5 Ways To Get From Zagreb To Budapest (& Budapest To Zagreb)

Are you asking, “How can I get from Zagreb to Budapest?” Or “How do I get from Budapest to Zagreb?” In this post, we answer these questions once and for all.

Travel from Budapest to Croatia has become increasingly popular, with connections between the two at an all-time high.

People planning a visit to the Balkans often ask us, “How to get from Zagreb to Budapest?” Or “What is the best way to get from Budapest to Zagreb?” We even get asked, “How do you get from Budapest to Dubrovnik?” which typically is achieved by first getting yourself to Zagreb. Luckily for them, travel from Zagreb to Budapest has never been any easier.

Zagreb is often the arrival and departure point for tourists visiting Croatia, home to an international airport and bus and train stations. Budapest, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, has an airport and public transport stations.

Check out Zagreb first, maybe going on a day trip from Zagreb or two, before heading to another iconic European capital like Budapest.

It wouldn’t be Europe if public transportation connections between major cities weren’t abundant. So, if you’re wondering how you’ll get from Zagreb to Budapest, we offer you all possible Zagreb to Budapest transfer options below. From driving a rental car yourself to enjoying a private transfer, taking the bus, or hopping on a plane, the choice is all yours.

Before we move on, it’s essential to know that schedules are subject to change. Therefore, you should always check with the transportation company whether there have been any changes or if there’s any other important information you should be aware of.

1. Get From Zagreb To Budapest By Car

On Google Maps, the drive from Zagreb to Budapest looks super easy. It’s an almost straight line from one city to the other. Getting from Zagreb to Budapest by car is by no means difficult, and now that there is no border crossing involved, it is even easier.

Note: Croatia entered into the Schengen Zone in 2023, and there are no land or sea port border controls. 

Keep your passport within reach—people from Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand should have no trouble entering the Schengen Zone via Hungary. Although it’s usually not checked by border officials, tourists outside the European Union are technically required to prove their confirmed return trip. Other nationalities might want to contact their embassy regarding possible visa requirements.

The route itself is as easy as they come. You’ll take the E70 out of Zagreb for a short distance, turning north onto the E65 at the Ivanja Reka Interchange. The road then turns into the M7/E71 highway, which will take you past Lake Balaton and straight to Budapest. You’ll follow this major highway to the Croatia-Hungary border.

The drive from Zagreb to Budapest is about 350 kilometers. Depending on traffic at the border crossing, you should count on several hours of travel time.

If you’re renting a car in Croatia, it is always a good idea to make sure that you’re permitted to take it from Croatia into Hungary. Ask your car rental agency for confirmation.

With a car, you can drive about in total freedom – and be sure to check out all of these things to do in Budapest while you’re there!

Brands We Use And Trust

---

2. Bus From Zagreb To Budapest

The most economical Zagreb to Budapest transfer option is taking the bus. There is usually at least one direct bus from Zagreb to Budapest daily. However, traveling between the two cities by bus on certain public holidays may not be possible. So, make sure to keep that in mind and check up-to-date bus schedules.

The Budapest to Zagreb bus route is the same as the one you’d take if you were driving yourself. It’s about 350 kilometers, a trip that takes 5 to 6 hours by bus. You’ll have to get through the same border crossing, so prepare to spend some time waiting in line.

An excellent website to check schedules and prices and book your transfer is GoEuro.com. You’ll notice that prices can get as low as 15 euros one way, which is highly cheap by all accounts.

Flixbus Bus Tickets

3. Travel From Zagreb To Budapest By Private Transfer

Nothing is better than a private transfer from Zagreb to Budapest for ultimate comfort and convenience. There is no stress in figuring out how to travel between hotels, bus/train stations, or car rental offices. A Zagreb to Budapest transfer takes away all the hassle of getting to airports, and the beauty here is that you’ll be picked up and dropped off right at the door of your hotels.

It does not get any easier than this. Also, select the time you would like to depart and whether you want to make any stops along the way. If you can afford to spend a little more, then a Budapest to Zagreb transfer is worth it!

4. Flights From Zagreb To Budapest

The fifth way to get from Zagreb to Budapest is by plane. This is, however, rarely the most convenient or cheapest option. For one, you’ll have to travel to and from the airports outside the city center. Additionally, there is no direct Budapest to Zagreb flight between the cities. You’ll always need to connect somewhere else, whether in Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, or Brussels.

Lastly, even though there are several low-cost airlines in Europe, flying from Zagreb to Budapest is almost always much more expensive than taking the bus or train or even renting a car for a day.

5. Train From Zagreb To Budapest

Taking a Budapest to Zagreb train has seen an increase in popularity over the years, so naturally, another excellent and comfortable option is taking a train from Zagreb to Budapest. Rail Europe currently offers two direct Budapest to Zagreb train rides between cities daily.

There’s one in the morning and one mid-afternoon, respectively, lasting 6 hours and 27 minutes and 6 hours and 39 minutes, respectively. The Zagreb to Budapest train price starts at about 50 euros for a one-way trip.

Distance between Zagreb and Budapest 

The distance between Zagreb, Croatia, and Budapest, Hungary, is approximately 344 kilometers (214 miles) by road or 297 kilometers (185 miles) as the crow flies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a high-speed train from Zagreb to Budapest?

Yes, there is a direct train from Zagreb to Budapest, offering a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the two cities. The journey time may vary, but direct train services typically make the trip in around 6 hours. For the best experience, it’s recommended to book train tickets from Zagreb in advance to secure cheap tickets and ensure availability.

Is there a direct flight from Croatia to Budapest?

Direct flights from Croatia to Budapest are not typically available due to the close proximity of the two locations. Most travelers prefer the train or bus for this journey as it’s the most convenient and scenic route.

Does FlixBus offer meals or snacks?

No, FlixBus does not usually offer meals or snacks on board, so pack—your own.

Are there any additional amenities on board FlixBus?

FlixBus strives to offer comfort on board at an affordable price. In addition to providing free Wi-Fi, ample legroom, and the option to bring one carry-on, FlixBus also allows passengers to choose their preferred seats and offers the possibility to offset their carbon emissions, making for a more personalized and environmentally friendly travel experience.

How do I travel from Zagreb to Budapest without a car?

The best way to travel from Zagreb to Budapest without a car is by taking a train or a bus. Direct train and bus services are departing from Zagreb, making it a convenient option for travelers. FlixBus is one of the bus companies that operate on this route, offering tickets at an affordable price. Ensure that you use their real-time bus tracker to track your bus location and check bus stations and stops for the most up-to-date information.

How far is Budapest from Croatia by train?

The distance from Zagreb, Croatia, to Budapest, Hungary, by train is approximately 350 kilometers. The journey from Zagreb to Budapest by train can take about 6 hours, depending on the train service chosen. Direct train services provide a seamless route from Zagreb to Budapest, making it a popular choice for travelers.

What are the luggage allowances on the train to Budapest?

When traveling by train from Zagreb to Budapest, passengers are usually allowed to bring two pieces of luggage, including a carry-on. It’s advisable to check luggage allowances with the train company at the time of booking to ensure you meet their requirements and have a hassle-free journey.

How can I find the cheapest tickets to Budapest?

To find the cheapest way to get to Budapest, it’s recommended to book your ticket from Zagreb to Budapest in advance. Prices for train and bus tickets can vary, so exploring both options and booking early can help secure the best deals. FlixBus offers competitive rates for bus tickets, and checking train services for early bird discounts can also lead to affordable prices.

Let us know if you have any tips for getting from Budapest to Zagreb.