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Prague to Budapest - 13 Best Ways to Travel in 2024

29 May 2023 by Kamila

The Czech Republic and Hungary are must-visit places on every Central European itinerary. Their capitals are among the world's most beautiful cities; everyone should see them at least once. If you are planning your Central European adventure and wondering how to travel from Prague to Budapest, look no further! In this guide, we've covered all possible ways of getting from Prague to Budapest, from popular choices to those that may have never crossed your mind. Read on and plan your perfect trip!

1. Prague to Budapest by Train

The train is a popular and comfortable way to travel from Prague to Budapest. There are seven direct daily trains between the two cities, with connections available approximately every two hours between 5:24 and 15:24. Additionally, there is one overnight train. The daytime travel time from Prague to Budapest by train is approximately seven hours, and you will pass through Slovakia on your journey from the Czech Republic to Hungary.

Train stations in Prague and Budapest Most trains depart from the main train station in Prague, Praha hlavni nadrazi, located in the central part of the city and well-connected to all areas within the capital by public transport. The best way to reach the station is by taking the red line C of the metro and getting off at the "Hlavní nádraží" stop. Some trains depart from Praha Holesovice station, which is only three metro stops away from the central train station. To reach Holesovice station, you can also take the red line C of the metro and alight at the "Nádraží Holešovice" stop. Both train stations are served by numerous trams and buses. In Budapest, all trains arrive at Nyugati train station, situated in the city center and well-connected to other parts of the Hungarian capital by trams, buses, and the blue line 3 of the metro at the "Nyugati pályaudvar" station. Train tickets from Prague to Budapest The price for a Prague to Budapest train ticket starts at €20 if purchased in advance but can increase to €31 on the day of departure. Tickets can be bought online from either the Czech or Hungarian Railways websites, and it's worth checking both as prices may vary slightly. If you prefer to buy the ticket in person, you can visit the customer center located on the ground floor of Praha Hlavni Nadrazi. For last-minute purchases, it is advisable to arrive at the train station with extra time as the customer center may be busy. However, it is generally not recommended to buy tickets at the last minute, as trains are a popular mode of transportation in the Czech Republic and tickets may be sold out. Prague to Budapest trains provide comfort, which is essential for a long journey. Each seat is equipped with power sockets, and free Wi-Fi is available. If you feel hungry during the trip, you can visit the dining car to purchase snacks, drinks (including beer), or try some traditional Czech dishes at an affordable price. If you find the seven-hour journey too long, you can consider making a stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, along the way to do some sightseeing before continuing your trip to Hungary. For a time-saving option when traveling from Prague to Budapest by train, consider the night connection. The train departs from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi station at 22:43 and arrives at Budapest Nyugati at 8:49. In addition to the regular second-class carriage, there is also a sleeping car available. You can choose between 1-, 2-, and 3-bed compartments and enjoy a good night's sleep while traveling from Prague to Budapest. Apart from the trains operated by the national Czech/Hungarian Railways, there are also two daily RegioJet trains from Prague to Budapest, operated by a private company. These trains depart from Prague central station at 5:45 and 12:45 and arrive at Budapest Deli train station exactly 7 hours and 13 minutes later. Tickets for these trains can be purchased directly from the RegioJet website, with prices starting at €21. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, as RegioJet trains often sell out. Upon arrival at Budapest's Deli station, you can continue your journey to your final destination within the city by taking the red metro line 2.

2. Prague to Budapest Transfer Tour

Since you will be spending a few solid hours traveling from Prague to Budapest, why not maximize your travel day and see some interesting places along the way? The best way to do it is with a Prague to Budapest Transfer Tour . For only €95, you can join this small group tour and travel comfortably and smoothly in an air-conditioned van with a knowledgeable local guide who will answer all your questions about the fascinating region of Central Europe. Stop 1: Lednice Chateau After breakfast, start your tour at 8 in the morning in the center of Prague. You will drive for approximately 2.5 hours until you reach your first stop of the day - the stunning Lednice Chateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the best examples of English Gothic style in Continental Europe, and its beauty will take your breath away. After a walk around the stunning gardens surrounding the Lednice Chateau, you will continue your tour across the border to Slovakia, where you will visit the country's capital - Bratislava.

Stop 2: Bratislava The city is often overshadowed by more popular nearby capitals such as Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, but it offers plenty of attractions. The medieval Old Town is charming, with its winding lanes, picturesque corners, and beautiful houses. Once you explore the highlights of Bratislava, you will have time for lunch - a perfect opportunity to try some traditional Slovak dishes that are a bit different from Czech cuisine. From Bratislava, it's a short drive across another border to Hungary. Stop 3: Györ Györ is your last stop of the day. As one of the oldest cities in the region, it is also known as the Baroque Jewel on the Danube, and you will quickly see why when strolling through the historic center of the town. You will also see one of Hungary's most beautiful town halls - a monumental masterpiece from the beginning of the 20th century. After visiting Györ, it's approximately two more hours of driving to reach your final destination of the day - Budapest. You will be dropped off in the very center of the Hungarian capital, at Erzsebet Square. If you book the private option of the Prague to Budapest sightseeing transfer, pick-up and drop-off will be included. The Prague to Budapest Transfer Tour is the best way to travel between the cities. Not only will you have an easy and hassle-free trip, but you will also see more of what Central Europe has to offer and add a visit to one more country to your itinerary. Since the group is small, with up to eight people, you can expect a friendly and intimate atmosphere on the tour, easy interaction with other travelers, and a chance to learn a lot from your guide.

3. Prague to Budapest by Bus

Another popular way to travel from Prague to Budapest is by bus. The two major companies operating on the Prague to Budapest route are Flixbus and Student Agency, both offering similar services. There are nine daily direct Flixbus buses from Prague to Budapest, and two more by Student Agency. The first bus departs from Prague at 4:00 (arriving in Budapest at 10:55), and the last bus is at 23:59 (arriving in Budapest at 5:55 the next day). The travel time on the Prague to Budapest bus route varies depending on the connection, ranging from five hours and 56 minutes to 7 hours and 40 minutes, so choose your bus wisely.

Bus stations in Prague and Budapest In Prague, the buses depart from the main bus station, Florenc, located in the city center and accessible via the red line C of the metro at the "Florenc" stop. Some buses also stop at the central train station before continuing towards Hungary. Before reaching Budapest, the buses also make stops in Brno (the second-largest city in the Czech Republic) and Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia). If you want to take a break during your journey, these are good places to do so, especially since the bus stations are not too far from the Old Towns in both cities. In Budapest, the buses first stop at Kelenföld station before terminating at Nepliget bus station. Both bus stations are a bit away from the center of Budapest, so you will need to use public transport to reach your final destination. The best option is to take the metro - Kelenföld is on the green metro line 4, and Nepliget is on the blue metro line 3. Bus tickets from Prague to Budapest Tickets for both companies start at €20 for a one-way journey when purchased in advance. However, Student Agency usually offers more affordable prices closer to the date of departure. Last-minute tickets purchased shortly before your trip can cost up to €35. You can buy the tickets directly from the Flixbus and Student Agency websites.

4. Prague to Budapest by Plane

If you want to travel quickly from Prague to Budapest, you have the option to fly. Ryanair , a low-cost airline, offers daily flights from Prague to Budapest, except on Saturdays. There is at least one flight per day, and on some days, there are two. The departure times vary depending on the day, so if you choose this option, you will need to plan your schedule around your flight time. The flight time from Prague to Budapest is one hour and ten minutes, but you should allow 4-5 hours in total, considering the time it takes to get to and from the airports and complete airport procedures.

Plane tickets from Prague to Budapest Tickets for Prague to Budapest flights start at €16 for a one-way journey. However, since it is a low-cost airline, you will need to pay extra for additional services such as larger carry-on luggage, checked-in bags, and seat selection. The prices for desired travel dates on Ryanair can be unpredictable, but even a few days before the trip, you can usually find a Prague to Budapest plane ticket for around €21. While Ryanair does not offer luxury amenities, it provides a safe and efficient means of transportation from point A to point B, which is the most important aspect. Airports in Prague and Budapest To get to Prague Airport, besides taking a taxi, you can either take a direct bus from the central train station (although slightly more expensive) or use the metro (green line A) to reach Nádraží Veleslavín. From there, you will need to transfer to the local bus number 119, which will take you to the airport. As both the Czech Republic and Hungary are part of the Schengen Zone, and assuming you have already checked in online for your flight, you can proceed directly to the security control once you arrive at the airport. In Budapest, there are two options for getting from the airport to the city center, aside from taking a taxi. You can either take the direct bus number 100E to Deak Ferenc ter (although slightly more expensive) or take bus number 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest metro station and transfer to the blue metro line 3. Regular public transport tickets are valid for these options.

5. Prague to Budapest by Private Transfer

For those who prioritize comfort and flexibility while traveling, a private transfer from Prague to Budapest might be a good option. It is a slightly more expensive choice, with prices starting at around €450 for a car with an English-speaking driver, but it offers convenience and ease of travel. The direct route from Prague to Budapest typically takes around five hours, but for an additional fee, you can include exciting sightseeing stops along the way, such as Kutná Hora, Mikulov, Lednice Chateau, or Bratislava. This private transfer is also recommended if you are traveling with heavy luggage, as the door-to-door service will make managing your belongings much easier.

6. Prague to Budapest by Car

You also have the option to drive from Prague to Budapest yourself, giving you complete control over your journey. The quickest route is approximately 525 km long and can take around five to six hours, including rest stops. However, it's important to note that renting a car from Prague to Budapest for just one day can be expensive, costing up to €1,000 due to the need to return the car to a different location. It's advisable to extend your trip to a few days, which would only increase the rental cost by around €200, making it a more viable option. By taking a small detour, you can explore beautiful and interesting yet lesser-known places along the way, such as Trebic, Brno, Mikulov, Trencin, Trnava, or Gyor, among others.

7. Prague to Budapest by Bike

If you enjoy traveling on two wheels, cycling from Prague to Budapest can be a fantastic way to spend your holidays. It typically takes around 10-14 days to cover the distance of approximately 500 km and explore interesting places along the route. By making small detours, your Prague to Budapest cycling itinerary can be filled with attractions, including visits to four capitals, several UNESCO sites, and numerous charming towns and stunning natural spots. The route is generally straightforward, with only the initial part having some hilly terrain, but as you approach Budapest, the area becomes flatter. Alternatively, you can join a Prague to Budapest bike tour, where all the practical aspects of the trip are taken care of for you. This way, you can still experience some of the region's best destinations and enjoy the journey from Prague to Budapest by bike in the company of like-minded individuals.

8. Prague to Budapest by Car Sharing

While car sharing is a popular option for traveling within Europe, it may not be the most convenient choice for the Prague to Budapest route. However, it's still worth considering. The most well-known website that connects passengers with drivers is BlaBlaCar . You can browse through the available rides and contact the driver once you find a suitable option. Keep in mind that the search results may also include regular bus connections, so double-check your choice.

It's important to read the details carefully, as the pick-up or drop-off locations may be located away from the city center, which could be inconvenient if you're unfamiliar with the area. Nonetheless, BlaBlaCar serves as a viable alternative to traditional travel options. It is particularly useful for last-minute trips, as rides can appear on the website shortly before departure. If you're unable to find a direct car-sharing trip from Prague to Budapest, you can try searching for trips from Prague to Brno/Bratislava/Vienna and then continuing on to Budapest.

9. Prague to Budapest by Hitchhiking

If you enjoy the excitement and adventure of spontaneous travel and have extra time on your hands, you can consider hitchhiking from Prague to Budapest. To be honest, the chances of hitching a ride all the way to Hungary are slim but not impossible. It would be more realistic to aim for another destination first and then continue your journey towards Budapest.

You'll need to decide which route to take, either via Brno and Bratislava (a slightly shorter route) or through Vienna. Regardless of the route, your starting point from Prague will be the same, at motorway no 1. The best place to catch a ride heading south is at Újezd u Průhonic - the first petrol station along this road. To reach there, you can take the red C metro line to Opatov (the second-to-last stop in the direction of Haje) and then transfer to bus X122, which will take you to its final stop, K Sukovu. From there, it's just a short walk to the petrol station where you can begin hitchhiking.

10. Walking from Prague to Budapest

This is an idea for adventurous travelers who believe that the sky is the only limit. If you have three weeks to spare and would like to fully immerse yourself in Central Europe, explore its finest destinations, and truly experience it, why not embark on a journey from Prague to Budapest on foot? Granted, this will be a long and challenging trek, covering a distance of over 500 km, but it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure.

Only a small portion of the route is hilly, and what you will primarily need for this journey is endurance. However, the reward of reaching your destination will make it all worthwhile. You can plan your trip in advance to include the region's highlights or be spontaneous and decide your path as you go. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous breathtaking places, ensuring that no matter which direction you choose, you'll be treated to the true essence of Central Europe.

