Your driver will meet you at your address in Bratislava.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 10 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Budapest.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
202 km2 h 10 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Bratislava to Budapest
How do you get the cheapest tickets from Bratislava to Budapest?
To get the cheapest tickets from Bratislava to Budapest, you must book online and well ahead of schedule. Budget transportation lines like Flixbus and Railjet usually offer the cheapest price on tickets, but this isn't always the case, so beware.
How much are train tickets from Bratislava to Budapest?
Train times vary, as does the cost of train tickets. On average, train companies charge between $15 and $30 for a one-way trip. Depending on whether you book first-class or second-class tickets, and the train, you can expect onboard services like free WiFi and added hand luggage at higher fares.
Are there sights along the route from Bratislava to Budapest?
Sightseeing is easy when you use Daytrip to travel from Bratislava to Budapest! Pay a visit to Devin Castle in Slovakia, Brunszvik Castle in Hungary, and everywhere in between. With Daytrip, you'll get tips from a local driver and won't have to worry about driving on foreign roads in Europe.
How long does it take to travel between Bratislava and Budapest?
The journey time from Bratislava to Budapest depends on connection times, the number of transfers, and day of the week. A direct train takes two hours and 40 minutes, while a bus takes three hours. A car service like Daytrip is the fastest way, taking about two hours and 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest option when traveling from Bratislava to Budapest?
Take a bus for the lowest price from Bratislava to Budapest. The cheapest tickets cost as little as $10. However, ticket prices can be higher if you're booking at the bus station at the last minute or are traveling during the peak travel season.
How do you get from Bratislava to Budapest?
You can make your way to a bus station and take the bus, enjoy a train journey, book a taxi service, or travel by private car with Daytrip. Traveling with Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the best choice because of its safety, affordability, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
The Bratislava to Budapest transfer spans approximately 124 miles (200 km) and takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes by car. This journey between two captivating European capitals offers more than just a means of transportation when you choose a Daytrip private transfer. Transform your travel day into an exploration of the region's hidden gems with optional stops along the way.
As you travel from Bratislava to Budapest, consider enhancing your trip with a visit to Győr, a charming Hungarian city with a beautifully preserved Baroque center. Or make a stop at the magnificent Pannonhalma Archabbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's been a spiritual and cultural center since 996 AD. With Daytrip, your Bratislava to Budapest journey becomes an integral part of your travel experience rather than just a necessary transfer between destinations.
About Budapest
After completing your Bratislava to Budapest transfer, you'll find yourself in Hungary's vibrant capital, often called the "Paris of the East." Budapest straddles the mighty Danube River, which divides the city into two distinct parts: hilly Buda on the western bank and flat Pest on the eastern side. Each area contributes its own unique character to this magnificent city that perfectly blends old-world charm with modern urban energy.
Budapest's rich history spans over a thousand years, beginning when the Celts settled the area around 1 AD. Later came the Romans, who established the settlement of Aquincum. The city as we know it today was formed in 1873 when three previously separate towns- Buda, Pest, and Óbuda- united to create the metropolis that would become Hungary's capital.
Throughout its history, Budapest has endured invasions, wars, and revolutions, all of which have left their mark on the city's architecture and culture. From the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century to the Austro-Hungarian Empire's golden age and the subsequent World Wars, Budapest has emerged resilient and more beautiful than ever. This historical depth is evident in the city's diverse architectural styles, from Roman ruins and medieval buildings to Neo-Gothic marvels and Art Nouveau masterpieces.
Today, Budapest is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and world-famous thermal baths. The city's skyline is dominated by the impressive Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the largest parliament buildings in the world, while the Buda Castle district offers panoramic views of the entire city. Budapest's reputation as a spa city dates back to Roman times, with the tradition continuing today through its numerous thermal baths, including the famous Széchenyi and Gellért Baths.
The distance from Bratislava to Budapest may not be long, but the contrast between these neighboring capitals is remarkable. While Bratislava charms with its compact old town and intimate atmosphere, Budapest impresses with its grand boulevards, elegant cafes, and metropolitan vibe. A visit to Budapest offers travelers the perfect mix of historical sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxing downtime at its renowned thermal spas.
