Your driver will meet you at your address in Budapest.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 10 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Bratislava.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
202 km2 h 10 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Budapest to Bratislava
Is the train from Budapest to Bratislava scenic?
Although the train ride from Budapest to Bratislava isn't considered the most beautiful railway journey in Europe, it offers guests a front-row seat to gorgeous natural beauty. You'll pass through rolling fields, small villages, patches of forest, and parts of the Danube River in the distance before arriving in the Slovakian capital.
Are there flights from Budapest to Bratislava?
As of 2024, no direct flights fly from Budapest to Bratislava. It is unlikely for one to appear in the future due to the short distance and robust transportation network between the two cities. However, you can catch a flight to Vienna Airport and take a 1-hour bus to downtown Bratislava.
How much is a taxi from Budapest to Bratislava?
The minimum price of an economy taxi from Budapest to Bratislava is €142. The average cost for four travelers is €270. Alternatively, you can opt for Daytrip's private door-to-door service, with seats starting at only €46. You also have the option to stop and visit the fascinating sites en route.
How long is the train ride from Budapest to Bratislava?
The shortest train ride from Budapest to Bratislava is 2 hours and 25 minutes. However, the average duration is 3 hours and 21 minutes. Traveling with Railways ZSSK is the fastest trip as it's a direct connection, while OBB requires a stopover in Vienna HBF.
How do you transfer from Budapest to Bratislava?
As of 2024, three modes of transportation are running from Budapest to Bratislava, each with unique advantages. A bus is best if you're traveling on a budget, the train is best if you're seeking a scenic voyage, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the cities.
Can I get a ferry from Budapest to Bratislava?
Although you can travel from Budapest to Bratislava by ferry, packages are part of a luxury 3-to10-night cruise along the Danube. The boat will arrive in Bratislava, but you'll be expected to continue on this journey to Vienna and afar. You’ll also need to pay for accommodation on the boat. Prices cost around €1,500 for a three-night tour.
Is Bratislava safe for tourists?
Bratislava is one of Europe's safest capital cities for locals and tourists, including female and solo travelers. As of 2024, the city scored 69 on the global safety index. The biggest concern for visitors is pickpockets at tourist attractions. Nevertheless, you should still use common sense and avoid walking in unlit areas at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,600+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Most travelers don't look upon a car trip from Budapest to Bratislava with overwhelming excitement and anticipation. However, everyone who embarks on this 127-mile (204 km) journey hopes that the journey never ends. It's like a scavenger hunt, scouring for ancient wonders and exploring medieval towns that seem frozen in the past while admiring the unspoiled countryside.
But first, you'll drive past Budapest's bustling shopping lanes and towering structures dominating the cityscape. You'll quickly arrive in the nation's casserole-dish-shaped landscape, with stunning sloping peaks flanking the lush flatlands. The smooth cruise complements the rustic farmyards and quaint villages hidden in the distance as you approach the Slovakian frontier. Since the capital is ten times larger than any other city, you'll feel connected to nature for the entire trip.
Slovakia's capital is a compact city, so the leafy meadows and tree-lined roads follow you to the towering Bratislava Castle, welcoming you to its limits. The pristine walkways and modern buildings may be a surprise. But you'll also be amazed at how easy and relaxing a trip from Budapest to Bratislava can be. So continue reading to uncover everything you need for a hassle-free adventure.
About Bratislava
After uncovering gems and admiring the scenery on your drive from Budapest to Bratislava, you'll arrive in Slovakia's capital city. It's the most populous urban space, with over 475,000 locals residing here along the banks of the Danube River. When you look at the map of Slovakia, you'll be surprised to see that it hugs the Austrian border, but there's a good reason.
### Early Bratislava
Archeologists have discovered ancient pottery and weapons surrounding Bratislava since the Neolithic period. However, the Celtic tribe of Boii was the first to permanently inhabit the land along the river due to its rich fishing waters.
In 172 AD, Marcus Aurelius, the then-ruler of the Roman Empire, invaded its borders and took control of the city. It was a vital stronghold for the kingdom as it sat at the crossroads of the European trade route, most notable for amber.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Bratislava received a rush of Slavic settlers. But for centuries, it again fell under the control of growing armies, including Hungarians and the Habsburgs. However, it was the capital of the Hungarian period for a brief window in the 1530s as the Ottoman Empire took control of Budapest.