11. Prague to Budapest by River Cruise

While it is not technically feasible to travel directly by boat from Prague to Budapest due to the absence of connecting rivers, there are delightful Danube River cruises available that incorporate the Czech capital into their itineraries. Once you have explored Prague, you will be transported by bus to Germany, where you will embark on the riverboat for the main portion of the Danube River cruise. The cruise will make stops in Austria and Slovakia before reaching its final destination of Budapest. Some cruise packages starting in Prague may include additional destinations along the Danube. After your visit to Budapest, you can choose to continue the journey towards Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

12. Day Trip from Prague to Budapest

With a distance of over 500 km and a travel time of at least 5 hours (or more if using public transport), embarking on a day trip from Prague to Budapest is not feasible. However, if Hungary is the next destination on your itinerary, you can turn the journey into a fun and exciting day trip. The best way to accomplish this is by utilizing the Prague to Budapest sightseeing transfer option we discussed earlier. This allows you to travel comfortably and without any hassle between the two cities, while also making stops at fantastic locations in three different countries along the way. Choosing this option is undoubtedly the optimal way to travel from Prague to Budapest!

13. Private Jet from Prague to Budapest

Those who enjoy luxury and comfortable travel and would like to journey in style between the Czech and Hungarian capitals can choose the private jet option from Prague to Budapest. While it may not be the most economical choice, as chartering a plane from Prague to Budapest can cost a minimum of €7,500, it allows you to customize the entire trip according to your preferences. Additionally, it is the fastest mode of transportation between the two cities, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours, including the flight duration.

Table of Contents

Cool places along the way, lednice palace.

Prague to Budapest Transfer Tour

Visit 3 must-see place on your journey from prague to budapest, people also ask.

The distance from Prague to Budapest is 525 km.

The best way to travel from Prague to Budapest is by sightseeing transfer. It will take you only slightly longer than by train or bus. Still, you will be able to visit three amazing places along the way and add one extra country to your itinerary - Slovakia.

If you carefully plan your trip, the cheapest way to get from Prague to Budapest can be by the Ryanair flight, as tickets start at €16/one-way. Trains and buses are a bit more expensive; you will pay €20 if you buy the ticket in advance.

Both trains and buses offer a similar time of travel and ticket price. Still, for such a long journey, at least seven hours, trains are a better option as you can walk around or head to the dining car to eat a proper meal during your trip.

Quick Links

Prague to Budapest Trains

• Prague ​Departure station: Prague Main Station Wilsonova 8, 110 00, Prague, Czechia

Arrival station:

Budapest Main Station

​ Budapest, Kerepesi út 2-4, 1087 Hungary

Prague to Budapest Train Information

Train travel from Prague to Budapest typically takes 7 hours 8 minutes, covering a distance of about 275 miles (443 km). Tickets for the trip start from $32 if booked in advance and there are 8 trains per day between Prague and Budapest.

Shortest travel time: ​

7 hrs 8 min

Longest travel time:

​9 hrs 46 min

Earliest departure:

Latest departure:

Prague to Budapest Train Timetable

If you are looking for a complete schedule of your train from Prague to Budapest, you can look at the following table which contains times of the earliest and latest train departures, fastest trip durations, and the number of departures scheduled per day.

*​Check the current Prague to Budapest timetable on the website Rail.Ninja

EuroCity Express Train Prague to Budapest

Prague to budapest train classes.

There are several different train classes to select from on EuroCity trains , including 1st and 2nd class. Generally, in the second class, there are two seats to a row, in the 1st class, there are two seats to a row and, on some trains, there are compartments with six seats each.

Book Train Tickets from Prague to Budapest

Faq: prague to budapest train travel.

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WHAT IS PRAGUE TO BUDAPEST TRAIN DISTANCE ?

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Prague to Budapest Railway Map

Related routes, prague - berlin, prague - krakow, prague - ostrava, prague - brno.

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Budapest vs Prague | 9 Key Differences You Must Know Before You Visit

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Budapest vs Prague? Now that’s a tough decision to make for a city break. Both are such historic cities, on grand rivers, with castles — even if, admittedly, not necessarily fairy tale-looking — and plenty to see and do. I really enjoy visiting both cities, each for their own reasons, because each has its very specific characteristics and experiences which you can only enjoy in that city.

That said, there are eerily many similarities between these two cities, from the castle complexes to each being split into two distinct parts of the city by rivers, to both having funiculars, great architecture, and renowned fame for their spectacular bridges.

I will list here the differences as I have experienced them and leave you to make the call as to which city you’d prefer to visit. But honestly? They should both be on your to-do list; in which case, you just have to decide which one to visit first. Much easier.

Budapest vs Prague – 9 Key Differences

1. location, location, location.

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, a country in Eastern Europe. It’s a city bisected by the grand old river Danube, turning Budapest quite literally into the cities of Buda, on the west bank, and Pest, on the east bank. However, Budapest was in fact initially formed by the merging of three cities — Buda, Pest, and Óbuda — which is now a district lying to the northeast of the city. The city is one of the superlatives, being home to the second oldest metro, just after London, but the oldest in continental Europe.

It has Europe’s largest synagogue, and, with its natural production of 70 million liters of thermal water per day, it is the thermal spring capital of the world. Budapest, sometimes referred to as the Paris of the East, is brimming with interesting history, mouthwatering cuisine, free or inexpensive attractions, and an abundance of things to see and do .

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, a Central European country now often called Czechia , and is bisected by the river Vltava. Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” it is the historical capital of the Bohemian region. With the old town and new town on the right bank of the river Vltava, the so-called “Lesser Town” and the Castle District lie on the left bank, and you can cross the fabulous Charles Bridge to explore both sides.

2. Size And Getting Around

Despite being reasonably similar in population, with Budapest at roughly 1.8 million inhabitants vs. Prague’s 1.2 million, Budapest feels, and is, a lot more sprawling than Prague. While in Budapest, at times you feel the need to hop on a bus or indeed the historic metro . Prague has a lot of hidden gems and it’s great that it feels eminently more walkable with its attractions closer together.

But, with both cities having two distinct sides to them, a city tour to get an idea of each place’s location, in relation to where you are staying, is always a good idea. While in Prague, a fun city tour comes courtesy of some stunning classic cars taking you through the tight medieval lanes, while in Budapest, you might as well see the main views from a waterbus right on the Danube.

3. The Weather

There is no truly significant difference in weather between Budapest and Prague, but Prague tends to be, on average, around 6 degrees Fahrenheit colder with rainfall around 1 inch less than Budapest, which lies some 280 miles farther southeast. More significantly, there are some 86 fewer hours of sunshine in Prague than in Budapest. Both cities enjoy the same climate zone and, being right in the center of the continent, display distinct seasons with warm-to-hot summers, cold winters, and temperatures going below -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Personally, I am a winter person and love nothing more than wrapping up warm before exploring a city on foot, so I can only recommend visiting both cities in winter. This also gives you an excuse to try the fabulously decadent hot chocolate in Budapest’s Four Seasons Hotel, Gresham Palace . For slightly warmer weather, spring and fall are really the best times to visit, as summers can be very warm and get terribly crowded with European families during the school breaks in July and August.

4. Attractions To See

Both Prague and Budapest offer a great number of attractions, from the fabulous architecture of Budapest along the Danube to Budapest’s Hungarian Parliament Building to the gorgeous medieval old town of Prague .

Both cities have sights that remind visitors of their Jewish history, with Budapest’s moving shoe sculpture and Prague’s ancient Jewish cemetery, as well as the castle districts and museums.

When it comes to sightseeing, Prague probably nudges somewhat ahead of Budapest because of its compactness and the number of attractions you can find within easy walking distance of each other, like Prague Castle. You can see a lot of things staying just one day in Prague .

Choose Budapest if you seek a mix of history, vibrant Hungarian culture, captivating architecture, and delightful cuisine in a picturesque Eastern European setting.

5. Eat, Drink, And Be Merry

For foodies, it is Budapest that wins this category every time, but if you are a beer connoisseur, or are traveling with one, it has to be Prague for its sheer history of Czech beer . That said, Budapest prides itself on its craft beer and also on its annual wine festival.

When it comes to food, I must admit that I am still dreaming of Budapest’s fantastic Great Market Hall dating to 1897, with its tall roof and vast space filled with fresh produce, long and short salamis hanging down everywhere, and aromatic goulash stalls. Short of moving in there, you can take a tour that includes lunch. While I ate well in Prague, in Budapest, I feasted on warming stews, the decadent cakes at the old-fashioned Café Gerbeaud, or even the ice cream, which seems to be a national treat.

That said, one of the best meals I have ever had was in Prague, at Kampa Park , a fabulous location with a terrace by the Vltava and the picturesque Charles Bridge.

6. Unique Things To Do

Each city has its quirky and truly unique attractions and experiences, and they are so different from each other that there is no comparison possible. Budapest’s must-do experience is a visit to the thermal baths. The Gellert Baths, for example, are not just beautiful, but also unusual in that the indoor pools are very cold, and in the outdoor pools, people play chess on tables set in the pools themselves. Visitors are a mix of locals and tourists of old and young, dressed and not so much — in the showers at least. It’s certainly a memorable experience so a lot of people into thermal baths prefer Budapest to Prague.

When you visit Prague, you must search out the artworks of David Czerny, whose quirky sculptures and installations can be spotted across the city, from the upside-down horse inside the Lucerna Palace passage off Wenceslas Square, to the babies crawling up the Television Tower, and the shimmering, moving head of Franz Kafka. There are self-guided tours that take you to the most important pieces.

Choose Budapest if you want to spend some time on the river Danube, with various cruises and trips available for moorings alongside the river. In Prague, you can immerse yourself not in water, but in beer. A beer spa offers you tubs of warm beer to sit in, reportedly good to draw out toxins and allow the enzymes and vitamins in the brewer’s yeast to do you good. All the while drinking a beer, it’s an inside-out spa treatment.

7. Day Trips

Both Budapest and Prague are surrounded by fabulous central-eastern European countryside well worth exploring. One of the best day trips from Budapest is probably Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and one of the cleanest, as its entire body of water is naturally replaced every 2 years. Accessible by train from Budapest, allowing you to take in the views along the way, it is a popular bathing spot in the summer.

From Prague, a must-see attraction is the eerie but fascinating Sedlec Ossuary , a church full of bones, putting the Paris Catacombs (nearly) to shame. This is especially interesting if you are traveling with grandkids , as they will dine out on that story forever more.

8. Places To Stay

Often, with city breaks, it is where you stay that can make or break a trip. Both cities have an array of accommodations, from hostels to swanky luxury hotels, but it is the locations that are important.

In Budapest, no doubt the Danube and its numerous sculptures, incredible views, sparkling bridges, and Budapest’s castles are the main draw, so why not stay nearby and get that view from your room? The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, with its aforementioned superb hot chocolate, is a prime location alongside the river and offers pure luxury — plus views across to Buda and Castle Hill. For views from Buda across to Pest, with its magnificent parliament building, try the Hilton for affordable comfort and easy walks to attractions such as the Fisherman’s Bastion.

When you visit Prague, it’s all about the old town and staying right across from the amazing Astronomical Clock in the Grand Hotel, which, in fact, made it onto my list of favorite rooms with a view from around the world . On the other side of the river, in the historic Mala Strana district, with its cobbled streets and proximity to Prague Castle, lies the luxury bolthole of the Mandarin Oriental, which is steps away from everywhere, yet utterly secluded and quiet.

9. Nightlife and Entertainment

Same as most European capitals, Prague and Budapest both have a rich nightlife scene. There are countless bars, lounges, and dance clubs for staying until the small hours, if that’s what you are looking for. 

Prague is a major party spot, particularly in atmospheric districts like Vinohrady . In the Old Town and Zizkov, you’ll also find plenty of live music, and of course, there’s a wide range of old-style Czech pubs where you can indulge in traditional food and some of that amazing beer. Holesovice is Prague’s coolest neighborhood where you can find whatever your taste requires.

On the other hand, Budapest’s nightlife has a unique feature that Prague’s doesn’t – the Ruinpubs (Also called the Ruin Bars) in the Jewish Quarter that have become synonymous with Budapest nightlife. Szimpla Kert is the most renowned name, but don’t let it be the only one you visit.  Budapest’s famous thermal spas are also a part of the nightlife fun. Szechenyi Bath on the edge of City Park is a beautifully decorated thermal bath house famous for its Saturday night outdoor spa party, where you can spend the night swimming in a giant dance pool. It is thought to be the only one of its kind in the world.

How Many Days Are Enough for Budapest and Prague?

If you have more time, spending at least three days in Prague and Budapest is easy. Spending 7 days visiting more than one city in Central Europe would be recommended at a minimum. 

Is Budapest Cheaper Than Prague?

Budapest is generally considered cheaper than Prague, especially in the restaurants in the city center. The costs of living and the value of the local currency, the Hungarian Forint, in comparison to currencies such as the Euro or US Dollar, make it more affordable for tourists.

Is Prague Colder Than Budapest?

Both Prague and Budapest are in the same climate zone, but Prague generally has slightly cooler weather than Budapest. Most tourists flock to Budapest and Prague in summer, but the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are probably the best because of the milder weather and fewer crowds.

Which Is Prettier Prague or Budapest?

Thanks to the many medieval buildings that are still standing today Prague is generally considered more picturesque than Budapest. The area around the historic city center surrounding the Old Town Square is particularly stunning. Prague is smaller and has a more intimate atmosphere which Budapest lacks.

Should I Go to Prague or Budapest First?

It depends on what things interest you in each city. Prague is a bit smaller than Budapest and all the main attractions can be seen pretty well in half a day. Budapest is more spread out and a perfect destination for a long weekend.

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

From Prague to Budapest: 5 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Diana Bocco Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Right on the banks of the Danube river, Budapest is naturally beautiful and brimming with stunning neo-Gothic architecture. Although Prague and Budapest are too far from each other for a quick day trip, Hungary's capital can be a great weekend escape. Luckily for travelers, there are several ways of getting from one city to the other.