From Bratislava to Budapest: travel tips
Make your Bratislava to Budapest transfer as smooth and enjoyable as possible with these practical travel tips for navigating between these two fascinating Central European capitals.
Add sightseeing stops to maximize your journey
When traveling the distance from Bratislava to Budapest, make the most of your day by adding sightseeing stops along the way. With Daytrip's private transfer service, you can visit attractions like Győr or Pannonhalma Archabbey without the hassle of figuring out public transportation or rental car logistics. Your driver will wait while you explore, making this an efficient way to see more during your travel time.
Pack Hungarian Forints
While many establishments in Budapest accept credit cards and euros, having local currency (Hungarian Forint - HUF) is essential for smaller shops, markets, and some public transportation. ATMs are widely available in Budapest, but it's convenient to exchange some money before your trip or soon after the border during your Bratislava to Budapest drive.
Learn a few basic Hungarian phrases
Unlike Slovak, Hungarian belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family and is quite different from other European languages. Locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to learn a few basic phrases. This small gesture can enhance your travel experience significantly when you arrive after your car trip from Bratislava to Budapest.
How to get from Bratislava to Budapest
When planning your Bratislava to Budapest transfer, you have several transportation options to consider. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the most popular ways to make this journey, from most to least convenient.
Private transfer from Bratislava to Budapest
The most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Bratislava to Budapest is with a Daytrip private car service. This door-to-door transfer takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, making it not only the most convenient option but also one of the fastest ways to cover the 124-mile (200 km) distance between these two capital cities.
With Daytrip, your journey begins right at your accommodation in Bratislava and ends exactly where you need to be in Budapest. You'll travel with a professional, English-speaking local driver in a clean, comfortable vehicle. Unlike other transportation methods, a private transfer allows you to add sightseeing stops along the way, transforming a simple transfer into an enriching part of your travel experience.
Trains from Bratislava to Budapest
The train is another popular option for your Bratislava to Budapest journey. Direct trains operated by Slovak Railways and Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) run several times daily between Bratislava's main station and Budapest's Nyugati station. The travel time ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether you choose a high-speed or regional train.
Ticket prices vary based on when you book, with fares starting from approximately $15 to $35. While the train offers a straightforward trip between the city centers, remember that you'll still need to make your way to and from the train stations, which adds time and potential stress to your journey, especially if traveling with luggage.
Bus from Bratislava to Budapest
For budget-conscious travelers, the bus presents an economical option for the Bratislava to Budapest transfer. Companies like FlixBus and RegioJet operate regular services between the two cities, with journey times of around 3 hours. Bus tickets typically range from $10 to $20, making this the cheapest option for the trip.
Buses usually depart from Bratislava's main bus station (Mlynské Nivy) and arrive at Budapest's Népliget bus station. While this option saves money, it's important to note that, as with trains, you'll need to factor in the time and cost of getting to and from the bus stations at either end of your journey.
Rental car for the Bratislava to Budapest drive
If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is an option worth considering. A rental car gives you complete flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you want along the route.
However, keep in mind that this option comes with additional responsibilities, such as navigating unfamiliar roads, finding parking in busy city centers, and dealing with different driving regulations. You'll also need to consider the one-way rental fee if you're not returning to Bratislava. For many travelers, the convenience of a private transfer offers similar benefits without the stress of driving yourself.
Things to do when you get to Budapest
After completing your Bratislava to Budapest transfer, you'll find yourself in a city brimming with attractions and activities. Here are some of the must-visit sights and experiences to add to your Budapest itinerary.
Soak in the thermal baths
Budapest's reputation as the "City of Spas" is well-deserved, with a history of thermal bathing dating back to Roman times. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe's largest spa complexes, offers 18 pools, saunas, and steam rooms in a stunning Neo-Baroque setting. For a more elegant experience, visit the Art Nouveau Gellért Baths with their beautiful mosaic floors and stained glass windows. These thermal baths are perfect for relaxing after your day trip from Bratislava to Budapest and offer a uniquely Hungarian cultural experience.
