A car trip from Budapest to Venice is a journey through the heart of two of Europe's most resilient empires: the Roman and Austro-Hungarian kingdoms. Budapest was one of two capital cities, and while Venice wasn't the political headquarters, it was unquestionably the home of culture and entertainment.
You can feel the significance of this venture as Budapest's towering landmarks, including the Buda Castle and Liberty Statue, pass by your window as you exit the city. It doesn't take long before drifting into the basin of Hungary's flat-plained heartlands, flanked by softly rolling hills. This is a complete contrast to Slovenia's soaring cliffs and meandering valleys, cutting through the final leg of the European Alps.
You'll know you're in Italy once the much-loved local vineyards line the vibrant green countryside and the baby blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. You know you've reached the journey's end when a colorful city floating in its waters presents itself to your windows.
Venice is a maze of narrow walkways, a labyrinth of waterways, and a network of bridges. Since the islands aren't car accessible, you'll begin exploring them from the get-go. So, arriving refreshed and in the La Dolce Vita spirit is essential. The only way to do so is by reading our in-depth guide about traveling from Budapest to Venice in 2024!
About Venice
After a scenic ride from Budapest to Venice, you'll arrive at Italy's most sought-after destination. Only 258,000 locals live on the archipelago full-time, but over 20 million tourists visit annually.
Visitors come to see the breathtaking architecture of this historic city floating on islands and stilts. But Venice's position beneath the Italian Alps and proximity 80 miles from Slovenia was vital in shaping its past and present.
### Early Venice
The first inhabitants of Venice were settlers fleeing from the growing empires in the east. On the 25th of March, 421 AD, locals declared it a town, but it took at least three decades before it saw a rapid population increase.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Venice saw an opportunity to expand a new kingdom. In 697 AD, the Venetian Republic came into existence and flourished due to its position on the crossroads between East and Western trade routes. At its peak, its army stretched through Greece and to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
### The Golden Age of Venice
Like most of Italy, Venice grew substantially during the Renaissance, from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese were influential artists who resided here, creating murals and designing buildings throughout the canals.
Over time, royalty and wealthy aristocrats came to indulge in the unique setting and hotbed of cultural activity. Due to the art culture, opera scene, and the famous Carnival Festival, Venice became the home of entertainment in Europe during this period.
### Modern Venice
Today, Venice is unlike any other town on the planet. Its center, free of cars and buses, may seem like a futuristic city, but it's a work of art from the past. The area consists of 118 islands, woven together by 435 bridges and over 150 canals.
On the water, gondolas flow as freely as aperol spritzes here. On the dry land, the exquisite architecture stands as proudly as the famous Venetian glass works. This bustling city combines its vibrant squares and quaint lanes into a stunning location that will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated!
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Climate: Subtropical
Time zone: GMT+1
* Plug types: C and F
From Budapest to Venice: travel tips
You won't know the insider secrets unless you're a local living on the road from Budapest to Venice. Luckily, we have people on the inside to share the best travel tips for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage!
### Book in advance
Budapest and Venice are two of Europe's most in-demand cities. As a result, transportation can sell out in advance. Book early to secure tickets and maybe save hard-earned cash, as companies inflate the cost of last-minute seats.
For Venice, it's a good idea to get skip-the-line tickets, especially when traveling in the summer. Don't forget to book your free 15 minutes at the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace!
### Explore Slovenia
As a keen traveler, you'll want to explore one of Europe's more underrated yet beautiful countries: Slovenia. You'll pass through the entire nation, allowing you to create unique travel adventures and memories.
Whether you're a history buff, cultural vulture, or nature lover, there's something to whet your appetite en route. Go underground and venture through the Idrija Mercury Mine and Postojna Cave, or stop in Ljubljana and climb over 1200 feet to its imposing castle!
### Do your homework
When you're not stopping at sights or admiring the stunning vistas along the 7-hour trip, use the time to do your homework. Cruise ships and tourists have overrun Venice to the point that there's now a tourist tax. Speak to your driver or read a reputable travel guide for tips and to learn about some traps to avoid.
Also, Hungary and Italy have many different aspects of life. Firstly, you'll switch currency from Hungarian forint to euro, but you'll want to know the tipping culture and basic phrases before you arrive too!
How to get from Budapest to Venice
The road from Budapest to Venice may feel long, but luckily you have several modes of transportation when choosing how to travel. We've broken down each so you can see which suits your budget, needs, and preferences when touring this route!