More laid-back than Prague but still buzzing with cafés, a thriving cultural scene and plenty of things to see and do, Budapest has much to offer visitors, regardless of the season. Whether you're visiting to see the Roman ruins, the thermal baths, or the massive Baroque Buda Castle, here's our list of the best ways to get from Prague to Budapest:

On This Page:

• From Prague to Budapest by Train
• From Prague to Budapest by Bus
• From Prague to Budapest by Plane
• From Prague to Budapest by Private Transfer
• From Prague to Budapest by Car

1. From Prague to Budapest by Train

Highlights: Efficient convenience with enchanting railway views

The most picturesque way to travel from Prague to Budapest is definitely on the train. Along the way, you'll see beautiful rolling hills, views of the Visegrád castle, and peeks of the Danube river and the North Hungarian Mountains in the background, as the train rolls alongside them.

There's also a certain magic to traveling on a train between two ancient cities-especially as the train journey between Prague and Budapest is both comfortable and affordable. You'll have plenty of options for travel on this route too, including time of day, sleeper cabins or daytime trains , and first- or second-class seats-and all these options affect price.

Trains depart from Praha hlavní nádraží station and take under seven hours to get to the Budapest Keleti railway station. Once you get to Budapest, you can hop on the metro to get to the city center in just a few minutes-or walk alongside the Danube river and reach the heart of Budapest in about 40 minutes.

The cheapest train option is a daytime 2 nd class seat, which offers comfortable traveling in open carriages or small cabins. First-class seats in daytime trains are more spacious but not necessarily any more luxurious.

For more comfort and a touch of luxury, consider a sleeper train. A 2 nd class ticket allows you to share a cabin with fellow passengers or get a couchette in an open carriage, or you can buy a first-class ticket and get your own private single-sleeper (and private toilet). The prices are much higher if you buy a ticket on the day you're traveling, so get your ticket in advance through the Czech Railway website if possible.

Both daytime and sleeper trains are modern, air-conditioned, and have Wi-Fi and a restaurant car offering inexpensive snacks and meals. If you're traveling in first class, you also get complimentary bottled water, power sockets in every seat, more legroom, and even the option of solo seats.

2. From Prague to Budapest by Bus

Highlights: Budget-friendly comfort with numerous departure time options

Buses are the best option if cost is a concern , and you want ample choice of departure times. While the trip is long at around seven hours, the buses are comfortable and come equipped with free onboard Wi-Fi, free drinks, snacks for sale, AC, and onboard entertainment.

Buses from Regio Jet and Flixbus leave from Florenc central bus station throughout the day, with the first one setting off as early as 2:30am, and the last night bus departing at midnight.

Because the journey takes so long, overnight buses are often the most convenient option-you can sleep along the way and arrive in Budapest in the early morning ready to explore. For example, if you take an 11pm bus, you'll get to Budapest at around 6:15am the next day, just on time for breakfast and an early start exploring the city.

Another good option is the early morning bus, which leaves Prague before 6am and gets to Budapest around noon.

3. From Prague to Budapest by Plane

Highlights: Fast and direct allowing ample time to sightsee in Budapest

Low-cost airline Ryanair covers this route, and you can get tickets from them for extremely low rates one way on the cheapest months (July and August are particularly cheap), as long as you buy well in advance. Keep in mind that budget airlines only allow one small carry-on bag for free and don't offer any extras (no free drinks or snacks, no onboard entertainment). However, the flight is only 90 minutes long, so you likely won't miss any of these extras too much.

For a little more comfort, national Czech Airlines also flies to Budapest twice a day, but expect to pay double the price or more for a ticket. You'll get a little more legroom, a bigger luggage allowance, and a nicer overall experience from them.

Once in Budapest, you can get to the city center on the 100E bus, which runs every 20 minutes and takes around 35 minutes to reach the city center.

4. From Prague to Budapest by Private Transfer

Highlights: Stress-free and flexible chauffeured service

If you're looking for a comfortable journey plus the flexibility of door-to-door service, a Budapest Private Transfer from Prague is your best bet. With a private transfer, you get picked up from your hotel at any time of the day or night by a private air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver behind the wheel.

The car or van will then get you to your hotel or desired location in Budapest in about six hours , with the option of stopping along the way for a quick meal or to stretch your legs. All costs are included, and there's space to comfortably carry your luggage, so you can just relax and enjoy the views along the way.

5. From Prague to Budapest by Car

Highlights: Self-directed itinerary with many sightseeing or stop-over options

If you're up for a road trip, the drive from Prague to Budapest is as scenic as they get. Separated by at least 525 kilometers (550 kilometers if you choose the scenic option), the trip will take you at least five hours if you choose the fast highway but a little over six hours if you go the scenic way.

The scenic route cuts through the UNESCO-listed town of Tabor, passes right by historical Ceske Budejovice (the short detour is well worth it), and takes you through Vienna . Unless you're in a rush, this is a great place to spend a night, so you can explore the city's many attractions, try some traditional Sachertorte Austrian cake, and pick up some souvenirs. From Vienna, it's an additional two and a half hours to reach Budapest the next morning.

You'll need a highway vignette to drive in the Czech Republic and another one for Hungary. These are usually available at gas stations - as you approach the border with Hungary, gas stations on the Czech Republic side will sell you the vignette for Hungary. In both countries, vignettes are available for 10 or 30 days. It's cheaper to buy a 30-day one than two 10-day ones, so plan accordingly based on how long your trip is.

When renting a car in Prague (available at the airport or the city center via companies such as Rent Plus ), don't forget to mention you're crossing the border, as extra fees might apply for international driving. Also, keep in mind that dropping off your car in Budapest can result in a hefty surcharge - driving tends to be a better option if you're returning to Prague after.

All in all, driving is great if you're up for a little bit of adventure and beautiful stops along the way, but overall, it's cheaper and more convenient to take the train.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Budapest : For the can't-miss sites in Budapest and the most exciting things to do (including some unexpected ones) check out our list of the top-rated tourist attractions in Budapest .

More on Czech Republic

9 Ways How to get from Prague to Budapest (or Budapest to Prague)

Prague and Budapest are probably the most known capitals in Central Europe. And they get the hype for a reason – they are both beautiful, full of history and rich with culture. You should include both capitals in your European itinerary and we will help you with all the info how to get from Prague to Budapest (or from Budapest to Prague)

2023 update!

• Budapest to Prague – 13 Best Ways to Travel in 2023
• Prague to Budapest – 13 Best Ways to Travel in 2023

1. Prague to Budapest by plane

Time – At least 5 hours, including getting to and from the airport Cost – You can find the cheapest tickets for €10/one way Ease – 5 Fun – 3 Sightseeing – 1

A really fast way to travel between Prague and Budapest is flying. There are two airlines that offer direct flights between these two capitals, with the flying time less than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Ryanair, the low cost airlines, offers cheap tickets, starting at €10 one way but you need to be careful as you need to pay extra for every single thing: if you’d like to take on board more than one tiny piece of luggage, if you’d like to seat next to your travel companion etc. Right now there’re Ryanair flights between Prague and Budapest every day but Thursday. Czech Airlines, the national Czech carrier, offers couple of flights per day. There’re slightly more expensive, (at least around €50), but they have less strict baggage policy and overall nicer experience. To book the flights go directly to the website of Ryanair or Czech Airlines and read carefully what you are about to pay for.

To easiest and cheapest way to get to Prague airport is by metro and bus. First you need to take green metro line A to the station Nadrazi Veleslavin from where bus no 119 will take you directly to the airport, stopping in front of both terminals. From the center allow yourself at least 40 minutes for the journey. All public transport tickets work for this connection.

In Budapest you can either take the direct bus 100E to Deak Ferenc Ter or the bus 200E to Kobanya-Kispest metro station. Both buses depart from the arrivals level, the bus stop is located between terminals 2A and 2B. The ticket for the bus 100E costs 900 forints while for 200E it costs 350 forints (if you’re travelling further with metro from Kobanya-Kispest station you need to purchase another ticket). You can get them either at the public transport (called BKK) point inside the terminal as well as from the ticket machine at the bus stop.

Read More…

2. Prague to Budapest by train

Time – 6 hours and 30 minutes Cost –Tickets start at 20€ if you buy well in advance, €30 on the day of the journey Ease – 5 Fun – 3 Sightseeing – 3

Every two hours there’s a direct trains from Prague to Budapest, starting at 5:51 till 15:51. The trip time takes 6 hours 30 minutes but the carriages are comfortable and the journey should be hassle-free. The tickets start at €20 if you buy at the day of departure it will cost you €30. You can get the ticket at the website of Czech Railways or at the train station.

If you want to save the time on travelling you can choose a night train. There’s one direct connection that leaves Prague at 23:57 and arrives to Budapest at 08:35 in the morning. There’re sleeping cars in that train so you can get a good sleep while travelling from Prague to Budapest. The tickets start at €39 for a couchette (a compartment with 6 beds) if you book in advance.

If you don’t want to spend so many hours in the train you can break the journey and do some sightseeing on the way. Good places for a stopover are Brno (2, 5 hours from Prague and 4 hours before Budapest) or Bratislava ( 4 hours from Prague and 2,5 hours before Budapest). In both places you can find lockers at the train station to store your luggage when you will be off sightseeing.

To get to the train station in Prague it’s best to take red metro line C to “Hlavni Nadrazi” stop or trams no 5, 15, 26, 91 or 95.

In Budapest your train might arrive to either Keleti or Nyugati station, depending on the connection you choose. Both stations are located on the metro lines (Keleti on 2 and 4, Nyugati on 3) and are easily reachable from all over the city.

3. Prague to Budapest one-way sightseeing tour

Time – 12 hours Cost – €85 per person, private options available Ease – 5 Fun – 5 Sightseeing  – 5

A fun option travelling between Prague and Budapest is taking the one-way sightseeing tour from Prague to Budapest or the other way from Budapest to Prague . This 12-hour small-group tour will make stops in three countries – the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. It’s the best way to learn more and see some places you would never make it to in one day. 

The tour will stop at some of the most important cities between Prague and Budapest like Brno and Bratislava . You will have time to explore a little in both cities. Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and has many interesting stories to tell. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, has a beautiful Old Town and an impressive castle towering over the city. 

The road from the Czech Republic to Slovakia takes you through the picturesque Mikulov Wine Region known for some of the best wine in the country. You will here stop to admire the UNESCO-heritage listed Lednice Palace with exceptionally beautiful gardens around it. In Hungary the tour will also visit the charming Györ Old Town that is famous for its Baroque style buildings. The tour costs only 85€ per person and is a great option for those who would like to learn more about the visited places, countries and cultures.

You can find more information as well as book the sightseeing tour from here: Prague to Budapest small group sightseeing tour Budapest to Prague small group sightseeing tour

4. Prague to Budapest by bus

There are few bus companies serving Prague to Budapest route, departing through the day so you can choose which time to leave one city and arrive to another works the best for you. Tickets start at €14/one way but remember that the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket will be. Generally you shouldn’t pay more than €25 when buying the ticket a day before the trip. You can purchase the ticket online at websites of Regio Jet or Flixbus .

The journey time depends on the company but you should expect arriving to Budapest some 7 hours after leaving Prague. In Czech capital buses depart either from Florenc bus station (located at metro yellow B and red C lines) or from the parking at the upper level of the train station (you can reach it by metro red C line). In Budapest they arrive at Kelenfold (at metro 4 line) or Nepliget bus station (at metro 3 line).

5. Prague to Budapest by car sharing

Since car sharing is a popular way to travel in the region you shouldn’t have problems with finding a ride from Prague to Budapest if you decide to go for this option. The travel time between these two cities should be around 6 hours and the prices for the journey start at 10€ (although usually drivers charge more). The best and most popular website to find the ride and arrange all the details with the driver is BlaBlaCar .

6. Prague to Budapest by private transfer

If you would like to have the flexibility of door-to-door service but don’t really want to travel with other people you can use the private transfer offer from Prague to Budapest. The price for the service isn’t the cheapest, you should expect to pay at least €500 for a car that can fit up to 3 passengers. For a little extra you can even stop for some sightseeing along the way and see places like Brno, Lednice or Bratislava.

7. Hitchhiking from Prague to Budapest

If you feel like having a little adventure while travelling from Prague to Budapest try hitchhiking. You should make it in one day but since it’s a rather upredictable way of travelling you never know. In Prague you should head to the 1E road starting in south-east part of the city. Most likely you won’t be able to catch the ride all the way to Prague so aim for cities that are closer: Brno or Bratislava.

8. Prague to Budapest by bike

Prague and Budapest are over 500kms apart so if you decide to cycle between the capital you should allow yourself at least a week for a comfortable trip. In the meantime you can visit some interesting places along the way with Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. You can even go around and stop in Austria as well! The bike route shouldn’t be too exhausting. There are some hilly parts, especially in the Moravia area but altogether it’s a moderate level of the bike journey.

9. Walking from Prague to Budapest

If you have plenty of time and would like to really get to know Central Europe then walking might be a good option. You would need a month or so for this adventure but I bet it would be an unforgettable experience. Central Europe is so rich in history and culture and you’d be able to see it all properly.