### Modern Bratislava
The 20th century was a turbulent period for Bratislava. After WWI, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire collapsed, so it fell into the hands of the newly formed Czechoslovakian state. Nazi Germany invaded the city during World War II. Luckily, the town received minute damage to its structures. After the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Bratislava became the political headquarters of Slovakia.
Today, Bratislava is a buzzing and youthful city. It truly highlights that quality over quantity is a necessity in life. It was never built to be a capital metropolis. So you can still feel the city charm flowing over the cobbled-stone lanes and around the pastel-colored buildings.
The Old Town is a pedestrian-only setting where outdoor bars and cafes line the roads, once filled by cars. The baroque buildings and idyllic squares seem like a tranquil oasis until the sunsets and locals come out in force, creating a lively and welcoming nightlife scene!
Language: Slovakian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time zone: GMT+1
Climate: humid subtropical
* Plug types: C and E
From Budapest to Bratislava: travel tips
Getting from Budapest to Bratislava is a relatively straightforward car trip. However, there are a few insider secrets to help put the cherry on top of the cake!
### Cash is king
Since the global pandemic, Slovakia and Hungary have taken a step forward in their credit card facilities. Nevertheless, several small museums or family-run restaurants still only accept cash, especially outside the cities.
If you plan to stop en route to dive deeper into the regional culture, you might need a bit of cash. Remember that Hungary uses the Forint, whereas Slovakia uses the Euro.
### Explore the unknown
Budapest and Bratislava are popular vacation ideas. While this makes traveling more relaxing, you might not get a true insight into Eastern European cultures.
Komarno and Gyor are two magical towns en route where you can speak to the locals and sample authentic dishes at cozy eateries. Or Devin Castle, towering above the lush terrain, gives a unique insight into Slovakia's history.
### Book tickets early
It seems like a not-so-original travel tip, but booking a ticket in advance is essential when traveling from Budapest to Bratislava. It sits on Europe's busiest interrail route, so carriages are often crowded from late spring to early fall.
By purchasing seats through an agency early, you'll guarantee a place at your desired time. And you could save up to 50% on tickets—more if you’re a student. Saving just €10 could pay for a meal and a beer when you arrive in Bratislava!
How to get from Budapest to Bratislava
Which mode of transportation is best depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Once you decide your priorities, you can figure out which travel method is best for traveling from Budapest to Bratislava!
### Bus from Budapest to Bratislava
Purchase a bus ticket from Budapest to Bratislava if you're traveling through Europe on a budget. It's the cheapest way to transfer between the cities, with RegioJet and Flixbus offering seats for only $11 (€10) one way. You'll even get modern comforts such as reclining seats, free wifi, and restrooms.
One thing to note is that three departure points are in Budapest: Budapest Nepliget, Budapest Kelenfold Bus Station, and Budapest Mexikói út. All are on the city outskirts, so double-check your ticket, as you may not have enough time to travel to another stop if you make a mistake.
Cheapest/average fare: $11-$20 (€10-€18)
Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 20 minutes; 2 hours, 40 minutes
First/last departure: 6:45 AM–10:30 PM
### *Trains from Budapest to Bratislava
Trains are the most popular way tourists travel from Budapest to Bratislava. OBB and ZSSK Railways ZSSK are the primary operators on this line, with the latter offering direct services. Since OBB is an Austrian agency, you'll change carriages at Vienna HBF.
Like the bus, there are multiple departure points in the city. But the most convenient route is from Budapest Nyugati to Bratislava Hlavna. When you arrive in Slovakia, you're just a 15-minute walk from downtown. As a student, you can also take advantage of lower fares.
Cheapest/average fare: $20-$36 (€18-€33)
Fastest/average duration: 2 hours, 25 minutes; 3 hours, 21 minutes
* First/last departure: 5:30 AM–7:55 PM
### Daytrip private car from Budapest to Bratislava*
Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient way to get from Budapest to Bratislava. Our private door-to-door service takes only 2 hours, and you have the luxury of deciding where and when you wish your professional driver to collect you.
Daytrip's private service is also the most adventurous way to travel. You might be adjusting the thermostat to the ideal temperature or relaxing with the sweet sound of no noisy passengers, but you can explore the treasures littering the route. Brunszvik Castle is one of Europe's most lavish castles to date; Esztergom is an enchanting village along the Danube River; and Pannonhalma Archabbey overlooks Hungary's rolling hills, waiting for keen explorers traveling from Budapest to Bratislava!
Seats from: $50 (€46)
Sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
English-speaking driver
Equipped for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
24/7 customer service
* Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!