### Flights from Budapest to Venice
A flight is the fastest way to travel from Budapest to Venice but is only available in the busy season from April to October. The air distance is 305 miles, so the flight is just over an hour. Ryanair is the only operator.
Flights go from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to Venice-Treviso Airport, another city almost 20 miles north of Venice. You'll need to factor in the additional time spent getting to and from the airports and 2 hours for check-in and security.
Cheapest/average cost: €30-€54
Average flight duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
First/last departure: 12:15 AM–2:25 PM
### *Bus from Budapest to Venice
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Venice. So it's the most popular method of transport between the cities, meaning seats can sell out, especially during the busy summer months.
Flixbus is the primary provider on this route, offering several daily connections. For the best deals, purchase online at least 30 days in advance, but first, find out which departure station is best for you. Buses depart from Budapest Kelenfold, Budapest Mexikoi, and Budapest Nepliget before arriving at Venice Mestre.
Cheapest/average cost: €31-€46
Quickest/average duration: 9 hours, 50 minutes; 13 hours, 20 minutes
* First/last departure: 7 AM–11:25 PM
### Trains from Budapest to Venice
Although the train is arguably the most scenic way to travel from Budapest to Venice, it's not a favored method since no direct trains are available. And since it runs on a popular interrail route, carriages are often crowded with backpackers traveling to other destinations.
If you wish to take an indirect train and explore cities on the route, go to the OBB website and purchase a ticket with a stopover in Salzburg or Vienna. Alternatively, you can take a cheaper train with Trenitalia from Budapest-Kelenfold to Venice Santa Lucia Station with multiple changes. Cheapest/average cost: €40-€56
Quickest/average duration: 10 hours, 11 minutes; 12 hours, 47 minutes
* First/last departure: 3:10 AM–11:25 PM
### Daytrip private car from Budapest to Venice*
Daytrip's private car service is ideal for traveling from Budapest to Venice if you prioritize speed, comfort, and enriching experiences. In only 6 hours and 50 minutes, your professional driver will whisk you from bustling avenues in Hungary to picturesque canals in Italy. With your comfortable private vehicle, you won't have to worry about noisy passengers, little legroom, or a furnace for a setting during the summer.
The most compelling reason to use the door-to-door service is that you can explore stunning attractions en route. After all, it's about the journey, not the destination. Predjama Castle, the world's largest cave fort; Maribor, Slovenia's second city; and Kamnik, a fairytale setting, sit on the road waiting for you to discover!
Seats from: €139
English-speaking driver
Complimentary bottled water
Equipped for children and those with limited mobility
24/7 customer support
* Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!
Things to do when you get to Venice
People have been coming to indulge in the various things to do in Venice since the 15th century. Fortunately, you can still expect the same wealth of attractions when you get there after your trip from Budapest!
### Eat through Rialto Market
After crossing the Rialto Bridge, you'll arrive at the historic Rialto Market, dating back to 1097. Here, amidst busy stalls brimming with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies, you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Venetian cuisine.
From ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs to succulent seafood and artisanal cheeses, the market provides a glimpse into the culinary traditions that have shaped Venetian culture for centuries.
### Roam St. Mark’s Square
Thousands of medieval squares litter Europe from east to west. Yet St. Mark's Square is the pick of the bunch!
You can feel the energy building in the air before you even set foot in the square. Locals sip espresso in the cafes encircling the square, and tourists push to the front to admire the centerpiece of this stunning location: St. Mark’s Basilica. Immaculate mosaics, stunning domes, turrets, and columns all decorate the exterior of this extraordinary wonder.
### Tour Venice from a gondola
Gondolas are always the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Venice. These iconic rowboats used to be the primary mode of transportation around the city up until the 20th century. Today, they're the best way to explore a city built on water!
You can rent a private boat for up to five people or a shared one and save some cash. No matter how you spend your money, you'll wind through the puzzle-like waterways and admire iconic landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.
### Get lost in Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is a lesser-known neighborhood in Venice. The best thing to do here is to switch off Google Maps and wander the towering alleyways.
You'll come across plenty of boutique stores and vintage shops where locals like to shop. When you need a break, sit at a cafe and recharge with a local specialty: cicchetti (think tapas)! And if you need more motivation, keep searching for Bacareto da Lele, an eatery serving wine for €1!
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Since The Floating City is possibly the world's most unique and beautiful urban area, you should never turn down a chance to travel from Budapest to Venice. That being said, there's one period that offers a slightly better experience than the rest: spring!