Bonus: Road trip from Prague to Budapest

Time – depends on you Cost – €400 for car rental + all you spend on petrol Ease – 5 Fun – 5 Sightseeing – 5

Are you travelling with your own or rented car? The journey from Prague to Budapest is a perfect road trip opportunity! There are so many interesting places you can stop at along the way: UNESCO listed towns of Telc and Trebic, beautiful Moravian towns of Mikulov or Znojmo, second biggest Czech city Brno, the Slovak capital Bratislava or the underrated Gyor in Hungary. You can even stop at the elegant capital of Austria – Vienna. Sometimes a little detour will be needed but it’s definitely worth it. All the places you will see are a perfect example of Central European architecture and culture and even if they are located in different countries they are similar in a way, thanks to the Austria-Hungary legacy. And the bigger cities are full of cool places you’d definitely like to visit!

So as you can see there are numerous way to travel from Prague to Budapest. Whichever you choose – you will have a good journey for sure!

Images used under license from Shutterstock.com

About the author: Kamila Napora

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Comments (23)

Hello we are a family Travelling to Prague from India , can you please let me know the weather in Prague in May around 15th May as we have a young kid of 2 years . Also where can I book the Train tickets online for travelling from Budapest to Prague. Thanks in advance

Hello! You can look up train tickets here: https://www.cd.cz/en/default.htm Weather is usually very nice in Central Europe in May. So the temperature is around 20C and sunny. Of course there is no guaranty, the weather can change fast, it can also be cooler and raining. You will have to check the forecast right before you travel for any hope of accuracy.

All the Best!

Hello , we r group of 4 couples and 4 children all about 12 years…total 12 person planning to travel to Prague from Budapest. We r from Indian and on 20 days trip to Europe…we will be carrying one 20 kg check in bag and one carry on bag per person…do bus provide enough luggage space for bags? What is the best way to go from Budapest to Prague? Via bus or train? Thanks

Hello, Personally I find trains more comfortable. The train is not that expensive if you manage to buy the tickets well in advance (make sure you mark your seats, then you can all sit together with no problems) and they have plenty of space on trains as well, both for bags and just moving around yourself. About the buses, they are by far the least expensive way of getting around but it is a long distance with a bus. I am yet to see any luggage be left behind, the buses have a quite large space for bags, I think in that regard it would be fine.

All the best!

We plan to drive from Prague to Budapest. I read that we need a highway sticker. Where can we get the sticker from? Is there anything else we need to know?

Hello! If you are renting a car from Prague (or anywhere else) then those cars already should have the highway sticker for the starting country (some companies do not as it’s a good way to charge you extra). Make sure you ask about this. Otherwise, usually the first gas station after the border sells the stickers. Hungary also needs a highway sticker, so easiest is to get it at the border. If you don’t have a sticker and the police pulls you over you will be fined (some countries are introducing now also automatic checks with cameras). There is a fee for leaving the country with a rental. You should keep in mind that if you leave a rental car in another country there is a big extra fee for that as well.

I plan go to that Europe countries Prague,Budapest,Amsterdam, Liverpool and London on 17/Dec-02/01/2021 . Do you have the itinerary trip , and train . Can you advice me on this matter? Thank you in advance.

Hello! Sadly we do not offer planned itinerary trips like this. For this kind of service the best thing is to contact your local travel agency.

Hi, thank you for your tips about transportation from/to Budapest & Prague. I will go to that countries end of December 2019. I try to buy train from Budapest to Prague for 24 December 2019, but the website told the available online booking currently, until 14 December 2019. I just wondering, when I can buy tickets for 24 Dec since I need the ticket to apply the Schengen Visa. I already sent the inquiry to Czech railways but no response at all.

Can you advice me on this matter? Thank you in advance.

Hi, you could just try again the webpage for trains but most likely around Christmas everything sells out very fast. You might have more luck with a bus (try https://global.flixbus.com ). Good luck!

great info, thank you for posting.

Hi, I travelling from Berlin to Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest in that order in Oct 19. Any suggestion on which is the best way like by train, bus or shared drive for the best sceneries and stops. I am open to suggestions. Was told that by train to Prague has the best scenery compared to others.

Your advice please.. thanks you in advance

The best way for scenery and interesting stops on the way is definitely with Sidetrip Tours: https://www.sidetriptours.com/ They offer the following one-way trips: – Berlin to Prague ( https://www.sidetriptours.com/tour/berlin-prague-one-way-sightseeing-tour-bus ) – Prague to Vienna ( https://www.sidetriptours.com/tour/prague-vienna-one-way-sightseeing-tour-bus ) – Bratislava to Budapest ( https://www.sidetriptours.com/tour/bratislava-budapest-one-way-sightseeing-tour-bus )

Check these out and you can also just do one trip with Sidetrip and others with buses/trains. You just can’t stop in between destinations when taking a bus or train.

The trip from Vienna to Bratislava is really short, about 1h, you can just take a regular bus or train or if you want a more interesting option then there’s also a boat from Vienna to Bratislava.

Thanks for this, I am travelling to our Central European offices in both Cities in October. I want to combine the trip so was trying to see the most suitable transport method;this was very useful.

I am female and will be travelling alone, generally are the trains safe and reliable? Although the convenience of saving travel time and the reassurance of the security measures on a plane might make the most sense after all even with the travel to airport and extra security queues. I did quite like the idea of the train and a few sites along the way though!

Is it safe for female travelers to take the bus trip?

Yes totally. Public transport in Europe is really safe if you use proper companies.

Last May I travelled between these cities by bus (Flixbus) and I’m alone. It’s totally safe but stay aware on public places as there might be some pickpockets.

I’m traveling from Berlin to Budapest and would like a stop in Dresden for a day and I’m flying home from Prague. I can’t find an easy way to get from Berlin to Budapest with Dresden in between. Any ideas????

You can take a 2h bus or train from Berlin to Dresden. Then from Dresden to Budapest it’s a much longer trip, about 700km. You might consider flying, although there are probably no cheap options. The alternatives are taking a train or bus to Prague and then from Prague to Budapest there are already more options.

Can I carry my luggage ( around 20kg) in Blabla car ? Is there any extra cost ?

You must contact the Blabla driver and ask them, every driver has a different car so there is no way to know. Good luck!

what rental car companies are in Prague?

You can browse for different rental option on this page for example: https://www.rentalcars.com/

Prague to Budapest One-Way Transfer Tour

Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at the UNESCO-listed Lednice Palace, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia and Györ on your journey from Prague to Budapest.

Budapest to Prague One-Way Transfer Tour

Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at Györ, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, and the UNESCO-listed Lednice Palace on your journey from Budapest to Prague.

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Planning the perfect Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary for a 7 & 10 day break

If you are planning on spending a week in Europe, then we highly recommend visiting the Imperial capitals of Prague, Vienna, & Budapest. Each city is steeped in history, with grandiose architecture, mouth watering food, and a whole lot of culture. On top of that each of the capitals bring something a little different to the table so you get a real taste of Europe in a limited time.

Here we have put together the perfect Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary to help you plan your own European adventure. This guide includes all the information you need on getting between each city, and what to do when you get there.

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Why plan a Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary?

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You might be wondering why you should plan a Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary when there are so many amazing places in Europe. Whilst that is true, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are becoming European hotspots for travellers. One of the things that I’m drawn to with these cities is that their identities have been shaped by both Eastern European and Western European influences.

They are also quite a bit cheaper than their Western counterparts like Paris or Rome, which lets be honest in this economic climate is never a bad thing.

If you are tossing up between Prague or Budapest here is a helpful guide.

Or if you are trying to decide between Vienna or Budapest here is a helpful guide.

In our Prague, Vienna, Budapest guide we give you 2 example itineraries for a 7 day and 10 day trip. Obviously the longer you have in each city, the better. Each of them offer so much to see and do. If you only have 7 days we recommend 2 days in each city with a 7th day for travelling. And if you have a little bit longer 3 days in each plus a day of travel gives you a good chance to see the sights and get a taste of each city.

Of course we recommend spending much longer in Europe, especially because it is so big and each country is so unique. For more ideas, here are some sample 3 week Central Europe itineraries to give you some ideas.

So when planning a Prague Vienna Budapest itinerary, you might be wondering where on earth to start. The logical thing to do is either start in Prague, or Budapest. That way you can travel south from Prague or north from Budapest. Vienna is wedged between the other two destinations so it’s not an ideal place to start unless you want to go back on yourself.

Flying into Prague

If you decide the fly into Prague to start your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary here, then you are in luck. It’s a very busy airport and a lot of European carriers including low budget carriers like Ryanair and Easyjet fly here.

Once you arrive at the airport we recommend getting a taxi because it is the easiest way to get to your hotel/ centre of Prague. It will take about 30-45 minutes in total and set you back around €30/736 CZK.

There are cheaper options but these do involve a bit of faffing around. For instance there is a bus however this will only take you to one of the city metro lines, where you will need to make your way into the centre from there.

There is also bus 119, which is every 15 minutes. If you are trying to get to the Old Town you can get this to Nádraží Veleslavín metrostation, and then its a further 6 stops on the metro to old town.

For the new town get bus 100. This stops at Zličín metro station on line B. From here you are looking at about 11 stops to the centre.

Despite the buses being a little bit of effort they only costs 1.20€ or 32 CZK, so this is a good option for those trying to do Prague on a budget.

Flying into Budapest

If you have decided to go down the Budapest, Vienna, Prague route, then chances are your trip will start at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This is the city’s main airport. From here you can either get a bus or taxi.

A taxi is the most direct and honestly the easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel. It will cost around €30 each way, but saves you traipsing around with all that luggage.

Alternatively you can get the bus – the 100E which will get you into town in around 30-40minutes.

Here is our Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary breakdown including the best things to see and do in each of the cities. For the purpose of this itinerary we are starting in Prague.

Prague is by far one of our favourite destinations. It’s literally like walking into a fairytale with castles and cobbled streets. It is the perfect city to start your Prague, Vienna, & Budapest itinerary, but be warned you may never want to leave.

You can read more about our trip to Prague here if you want. Otherwise read on for our Prague highlights.

And if you are wondering if Prague is worth visiting this article might help.

In the meantime here is some information on Prague.

Country:  Czech Republic

Languages Spoken:  Czech but English is widely spoken

Currency:  Czech Koruna (CZK)

Famous for:  Old world architecture, it’s many spires, culture, and excellent beer

Visit if you like:  City breaks with history, and really beautiful places

Nickname : The City of a Hundred Spires

When visiting Prague you probably want somewhere between 2 days at a minimum to around 4 days to really get to grips with the city.

It is one of those cities that is best enjoyed at a slower pace, wandering the cobbled streets stopping every now and then for a drink. The good news is, a lot of the man tourist attractions are pretty close together, so you won’t spend ages travelling between sights.

Obviously if you are trying to see Prague, Vienna, and Budapest you probably won’t have a long time to spend in each spot. So book any must do tours well in advance to make the most of your time.

Where to stay in Prague

You will find accommodation to fit any budget in Prague. If you only have a short time in the city though you want to be close to the key tourist attractions, particularly the Charles Bridge and Old Town. We opted for a mid-range hotel located right near the Charles Bridge called  Lokal Inn . It was only a minutes walk from the bridge, and was close to lots of bars and restaurants.

Here is a breakdown on the best areas to stay in Prague to help you plan your own trip.

The Old Town or Staré Město as it is known in Czech would probably be our recommendation especially for a short trip. It’s beautiful, and there are lots of food and drink options. It’s also close to a lot of the main attractions.

The downside is that it can be touristy, and you can fall into the trap of food and drink that isn’t very good and super expensive. Just do your research beforehand is what we would say.

Accommodation is also a bit pricier here, so book well in advance for the best deals.

Lesser Town, is our second recommendation for areas to stay in Prague. It’s just across the river from the Old Town, and it just that little bit quieter too. It’s a quaint area to explore, and is close to places like the Lennon Wall, and the Charles Bridge. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in the area, and it is close to public transport too.

The New Town, is great if you are wanting to go clubbing, and have some crazy nights out in Prague. It’s right next to the Old Town, so it is still pretty central. It’s also less touristy than the Old Town. If you want a more authentic Czech experience where you are mingling with the locals, this is a great area to stay.

The Castle District has some of the best views over Prague, and is obviously close to one of the main tourist attractions, the Prague Castle. It’s a little bit further out though from the Old Town, but still easily accessible. We probably wouldn’t recommend staying in the area when you only have a short time in Prague, just because it’s away from a lot of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Things to do in Prague

Here are some of our highlights and top things to do when visiting Prague.

Probably one of the more instagrammable spots in Prague , the John Lennon Wall is a must on any visit to the city. Etched with graffiti that changes on a regular basis the wall is a symbol of political frustration but also freedom of speech. Make sure you get here early to avoid the crowds.

The first thing we noticed in Prague was the spectacular castle perched above the city, almost watching over it. The castle grounds contain gardens, palaces, and shops as well as the very dramatic looking St Vitus Cathedral. The views over Prague from the castle are also pretty incredible!

You can purchase your tickets online in advance , or purchase them on the day on the castle grounds.

If you do one thing on your trip to Prague, make sure you visit the Charles Bridge at sunrise. It’s so much quieter and you get some really amazing photo opportunities. The bridge connects Mala Strana (Little Quarter) and Stare Mesto (The Old Town) so it is a very beautiful way to get from one side of the river to the other.