Things to do when you get to Bratislava
The Slovakian capital has a rich museum culture, a mouthwatering food scene, a buzzing nightlife, and postcard parks. Therefore, it's unsurprising that you'll have countless things to do on your travel itinerary after getting your Budapest to Bratislava transfer!
### Get lost in Stare Mesto
The heart of Bratislava is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with colorful 18th-century buildings. As you lose yourself in the Disney-like setting, you'll come across the Main Square with its charming Roland Fountain, the medieval Michael's Gate, and the Gothic-style St. Martin's Cathedral, where several Hungarian kings were crowned.
The Old Town is also packed with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a delightful area to explore day and night.
### Ascend Bratislava Castle
Due to the pristine condition of Bratislava Castle, you'd think it was built just yesterday. In fact, its roots date back to the 9th century, but after centuries of battles and changing rulers, locals revamped the fort on numerous occasions, most recently in the 1950s. You can learn about all this and more inside its extensive museum.
The museum may have opening hours, but you can wander the vicinity 24/7. During the evening, come here and watch the fairytale old town light itself up. The best part is that you'll have the setting to yourself!
### Climb the UFO Tower
You might think the UFO tower requires more exercise and upward walking. But the elevator can take you from ground zero to over 100 yards in 45 seconds. From above, 360-degree panoramic vistas greet you, leaving you speechless from the moment you arrive.
If you're an adrenaline junkie, the Skywalk is for you. You'll scale the entire circumference while hanging over the edges, and if you can brave the height, you'll get the best city views. If you fancy something on the lighter side, enjoy a romantic meal in its world-class restaurant before sampling a signature cocktail on the way down.
### Explore Devin CastleDevin Castle is only 15 minutes from downtown Bratislava, yet it feels like a different planet. This picturesque ruin isn't just for history buffs. Natural enthusiasts and adventure seekers will appreciate this historical gem.
This site has been significant since Roman times. Today, it offers ancient ruins to explore and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. If you've never been to Austria, now is your chance, as the Danube River is the only thing separating you from its border.
When is the best time to visit Bratislava?
There's never a dull time to get a Budapest to Bratislava transfer. In the winter, fresh aromas of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts ooze throughout the streets and Christmas markets. In the summer, you can attend one of the endless festivals before enjoying a dinner outside under the stars at night.
However, spring is the best time to travel, as you get all the benefits of traveling without any headaches. The average daily high temperature of 73° Fahrenheit is ideal for walking tours, exploring museums, or hiking in nearby parks. And with far fewer tourists than in the summer, you'll have more than enough personal space to enjoy each experience during the day.
The best reason to travel between the end of March and mid-June is that the city is at its most beautiful point. Blooming flowers add a burst of color to the green spaces throughout the city. You can't afford to miss the gardens of Bratislava Castle when silver lindens, hedges, and spring and summer flowers contrast the bright white fortified walls.
Visit these sights on the way
Brunszvik Castle
Beethoven composed "Für Elise" in this lavish castle, which now has a museum dedicated to him. Exquisitely Composed
Esztergom
Esztergom sits on the bank of the River Danube on the border with Slovakia and is the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary The cradle of Hungary
Komarno
Architectural styles from all of Europe are represented in this medieval city’s unusual town square. It’s a Small World
Pannonhalma Archabbey
The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey built in 996 is one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cultural and historic delight
Gyor
Situated half-way between Vienna and the Hungarian capital, Gyor is the richest town in terms of historic buildings outside of Budapest. A historic Hungarian treasure-trove
Devin castle
A popular place for picnics, and a national symbol of fellowship, this ruined castle once played a major role in Slovak history. Peace from Ruins
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“First time user of Daytrip but found it an attractive option because it is unrushed and allowed self-selected stops which we made at Esztergom and Gyor, both of which we would have missed had we taken the train.
Jana K was an exemplary employee, on-time, communicated well in advance and safe driver. In fact, she more than an obliging and courteous driver. Jana is a knowledgeable & well-travelled host so we were well-engaged in interesting conversations; ranging from travels to cuisine.
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip in a most relaxed way.”
“Our trip was informative, entertaining and professional. Eduard Z. is
a font of knowledge! He arrived promptly to pick us up and waited to
ensure we were at the correct location at drop-off. When asked, he told us where
to eat, what to eat and things to avoid. I would recommend using Daytrip
to anyone looking for door to door service with extremely professional
drivers, not to mention the communication with the entire company.”
