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When traveling through the eastern part Europe, it seems logical to go from Ljubljana to Budapest – and it made sense for our travels, too.
After our two-week stay in Ljubljana, we picked Budapest as our next destination, a natural progression after we had worked our way north through the Balkans. We assumed that it would be fairly easy to travel by train from Ljubljana to Budapest. Both are capital cities of their respective countries, top travel destinations and sit in relatively close proximity.
We had heard that there was at least one daily Ljubljana-Budapest train, so we weren’t particularly concerned about the specifics of the trip – until we bought our tickets.
Taking the Ljubljana to Budapest Train
A few days before we departed, we walked to the Ljubljana Railway Station to purchase tickets. Once the tickets were in our hands, we were simultaneously excited and dismayed. There was, in fact, a Ljubljana to Budapest train the next day and the price for both tickets was only about $40 USD…however, the ride would take an astounding eight hours. Yep, eight hours.
We were taken back by the length of time it takes for trains to travel from Ljubljana to Budapest. Perhaps we had been spoiled by the high-speed trains of France, Germany and The Netherlands, and hadn’t even bother to check.
Whatever the reason, it was an important detail that we missed. What we didn’t understand at the time (but now we are all too aware of) is that train travel in this part of Europe is slow…and connections from Ljubljana, Slovenia are sparse.
The Ljubljana-Budapest distance is about 280 miles and would only take approximately 4.5 hours in a car. As we had already bought tickets it was too late to find an alternate route, so we mentally prepared for the 8 hour trip.
How We Got from Ljubljana to Budapest by Train
We are detailing our journey by train from Ljubljana to Budapest to help fellow travelers know what to expect. Later in the article, we offer alternate transit options between the two cities.
Departing Ljubljana Central Station
We arrived on the platform at the Ljubljana main train station 20 minutes before departure and the train to Budapest was already at the platform. We noted that the Ljubljana-Budapest train only had two cars, which seemed very few for such an extended journey. We had seat assignments listed on our tickets and were met by another traveler in our six-seat compartment. It would just be the three of us for the duration of the trip.
Riding the Train from Ljubljana To Budapest
As we left the Ljubljana station, we stared at the scenery through the window. We followed a river, passed through hills and slowly chugged through small Slovenian towns. There were only a few stops along the route – and at each of these stations, we only paused briefly.
Twice we made longer stops, but not at stations. The reason for the extended delay was that they had to switch from electric to diesel engines (and then back again). The switches occurred, both times, near the Slovenia-Hungary border.
On the train to Budapest from Ljubljana, the landscape changed drastically once we were in Hungary, becoming pancake flat and far less scenic.
Furthermore, construction was occurring alongside the tracks in almost every town. They were even working on the tracks, at one point requiring us to disembark the train, travel by bus to the next station and then board a different train to Budapest.
Despite the long train ride and a few disruptions, the time passed surprisingly quickly – and somehow we arrived at Budapest right on time.
Arriving in Budapest Deli Station
Budapest is a big, bustling city – especially in comparison to Ljubljana. With a population of more than two million residents, it was the biggest city we visited in quite some time.
We had to quickly adapt to the fast pace as we maneuvered through the Budapest Deli train station to the Metro. We were whisked through the underground and were excited for what Budapest might have in store for us!
How To Get from Ljubljana to Budapest: Train, Bus, Car, Plane
Now that you know what to expect when traveling from Ljubljana to Budapest by train, we want to share a few tips and cover more options.
Top Tips For The Ljubljana To Budapest Train
Train travel between Ljubljana and Budapest might be painfully slow, but it is inexpensive and can be practical if the timetables align with your travel schedule. Before you hop on the train, though, we have a few tips.
First, buy your Ljubljana to Budapest train tickets as far in advance as you can for the lowest price. In not, purchase tickets in person at the Ljubljana, Slovenia train station for the best price. Find more information (like which Budapest station you will arrive at) and current timetables on the Slovenia Rail Official Site.
If the long train ride from Ljubljana to Budapest is too much, consider breaking up the journey with a stopover in Prague or Vienna. These beautiful cities can be explored on foot in a single day. Use our guide to amazing Prague Viewpoints and our top tips for Free Things To Do in Vienna.
Ljubljana to Budapest Bus
The train is not the only method of transport between the two cities. Travelers can also take the Ljubljana to Budapest Bus. And, the bus is actually quicker!
Conveniently, the Ljubljana Main Bus Station is located in front of the Railway Station, so regardless you will depart from about the same location. If you opt to take the bus from Ljubljana to Budapest, be sure to double-check which Budapest bus station is the terminus for your route.
Ljubljana bus tickets can be bought from the small building next to where the buses park – or online in advance with a company, like FlixBus.
The Ljubljana-Bus bus ride takes as little as 6.5 hours – but some routes include more (or longer) stops, so the ride can take 8 hours.
Check Ljubljana to Budapest bus timetables on Rome2Rio. For the Budapest to Ljubljana bus, use this timetable.
Drive from Ljubljana to Budapest
As we already mentioned, the drive between Ljubljana and Budapest should only take about 4.5 hours. Use our tips for Booking Rental Cars at the Best Rates – or consider catching a ride using a rideshare app, like BlaBlaCar.
Ljubljana to Budapest Flights
Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are NO direct Ljubljana to Budapest flights (or Budapest to Ljubljana flights, for that matter!).
Traveling between the two cities via plane would require a stop in another city (such as Munich or Frankfurt). With those stops, the journey itself takes at least 5 hours. Plus, these flights are a lot more expensive than the train or bus options.
That said, if you want to fly from Ljubljana to Budapest, check for flights on Skyscanner – but first use our tips for Finding the Best Flights for Cheap.
Best Way To Get from Budapest to Ljubljana
Making the trip in reverse – traveling from Budapest to Ljubljana – presents the exact same options as described above. There are no flights; transport is limited to car, bus or train from Budapest to Ljubljana, Slovenia. However, there is the possibility of a night train. Just make sure you don’t have to switch in the middle of the night!
Travel Tips for Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Best Things To Do in Ljubljana
- Enjoy The Slovenian Seaside in Piran
- Go On A Wine Tour of Slovenia
- How To Spend One Day in Ljubljana
- Top Day Trips from Ljubljana
- Things To See in Kranj and Maribor
- Visiting Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
- Sightseeing Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle and Skocjan Caves
- Glamping in Slovenia in the Bela Krajina Region
Budapest Travel Tips
- Perfect 3-Day Budapest Itinerary
- Best DIY Budapest Walking Tour
- Visiting Budapest on a Budget
- Best Budapest Craft Beer
Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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