Petrin Hill provides a bit of a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Make sure you get the funicular up the hill, but remember to arrive early to beat the crowds. Once you are at the top of the hill you can stroll around the beautiful gardens and woodland, or if you are brave enough head up to the top of the TV Tower.

Whilst it is a sombre place to visit the Jewish Museum is one of the most visited museums in Prague. Here you learn about the history of the Jews in the city, and you get to explore the Old Jewish Cemetery too.

One of the more unusual things to do in Prague has to be visiting the Beer Spa. I mean why bathe in water when you can bathe in Beer? You also get to sip on beer (don’t worry not the stuff you bathe in because that would be gross), and there is an option to have a massage as well. You can book your tickets online in advance here.

I always love seeing a city from the water, so the Vltava River cruise was a must on our visit to Prague. There are a number of different river cruises you can do and we’ve included some in the links below.

A visit to Old Town is a must in Prague. The Old Town Square is probably one of the most photogenic parts of the city. The Xmas markets are held here in December and at other times it is a hive of activity with street performers and vendors selling Chimney Cakes and other treats. If you have time it is worth visiting the Old Town Hall Tower for some really wonderful views.

The Dancing House is one of the more modern sights in Prague. It’s apparently one of the most photographed modern buildings in the city, due to its quirky design. Basically it was designed to resemble a pair of dancers – hence the name.

It’s located in New Town, which is somewhere we didn’t spend a lot of time. There tends to be a high number of stag and hen dos in the area, so be warned.

St Nicholas’ Church located in Mala Strana is a Baroque masterpiece that you really have to visit. The inside is adorned with impressive artwork and intricate carvings, so we recommend you make the time to visit.

It was built between 1704-1755 it is now a hugely popular tourist attraction in Prague. It is also considered one of the greatest examples of Prague Baroque architecture.

A HUGE part of any Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary, has to food. Prague is no exception! The food is out of this world. You might find some of the cuisine in the 3 cities to be a bit similar, but each city has their own take on it.

Trdelník or Chimney Cake, is a popular sweet treat in Prague. Its roots are actually Hungarian, but you won’t be able to escape Prague without chowing down on this pastry.

Goulash is also a popular dish in Prague. Again you will find this in Hungary as well but the texture is different. In Prague it is far more stew like and served with some delicious dumplings.

If you have the time we recommend a food tour like this one , that way you get a locals view on the best things to eat and drink in the city. Or if you want to try food and drink, then this tour covers both .

Whilst I am on the topic of drink, I think it is fair to stay that Prague is well known for its beer. Make sure you visit one of the traditional beer halls, U Zlatého tygra is one of our favourites, although it does get busy so get there early.

There are a number of beer tours you can do, especially if you really do like your pints, and our suggestions are below.

Prague is a very easy city to navigate and truth be told we spent most of our time just walking around it. That being said there were times when we had to take public transport, and you might too.

Public transport consists of buses, trams, and the metro. You will need to purchase your ticket before boarding ay form of transport. You can purchase tickets at newspaper kiosks or hotels.

Upon boarding validate your ticket. For example on the tram you can get a stamp near the door to validate it. Ticket types vary and you can get a single ticket (which includes a 30 minute transfer window) or a day pass.

And if you want to know what it’s like visiting Prague in autumn this article might be handy.

So now we head to our second destination on our Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary. Vienna is full of lavish architecture, museums, classical music, and of course coffee and cake.

You can read more about Vienna here .

Or if you are tossing up between Vienna and Prague here is a helpful guide.

In the meantime here are some facts.

Country:  Austria

Languages Spoken:  German (a lot of people speak English though)

Currency:  Euro

Famous for:  Food (wiener schnitzel), culture, music, and history

Visit if you like:  Classical music, architecture, palaces, history and food

Between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest our personal opinion is that you can probably get away with allocating the smallest amount of time in Vienna. Of course this advice is dependant on what you want to see, but we found that we would have like more time in Prague and Budapest, and would have been happy to compromise for less time in Vienna.

That isn’t to say Vienna isn’t worth visiting. It absolutely is. And you might want more time here especially if you are planning on visiting the museums (and there are lots of them) or even the vineyards.

All in all we would say you need somewhere between 2-3 days in Vienna. This will give you time to see some of the main sights, eat some great food, and of course sip a few drinks along the way.

Where to stay in Vienna

If you are in Vienna for a short time, like we were then you will want to stay somewhere central and close to the tourist attractions. Innere Stadt and MuseumsQuartier and probably the best areas to stay in for a first time visit. You are close to the attractions and there are a number of hotels to choose from for all budgets.

We ended up staying a bit further out when we visited which in hindsight wasn’t the brightest idea on such a short trip.

Here is a quick breakdown on the best neighbourhoods to stay in Vienna.

This is in the very centre of historic Vienna, and it is close to a lot of the main attractions like St Stephen’s and the Spanish Riding School.

Accommodation can be a bit more expensive here, but transport links are excellent. This is ideal for first time visitors or those with a small amount of time in the city.

Slightly cheaper and a little less touristy is District 2. You are still pretty close to a lot of the main attractions, and it’s very close to the Prater Amusement Park. This is good if you are looking for slightly cheaper accommodation but still want to be in the thick of it.

This is perfect if you are a fan of culture and museums. There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the area, and this is probably a good choice if you do enjoy visiting bars in the evening as there is more here.

Things to do in Vienna

Here are some of our highlights when visiting Vienna.

Schonbrunn Palace is one of the top attractions in Vienna, giving you a flavour of imperial living in the city. Built in the 1630’s this former summer residence for royalty is now popular with tourists. You get the opportunity to tour the inside as well as exploring the palace gardens. You can book tickets online in advance to avoid the queues on the day.

It’s not a trip to Vienna unless you have visited at least one palace. Hofburg Palace is another great attraction. It was a winter residence for the rulers during the time of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

You do do some cool tours here including the museum or even the imperial apartments.

A visit to a coffee house in Vienna is a must due to their part in shaping Viennese culture. Treat yourself to some coffee and cake (Sachertorte is the most traditional) and read the paper like the locals do. If you want to learn more about the coffee culture in Vienna, or experience it with a local here is a great tour you can book.

Open from March – October every year. the Prater amusement park is home to one of the oldest ferris wheels in the world. The Riesenrad, is 212 ft tall and has these wooden gondolas that you stand in as the wheel goes around. This is a highlight in Vienna for sure.

Like you would assume with the name, the MuseumsQuartier is home to a number of art museums, as well as an architecture and design museum.

A quirky thing to see in Vienna is this colourful housing complex. It is a really unusual building built after an idea and concept by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, hence the name. If you are looking for an offbeat experience it is certainly worth a visit.  And of course it is a great place to get a few Instagram shots.

Hailed as one of the most important religious buildings in Vienna. This gothic style cathedral is a Roman Catholic church with intricate detail. It is well worth a look and make sure you go inside if you can. We recommend this tour that gives you a glimpse of parts of the cathedral where the masses cannot enter.

Vienna is renowned for its musical history so heading to an opera is high on the bucket list.

For a bit of history definitely consider visiting the Rathaus or Town Hall. It was constructed in the 1800s in a Neo-Gothic style to create more space for the city mayor. It’s a really beautiful building to visit, and gives off those opulent European vibes. If you want to go inside you can but only on certain days, and you have to book a specific tour.

We had no idea there were vineyards in Vienna and this was a pleasant surprise. It is a bit of a journey out of town and you will need to take a bus to Kahlenburg. But it really is worth doing and a real quirky thing to do in Vienna.

Another really quirky thing to do is to visit Vienna’s waste incineration plant. Artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who also designed the apartment complex at the top of this list was tasked with designing the new plant.

You can do a tour of the plant which seems to be popular with school children who can learn all about the heating and cooling process. Even if that’s not your thing it will probably be the most beautiful waste incineration plant you will ever see.

Vienna feels a little bit like the posher sister of Prague and Budapest sometimes, and the food and drink in the city also make it feel like this. But there are a number of culinary experiences for everyone whether you are looking for something fancy or more laid back.

When it comes to food, Schnitzel is a must in Vienna. And if you aren’t sure where to eat it then you can do this cruise and Schnitzel tour where you can enjoy the dish whilst gazing out at views of the city.

For something a bit more relaxed we recommend Naschmarkt. There is a food tour you can do that is highly recommended or you can just explore yourself.

Finally when it comes to drinks in Vienna, craft beer is a big deal, and you will find so many cute little bars serving beers in the most extraordinary glasses. Here is a tour you can do if you are a craft beer fan.

If you aren’t a beer lover though, never fear because wine is also something that Vienna prides itself on. You can visit the vineyards as mentioned above or just enjoy an underground wine tour .

And if you are wondering is Vienna worth visiting here is a guide to help you.

Getting around Vienna is very easy. You can purchase travel cards for instance a 2 day card will cost around €15 per person. They are valid for travel on trains and trams.

Make sure you always have your pass on you as you will need to present this for inspection when asked.

The final leg of our Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary is of course the Hungarian Capital. It’s probably a little rougher around the edges than say Prague or Vienna, but filled with so much culture, history, and beauty it is another city you won’t want to leave.

For more things to see and do in Budapest check out this post .

In the meantime here are some facts about Budapest.

Country:  Hungary

Languages Spoken:  Hungarian – although English is also widely spoken

Currency:  Hungarian forint (HUF) – you can sometimes use Euro’s but we wouldn’t recommend it (more on that later)

Famous for:  thermal baths, incredible architecture, ruin bars

Visit if you like:  museums, quirky bars, cool buildings, fun and lively city breaks

Wondering if Budapest is worth visiting ? Here is a handy guide.

Out of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, we actually Budapest is the place where you will want to spend the longest amount of time. There is just so much to see and do here and things are a little more spread out than say Prague. Ideally you want to spend a minimum of 3 days in Budapest to around 5 days. This will give you time to see the main attractions, visit the ruin bars, and explore some of the neighbourhoods.

Where to stay in Budapest

We stayed on the Pest side at the  K+K Hotel Opera . The hotel was fabulous and the location was ideal. It is located on a quiet street so you are away from the hustle and bustle but within walking distance to bars and restaurants. Our room was spacious and comfortable, and it was a perfect place to rest our heads after long days exploring the city.

Here is a bot more of a breakdown on the specific areas.

District 1 includes the Buda Castle area. It is located on the west bank of the Danube, and is home to attractions like Fisherman’s Bastion, The Royal Palace, and Matthais Church.

It’s a more relaxed part of Budapest to stay, and there are a lot of luxury hotels in the area.

Across the Danube from the Buda Castle area is District V, which includes attractions like the Parliament Building and St Stephens Basilica. It’s very central and close to food, drink, and most importantly public transport.

We recommend this area for first time visitors and those only doing a short stay.

There are a ton of mid-range hotel options here, as well as a number of backpackers hostels.

This is probably your more cultural part of Budapest with points of interest such as the  Hungarian State Opera House, the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy, and the Operetta Theatre.

It’s great for culture lovers and those that want to go shopping. There are a few mid- range hotels as well as some more upmarket places. It’s very central and close to transport.

This is the heart of the Jewish Community in Budapest especially as it is home to the Dohany street great synagogue. Separately the area is a hipster’s dream filled with super cool cafes, street food, and of course the ruin bars. If you are planning to party during your in Budapest this is probably the area for you.

Things to do in Budapest

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Budapest to help you plan your own itinerary.

St Stephen’s is a must when visiting Budapest. The interior is stunning but its the views from the top which made it for us. You get book tickets online in advance or just purchase them on the day.

One of the notable buildings that stands out as you admire the skyline in Budapest has to the the Hungarian Parliament Building. You can do a tour of the inside when the National Assembly is not in session. We decided against a tour just because of time restrictions but if you do want to do this make sure you book it in advance.

Budapest’s ruin bars are a nightlife bucket list item. You will find them in derelict buildings, filled with groups of people enjoying their nights. Szimpla Kert is the biggest and most popular and I don’t think anything we read really prepared us for actually seeing it for ourself.

This is one of the most moving memorials we have come across. The Shoes on the Danube represent the thousands of Jews that were killed during World War II by the Arrow Cross militia. They were marched down to the Danube and ordered to take off their shoes before being shot by the edge of the river. Their bodies then fell into the river and were carried away. What makes it even more gut wrenching is that many of the shoes were children’s.

The House of Terror is a museum that centres around the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary in the 20th Century. It is an important place to visit, but be prepared it is also very emotional at times. The queues can get really long here, so we recommend booking a guided tour in advance . You can purchase cheaper tickets on the day that don’t include a guide.

This is the biggest and most popular of all the thermal baths in Budapest. Besides enjoying the baths you can also book massage treatments and use the saunas and the gym. You probably need a good day here to enjoy the spa and the treatments on offer. You can book in advance here.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is another must visit place in Budapest and chances are you will cross it at some point during your stay. It is one of the most prominent landmarks as it connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city. It’s also quite spectacular around sunset.

The Labyrinth is a series of tunnels under Buda Castle. These caves once held the infamous Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Count Dracula as a prisoner for 14 years.

Sailing along the Danube, particularly at night is a great experience. The city lights reflect magically off the river creating a wonderful atmosphere. Day or night though, it’s a great way to get a different perspective on Budapest.

You essentially get the chance to explore the underground caverns of Buda Castle which were turned into a working hospital in the late 1930’s in preparation for WWII. You can only enter the caves as part of a guided tour, but this gives you the chance to learn so much about the conditions that hospital staff had to work under.

