How to Book Train Travel From Budapest to Bratislava

Bratislava is only 194 kilometers (about 120 miles) from Budapest. Bratislava, Slovakia, is the closest European capital to Budapest, Hungary, and train travel between the 2 capital cities is easy to book.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hungarian currency
• Passport
• Internet connection

Prepare to Travel From Budapest to Bratislava

1. Know the entry requirements for Slovakia. Border patrols still exist and your passport may be checked enroute, so pack your passport somewhere accessible. U.S. citizens can enter Slovakia with only a passport and stay for up to 90 days of tourism.

2. Bring enough Hungarian currency to cover the cost of the tickets. A first-class train ticket to Bratislava will probably range from 1,500 to 2,000 forints. Only forints will be accepted.

3. Choose a departure time. Anywhere from 7 to 10 trains leave for Bratislava from Budapest daily.

4. Note the trip duration before booking a ticket. Most trains make the journey in 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, but some trains do not travel to Bratislava directly and can take up to 10 hours. Official timetables can be found at the state railway's Web site (see Resources).

Book Your Ticket From Budapest to Bratislava

5. Go to any train station in Budapest. If you want to familiarize yourself with the station you will most likely be departing from, go to the Budapest-Keleti station. If you are worried about miscommunication, go to the railway's central ticket office instead.

6. Book your tickets by being as specific and complete as you can. Mention dates, times, number of tickets and class of travel.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a European East Pass from Rail Europe if you plan on making this trip more than once or if you plan on doing any more traveling around Eastern Europe. Go to Rail Europe's Web site to book a pass, but only prior to leaving your home country.
• Hungarian state railways offer a generous discount to certain groups, including students and seniors.
• The main train station in Bratislava is called Bratislava Hlavna. It is the largest train station in Slovakia, and it maybe be intimidating to a new traveler. Fear not: it will have ATM machines, an information desk and most other conveniences.
• Taxis will be plentiful in front of the station and announcements will be made in English as well as Slovak.
• Book train travel from Budapest to Bratislava through Rail Europe by visiting the Web site (see Resources) or by calling a North American agent at (888) 382-RAIL.
• Most trains to Bratislava depart from the Budapest-Keleti train station. However, 1 train daily departs from the Budapest-Nyugati train station instead. Make sure you show up to the right station when it is time to leave.
• Trains between Hungary and Slovakia have a tendency to run late. Anticipate delays.