How to Book Train Travel From Budapest to Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia, is located 342 kilometers (about 210 miles) from Budapest, making it one of the closest European capitals to Hungary. Train travel between the 2 cities is easy to book, and Zagreb is well worth a visit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection
• Passport
• Hungarian currency

Prepare to Travel From Budapest to Zagreb

1. Know the entry requirements for Croatia. U.S. citizens will need a passport and a pre-booked return or onward ticket to enter the country. However, U.S. citizens may stay up to 90 days without a visa.

2. Bring at least 4,000 Hungarian forints per first-class ticket you intend to buy. Second-class tickets usually cost about 2/3 the first-class price.

3. Decide when you'd like to leave. Most days, 4 trains connect Budapest and Zagreb via Siofok on Lake Balaton. Most trains make the trip in about 6 hours, but some routes make additional stops. Timetables can be found online at the Hungarian railway Web site (see Resources).

Book Your Ticket From Budapest to Zagreb

4. Go to a Budapest train station. The Budapest-Keleti train station ticketing agents will have probably more experience with westbound international travel. The central ticket office for the Hungarian state railway in Budapest will probably have more experience dealing with foreigners.

5. Order your ticket or tickets as clearly as you can and don't leave out any information. Say when you'd like to leave, where you are going, what class you will be traveling and how many tickets you would like.

6. Call mom once you've arrived safely: there are many public phones and many kiosks that sell calling cards in Glavni kolodvor.

Tips & Warnings

• Rail Europe has a Hungary-Slovenia-Croatia pass. If you plan on taking this trip more than once, check out their Web site.
• Zagreb's train station, Glavni kolodvor, can be a busy and confusing place. The Information Center will be located on your right when you are exiting the tracks; an ATM will be on your left.
• Book train travel from Budapest to Zagreb through Rail Europe by visiting the Web site (see Resources) or by calling a North American agent at (888) 382-RAIL.
• Trains to Zagreb almost always depart from the Budapest-Keleti train station, but check your ticket to confirm.
• Rail Europe passes must be ordered 7 or more days prior to leaving North America. If you are already traveling abroad, forget about this option.
• The train is a good place to strike up conversations, but be wary of conversing about politics. Croatia has recently been involved in a war, and tempers can run hot when politics--or even recent history--are discussed.
• Trains between Hungary and Croatia are not entirely consistent. Arrive on time, but expect departures to be a little late.