From mid-March to mid-June, Venice sees far fewer tourists, which is especially good here since the narrow streets and canals weren't meant to accommodate the tens of thousands of visitors in the summer. And, unlike the overwhelming July and August sun, the average daily high temperature of 74° Fahrenheit is perfect for exploring on foot. Prices are also cheaper during this period. Hotels and tour operators offer significant discounts to fill spaces after the quiet winter season. The more you save, the more you can put towards al fresco-style restaurants at night!
Daytrip은 전 세계 14,800+ 개 도시를 경험할 수 있는 가장 편리한 방법입니다.
모든 여행자는 자신이 방문하는 국가의 문화에 대한 진정한 통찰을 받을 자격이 있습니다. 그리고 지구상의 모든 놀라운 장소는 방문하고 감상할 가치가 있습니다. 우리는 독특한 현지 지식과 진정한 인간적 연결이 다른 문화를 진정으로 이해하는 데 있어 대체할 수 없다고 믿습니다.
Sleeper trains do not operate from Budapest to Venice. However, the Nightjet train does run from Austria to Venice. First, you'll catch a night train from Budapest Keleti with OBB. Then, you can switch to the Nightjet service at Vienna Central Station before continuing your journey.
The rail distance from Budapest to Venice is 350 miles, which usually takes 12 hours and 47 minutes. However, some services can take as little as 10 hours and 11 minutes. Check the schedule before you purchase a ticket to ensure you get the fastest possible carriage.
From the magical canals to the delicious food scene, Venice is a fantastic spot to visit as a family. Kids will have an unforgettable experience on a gondola ride bobbling along the waterways. You can also indulge in culture while having fun at a Venetian mask painting class! If your kids behave, reward them with a mouth-watering gelato of their choice while relaxing in a peaceful park.
Four options are available for traveling from Budapest to Italy in 2024, each with its own benefits. Flights are the quickest mode of transport, buses are the cheapest, trains are the most scenic, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel.
Spring or fall are the best seasons to visit Venice. The weather is warm and pleasant, without being too hot, and since cruise travel isn’t in full swing, fewer tourists are crowding the streets. As of 2024, traveling off-season also saves you from the “tourist tax”
As of 2024, no direct train runs from Budapest to Venice. However, you can take an indirect service between the cities, switching carriages in Vienna, Salzburg, and Verona. The fastest journey takes around 10 hours and 11 minutes.
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마리보르
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
카믹
A flourishing trading town in the Middle Ages, Kamnik was first mentioned in the 11th century. Today, the preserved suburb of Ljubljana is home to a little over 10,000 habitants. Medieval town surrounded by mountains
류블랴나
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
포스토이나 동굴
Take a ride on a cave train through the 2 million year old Postojna Cave. This famous Slovenian cave offers an underground network perfect for exploring. A jewel of natural wonder
프레드야마 성
Predjama Castle was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest cave castle in the world. Renaissance castle within a cave
이드리야 수은 광산
The city of Idrija, a UNESCO World Heritage List site, has over 500 years of mining tradition and a large influence in world trade. Slovenia's oldest mining city
"We thought the service was great. Our driver was excellent and warm, we were able to add a stop half way and visit a friend which was a bonus.
We were super happy with the driver and the service "
tracey c.
United States
2023년 10월 31일
"The trip was excellent and the driver Gryory was super, very friendly and helpful, we found it a far better option then flying and were very happy, overall a great trip
"
Nicola W.
Australia
2023년 9월 28일
"We had a wonderful experience with tamas T as our driver from Budapest to Venice.
He was extremely professional and very friendly. The car was immaculate and we felt so safe the whole time with Tamas T driving.
The whole process from booking to pick up was seemless and so easy.
We would absolutely use mydaytrip again in the future.
Thank you
Karyn and Shane LaRance "
karyn l.
Australia
2023년 9월 4일
"Both drivers were very professional and friendly . Could not have asked for more .
Thomas Budapest to venice was exceptional . Nothing was too much trouble. It was such an enjoyable and informative trip . He certainly went above and beyond . "
Peter M.
Australia
2023년 6월 5일
"Our day trip from Budapest to Venice was a very good experience! Igor was very friendly and attentive and made the trip very comfortable. "
Laura A.
Canada
2022년 7월 23일
"I hope you got home to Budapest safely and without too much of a delay because of the fires 🔥. Leslie and I really enjoyed our time with you and the trip and stops were great. Daytrip is lucky to have you as a driver!! Take care and, perhaps one day we'll see you again in Budapest. "
Keith M.
