convenient private taxi services and everything in between.

Contents

Guided Transfers: Prague and Budapest Tours with Sightseeing

💰from €99 per person ⏳ 9–10 hours

For travelers looking to maximize their Central European experience, Prague and Budapest tours with one-way transfer and sightseeing are my top recommendation. Instead of spending a day just traveling from Prague to Budapest or Budapest to Prague, why not turn your journey into an adventure filled with unforgettable experiences?

These guided tours offer travel in a comfortable van or private car while making scenic stops at historic and cultural sites along the way. Most tours include UNESCO-listed destinations, charming small towns, and stunning castles. These experience-packed transfers, run by Sidetrip, allow you to explore fascinating places you’d miss when taking direct transportation options.

Basically, you have two options: join an open tour, which is more budget-friendly and allows you to meet other travelers, or opt for a private tour for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Prague to Budapest Tour Route

If you want to make the most of your day, this tour is a perfect choice, taking you through three countries, with each stop conveniently located in a different one.

🇨🇿 Lednice (Czech Republic) – Discover the stunning Lednice Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its beautiful gardens.
🇸🇰 Bratislava (Slovakia) – Visit Slovakia’s capital, stroll through its picturesque old town.
🇭🇺 Győr (Hungary) – Wander through this charming Baroque town, known for its well-preserved and cozy atmosphere.

➡️ Details and booking here: Prague to Budapest One-Way Transfer Tour

Travel from Budapest to Prague

The Budapest to Prague tour follows the same route but in reverse, offering the same incredible sightseeing stops along the way. You’ll start in Győr, a charming Baroque town in Hungary, continue to Bratislava, Slovakia’s historic capital, and finish with a visit to the stunning Lednice Palace in the Czech Republic before arriving in Prague.

➡️ Details and booking here: Budapest to Prague One-Way Transfer Tour

What’s Included?

✅ Comfortable transport between Prague and Budapest.
✅ Guided sightseeing stops from knowledgeable guides at top destinations.
✅ Small group or private options for a personalized experience.

Why Choose a Tour?

These tours are perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their journey and discover hidden gems without the hassle of organizing separate day trips. Private tours also include hotel-to-hotel service, which is ideal for moving around Central Europe with all your luggage.

How to Book

➡️ Book your tour on Sidetrip.

This is honestly the best way to explore Central Europe while making your trip from Prague to Budapest or Budapest to Prague truly unforgettable!

Private Car and Taxi Service: Prague to Budapest Car Transfer

💰 starting at €89 per person ⏳ about 5–5.5 hours

For travelers seeking maximum comfort and convenience, a private taxi from Prague to Budapest or a car service provides a door-to-door experience that eliminates the hassle of public transportation. While it’s more expensive than other options, a cab service from Prague to Budapest offers unmatched flexibility and comfort.

Given the distance between Prague and Budapest (around 530 km or 330 miles), a private taxi Prague Budapest service is actually one of the fastest ways to travel between the cities when you consider the time saved on airport procedures and airport transfers.

Several companies offer cab service Prague to Budapest, including Daytrip, my to go option, which provides excellent hotel-to-hotel service at reasonable prices. You can choose direct transport or customize your journey with unguided stops at interesting locations along the way.

What You Get with a Prague Budapest Car Service:

✅ Direct door-to-door transport from your Prague accommodation to your Budapest hotel (or vice versa).
✅ Privacy, assistance with luggage, and the flexibility to make bathroom or food stops as needed, sightseeing stops option.
✅ Professional drivers who speak English and know the route well.

How to Book a Private Taxi Prague Budapest:

➡️ Book car service from Prague to Budapest here.
➡️ Book cab service from Budapest to Prague here.

Train Travel: Prague to Budapest by Rail

💰 from €23 per person ⏳ about 7 hours

Taking the train is one of the most popular ways to travel Prague to Budapest. The rail journey offers a comfortable and scenic experience through the heart of Central Europe. The route is served by direct trains operated by RegioJet, České dráhy and Hungarian Railways (MÁV), with journey times of approximately 7 hours.

RegioJet is my top choice whenever available. Their trains provide excellent comfort across various classes to suit different budgets, from affordable standard seats to premium business class. Their biggest highlight is the onboard menu at unbelievably low prices. So, no need to pack snacks!

Why Choose Train Travel from Prague to Budapest?