You can book a ticket online in advance here .

The Fisherman’s Bastion is a stunning terrace located across the river from the Parliament Building. I think this was one of our favourite places in Budapest because of the sheer beauty of it. The terrace was actually built for the 1000th birthday of the Hungarian State, although it certainly looks much older. Nearby is the equally dramatic Matthias Church.

Located in the Budapest Castle the National Gallery houses collections of all types of Hungarian art. Even the building itself is spectacular and the views from the outside are breathtaking.

The funicular has been in service since 1870, so not only is it historical, but you also get some incredible views over Budapest. We highly recommend getting the funicular up to the National Gallery.

Budapest is a great place to sample some cheap food and drink. There are several food tours you can do (see below) or you can just make your way around the city yourself.

One of our favourite places to eat is the For Sale pub. They serve traditional Hungarian food and its popular with locals and tourists. You do need to book in advance to get a table, but it really is worth it.

Budapest is home to a number of those incredible old world style cafes and the New York Cafe is the best of the lot. Make sure you book this one in advance as it does get busy. And why wouldn’t it when you can order cappuccinos with gold leaf.

Another must eat food in Budapest is of course Chimney Cake which we mentioned in our Prague section of this post. Chimney cake is actually Hungarian, and if you want to learn about the history and how to make it you can do that here .

Another recommendation for things to do in Budapest is to do a wine tour . Hungarian wine is actually really nice, considering we hadn’t tried it before our trip. This tour is a great way to learn about where the wines are made, and what to pair them with.

Getting around Budapest is actually pretty easy, and a lot of attractions are close to each other, although chances are you will need to rely on public transport to get around.

You will need to purchase a ticket to use either the trams, buses, or the metro. There is usually a self service ticket machine at the metro station, or tram and bus stops. And they have an English option in case you were wondering.

Select your ticket type, which can be a single journey, or a 24 hour pass. You will need to validate your ticket at a metro station, or on a bus or tram

Here is a suggested Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary for 7 days. This is probably the minimum amount of time you will need to explore all 3 cities.

Day 1 Prague

Arrive in Prague and visit the John Lennon Wall in the morning and then spend the day exploring the Old Town. If the weather is nice do a boat tour in the afternoon. In the evening check out some of the bars in the area – Hemmingways is a favourite for cocktails whilst the Beer Museum is a must for, well beer.

Day 2 Prague

Get up for sunrise and head to the Charles Bridge (you can always go back to sleep after – trust us it is worth it). Head to one of the traditional cafes for brunch and then spend your second day exploring the Castle area.

Day 3 Travel to Vienna

Most of day 3 will be spent travelling to Vienna. Try and get an early train to arrive in Vienna around lunch time. Explore the MuseumsQuartier and see if you can listen to some opera in the evening.

Day 4 Vienna

For something a little different head to Hundertwasserhaus in the morning, before heading back into the centre and paying a visit to St Stephens Cathedral. In the afternoon head to Prater Amusement Park and make sure you ride the Ferris Wheel!

Day 5 Travel to Budapest

Head to Schonbrunn Palace in the morning and explore, make sure you save some time for some coffee and cake before you leave Vienna.

Grab an afternoon train to Budapest so that you are ready for a full 2 days of exploring the city.

Day 6 Budapest

Grab some breakfast in one of the city’s many grand cafes, then head to the Shoes on the Danube for a moment of reflection before crossing the bridge to the funicular. Ride the funicular to the National Gallery to enjoy some art. In the afternoon head to Fisherman’s Bastion. For dinner we recommend the For Sale Pub for dinner. Spend the evening exploring some of the ruin bars before calling it a night.

Day 7 Budapest

In the morning head to St Stephen’s Basilica and admire the views from the top. Then make your way to the Hungarian Parliament building for a tour.

Head to the House of Terror in the afternoon to learn about the history of the communist regime in Hungary. In the evening, we recommend heading to the ruin bars again, to keep exploring (and drinking).

For our Prague, Vienna, Budapest 10 day itinerary we recommend following the above 7 day guide, but adding an extra day in each city. Here are our suggestions for what to do for an additional day in Prague, Vienna, & Budapest.

Additional day in Prague

Use your additional day in Prague to explore Petrin Hill and the Jewish Museum.

Additional Day in Vienna

Use this additional day to head to the Vineyards to taste some Austrian wine.

Additional Day in Budapest

For an additional day in Budapest make some time to visit the thermal baths. we also recommend the Hospital in the Rock tour if you have the time.

The best way to travel between Prague, Vienna, & Budapest is by train. Trains are incredibly frequent and often the fastest way to travel between cities. The train from Prague to Vienna takes about 4 hours depending on whether you take an express train or not. Trains are frequent, and reasonably priced, particularly if you book well in advance.

The train journey from Vienna to Budapest is about 2.5 hours, and again if you book in advance the prices are pretty cheap. You can use booking sites like trainline.com or omio.com to book your tickets.

You might be wondering when the best time to plan your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary is. Honest answer – it depends on what you want to get out of your trip.

The summer months in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are great if you want to see the cities come alive, with alfresco dining, and sip beers on the street. But summer months, particularly August tend to be the busiest for tourists. If you do visit during these months book your accommodation well in advance. Additionally if you want to eat at particular places you will need to book these in advance as well.

The best time to visit Prague, Vienna, and Budapest for us would be in either spring or autumn. Autumn is great because you get to see the leaves change colour in the cities, whilst comfort eating in the evenings to keep warm.

December is another popular time to visit the three cities, especially because they each put on a magical Christmas market. Just keep in mind that daylight hours will be much less than in summer months, and the weather will be cold.

Budgeting for your Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary is a tough one because it will obviously depend on what you want to see and do when you get there. But here are some tips for when you visit.

Prague has a reputation for being one of the cheaper European countries, although we will say it isn’t as cheap as it once used to be. That being said, it is still better value than say Copenhagen or Oslo .

On average we budgeted around £100 or 2967 CZK per person per day and we generally didn’t spend this much. I should also add that our budget does not include accommodation. Accommodation isn’t too bad though for mid range hotels expect to pay about €60 – €120 per night.

Throughout Prague and the Czech Republic, you will need to use Czech Koruna. Banknotes are made up of the following denominations 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 CZK, and coins consist of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 CZK. A lot of places in Prague will accept payment by bankcard, but you do get the occasional small shop that only accepts cash. Therefore we recommend you bring even just a little bit of cash with you during your 4 days in Prague.

Vienna is probably the most expensive of the 3 cities, but that being said it isn’t too bad.

On average you are looking at paying around €10 – €15 for a main meal in a restaurant. A pint of beer will probably set you back around €4 or €5 depending on where you are drinking.

All in all not including accommodation you should budget around €120 per day per person in Vienna. This will cover things like public transport, tourist attractions, food, and nightlife. On average a mid range hotel room will set you back around €120 a night. But this depends on location, and hotel quality.

Vienna is part of the EU and therefore the currency is Euro. One Euro is equivalent to 100 Cents. Euros are made up of a mixture of coins and notes. The coins tend to be Cents so you get 1,2,5,10,20 and 50 Cent coins, as well as a 1 and 2 Euro coin. Notes are made up of 5,10,20,50,100,200, and 500 Euros. With the notes we don’t recommend carrying around the higher denominations as some places won’t take anything over a 50 for security purposes. And honestly, I don’t think we have ever seen a 200 or 500 Euro note! So if you do find one let us know.

You can pay on card for most things in Vienna, but we do recommend carrying some cash on you. And coins are very useful especially if you need to use a public bathroom!

Budapest is another one of those places that has the reputation of being cheap, which is it, but maybe not as cheap as we had expected. Between us we probably budgeted around €180 between us per day (not including accommodation).

This did include us going out doing tours, having breakfast, lunch and dinner out, as well as enjoying a few drinks. So you can do it way cheaper if you want.

We found that accommodation was actually on the cheaper side, with good quality 4 star hotels costing under 100 Euros a night. 

The official currency in Budapest is the Hungarian Forint. You might see it abbreviated to HUF or Ft.  

Some places, especially the more touristy spots may accept Euros, but we highly recommend you pay in the local currency. This is because change will be given to you in Forint even if you pay in Euros, and the conversation into Euro’s isn’t always great so chances are you will probably end up paying more. Also not all places in Budapest accept card, so this is another reason to make sure that you have some Forint on you.

The currency is one of those that has a ton of zero’s in it so just keep an eye on what notes you are getting when you are given change etc. Notes consist of 500 Ft all the way to 20,000 Ft. Although with the larger denominations you may struggle to pay for things in some shops, so if you are carrying cash try and have some smaller notes as well as the larger ones.

There are also coins such as the 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Everything is in Forint. So for example in the US there are dollars and cents, or pounds and pence in the UK, but in Hungary everything falls under Forint

• Each country has different currency so make sure you stock up on Euros for Vienna, Koruna for Prague & Forint for Budapest
• English is widely spoken in all three countries, but be sure to brush up on some basics in each language
• Book your train tickets between cities in advance for the cheapest prices.
• Book any accommodation in advance for the best deals.
• If there are particular restaurants you want to visit book these in advance as well.

If you are wondering how best to break up your time when visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest then here is a bit of a FAQ section to help you decide. We have listed some of the common questions we get asked for each destination to help you decide which one is better for your trip.

Prague, Vienna, and Budapest each have a lot to offer if you are visiting as a family. Prague has a number of parks to visit, as does Vienna. Each city also has a number of museums to visit as a family too.

One cool thing about Vienna though is that it has the Prater Amusement Park, which is a fun way to spend the day as a family.

Again each city has so much to offer for couples, but if we had to choose we would go with either Vienna or Prague. They are both such romantic cities, with incredible architecture, and gorgeous cobbled streets. Vienna is great for opera, and romantic balls, whilst Prague just oozes romance even walking across the softly lit Charles Bridge.

You will have so many date night ideas in both places. There are incredible food options, trendy bars, and so much more.

All three countries offer a lot for solo travellers. For starters they are all relatively safe cities, with so much to see and do. There are so many tours you can book onto when visiting Prague, Vienna, and Budapest so even if you are travelling alone this gives you the chance to meet new people.

When looking at Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, we would say that Prague and Budapest are the best for budget travellers.

Prague and Budapest tend to be two of the cheaper capital cities in Europe, and you can definitely see them both on a pretty tight budget.

Vienna is a little bit more expensive, and more in line with the likes of Berlin and Hamburg in terms of expense. You can still do things cheaply, but maybe not as cheaply as Prague, and Budapest.

This is a tough one so in all honestly Prague, Vienna, and Budapest are all on par when it comes to history. The imperial cities have a little bit of everything, from royal palaces, grand churches, and so much more. This whole trip is really a history lovers dream.

In our opinion all three cities are perfect for culture lovers. There is so much to see and do in each of them. That being said, Vienna is the clear winner, as it has a long history of producing classical music, and operas. It’s also got some incredible museums and theatres, and let’s not forget the coffee culture that you have to indulge in.

Prague, Vienna and Budapest all have excellent options when it comes to nightlife. Vienna is full of cool clubs, and bars and there is a little something for everyone. It’s the same with Prague and Budapest.

Prague is great if you are into beer, and the city beer halls are a lot of fun. But for us Budapest really takes the cake when it comes to nightlife. The main reason is because yes there is a little something for everyone like the other cities, but the ruin bars really set it apart from the rest. They are so unique and really set Budapest apart from the rest when it comes to nightlife.

If you are on the fence about planning your own Prague, Vienna, Budapest itinerary, take this as your sign to go. I know that there are more popular places in Europe like Paris or Rome, and yes they are beautiful, but if you want something a little different head to Prague, Vienna, & Budapest.

Hopefully this guide has inspired you to take your own trip, and please don’t forget to pin this article for later.

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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Prague vs Budapest: How to Decide Which One to Choose

Last Modified: July 5, 2023 //  by  Anda //   8 Comments

Prague and Budapest are two of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities. They are also very comparable, which makes choosing one vs the other really difficult. Both capitals are equally popular. They are both famous for their beautiful bridges, historic centers, medieval castles, and culinary delights. But if you had to decide between Prague and Budapest, which one would you choose and why?

Which capital is more accessible? Is one city more fun to explore than the other? Which one has a cooler vibe? These are all good questions to ask if you have to decide whether to include Prague vs Budapest into your European itinerary .

Table of Contents

Prague vs Budapest – Similarities and Differences

What’s unique about prague, what’s unique about budapest, getting around in prague vs budapest, hungarian cuisine vs czech cuisine, nightlife and entertainment, my personal opinion, prague vs budapest – which city to visit.

We visited Prague and Budapest quite a few times and we already made up our mind about which one we like better. However, our tastes and preferences may be different from yours. Therefore I’ll try to break down what’s special about each city.

I’ll also tell you what are the similarities and differences between them. Hopefully, by the time you finish reading this, you’ll be able to decide whether to choose Budapest or Prague for your next city break.

Prague and Budapest are both marvelous cities in their own way. They each have character and charm galore.

In terms of similarities, both cities have rivers running through them, castle districts, Jewish Quarters, famous bridges, and beautiful squares. But that’s about where the similarities end. Although comparable, Prague and Budapest are actually more different than they are alike, which is why liking one vs the other is only a matter of taste. Visiting the two capitals is also a completely different experience.

Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic – is like a museum. Everything is neat and in its place. The city retained a much more medieval feel and look than Budapest, with more Baroque style buildings.

