Transfers Countries Slovenia Lake BledLake Bled to Budapest

Private car transfer from Lake Bled to Budapest

Door-to-door
in 5 h 10 min

From €93
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Lake Bled.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 5 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

516 km5 h 10 min

A car trip from Bled to Budapest

Few road trips possess as many contrasting landscapes as the scenic journey from Bled to Budapest. From pristine soaring peaks to lush flat plains and alpine forests to nerve-racking v-shaped valleys, you'll uncover everything great about Europe's stunning landscape on this 319-mile voyage.

The most challenging part of this trip is leaving the surreal views surrounding Lake Bled and its enchanting chapel floating in its emerald waters. But once you wind along the Slovenian Alps, the road littered with medieval forts nestled on hills will make you forget about the magical setting.

Stopping in Ljubljana or Maribor en route will help fuel your wanderlust. But they cannot prepare you for the transformation that occurs when you cross the border into Hungary. The cone-shaped hills, a reminder of the volcanic activity, plot themselves throughout the flat basin. Its rich geothermal soil attracted the neatly organized vineyards sprawling the countryside today.

Green meadows lead the way to Hungary's capital, where towering landmarks, including the Liberty Statue and Buda Castle, offer a majestic welcome. If you choose the correct mode of transportation, you'll arrive feeling refreshed and ready for adventure. To uncover which is best for you, continue reading our comprehensive Bled to Budapest travel guide with tips and tricks for an unforgettable experience!

About Budapest

After your scenic Bled to Budapest transfer, you'll arrive at Hungary's political and cultural capital. The bustling metropolis is ten times larger than any other city nationwide, housing nearly 1.8 million residents.

Geography has played a significant role in Budapest's growth. Its location in the country's north allowed trading with neighboring cities like Bratislava and Vienna. The Danube was pivotal for transporting goods during the Middle Ages.

Early Budapest

A Celtic tribe has lived in the hills surrounding Budapest since the 4th century BC. But the Romans first created a permanent town here called Aquincum, five miles north of modern-day Budapest.

At the beginning of the 11th century, King Stephen I founded the state of Hungary and placed Buda at its headquarters. The city grew financially and culturally for centuries, especially during the Renaissance. However, Mongol invasions, Habsburg rule, and Ottoman occupation also caused setbacks in its development.

The 19th century was a teaser of Budapest's rise to a European powerhouse. In 1849, Adam Clark built the Chain Bridge, the city's first-ever permanent structure to span the Dunabe. Less than three decades later, the towns of Buda, Pest, and Obuda combined to form the megacity you know as Budapest today.

Recent and modern Budapest

Nazi Germany invaded Budapest during World War II and crushed many buildings in the process. However, most of its damage came from Soviet forces during the siege of Budapest in 1945. The result was a Soviet victory, and the city remained under its influence until the fall of communism in 1989.

Today, Budapest is an open-air festival and a melting pot of cultures. A lively energy spreads through the city's Neoclassical and Art Nouveau lanes, particularly with its trendy coffee scene and vibrant nightlife. Pub ruins are now a symbol of Budapest, but they began life as derelict buildings where friends gathered for cheap drinks and plenty of thrills and spills.

Yet, Budapest has more than a youthful vibe. It's also a treasure chest of fascinating museums, from contemporary art galleries to historical relics and nature reserves to wacky pinball showrooms. When you need a break from sightseeing, its rich thermal waters provide the perfect environment to forget about the stresses of life!

Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)
Climate: humid temperate
Time zone: GMT+1
Plug types: C and F

From Bled to Budapest: travel tips

A trip from Lake Bled to Budapest is one of Europe's bucket-list ventures. So ensure you're fully prepared for the route ahead by utilizing our insider tips and tricks!

Pay attention to currency

Slovenia and Hungary are part of the European Union. But they're not both within the Eurozone. You'll use euros in Lake Bled and the rest of the nation, whereas Budapest has a national currency, the Hungarian forint.

Many small establishments en route may not accept the card. So you should withdraw some cash if you plan on exploring the many cities en route.

Prepare for the scenery

Slovenia and Hungary don't get much attention outside of the capital cities. Therefore, many travelers underestimated the mesmerizing natural beauty from Bled to Budapest.

Remember to charge your camera, as you'll burn through much of your phone's battery, snapping photos for well-earned Instagram likes. Also, sit on the left side of your mode of transportation for the best mountain views!

Plan stopovers in advance

The drive from Bled to Budapest can take over five hours. So you'll need to make a pit stop to combat deep vein thrombosis or refuel to stay energized.