✅ Comfort: Spacious seating with room to move around during the journey.
✅ Scenic Views: Take in the stunning landscapes of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
✅ Convenience: Depart from Prague’s Hlavní nádraží and arrive at Budapest’s Keleti station, both centrally located.

How to Book Train Tickets for Train between Prague and Budapest?

➡️ Compare prices and book your tickets on Omio.com.

Prices vary depending on the travel class and how early you book.

Tip: Reserve your seats in advance, especially during summer months and holidays, for the best prices and availability.

Bus Options: Budget Travel between Prague and Budapest

💰 from €22 per person ⏳ 7–7.5 hours

Traveling by bus is usually the most budget-friendly option for those heading between Budapest and Prague. The journey takes approximately 7 to 7.5 hours, with FlixBus and RegioJet providing frequent daily departures.

Personally, RegioJet is my top choice for bus travel as well, but FlixBus is also a great option that I use often. Booking in advance can get you a ticket for as little as €22, though in this case, early booking makes the price comparable to a train ticket.

Since the journey is quite long, the train might be a more comfortable option, offering more space to move around and better onboard dining services.

With RegioJet, for a small fee, you can upgrade to Relax Class on the upper floor, which has a 2+1 seating arrangement, allowing you to book a single seat – a huge advantage for solo travelers!

What to Expect:

✅ Affordable tickets with fares starting as low as €22.
✅ Modern buses equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, toilets, and basic refreshments.
✅ Convenient departure and arrival points in both cities.

How to Book:

➡️ Compare prices and book your tickets on Omio.com.
➡️ Book your tickets on FlixBus or RegioJet.

Tip: For overnight journeys, consider booking a seat with extra legroom for a more comfortable sleep.

Flying: Quick Travel between Budapest and Prague

💰 starting at €30 per person ⏳ about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Flying between Prague and Budapest takes just over an hour in the air, making it the fastest option. However, when you factor in airport transfers, check-in, and security, the total travel time may only be slightly shorter than a private car transfer.

Direct flights between Prague and Budapest are currently operated by Ryanair, with service five days a week, once or twice a day. Both Václav Havel Airport Prague and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport are well-connected to their city centers.

Since the Prague–Budapest route is served by the low-cost airline Ryanair, ticket prices can be surprisingly competitive compared to ground transportation options. Keep in mind that additional fees apply for baggage and seat selection.

How to book flight tickets to travel between Prague and Budapest:

➡️ Compare prices on Kiwi.com or book through Ryanair.com.

Multi-City Tour Packages: Including Prague and Budapest

💰from $2,849 per person ⏳ 11 days

If you’re looking for a comprehensive Central European experience without the hassle of planning individual segments, organized multi-city tour packages offer an excellent solution. These packages typically include Prague and Budapest along with other popular destinations like Vienna, giving you a well-rounded tour of the region’s highlights.

A standout option for travelers wanting to visit Europe’s Golden Triangle is the “Budapest, Vienna & Prague Tour” by Go Ahead Tours. This carefully curated experience is designed for those looking to explore three of Europe’s most captivating capital cities hassle-free.

What’s Included:

✅ Professional tour director throughout your journey
✅ Handpicked accommodations in prime locations
✅ Guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities

Itinerary Highlights:

🇭🇺 Budapest: Explore Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, and Parliament Building.
🇦🇹 Vienna: Belvedere Palace, Hofburg Palace, and explore historic city center and Ringstrasse.
🇨🇿 Prague: Tour Prague Castle, stroll across Charles Bridge, and explore Old Town Square.

➡️ Learn more and book: Budapest, Vienna & Prague Tour

Why Choose a Multi-City Tour Package?

I know very well how challenging it can be to plan a vacation in a foreign country and on a different continent.

If you love the idea of just showing up and having everything sorted, from hotels, transport, and sightseeing, these packages are a stress-free way to explore. Think of it like a “set menu” for travel: no need to worry about the details, just enjoy the experience!

Day Trips: Prague to Budapest Day Trip Possibilities

💰 from €60 per person ⏳ 14–16 hours

Given the distance between the cities, I wouldn’t recommend a day trip between Prague and Budapest, as there would be very little time left for exploring as both cities deserve much more time. There are even no organized day trips available between Prague and Budapest. However, if you have no other choice and are really short on time, flying is the fastest option.