Prague is generally considered more picturesque than Budapest, thanks to the many medieval buildings that are still standing today. Particularly around the historic city center surrounding the Old Town Square. Prague is smaller and has an intimate charm that Budapest doesn’t have.

Budapest – Hungary’s capital on the other hand – looks more like a real city. It feels more authentic in a way that Prague does not. The city has a wealth of beautiful architecture, although a little rough in a few places that hadn’t fully recovered from the Communist occupation.

Budapest is truly remarkable for the homogeneity and harmony of its urban design. The result is a city built in a grand imperial style – street after street of Renaissance-style buildings, with a mixture of fanciful Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture.

In terms of atmosphere, Budapest is at its best during summer and over the Holidays . Prague, on the other hand, seems as beautiful in good weather as it does when it’s rainy or overcast. I feel that darkness and fog add a bit of mystery to the medieval character of the city.

Prague is a historic, byzantine city founded in the Middle Ages. A maze of cobbled streets lined with Romanesque chapels and cellars, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and gardens. But the city also boasts sophisticated Art Nouveau buildings and unique Cubist architecture.

Unlike the vast majority of European cities that didn’t survive the bombing of World War II, Prague was given the chance to grow old. And unlike Dresden , whose main landmarks have been completely rebuilt after the war, Prague still has the original churches and monuments dating back centuries ago.

Landmarks That Make Prague Famous

There is no lack of culturally significant sites and attractions in Prague. Like Malá Strana (Lesser Town district) which is home to many old churches, palaces and beautiful gardens.

The Old Jewish Cemetery , one of the world’s oldest Jewish burial grounds, whose crumbling headstones clustered together are quite a site!

Charles Bridge , a medieval stone arch bridge fortified with towers at each end.

Or Prague Castle , which is the largest palace in the world. The Castle dates back to the ninth century and spans an impressive 18 acres.

The city is also home to the narrowest street in Europe – Vinarna Certovka – which is only 50 cm (20 inches) wide. Because it’s so tiny, the street has traffic lights at both ends in order to help prevent people from getting stuck in the middle and not being able to pass each other.

Another unique attraction in Prague is the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), a picturesque street named for the goldsmiths who lived here during the 17th century. The street is lined with colorful, tiny houses that look like out of a fairy tale.

But perhaps the city’s most famous landmark is the Astronomical Clock , a complicated  oroloj  that attracts huge crowds every time it strikes. 

Budapest is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe, boasting a dramatic skylines and heart-stopping river panoramas.

The city is famous for its first-class cultural venues , amazing Hungarian cuisine , underground caves, and for being the Spa Capital of the World. Budapest is also known for its quirky Ruin Pubs and the many food and wine festivals that gather crowds from all over the world.

Landmarks That Make Budapest Famous

Budapest landmarks are spread around the two parts of the city – Buda and Pest . In Buda, the historic part of the city, you will find the Old Town attractions : Buda Castle , Matthias Church , and the Fishermen’s Bastion, with its enchanting terraces.

Also in the Castle District is the Budavári Labyrinth – a complex of caves and cellars that were created a long time ago as an effect of the hot water springs.

One of the most popular attractions on this side of Budapest are the Gellert Baths , a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

On the other side of the Danube (in Pest) you can see the famous building of the Hungarian Parliament , the city’s most beloved landmark. The Neo-Gothic style building was completed in 1902 and it is currently the largest and tallest building in Budapest.

Another famous attraction on this side of the city is the Chain Bridge , Hungary’s first permanent bridge across the Danube.

Other landmarks in Downtown Budapest include St. Stephen Cathedral , the Great Jewish Synagogue , the Great Market Hall , Széchenyi Baths , and Vajdahunyad Castle , which is a replica of the Vajdahunyad Castle in Romania .

READ NEXT : Best Hungarian Souvenirs to Buy from Budapest

Budapest is more spread out, so it may take more time to do it justice. It’s a big city with many different faces, neighborhoods, and places that will surprise you. But because is more spread out, Budapest seems less crowded than Prague, even during the peak season.

Both the Old Town area and the Downtown can be explored on foot. But moving between the two sides of Budapest – Buda and Pest – may require the use public transportation. But that shouldn’t be a concern, as Budapest has one of Europe’s most efficient public transportation systems .

As opposed to Budapest, Prague is smaller and more compact. The city’s landmarks and places of interest are concentrated in a small area, so you can easily walk between them. But because it’s smaller, Prague seems always crowded. There are always swarms of tourists around, so much so that it’s sometimes difficult to take a picture. Especially around the main attractions, like the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge.

When comparing food in Budapest vs Prague, Budapest wins. Finding good food in Budapest it’s not a problem. There are countless cafés, bistros and restaurants in Budapest serving both international and Hungarian cuisine. 

Food in Budapest

Hungarian food may seem heavy, but it’s rich in flavor and aroma and it’s very tasty.  Hungarians  use a lot of sour cream, lard, fried garlic and onion when preparing their food. Hungary’s signature dish is goulash – a stew, made with beef, potatoes, tomatoes, onion and paprika.

Other authentic Hungarian dishes include chicken/veal paprikash , meat pancakes , and Lecsó  – a thick vegetable stew made with peppers, tomato, onion, garlic and paprika. 

Hungarian cuisine is also famous for the delicious deserts, like the tasty Dobos cake, or the sour cherry strudel.

The most popular street food is the langos – a deep fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese. The best place to sample some of these traditional dishes is the Great Market Hall.

Food in Prague

As opposed to Budapest, food in Prague is not outstanding. But if you’re looking for good comfort food, you’ve come to the right place. We visited the city several times over the years, but eating out was always a hit-and-miss affair. You could get cheap pork and dumplings in small pubs. Or expensive pork and dumplings in fancy restaurants, and that was about it.

In the last decade however, Prague’s food scene has changed for the better. They now have many innovative restaurants, ranging from the local chain of Czech pubs to the Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of Prague’s specialties include the steak tartare and the traditional Czech sausages with bramboraky  (potato pancakes.)

What makes Prague stand out is the beer, which is cheaper and better than just about anywhere else on earth! Particularly the Pilsner-style beer. Maybe that’s because Pilsner was born there. Or because the country’s brewing history can be traced back to the 6th century. 

In the Czech Republic beer is literally cheaper than bottled water.

Like most European capitals, Prague has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are countless bars, lounges, and dance clubs for partying hard, if that’s what you are looking for. You’ll also find plenty of live music spots, particularly in the Old Town area. In addition to those, there’s also a wide range of old style Czech pubs where you can have a traditional meal and some amazing beer.

The city has more than 75 museums museums, along with numerous theaters, galleries, cinemas, and other entertainment options. Some of Prague’s most bizarre museums include the Gallery of Steel, the tactile Museum of the Senses, and the infamous Sex Toys Museum, which is accessible only to people over 18.

Budapest on the other hand, is more of a party city than Prague, with a complex and eccentric nightlife. From rooftop bars and decadent spa parties to jam-packed discos, Budapest has an abundance of places where you can slam a drink or shake your booty. The city’s unique feature are the  Ruin Pubs,  a chain of funky bars that have been forged in the shells of some old, derelict apartment buildings.

There are also many cultural venues in Budapest , from museums, and galleries, to theaters and concert halls. A quick count shows that Budapest has over 56 museums. The most unique ones are the magical House of Houdini, the interactive Metal Art Gallery, the House of Terror, and the Chocolate Museum.

I’ve had a long love affair with Budapest which started about 18 years ago, when I visited the city for the first time. After my second visit, I fell even more in love with Budapest, so I convinced my husband that we should buy an apartment there.

While the city is not a perfect, the fact that my husband is Hungarian and we have a place that is our own, makes me feel very at home in Budapest. Interestingly enough, although I don’t speak the language, I feel more at home in Budapest than I feel in Bucharest , where I was born.

Overall, my personal opinion is that Budapest is a nicer city than Prague and the cost of living is slightly lower. So if I had to choose between Prague vs Budapest, I would go with Hungary’s capital without a doubt. But my opinion is based on the things that I have mentioned above.

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

February 16, 2024 at 3:55 pm

What a wonderful read! Truly. Helped make my fantasies all the more real. Thanks for the fun and the incite.

January 7, 2024 at 12:11 pm

Nice article! We are planning to visit both Prague and Budapest taking a car ibetween them. We then will go to Venice. Do you have any write ups on Venice? Thanx, FJ

January 10, 2024 at 2:42 pm

Sadly, I don’t. I’ve been in Venice only once, over 25 years ago.

June 17, 2023 at 3:12 pm

Thank you, Anda! This was a great read and very useful for someone like me trying to decide between the two locations. I’m going with Budapest after reading this!

June 17, 2023 at 3:22 pm

Glad to hear it helped.

January 22, 2022 at 1:55 am

Hi, Ana. Interesting stuff. I have myself compared these two cities a lot in the later years. I have also been trying to figure out why Prague attracts a double amount of tourists. I am also a bigger fan of Budapest, and I have been half-jokingly describing Prague as the same, just tighter and less variety in color. One thing Prague has going for itself is the Local purchasing power, which I think matter when staying a long time in places. Locals in Prague don’t have such a tough life on average as many Hungarians do. I think I could have enjoyed Budapest more if many of the locals didn’t have such a hard life.

One similarity you didn’t mention is cobblestones, a lot of tourists are noticing this about these two cities. But maybe they have a lot of them in Bucharest, meaning you are very used to seeing them? I think they cover more of the area in Prague than Budapest though. Cobblestones have a longer lifespan than asphalt, so it seems economy may be the reason.

Do you have a guess as to why Prague attracts(at least before the pandemic) a lot more visitors Than Budapest?

January 22, 2022 at 3:13 am

Hi John, thanks for taking time to comment on my post. Regarding your question as to why Prague attracts more visitors, my guess is that Prague is more compact and therefore easier to explore. Budapest is more spread out, which is why you need time to discover it. The average time spend in Budapest 3-5 days, which is not enough to visit all the attractions. There are a lot of hidden gems in this city that many visitors never discover, unless they know a local.

The language barrier is also a problem. In Prague English is spoken almost everywhere (probably because it’s more touristic). As opposed to Budapest, where only the younger generation speaks English. At any rate, for me Budapest has the vibe of a metropolis, which is why I like it. Prague is cute, very authentic, but more ‘provincial’ (not in the bad sense of the word).

June 20, 2022 at 9:49 am

Hi, Anda, I’m Judit from Budapest, but we like to visit Prague very much. I find Prague fabulous a place from a talebook, very mysterious. We rarely visits ruinpubs at Budapest, but I like the surrounding Hills in the Buda side with great view and trekking opportunities and caves. Thank you for your interesting article.

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Find cheap flights from Prague to Budapest from $29

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from prague to budapest departing on 4/30. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to budapest.

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Cheap flight deals from Prague to Budapest (PRG-BUD)

Flights from prague to budapest - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends into flights from prague to budapest to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from prague to budapest, if your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to budapest on a tuesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. on the other hand, thursday is the most expensive day to fly from prague to budapest. for your return ticket, we recommend flying on a saturday and avoiding fridays for the best deals., what is the cheapest month to fly from prague to budapest, the cheapest month for flights from prague to budapest is october, where tickets cost $75 on average. on the other hand, the most expensive months are november and december, where the average cost of tickets is $193 and $172 respectively., how far in advance should i book a flight from prague to budapest, to get a below average price on the flight from prague to budapest, you should book around 1 week before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 62 days before departure., which airlines provide the cheapest flights from prague to budapest, the best deals for a one-way ticket found by kayak users over the last 3 days were on ryanair ($29) and air serbia ($75). the cheapest round-trip tickets were found on ryanair ($65) and air serbia ($156)., which airlines fly non-stop between prague and budapest, there are 2 airlines that fly nonstop from prague to budapest. they are czech airlines and ryanair. the cheapest airline for this route is ryanair, with the best one-way deal found costing $44. on average, the best prices for this route can be found at ryanair., how many flights are there between prague and budapest per day, each day, there are between 1 and 5 nonstop flights that take off from prague and land in budapest, with an average flight time of 1h 19m. the most common departure time is 6:00 am and most flights take off in the morning. each week, there are 20 flights. the most frequent day of departure is tuesday, when 25% of all weekly flights depart. the fewest flights depart on a saturday., which cabin class options are there for flights between prague and budapest, there is only one cabin class option available for the route, which is economy. perform a search on kayak to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines., how long does a flight from prague to budapest take, the average nonstop flight takes 1h 10m, covering a distance of 292 miles., what’s the earliest departure time from prague to budapest, early birds can take the earliest flight from prague at 6:00 am and will be landing in budapest at 7:10 am., what’s the latest departure time from prague to budapest, if you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from prague to budapest jets off at 6:00 pm and lands at 7:10 pm., good to know, when to book flights from prague to budapest, faqs for booking flights from prague to budapest, from which terminal should you get your flight.

Since Budapest, Hungary, is in the Schengen area, you'll fly from Terminal 2. You can pay for the Fast Track program to speed you through security. Book in advance for about 150 CZK ($7) per person.

What travel options are available from BUD Airport to downtown Budapest?

You have two travel options from BUD Airport to Budapest city center, which are taxi and bus. Taxi booths are located at the exits of Terminals 2A and 2B. Bus 100E departs from the BKK stop at the arrivals level between both terminals. Get your ticket from the ticket vending machines in the Arrivals Hall.

