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Travel from Bucharest to Budapest

How would you recommend 2 women travel from Bucharest to Budapest? I see there is an overnight train and a daytime train. We could fly - but my impression is that is a lot more expensive. Are there any boats that go up the Danube (which I understand would have to start out of Bucharest)?
MS

Posted by
17639 posts

I understand its not the sweetest train but if you don't want to pay to fly. .... I think the only other option might be to hire a car/driver. That might cost $600 and would take about 6 hours. Did it once. These folks can arrange it http://covinnus.com/

Posted by
44 posts

There is an overnight train on this route as well as a day one. On the night train, you could book a Double compartment and travel in privacy and comfort, and avoid a night's hotel stay.

Posted by
6 posts

Thanks to both of you. I've now been looking at airplane flights. Does any airline other than Tarom and Airberlin fly nonstop between Bucharest and Budapest? I can't find one on Malev or Lufthansa. Any suggestions on getting a cheaper fare - it seems to run about $290.

Posted by
17639 posts

Unfortunately Malev fell victim to EU regulations on government support and is no more. It was a pretty decent airline too.

After you get through checking airfare you might want to check on the cost of the car and driver. I suspect that the cost may not be much different than two plan tickets. But its been a while so I might be wrong. AND, its a long trip; maybe 10 hours. There are a number interesting ways you could break it up. Take the train to Szeged, spend a night then car into Bucharest. Or fly to Cluj-Napoca then car into Bucharest. By the way, why do you want to go straight to Bucharest. Lot to see between the Hungarian Border and Bucharest you know.

Oh, and you might compare the RT fare with the One Way fare. You might find a surprise.