United States
2022년 7월 19일
"I wanted to let your team know that we had a great experience using your service. The booking process and communication were excellent and we had a great driver, Thomas. We will definitely recommend your service!"
Mariam S.
United States
2022년 2월 24일
"Andras was fantastic as well! He was so kind and did everything possible to ensure we had a safe and comfortable journey. We really enjoyed all three of our trips.
Thank you for providing such a fantastic and helpful service! We loved getting to see more of the country than we would have if we had been traveling by train or plane. "
Jennifer V.
United Kingdom
2021년 10월 11일
"Our day trip with Melitta T. from Budapest to Venice was perfect. Car was clean and comfortable. Melitta was an excellent driver, and very helpful."
Jon T.
United States
2020년 1월 9일
"The service offered by your company was excellent; Marian, our driver, was punctual, drove very well, and we felt in good hands the whole time. He was also able to converse in good english, which was helpful to us."
ALVARO A.
United States
2019년 10월 14일
"my experience was overall very good , Dario was polite and professional , we are using you tomorrow and the day after , I already recommended you to some of my friends and family , Keep the good work up
"
Guillermo U.
United States
2019년 10월 9일
"Hi,
Yes, our trip was very good and we both were very pleased with Gyorgy. He was prompt, friendly and very pleasant during our drive. He made us both feel safe and comfortable for our 7 hour drive. He is definitely a great asset to your company.
Communication between your company and myself was very efficient and welcome, so thanks for that. Relaying Gyorgy’s info to me a few days prior was greatly appreciated.
Overall I would rate this trip as excellent and I will not hesitate to use your company again. As a a matter of fact, I have already recommended your company to a friend!
Thanks,
Joyce"
Joyce G.
France
2019년 10월 8일
"Hi Marketa,
We had a very pleasant trip with Andy. He was friendly, approachable & helpful.
He took us to a nice little cafe and bought us coffee when we needed it. He is a wealth of knowledge and didn’t mind sharing it.
When we reached Venice, he didn’t drop us and leave but rather helped us with our bags to a central check in and from there to the ferry.
Our only slightly mark down was that he didn’t stop talking for the first five hours 🙀😂 but he was being a good guide.
We would be happy to use him again.
Regards
Paul & Karyn
"
Paul B.
2018년 11월 27일
""Our trip from Budapest to Venice was perfection. Andy was such a wonderful and interesting gentleman. We had great conversation and he always ensured we were happy and comfortable. We had bad weather, highway closures and other unexpected delays, but Andy did his best to make certain we were happy and we made it to our destinations that had specific appointment times. We could not be more pleased with our experience. He even ensured we made it to the water bus taking us to our hotel before he left us in Venice.
What a great guy, and a great experience. The next time we are traveling through Europe we will look into doing this again and requesting Andy!
Alisha R. & Cory E.""
Lindsey K.
United States
2018년 11월 26일
"Atilla was fantastic! A very safe driver.
Really nice man.
Comfortable vehicle.
He was extremely helpful to John who is
Blind and needs extra assistance at times.
Keep up the good work!
I’ve recommended your service to fellow
Passengers on our current cruise.
All best regards, and thank you!
Dee and John N."
Dorothy N.
2018년 11월 23일
""My wife and I were very pleased with our
recent day trip from Budapest to Venice.
Melitta T. was a very professional, courteous,
and personal driver that we would highly
recommend to others. Melitta was particularly
helpful in guiding us to our hotel in Venice and
assisting us with our luggage in Venice.
We highly recommend your company to
other travelers!""
Gregory F.
2018년 11월 18일
"Marko did a very nice job getting us from Budapest
To Venice. Once we got there he was very conscientious
In explaining to us how to get across bridge and to
The Waterbusses to get to our hotel.
Cathy
"
Cathy J.
United States
2018년 11월 1일
"The trip from Budapest to Venice was also very comfortable and enjoyable. Atilla was very helpful and kind"
Santosh J.
Singapore
2018년 10월 31일
"Mark M was fabulous! He was on time and helped us find our way around on our stops. I will definately recommend Daytrip to my friends and while at work. I’m a flight attendant with American Airlines so I am with world travelers quite a bit. I am so happy to have found Daytrip.
Thank you so much!
Brenda"
Brenda M.
2018년 10월 15일
"We loved our day trip. Our driver, Marin was wonderful. Polite and nice and full of information. We chatted with him for 7 hrs. He picked us up at our hotel and took us to the door of our next hotel (being in Venice, that was Not easy! The best driver ever. When we come back we hope he's free! "