Are there on-site hotels in BUD Airport?

If you arrive late in Budapest and would like to spend the night at Budapest Airport, the Ibis Styles Budapest Airport Hotel is within walking distance, opposite Terminal 2.

What services are available at BUD Airport?

There are spa and salon services at Lian Day Spa in Terminal 2 and DryBar in SkyCourt. The Terrace Cafe Rooftop at Terminal 2 has a smoking area, Terminal 2B has a chapel, and Terminal 2A has an observation deck that charges about 500 HUF (1.66 USD).

What is the cheapest flight from Prague to Budapest?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Prague to Budapest was $29 for a one-way ticket and $65 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Prague and Budapest?

Which airports will i be using when flying from prague to budapest.

Prague and Budapest are both served by 1 main airport. You will leave Prague from Václav Havel Prague and will be arriving at Budapest Ferenc Liszt Intl.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Prague to Budapest?

The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Prague to Budapest flight route.

On which days can I fly direct from Prague to Budapest?

You can catch a nonstop flight from Prague to Budapest on on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Which is the best airline for flights from Prague to Budapest, Austrian Airlines or Ryanair?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Prague to Budapest are Austrian Airlines and Ryanair. With an average price for the route of $191 and an overall rating of 7.6, Austrian Airlines is the most popular choice. Ryanair is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $90 and an overall rating of 6.8.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Prague to Budapest?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Prague to Budapest.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Prague to Budapest?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Budapest from Prague is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Prague to Budapest?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Budapest with an airline and back to Prague with another airline. Booking your flights between Prague and BUD can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Prague to Budapest?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Budapest from Prague up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from PRG to Budapest

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $33 or less one-way and $78 or less round-trip.
• Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is about 6 miles away from downtown Prague. A fast and convenient way to get there would be to use the AE Express bus that takes about 30min to the airport, depending on traffic. The bus departs from the main station, Praha Hlavni Nadrazi, and stops at both Terminals 1 and 2.
• Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD) is situated about 12 miles away from central Budapest. Some of the airlines you can book your flight with include RyanAir, Austrian Air, Lufthansa, SWISS AIR, LOT, Air France, easyJet, and KLM. You can fly nonstop with RyanAir.
• Prague Airport is a hub for Smartwings Airlines and Czech Airlines and a base for Ryanair. Budapest Airport is a hub for Wizz Air and Smartwings and also a base for Ryanair.
• PRG Airport has several hotel options, starting with a Rest and Fun Center inside the transit area of Terminal 1. You must be flying from Terminal 1 or be in transit to use it. The Ramada Airport Hotel is located in Terminal 3, and free shuttles are available from Terminals 1 and 2. The Courtyard Prague Airport Hotel is located between Terminals 1 and 2.
• If you're traveling through PRG airport with kids, there are baby care facilities in Terminal 1 and 2. You'll also find strollers throughout the transit area and two Children's Corners in Terminals 1 and 2 with climbers, slides, and toys. Additionally, there are more mini play areas in both terminals, mechanical riding toys throughout the airport, a Bambule toy shop in Terminal 2, and board games in the Terminal 2 Departure Hall.
• Prague Airport has a medical center and a pharmacy located in the connecting Corridor between Terminals 1 and 2. There's an interfaith chapel in Terminal 1 airside and a rest area, Kooperative Relaxation Zone in Terminal 2. You can shower at the Rest & Fun Center for about 99 CZK ($5) in Terminal 1. It's free at Pier D in Terminal 2, but you can pay about $11 for a towel and key.
• If you have some time on your hands, PRG Airport has a museum in Terminal 2. You can watch documentaries and view maps and photographs. There are two observation decks in both Terminals and reading corners with local and foreign language books in Terminal 1.

Prefer to fly non-stop from Prague to Budapest?

Find which airlines fly direct from Václav Havel Prague to Ferenc Liszt Intl, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Václav Havel Prague to Budapest Ferenc Liszt Intl

Ryanair, Smartwings

Nonstop returns

Budapest Ferenc Liszt Intl to Václav Havel Prague

Top airlines flying from prague to budapest.

Schedule and on time departure and arrival were great. The crew was good, but a change in aircraft bumped many of us from our expected seats. It was a crowded flight, but the cabin crew did their best to keep things under control.

The crew was attentive but not intrusive, and was always kind in every interaction.

Austrian was not the issue. Kayak was terrible The flight was canceled. Frustrating but it can happen. The worst was Kayak's customer support around re-booking. I have chatted with a bot, than with a person who insisted the flight was still on as originally booked. while chatting i went on Austrian web page and told the kayak chat lady that the flight is shown as cancelled. She said she will escalate this and that someone will contact me within the hour. When I have asked her to give me the details of the flight she sees, She gave me the general A to B and return B to A. Totally unhelpful. After two hours I contacted them again, They were still saying the original flight is as scheduled and when I explained again I was told I will be contacted within 2-6 hours. NO ONE CONTACTED ME EVER SINCE! I have than contacted Austrian directly and was rebooked on a difficult flight. Kayak continued to send me irrelevant updates about my original flight. Terrible customer service at time of need.

From all the segments I flew it was the only one I did not get the option to choose ni seat, I did not get the quality of seat I had paid for. Crew was nice, airplane was clean, but no food, only water and a small courtesy chocolate. Everything else you had to pay for.

Austrian airline they cancel my fight , and the couldn’t give me flight , they said only available flight 4th and after , I sacked for refund, even from you KYAK , and tell now no any refund , because what happened I lost more money because I have to stay in hotel and then I buy new ticket

Management and staff att viena wasn’t professional,and they are not good by how to communicate and solve the problem, I was shocked , as I know Austrian airlines was amusing Thank you

The baggage arrived damaged and i spent EUR 300 on the baggage a month ago. No responsibility from airline or the handles.

Tight connection from Austrian Airlines made this challenging. Our luggage did not make it, delivered the next day at noon. Flight itself was very full, not especially comfortable.

The flight was late. We accommodated other missed flights, and the plane was full of people, without space to store carry-on luggage. They lost our checked luggage for the entire flight and delivered it after two days.

I am Star Alliance Gold which meant nothing at security as my partner, who was on the same ticket, couldn’t come through with me which meant I had to wait for 20 minutes for him to join me. For a hub airport the lounge was small and uninspiring. We told staff of our security experience and they informed us it was like this for everyone. Isn’t this is an Austrian Airlines hub? Boarding was a nightmare as there was only one person at the gate and again, I had to go through without my partner. The boarding was supposed to be in groups but a bunch of travellers with lower groups were crowding the entry level. After I managed to get through I found myself on a bus waiting with 3 others for 15 minutes as the checkin had failed. Then only to find everyone else coming onto the same bus. My partner and friends actually beat me onboard. The crew were young and unable to control the crowd allowing people to stand in the rain instead of getting people to their seats promptly. During flight we were only offered a cup of water & a chocolate. Not impressed with Austrian Airlines or their Vienna hub airport and plan not to use them again if I can help it!

Perfect timing, perfect departure, lovely crew on the ground and in the air.

3 hours delay, non comunicated until past the time of original boarding, no assistance, witnessed land crew shouting at a passenger

Boarding process makes no sense for priority boarding or not since everyone gets crammed in a bus and everyone gets out without any difference.

It is standard with Ryanair, as FF with Ryanair you dont expect too much, and Ryanair never disappoints. At least it is reliable.

Very unpleasant staff, disgusting service, ignoring requests, refusal to help

The Ryanair staff was not polite. We all travelled with the same suitcases as we departed from Thessaloniki, however they decided that for some passengers the suitcase was not the rigth one as far as the dimensions are concerned. Furthermore, one air stewardess asked passengers to close themselves the luggage cabinet in order to prove that the lugagge was not properly fitted, which i think is very unkind and unprofessional. We also had to wait outside , some metres away from the plane until last passengers came off....It was generally a dissapointing experience.

You get what you pay for with RyanAir. This was a €60 round trip from Stockholm and every piece of it was just excruciating, from the plane being delayed by more than an hour, to having to stand out on the tarmac in the darkness at 3C and wind to wait for the plane to disembark its previous flight (why they do this is just cruel), to the crew keeping the lights on the entire flight despite it being so late so they could walk through the aisles and try to sell things. I always say “never again!” after flying RyanAir, but somehow end up getting lured by the prices…

Largas colas para el check-in, por seguridad, sin explicación, el equipaje de mano pequeño tuvo que pasar a bodega,

Boarding at Arrecife was commended way too early. Far too long for elderly to be kept standing on their feet. Otherwise we’ll done to all staff.

The boarding process was fast and easy , but the airport sign was not up on the board, so it was hard to know the correct gate , on the airplane there was NO Snacks and NO water …. Everything needs to be purchase …. It’s not worthy for the price we paid !

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Itinerary consult for Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg - Vienna Forum

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Itinerary consult for Prague, Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg

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As our trip involves a few cities so hope it’s ok to mention them all here. Or perhaps I should also post in the other cities’ forum?

Would like to ask everyone if the number of night in each city justifies? We’re 6 adults 1st time to these cities. We would like to visit main sights, Christmas markets, beautiful sights, sunrise sunsets if have, morning or flea markets. Minimal museums.

We had planned 3N Salzburg as a base. We are considering visiting Zell am See-Kaprun to see Austrian Alps.

Had also read that it is advisable to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in a big city so that restaurants and some sights are open, would this be the case? Which is why we are thinking Salzberg 3N over Eve and Christmas. 25th itself perhaps day trip to Zell am See-Kaprun. Or perhaps there is a better alternative for Eve and Christmas?

Would be grateful for advice on train connections & discount tickets too since there are a lot of city hopping. So far I’ve checked OBB site and it has all the connections. Or perhaps I should check out other train sites?

2 replies to this topic

Also, your trip to Zell am See is right around Christmas time and most things are closed on Christmas day and the afternoon of Christmas eve! So, if you do want to experience the Alps, why not forego your trip to Innsbruck and Stay a night or two in Zell? A couple of Christmases ago, we stayed in Zell for Christmas at a hotel which had half pension (breakfast and evening meal) which eliminated the need to find a restaurant which was opened or not booked out. We stayed at the Gruner Baum which is right in the pedestrian zone in town. https://www.gruener-baum.at/en/

As for the train tickets, I would book point to point rather than get a train pass. You could book through OBB and get the good value sparschiene tickets (book 3 months in advance to get the best prices) but you have to remember they have restrictions like having to catch a particular train and no cancellations. You may find the tickets a bit cheaper if you go to the Czech and Hungarian train sites. You could also compare your fares with the German train company DB Bahn.

https://www.oebb.at/en/

https://int.bahn.de/en

https://www.cd.cz/en/

https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en

I recommend you buy first class tickets (not that much more) and with 6 travelers, seat reservations if you want to be together.

Salzburg isn't really a large city, but there will be enough to do and see during the Christmas holidays. If you want to have some more entertainment, then bigger cities like Vienna may be more suitable.

How to travel between these cities has been covered here on TA many times by now, which is why you may want to use the forum's search function in order to find one of the numerous threads that already exist. I would also simply browse through the relevant subforums and read through comments that may be of interest.

http://www.wien.info

http://www.salzburg.info

http://www.austria.info

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Time Out to open in Budapest, Abu Dhabi and Vancouver in 2025 – but still no London market

M edia and hospitality group Time Out’s international expansion plans are in full swing. It was announced today a new Time Out market is set to open in Budapest in 2025.

To add to its existing seven food and drink markets, the London-listed company also has plans to open eight other sites in the next three years, including in Porto, Barcelona and Bahrain this year.

Along with Budapest, Time Out will also open markets in Osaka, Vancouver and Abu Dhabi in 2025, as previously announced. And, in 2027, the British business that began as a magazine, will also start operating in Prague and Riyadh.

Ironically, it currently has no London market, after a six-year dispute over planning permission costing £1m led the firm to pull out of a potential spot in the Spitalfield market.

Chris Ohlund, chief executive of Time Out said : “Budapest is amongst Europe’s most beautiful cities in which both locals and tourists love to go out – to open a Time Out Market in one of the city’s top locations, together with our partners in Budapest, is very exciting for us.

“Budapest offers both traditional, classic and modern, hip elements – it has a vibrant and diverse food scene which we will bring together under one roof at Time Out Market Budapest.”

Located within the historic Corvin Palace, a landmark dating back to 1926, Time Out Market Budapest will occupy a sprawling space of approximately 25,000 square feet indoors and extra space outdoors on the rooftop.

It will have 14 kitchens, four bars, and an event space, accommodating around 800 guests.

Oliver Balogh and Viktor Balogh of Corvin Food Market Kft and minority owners of Corvin Palace added: “Corvin Palace is the oldest department store in Budapest – we are proud to have now brought it back to its original glory, whilst creating value through a modern mixed-use of this legendary building.

“This is an ambitious project, so our goal was to include an iconic food and cultural market to complement the high-quality retail and leisure offerings as well as a hotel already signed – we are delighted to be welcoming Time Out Market Budapest to Corvin Palace soon.”

Two years ago the business announced it would scrap its London  magazine and shift to an online website instead, as a result of the pandemic.

Time Out has since been ramping up its digital presence, as well as turning its focus to its hospitality arm.

In March, it said group adjusted pre-tax earnings grew 151 per cent year-on-year to £6m but it reported an overall operating loss of £0.1m.

Time Out steams ahead with international expansion plans as losses improve