Private car transfer from Prague to Budapest

Traveling from Prague to Budapest is more than your average drive from A to B. The adventure running through the heart of Central Europe promises to be a significant part of your Euro trip. The cities are in two different nations, with Slovakia and Austria sandwiched in between, so you have plenty to experience on the way!

A private ride with Daytrip is the key to unlocking a stress-free journey on this challenging yet rewarding trip. The door-to-door service with optional sightseeing stops allows you to uncover must-see sights along the way until the rolling hills of Buda and the stylish streets of Pest begin to unfold before you!

Read on to discover all you need to know about getting from Prague to Budapest in 2024!

In the late 1840s, the city witnessed a dramatic change. The Chain Bridge was the first permanent one to span the Danube River and connect the flat lands of Pest and the hilly terrain of Buda. Demand for this life-changing structure sparked into life after the waterway froze, preventing a son from preventing his father's funeral.

Arguably, the region's most prominent rise to fame was the unification of the three nearby cities. Until 1873, Buda, Pest, and Obuda were separate, and locals often had rivalries with each other.

As of 2024, the cityscape has developed, with eight bridges now connecting the east and west of the river. And it doesn't stop there. Budapest is now one of Europe's most visited cities due to its colorful nightlife and world-class attractions, all at budget-friendly prices.

Located only a few blocks from the Dohany Street Synagogue is the New York Cafe. It's often called the world's most beautiful cafe due to its stunning neo-Baroque decor. Budapest is also home to several thermal baths. Among them, the Szechenyi Thermal Baths stand out as the largest in Europe.

After the sun sets, Budapest's famous nightlife comes alive. The mega clubs draw thousands, but there's another option that’s distinctively Budapest: ruin bars. Locals began the trend by purchasing inexpensive derelict buildings in the Jewish District as a place to drink and hang out. Guests brought second-hand or unwanted furniture into the setting, which led to the unique interior you will see today. Over time, the craze began to blossom into life. And there are now dozens scattered along the Jewish District where locals and tourists come together.

Talk to Your Driver

Tourists primarily follow guidebooks and travel vlogs. Travelers know how to talk to locals. Although Daytrip's drivers aren't tour guides, they are local experts passionate about travel and their community. They will be more than happy to point out tourist traps that are invisible to the naked eye or secret locations only residents know about.

You won't find any of their invaluable recommendations in Budapest's top travel books!

Choose a Reliable Service From Prague to Budapest

Imagine sitting outside Prague Bus Station with large luggage under the night sky. You don't speak Czech, you're still unfamiliar with the Czech koruna exchange rate, and the last bus was canceled without warning.

This may sound like a nightmare, but it can also be a part of reality. Luckily, you can forget all those worries by booking Daytrip's Prague to Budapest service. Our 891,000 happy customers have enjoyed punctual, comfortable, and clean services with an English-speaking driver able to cater to any issues.

Break up the Trip

Did you know that the iconic city of Vienna is wedged between Prague and Budapest? Or how about Brno, the Czech Republic's overlooked but charming second city?

Well, they are. And if you ride with Daytrip, you can tick these cities off your to-do list without buying multiple tickets or planning for stopovers. Not only will you get to explore more of Central Europe, but it will also break up the 5.5-hour drive time.

Choose the Right Transportation Option

Prague and Budapest are popular destinations that receive millions of visitors. Due to their proximity, there are several transportation options to choose from, such as: - Buses - Trains - Daytrip - Air Travel

Each traveler has different requirements and preferences. Therefore, researching the right option is essential for a smooth journey.

Train From Prague to Budapest

The train from Prague to Budapest is the most popular way to travel between the cities. The average travel time is 7 hours and 20 minutes. The highest-speed train takes 6 hours and 43 minutes. Prices start at €16 per person, but can easily reach €50 during the summer season or at the last minute. Night trains also connect Prague to Budapest. The journey begins at Prague Main Station at 10:34 PM and arrives at Budapest-Keleti almost ten hours later.

Buses From Prague to Budapest

Buses are an excellent way to travel between Prague and Budapest if you're on a budget and don't have any strict time commitments. Flixbus, InfoBus, and RegioJet all offer a service from €20 each way.

The downside to traveling on a bus is that the seven-hour trip can be uncomfortable on the compact seat. It's most undesirable in the summer when buses are at capacity and temperatures reach over 72° Fahrenheit.

Remember to research your departure and arrival stations. Budget buses often stop at inconvenient stations far from the city center. For example, Budapest Népliget is almost 4 miles or a 15-minute taxi to the city center.

Flight From Prague to Budapest

If you're in a rush, look no further than a flight from Prague to Budapest. Budget airline Ryanair flies between Václav Havel Airport Prague and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport daily in only 1 hour and 10 minutes. You can expect to pay €20–30 in the off-season or €50–100 during the peak tourist period. If you're in a hurry, don't forget to add the waiting time at the airport and transfers to your hotel to your schedule. This adds around 3 hours to the total travel time, not to mention the cost of a taxi each way.

Enjoy the Danube River Cruises

With a population of 1.87 million and thousands of tourists at any given time, Budapest's streets tend to feel quite crowded. That's why renowned Danube River cruises are like an urban oasis. Cruise companies ply the Danube at a gentle speed while you enjoy some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Margaret Island, the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, and the Citadella are all on show. If you're feeling romantic, take a dinner cruise and watch the landmarks light up after dark. If you're feeling adventurous, you can travel north to the Disney-like town of Szentendre.

Relax in the Thermal Baths

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, everyone deserves a few hours relaxing in Budapest's famous hot spring waters. And you're spoiled for choice because the region houses nine medical baths and a whopping 123 hot springs! The most iconic is the Szechenyi Baths, located in the tranquil paradise of City Park. The stylish setting has 15 indoor baths and three immense heated outdoor pools containing well-being minerals. Although this is primarily a relaxing setting, you can dive head-first into a pool party at night! To mingle with the locals or experience a quieter afternoon, seek out some of the following spas: - Rudas Thermal Baths - Palatinus Strand Baths - Dandár Thermal Bath - Irgalmasok Veli Bej Bath

Eat, Swim, and Relax at Római-Part

The chances are you’ve never heard of Római-part, even if you previously visited Budapest. The site is whispered about in the local community to ensure it doesn't fall into the hands of tourists. So, how does Daytrip know about Római-Part? Our local drivers, of course!

This leafy yet vibrant strip of land hugs the Danube, about six miles north of the city. Bars and restaurants line the walkways, and locals fill the sandy shores before cooling out in the refreshing waters. If you want to travel like a local, visit Ket Rombusz and cook your store-bought ingredients on the traditional BBQs!

Drink Through Budapest's Ruin Bars

Originally pop-ups making use of abandoned spaces, many have become permanent fixtures. Each has its own distinctive decor and identity, from pioneering Szimpla Kert, which now boasts an outdoor area plus two floors and nine bars, to the hip Doboz (literally 'box' because it’s in a small courtyard). While not a traditional ruin bar, Mazel Tov is a popular ruin-style restaurant with a lively atmosphere. The setting in the heart of the Jewish Quarter features an open-air courtyard, greenery, and a unique design. Although it's a slightly more chic environment, it still has the traits associated with a ruined bar, including exposed bricks, rustic furniture, and a carefree spirit!