In this case, I’d suggest taking an early morning flight there and an evening flight back. Ryanair offers direct flights, but not every day, so be sure to check the schedule on Ryanair.com. Ticket prices are quite affordable, making this a budget-friendly option.

The price of a round-trip ticket varies depending on the date, but it can start at around €60 without baggage (which you don’t really need, as you can leave it in a luggage storage facility).

With just a few hours in major cities like Prague and Budapest, I’d consider a guided tour to make the most of your time. You can check out available tours in Prague here and in Budapest here.

What to Expect on a Prague to Budapest Day Trip:

✅ Experience a new destination in a short time.
✅ You’ll probably wish for more time in the city, so consider it a sneak peek before a longer visit.
✅ Expect a packed and very demanding schedule with an early start and a late return.

Driving: Budapest to Prague Road Trip

💰 starting at €480 per small car ⏳ about 5 hours + renting and returning time

For maximum flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace, driving Budapest to Prague (or Prague to Budapest) gives you complete control over your journey. The drive covers approximately 530 km (330 miles) and takes around 5 hours without stops.

Major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget operate in both cities and offer one-way rental options, though this typically incurs an additional fee. For the best prices on a Prague Budapest car rental, compare offers on DiscoverCars.com.

Things to Consider When Driving Budapest to Prague:

Tolls: You’ll pass through three countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary), each requiring different highway vignettes. Check if these are included with your rental.
Parking: Finding and paying for parking in both city centers can be challenging and expensive. Consider park-and-ride facilities if you won’t need the car in the city.
Cost: Daily rental rates start at around €30–€80, but the one-way fee can add anywhere from €380 to €1,200. Add insurance, extra drivers, international travel fees, child seats, fuel, tolls, and parking, and costs quickly mount up.
Different traffic regulations: Be aware of varying driving rules across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Is Driving from Prague to Budapest Worth It?

In my experience, renting a car makes sense if you’re planning a broader Central European road trip or if you’ll be returning to your starting point. For a simple one-way journey between Prague and Budapest, the convenience of trains, buses, or private transfers usually outweighs the hassle and cost of car rental.

Comparing Your Options: What’s Best for Travel from Prague to Budapest

Consider your priorities, whether it’s comfort, speed, cost, or adventure, and go fot the travel method that aligns best with your needs.

Transport	Cost per person from	Duration	Best For
Prague and Budapest One-way Sightseeing Tours	€99	9–10 hours	Sightseeing and exploration
Private Taxi Prague Budapest	€89	5–5.5 hours	Convenience and comfort
Prague and Budapest Train	€23	7 hours	Comfort and relaxation
Prague and Budapest Bus	€22	7–7.5 hours	Budget travel
Prague and Budapest Flight	€30	1h 15m (+ airport time)	Time-sensitive travel
Prague to Budapest Day Trip	€60	14–16 hours	Extremely limited schedules
Prague to Budapest Car Rental	€480	5 hours (+ renting time)	Flexibility and side trips

Final Tips for Travel between Prague and Budapest

✅ Book your transportation and accommodation well in advance, especially during high season (April-October) for best deals.
✅ Keep your passport handy for cross-border journeys (even though both countries are in the Schengen Area, random checks can occur).
✅ Consider currency exchange needs – Czech Republic uses Czech Koruna (CZK) while Hungary uses Hungarian Forint (HUF).
✅ Pack light to make your journey more comfortable, especially if using public transportation.
✅ Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip.

Whether you’re planning travel from Budapest to Prague or Prague to Budapest, there are plenty of options to suit every type of traveler. From cultural immersion through guided tours to the convenience and flexibility of a private taxi or car service from Prague to Budapest, or the affordability of bus and train travel, you’re in for a memorable Central European experience.

Is Vienna also on your travel list? Check out the best ways to get from Prague to Vienna!

Safe travels and enjoy exploring these two magnificent capitals!

Useful Travel Resources

I want to share and recommend these travel resources that I personally use, as they can be helpful when planning your visit to Prague.

Accommodation: Booking.com has the largest selection of incredible places to stay.

Tours: Getyourguide.com has the widest selection of guided tours and experiences from various providers, conveniently sortable by rating.

Getting around: PID Lítačka mobile app lets you buy public transportation tickets and plan your journey easily.

Last article update: March 14, 2025

Author and photo: Vera Nemochovska