“Our trip from Budapest to Bratislava with Melitta was amazing! Melitta told us a lot about the modern history of Hungary and Slovakia, and we also learned a lot from her about the current politics of Hungary. Esztergom was a great place to stop - an absolutely beautiful church. And Melitta took us across the river to get an even more beautiful view of it as well. The only minus was that the Brunszvik Mansion was a letdown and was closed on Monday.
Melitta’s service was amazing. She arrived early to pick us up, took our bags for us, and gave us a preview of our trip (even hinting us on that maybe we should skip Brunszvik Mansion). She had water bottles for us in the car as well. We left a set of expensive headphones in the car after our ride, and Melitta went out of her way to ship them to us in Vienna a few days later.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend traveling with DayTrip to Europe travelers, and I would absolutely travel with daytrip again.”
“I called Daytrip on the day I wanted to travel. I was extremely impressed with the quick response time.An error on departure date was made on my part they were still able to accomate me. With only a few hours notice my driver Blaint arrived on time with a smile. I had planned a few stops and Blaint gave some history his English was excellent as well as his driving.
The only downside my first stop to Brunszik castle was closed. Blaint translating the woman explained they didnt take euro or cards so Blaint paid.After all that the woman took entrance fee and never told us castle was closed. Never saw castle. We took 20 min walk around the park.
All N All it was a great experience.”
“We booked a transfer from Bratislava to Budapest and the journey was great.
Our driver Stan collected us from the hotel reception, helped with all out baggage and made sure we were all comfortable. He presented us with a packed lunch and bottled water and swiftly got us underway.
He proceeded to tell us about the local history and stopped at a place of history for us to take in the atmosphere.
We arrived at Budapest in great time were he ensured we got all our luggage into the hotel.
He also left us with a gift of homemade cake, how amazing is that !
Stan ensured that our journey was comfortable and pleasant at all times. He’s an absolute credit to the company, I will defiantly use this service again.”
“We traveled from Budapest to Bratislava with this company and could not have been more thrilled with our experience. Stanislav was way more than a driver. He also was an amazing tour guide even though we didn’t expect this from this company. In addition, he went over the top with providing us with a homemade lunch and treats made by his wife. I am sure this is not to be expected in the future however if you do get Stanislav as your driver and guide you will be very lucky. We look forward to using this company in a few days to go from Bratislava to Kraków and then again from Krakow to Prague. It is an amazing service that has been needed for a very long time and is finally here. Definitely don’t hesitate!”
“▪️DayTrip services used: 2- Our Prague hotel to our Bratislava hotel followed by our Bratislava hotel to our Budapest hotel.
▪️Booking process: Easy. We reserved and paid by credit card about 10 days before.
▪️Pre-departure support: DayTrip pre-advised each driver's name and mobile phone.
▪️Hotel pickup: Several minutes early in both cases. (Our Prague hotel was hard to find and had no parking.)
▪️Service: The keys to this type of business are the driving skill, communication ability, personality and knowledge of the driver. Our Prague driver, (Pavel) and Bratislava driver, (Andrea) were both excellent. They were good drivers, knowledgable and positive people. We learned a lot about the local country and also got to know something about their life, ambitions, family and pets. We enjoyed spending part of one day with Pavel and then part of another day with Andrea.
▪️Benefits: Door to door transportation without the airport interim step, people-to-people connection and the chance to see "in between" destination sights and culture.
▪️Disadvantages of the service: None for us, however this is an Uber-like contractor driver service so your results could vary. Also, traffic and weather delays could be issues....same as flying and rail.
▪️Cost: Seemed fair.
▪️Previous DayTrip use: None
▪️Future bookings: Two more during the next five days. I will post another report after those two trips if TripAdvisor allows it.
▪️Recommend: Strong Yes.”
“We used Daytrip to travel from Budapest to Bratislava. Very convenient to be picked up from one Hotel and delivered safely to the next. Our driver Peter was excellent, efficient, friendly and professional. We will definitely be using Daytrip again.”
“Michel picked us up exactly at 9:00 a.m. and we started our trip. He was an excellent driver and very interesting to talk to. He took us to a great lunch place in Budapest and then showed us the town. We even rode the 2nd oldest subway! We then went to Bratislava and he took us on a tour around town. We got back in the evening and he never seemed to rush us, which is important because we have two boys. Would use Daytrip again for our next trip.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler mccally2016
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
