Hi, I was researching trains from Vienna to Budapest and the vast majority seem to be run by OBB, which I've heard of. That said, Regiojet is about half the price. Has anyone used Regiojet? I've only hear OBB referenced in this travel forum.
Also, OBB arrives in Keleti station whereas Regiojet arrives in Kelnfoeld. Is Keleti much more centrally located?
Thank you!
The Regiojet actually goes as far as Deli station in Buda. Metro and trams there to take you across the river to Pest. Keleti is probably a little closer to the center city, but not by much.
Look at Relax class on Regiojet, roughly equivalent to 1st class on Railjet.
You can find videos on YouTube documenting the trip between Vienna and Budapest - it looks fine.
If buying a ticket on the RegioJet website, Kelenfold defaults as the station if you use Budapest as the destination. Type Budapest Deli and you will get the Deli station - it's on the Buda side, but has an easy Metro connection into the center of Pest.
Neither Deli nor Kelenfold are a classic European station. All of the tracks are outside, and the places have a feeling of "bus stop" about them.
From Deli it is under 15 minutes by taxi or metro line to Deak Ferenc ter, which is sort of Ground Zero for a tourist in Budapest. 100% of the public transportation trip is underground which is unfortunate. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xSXsrmhXiFCrv1Yr5
From Kelenfold it will take you close to 30 minutes to reach Deak Ferenc ter by public transportation or by car. But good news is you can ride the 49 tram the whole way and see the city. https://maps.app.goo.gl/P3Lkb6Koer69Gnce9
Keleti is one of those grand old European stations. Worth a visit just to see. It is under 15 minutes by taxi or metro to Deak Ferenc ter. If you are going to use public transportation then you can do half the trip above ground in a tram and get to see the character of the city along the way, which is much nicer then being underground. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest_Keleti_station#/media/File:14-05-06-budapest-RalfR-11.jpg
If you want to use a Taxi, then call for one when you get off the train. By call, I mean use the CityTaxi App which you will set up before you leave the US. https://citytaxi.hu/
For public transportation if you PM me an address I can give you some options to get to your accommodations. Do make sure you have your TravelCard for public transportation. You can buy one at the BKK office at the bottom of the stairs front and center of Keleti https://bkk.hu/downloads/map/225/ or under the cover at Deli https://bkk.hu/downloads/map/206/ Or at Kelenfold https://bkk.hu/downloads/map/224/
Also check the price of the "OBB Trains" on the MAV Site, they are generally cheaper through MAV. https://jegy.mav.hu/
12 December
2nd class, use it or lose it ticket. Includes Seat Reservations.
8:42 – 11:19
RegioJet
10:27 - 12:58
On this particular train, the MAV ticket wasn’t a lot less expensive. Understand that MAV and OBB are selling seats on the exact same train ... absolutely no difference. I have seen the MAV cost half the OBB cost from time to time and sometimes I have seen it the exact same as OBB. RegioJet is the cheapest. I have never heard anything bad about them. But I wont use them until I watch them for a few more years. Mama always said, you get what you paid for or less …. Never more.
RegioJet uses somewhat older cars which have a different layout for seating compared to what is now perceived as modern in trains. Anyway, there is no problem going on a RegioJet train, nor is there a need to book 1st class. Having a seat reservation is always recommended.
Thank you both for this very helpful information--esp the link to set up the taxi app in advance!
Mr.E,
Thank you! I just downloaded the taxi app but it doesn't ask for any credit card information. Do you just use this app to call the taxi in Budapest and pay via credit card after you arrive at your destination?
Yes. The taxi will use a meter and you can either pay by cash or card or Apple/Google Pay.
Once you have the app on your phone if you go to the menu (three horizontal lines in the upper right), click on your name you will get to a menu for putting in all your billing and credit card information. I have set mine up, but have never used it. Rather pay cash or present a card as I am just an old fart and am more comfortable that way.
BUT, while the Taxi is great for getting from the train station or airport, you do realize it is not how you get around town except in special circumstances. For getting around town you need good shoes and YOU NEED a pass for the public transportation.
For that matter, if you are not carrying much luggage and depending on where your accommodations are, the public transportation may be a good way from the train station to your accommodations (which station and where you are going and the time of day, might change my opinion).
You might as well hit the ground sightseeing and the public tranportation will get you a eye opening introduction to the city. All the train station discussed are in the part of the city that was constructed prior to WWII. The entirety of the pre-WWII city is neo-classical/barouque/gothic with some Art Nouveau / Art Deco / Bauhaus thrown in for good measure and the trams from the train stations to the part of town you should be staying in run through it. Here is another individual's opinion on the looks of the city: https://youtu.be/0nd9DuDGCz0?si=BsIK1a8oAKjm77ef
Just looked and see that you are staying "near" the Basilica. That could mean a pretty large area. But if you wanted to use the public transportation, and if you are coming from Keleti (to be honest, I would buy a MAV ticket to Keleti), then there are a couple of workable options depending on where "near" the Basilica you are staying.