Slovenia's more significant cities of Ljubljana and Maribor offer a chance to grab a traditional meal in a restaurant or stretch your legs in their colorful old towns. But if you want some fresh country air while enjoying a stroll, head to Tihany Abbey, home to a museum along the shores of the breathtaking Lake Balaton!

How to get from Bled to Budapest

Despite the mountainous terrain wedged along the road from Bled to Budapest, a few modes of transportation are available. Which is best depends on your needs, budget, and preferences!

Trains from Bled to Budapest

The train is the most affordable way to travel from Bled to Budapest. It's also the most popular method, often utilized by backpackers and interrail users. Remember to reserve a seat in advance, as they can sell out during the summer.

OBB is the primary provider on this line. As no direct trains are available, you'll book a train from Lesce Bled to Villach HBF, switch carriages, and travel to Wien HBF before finally changing to a direct service to Budapest-Keleti.

Cheapest/average price: $37-$67.50
Fastest/average duration: 7 hours, 45 minutes; 9 hours, 4 minutes
First/last departure: 6:11 AM-10:55 PM

Buses from Bled to Budapest

Buses are not the preferred mode of transportation between Bled and Budapest. They take longer, are less comfortable, and often cost the same, if not more, than the train. However, it can be a travel method in an emergency or if you wish to stop at cities en route.

No direct bus goes from Bled to Budapest. But Flixbus does offer indirect services, stopping at world-class cities such as Prague, Munich, or Vienna. Change the location on the Flixbus website to Slovenia for the best rates, and don't forget to book more than a month before departing.

Cheapest/average price: $63-$80
Fastest/average duration: 15 hours, 20 minutes; 16 hours, 25 minutes
First/last departure: 7:40 AM-11:59 PM

Daytrip private car from Bled to Budapest

If you prioritize speed, comfort, and convenience, look no further than Daytrip's private door-to-door car service. Within 5 hours, your driver will handle your luggage and transfer you directly to your new hotel in Budapest. Due to our flexible schedule, you decide where and when you want your driver to pick you up.

We're also the only direct mode of transportation. But that doesn't mean you must head straight from A to B. Our unique sightseeing packages allow you to explore the natural and man-made wonders en route. In charming medieval cities like Skofja Loka and Kranj, you can immerse yourself in the slower-paced life and sample some traditional foods before getting back on the road. But if you want to give your eyes a dopamine hit, head to Helikon Castle, one of Slovenia's most elegant palaces!

Seats from: $106
Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
English-speaking driver
Equipped for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
24/7 English-speaking customer support
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure

Things to do when you get to Budapest

Hungary's capital is unquestionably one of Europe's most exciting cities. That's why over 6 million visitors flock to the city annually. So, it's no surprise you'll have countless things to do after your Bled to Budapest transfer!

Venture through the Buda Castle District

Situated on the western side of the Danube River, Buda Castle is part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of preserved buildings along the banks of the Danube. This historic palace complex was the home of Hungarian kings during the middle ages. The castle offers a deep dive into Hungary's past with the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery within its walls.

Castle Hill also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape, particularly from the Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace that resembles a fairytale castle. Although there's a fee for climbing on top of this Disney-like structure, you can go up for free after dark!

Visit City Park

Believe it or not, you can spend the entire day at City Park, the lungs of Budapest. To get here, catch the quirky M1 metro line, which is still using its original trains from 1896. Or you can roam the stylish Andrassy Avenue and admire the villas lining this leafy street.

Hero's Square will greet you upon arrival, and looming in the background is the Vajdahunyad Castle, with its Transylvanian vibe and gorgeous gardens. This is the place to be if you travel as a family. You can enjoy thermal baths, paddle boats, picnics, or hot air balloons here!

Explore the Jewish Quarter (Erzsebetvaros)

Locals and tourists recognize the Jewish Quarter as the party district. It's home to Budapest's iconic pub ruins, decorated with eccentric furniture and a festive atmosphere. When you need to line your stomach, there are endless mouth-watering street food stalls on every corner.

However, the Jewish District also has a dark side. It was the site where Nazi Germany removed thousands of Jews from their homes before excusing them along the Danube River. To pay your respects or learn more about the tragic events, don't overlook the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives.

Relax in the City of Spas

In the 1930s, Budapest officially earned the title of "City of Spas." However, the Romans even appreciated their mineral-rich springs since they arrived in 100 AD. Today, you can't leave Budapest without feeling the balmy, bubbling waters release tension from your body.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath is the most popular due to its Instagram-friendly setting. You can even come here during the evening and experience foam parties after dark. But consider Palatinus Strand Baths or Lukacs Baths for a quieter afternoon.