Explore the Buda Castle District
Perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, the Buda Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of Budapest's most important historical buildings. The Royal Palace (now housing the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum), Matthias Church with its colorful tiled roof, and the Fisherman's Bastion with its panoramic views are all must-visit attractions. Spend time wandering the cobblestone streets of this charming area, which offers a stark contrast to the busy Pest side you'll see during your visit to Budapest.
Cruise the Danube River
One of the best ways to appreciate Budapest's beauty is from the water. A Danube river cruise offers spectacular views of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and Citadella. Evening cruises are particularly magical, as the city's monuments are beautifully illuminated after dark. After traveling the distance from Bratislava to Budapest by land, seeing the city from this new perspective is a refreshing experience. Book river cruises through local providers or ask your hotel for recommendations.
Sample Hungarian cuisine
Hungarian food goes far beyond the famous goulash (though you should definitely try this hearty soup/stew). Visit the Great Market Hall to sample local specialties like lángos (fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese), and paprika-spiced dishes. For a more upscale dining experience, Budapest boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants. Don't forget to try traditional Hungarian wines, particularly the sweet Tokaji or robust reds from the Villány region, to complete your culinary journey after your travel from Bratislava to Budapest.
When is the best time to visit Budapest
The ideal time for your Bratislava to Budapest trip depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and special events. Generally, late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant temperatures, moderate tourist numbers, and reasonable prices.
Summer (July-August) brings warm temperatures ideal for enjoying Budapest's outdoor cafes and thermal bath complexes, but this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and longer lines at popular attractions. The heat can be intense, with temperatures often reaching 86°F (30°C).
Winter visits have their own charm, especially during the Christmas market season from late November through December. While temperatures can drop below freezing, the festive atmosphere and fewer tourists make this a magical time to visit. The thermal baths are particularly appealing in winter, creating a surreal experience as you soak in steaming water while snowflakes fall around you.
For the best experience, time your Bratislava to Budapest transfer to coincide with one of the city's many festivals, such as the Budapest Spring Festival in April, the Summer Festival from June to August, or the Budapest Wine Festival in September.
Visit these sights on the way
Devin castle
A popular place for picnics, and a national symbol of fellowship, this ruined castle once played a major role in Slovak history. Peace from Ruins
Gyor
Situated half-way between Vienna and the Hungarian capital, Gyor is the richest town in terms of historic buildings outside of Budapest. A historic Hungarian treasure-trove
Pannonhalma Archabbey
The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey built in 996 is one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cultural and historic delight
Komarno
Architectural styles from all of Europe are represented in this medieval city’s unusual town square. It’s a Small World
Esztergom
Esztergom sits on the bank of the River Danube on the border with Slovakia and is the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary The cradle of Hungary
Brunszvik Castle
Beethoven composed "Für Elise" in this lavish castle, which now has a museum dedicated to him. Exquisitely Composed
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“First time user of Daytrip but found it an attractive option because it is unrushed and allowed self-selected stops which we made at Esztergom and Gyor, both of which we would have missed had we taken the train.
Jana K was an exemplary employee, on-time, communicated well in advance and safe driver. In fact, she more than an obliging and courteous driver. Jana is a knowledgeable & well-travelled host so we were well-engaged in interesting conversations; ranging from travels to cuisine.
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip in a most relaxed way.”
“Our trip was informative, entertaining and professional. Eduard Z. is
a font of knowledge! He arrived promptly to pick us up and waited to
ensure we were at the correct location at drop-off. When asked, he told us where
to eat, what to eat and things to avoid. I would recommend using Daytrip
to anyone looking for door to door service with extremely professional
drivers, not to mention the communication with the entire company.”
“Our trip from Budapest to Bratislava with Melitta was amazing! Melitta told us a lot about the modern history of Hungary and Slovakia, and we also learned a lot from her about the current politics of Hungary. Esztergom was a great place to stop - an absolutely beautiful church. And Melitta took us across the river to get an even more beautiful view of it as well. The only minus was that the Brunszvik Mansion was a letdown and was closed on Monday.
