Most convenient train route from Budapest to other European cities

Posted by angephil on 01/28/24 02:04 AM

Hello,

Deciding which city to fly into and out for an upcoming trip this summer.
(Danube River cruise in July from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary)
Am very flexible and plan to fly in 3 days before the cruise start.
Trying to save money by going with a roundtrip flight (from Toronto, Canada) rather than fly into Germany and out of Hungary as prices are astronomical and there are no direct flights to Toronto from Budapest anyhow.
Am open to any suggestions to find a European city that would be a better link up by train with Budapest. (Germany preferred but not necessary).
The river cruise ends in Budapest on a Monday early morning in July.
I appreciate any suggestions.

Posted by steven

white plains, ny, usa

01/28/24 02:32 AM

4140 posts

Fly in to Munich , then train ( two hours to Vilshofen ) From Budapest - train three hours to Vienna or seven hours to Munich for return , If you choose this route ,a couple of days in Vienna would be delightful

Posted by Mr É (economy, confused) 🍷

Magyarország / Rep of Texas

01/28/24 08:11 AM

17919 posts

It's not like there is a mid point city with a good airport. You are going to be taking a long train trip. If you open your options to include flights then see where Wizz and Ryan go to out of Budapest.

And you would be best to spend 3 more nights in Budapest after arrival.

Posted by Andrea

Sacramento, California U.S.A.

01/28/24 03:34 PM

10222 posts

Are you looking at one way flights in lieu of round trip? If you search multi-city flights the price difference shouldn’t be too much more, or possibly less than a round trip. Factor in costs of transportation both in money and time and you may come out ahead flying multi-city, sometimes referred to as open jaw. We rarely fly round trip. You might want to check again on flights to Munich and return from Budapest.

Posted by Mr É (economy, confused) 🍷

Magyarország / Rep of Texas

01/28/24 04:40 PM

17919 posts

The OP was apparently willing to take a 7 hour train to get a direct flight home.

This is a great opportunity to see the unexpected. Look at Wizz and Ryan and see where they go out of Budspest, most of Europe is 2 hours or less away,. Then look for your direct flights home. BUCHAREST, SOFIA, PODGORICA, SARAJEVO. A HSLF DOZEN STOPS IN SPAIN, TIRANA, A FEW STOPS IN ITALY AND FRANCE ..... or train up to Vienna. All good.

Posted by Cheryl

Grand island, Ny

02/02/24 05:46 PM

237 posts

We are doing this same cruise in April. We live in WNY and usually fly out of Toronto. With the exchange rate it is usually very cost effective for us to drive the 1.5 to get to Toronto Pearson Airport. That being said we are flying into Munich and out of Budapest. We are actually flying out of Buffalo, NY. I was able to save over $400 pp per ticket and it included luggage. It is coach class. The only think with flying from Buffalo you will not get a direct flight to Europe. If we left out of Toronto we would have flown Air Canada and had a direct flight, but with Buffalo we go to Atlanta, Hatsfield AP first. It was worth the time and savings. As for flying on an open jaw I priced out many other routes, but by the time you factor in additional train travel and lodging it ends up being more expensive unless you want the added days o the trip. We arrive 3 days early for a visit to Munich, then we take the train to Prague for the 3 day Precruise trip with Ama. Then off to embark on AmaSonata down the river to Budapest. We disembark on 4/17 an we depart Budapest on 4/19/2024. So looking forward to this.