When is the best time to visit Budapest?

Hungary's capital has won Europe's best Christmas market for three conservative years. In the summer, it hosts the world-renowned Sziget Music Festival. Therefore, it's worth traveling from Lake Bled to Budapest year-round.

However, spring is the best time to travel overall. You can relish the glorious sunshine and warmer temperatures while exploring the city without getting lost in the crowds. The slightly cooler average temperature of 74° Fahrenheit is also more enjoyable for cultural tours and walking in nearby green spaces.

Budapest is at its most lively from April to early June. It's the first time in months that bars and eateries can open outdoor seating due to the harsh winter climate. Avenues are alive with the sounds of glasses clinking, locals chatting, and street performers. You can also save some cash, as many businesses within the travel industry offer attractive deals before the summer.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Lake Bled to Budapest

How far is it from Lake Bled to Budapest?

The shortest road distance from Lake Bled to Budapest is 319 miles, which can take around 4 hours and 50 minutes when driving safely. Since you'll travel through part of the European Alps, weather conditions can increase the overall voyage to 5.5 hours, especially during the winter.

Is it easy to get from Lake Bled to Budapest?

Although there are three ways you can get from Lake Bled to Budapest, traveling between the cities isn't straightforward. No direct public transportation connections are available, so you must swap carriages, whether you travel by bus or train. As a result, Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the only easy way to travel on this route.

Can I use euros in Budapest?

Although Budapest is part of the European Union, it's not part of the Eurozone. The Hungarian Forint is the national currency in Budapest. Some significant hotels or restaurants may accept euros, but note that you'll get a poor exchange rate. Many establishments here have card facilities, so you don't have to worry about withdrawing large amounts of cash.

Does Lake Bled have a train station?

Lake Bled has two train stations. Bled Jezero is on the west side of the lake, and Lesce-Bled sits further away on the east end. The latter sits along the Villach-Ljubljana line, so you'll likely depart from here if you buy an interrail pass or take a train out of the region.

How do I get from Lake Bled to Budapest?

As of 2024, three modes of transportation are available for traveling from Lake Bled to Budapest, each with unique advantages. The train is the cheapest option, the bus is ideal for exploring Munich or Prague en route, and the Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient.

Is Budapest very expensive?

Budapest is an affordable European city. Although it's more expensive than the rest of Hungary, it has significantly lower prices than in Western Europe. A single public transport ticket costs $1.25, a domestic pint of beer will cost you around $2.90, and the average cost of an Airbnb in the city is $59 per night

Visit these sights on the way

Kranj

Kranj is Slovenia's 4th largest and most industrialized city. It's a modern town where old meets new. City with breathtaking medieval skylines

Skofja Loka

Nicknamed "colorful Loka", the medieval town of Skofja Loka is the best preserved town in all of Slovenia. Revel in the red roofs and city walls as you make your way through Skofja Loka's Gothic old town. The medieval beauty

Ljubljana

The capital and largest city in Slovenia, Ljubljana is high on the list of the world’s most sustainable tourist destinations. Green Capital of Europe

Maribor

Maribor is the perfect destination for those searching for the perfect mix of city life and a relaxed countryside ambience. A charming little Slovenian city

Helikon Castle

The Festetics Palace, located in Keszthely, is Hungary’s third largest and most visited palace. The two-story, U-shaped Baroque palace now houses the Helikon Palace Museum and an events center. Castle and museum

Tihany Abbey

With the only medieval royal tomb left in the country, this elegant abbey on the shores of Lake Balaton is an invaluable piece of Hungarian history. Rest Like a King

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

565 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“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.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R

Jun 25, 2018

Professional and efficient

“I was initially unsure as Daytrip was also known as mydaytrip. I booked online and actually paid too for a journey from Budapest to Bled via Lubjlana (sightseeing stopover) Can not praise them enough. Booking made and prompt confirmation received. A further reminder received with named driver. Our driver was Attilla K. He arrived promptly at the hotel and even helped with our luggage. He was friendly and smiley. He conversed well in English and was kind and helpful. He knowledgeable too about Hungarian history which made conversing very interesting. All in all excellent service and would use this service again. Had I been aware of this service earlier would have used them instead of trains from Prague to Vienna to Budapest. Door to door service no lugging luggage around. Great way to holiday!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mo D

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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.

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.