Melitta’s service was amazing. She arrived early to pick us up, took our bags for us, and gave us a preview of our trip (even hinting us on that maybe we should skip Brunszvik Mansion). She had water bottles for us in the car as well. We left a set of expensive headphones in the car after our ride, and Melitta went out of her way to ship them to us in Vienna a few days later.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend traveling with DayTrip to Europe travelers, and I would absolutely travel with daytrip again.”
“I called Daytrip on the day I wanted to travel. I was extremely impressed with the quick response time.An error on departure date was made on my part they were still able to accomate me. With only a few hours notice my driver Blaint arrived on time with a smile. I had planned a few stops and Blaint gave some history his English was excellent as well as his driving.
The only downside my first stop to Brunszik castle was closed. Blaint translating the woman explained they didnt take euro or cards so Blaint paid.After all that the woman took entrance fee and never told us castle was closed. Never saw castle. We took 20 min walk around the park.
All N All it was a great experience.”
“We booked a transfer from Bratislava to Budapest and the journey was great.
Our driver Stan collected us from the hotel reception, helped with all out baggage and made sure we were all comfortable. He presented us with a packed lunch and bottled water and swiftly got us underway.
He proceeded to tell us about the local history and stopped at a place of history for us to take in the atmosphere.
We arrived at Budapest in great time were he ensured we got all our luggage into the hotel.
He also left us with a gift of homemade cake, how amazing is that !
Stan ensured that our journey was comfortable and pleasant at all times. He’s an absolute credit to the company, I will defiantly use this service again.”
“We traveled from Budapest to Bratislava with this company and could not have been more thrilled with our experience. Stanislav was way more than a driver. He also was an amazing tour guide even though we didn’t expect this from this company. In addition, he went over the top with providing us with a homemade lunch and treats made by his wife. I am sure this is not to be expected in the future however if you do get Stanislav as your driver and guide you will be very lucky. We look forward to using this company in a few days to go from Bratislava to Kraków and then again from Krakow to Prague. It is an amazing service that has been needed for a very long time and is finally here. Definitely don’t hesitate!”
“▪️DayTrip services used: 2- Our Prague hotel to our Bratislava hotel followed by our Bratislava hotel to our Budapest hotel.
▪️Booking process: Easy. We reserved and paid by credit card about 10 days before.
▪️Pre-departure support: DayTrip pre-advised each driver's name and mobile phone.
▪️Hotel pickup: Several minutes early in both cases. (Our Prague hotel was hard to find and had no parking.)
▪️Service: The keys to this type of business are the driving skill, communication ability, personality and knowledge of the driver. Our Prague driver, (Pavel) and Bratislava driver, (Andrea) were both excellent. They were good drivers, knowledgable and positive people. We learned a lot about the local country and also got to know something about their life, ambitions, family and pets. We enjoyed spending part of one day with Pavel and then part of another day with Andrea.
▪️Benefits: Door to door transportation without the airport interim step, people-to-people connection and the chance to see "in between" destination sights and culture.
▪️Disadvantages of the service: None for us, however this is an Uber-like contractor driver service so your results could vary. Also, traffic and weather delays could be issues....same as flying and rail.
▪️Cost: Seemed fair.
▪️Previous DayTrip use: None
▪️Future bookings: Two more during the next five days. I will post another report after those two trips if TripAdvisor allows it.
▪️Recommend: Strong Yes.”
“We used Daytrip to travel from Budapest to Bratislava. Very convenient to be picked up from one Hotel and delivered safely to the next. Our driver Peter was excellent, efficient, friendly and professional. We will definitely be using Daytrip again.”
“Michel picked us up exactly at 9:00 a.m. and we started our trip. He was an excellent driver and very interesting to talk to. He took us to a great lunch place in Budapest and then showed us the town. We even rode the 2nd oldest subway! We then went to Bratislava and he took us on a tour around town. We got back in the evening and he never seemed to rush us, which is important because we have two boys. Would use Daytrip again for our next trip.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler mccally2016
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
