Private car transfer
from Lake Bled to Budapest

The most challenging part of this trip is leaving the surreal views surrounding Lake Bled and its enchanting chapel floating in its emerald waters. But once you wind along the Slovenian Alps, the road littered with medieval forts nestled on hills will make you forget about the magical setting.

Stopping in Ljubljana or Maribor en route will help fuel your wanderlust. But they cannot prepare you for the transformation that occurs when you cross the border into Hungary. The cone-shaped hills, a reminder of the volcanic activity, plot themselves throughout the flat basin. Its rich geothermal soil attracted the neatly organized vineyards sprawling the countryside today.

Green meadows lead the way to Hungary's capital, where towering landmarks, including the Liberty Statue and Buda Castle, offer a majestic welcome. If you choose the correct mode of transportation, you'll arrive feeling refreshed and ready for adventure. To uncover which is best for you, continue reading our comprehensive Bled to Budapest travel guide with tips and tricks for an unforgettable experience!

Early Budapest

A Celtic tribe has lived in the hills surrounding Budapest since the 4th century BC. But the Romans first created a permanent town here called Aquincum, five miles north of modern-day Budapest.

At the beginning of the 11th century, King Stephen I founded the state of Hungary and placed Buda at its headquarters. The city grew financially and culturally for centuries, especially during the Renaissance. However, Mongol invasions, Habsburg rule, and Ottoman occupation also caused setbacks in its development.

The 19th century was a teaser of Budapest's rise to a European powerhouse. In 1849, Adam Clark built the Chain Bridge, the city's first-ever permanent structure to span the Dunabe. Less than three decades later, the towns of Buda, Pest, and Obuda combined to form the megacity you know as Budapest today.

Recent and modern Budapest

Nazi Germany invaded Budapest during World War II and crushed many buildings in the process. However, most of its damage came from Soviet forces during the siege of Budapest in 1945. The result was a Soviet victory, and the city remained under its influence until the fall of communism in 1989.

Today, Budapest is an open-air festival and a melting pot of cultures. A lively energy spreads through the city's Neoclassical and Art Nouveau lanes, particularly with its trendy coffee scene and vibrant nightlife. Pub ruins are now a symbol of Budapest, but they began life as derelict buildings where friends gathered for cheap drinks and plenty of thrills and spills.

Yet, Budapest has more than a youthful vibe. It's also a treasure chest of fascinating museums, from contemporary art galleries to historical relics and nature reserves to wacky pinball showrooms. When you need a break from sightseeing, its rich thermal waters provide the perfect environment to forget about the stresses of life!

• Language: Hungarian
• Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)
• Climate: humid temperate
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and F

Prepare for the scenery

Slovenia and Hungary don't get much attention outside of the capital cities. Therefore, many travelers underestimated the mesmerizing natural beauty from Bled to Budapest.

Remember to charge your camera, as you'll burn through much of your phone's battery, snapping photos for well-earned Instagram likes. Also, sit on the left side of your mode of transportation for the best mountain views!

Plan stopovers in advance

The drive from Bled to Budapest can take over five hours. So you'll need to make a pit stop to combat deep vein thrombosis or refuel to stay energized.

Slovenia's more significant cities of Ljubljana and Maribor offer a chance to grab a traditional meal in a restaurant or stretch your legs in their colorful old towns. But if you want some fresh country air while enjoying a stroll, head to Tihany Abbey, home to a museum along the shores of the breathtaking Lake Balaton!

Trains from Bled to Budapest

The train is the most affordable way to travel from Bled to Budapest. It's also the most popular method, often utilized by backpackers and interrail users. Remember to reserve a seat in advance, as they can sell out during the summer.

OBB is the primary provider on this line. As no direct trains are available, you'll book a train from Lesce Bled to Villach HBF, switch carriages, and travel to Wien HBF before finally changing to a direct service to Budapest-Keleti.

• Cheapest/average price: $37-$67.50
• Fastest/average duration: 7 hours, 45 minutes; 9 hours, 4 minutes
• First/last departure: 6:11 AM-10:55 PM

Buses from Bled to Budapest

Buses are not the preferred mode of transportation between Bled and Budapest. They take longer, are less comfortable, and often cost the same, if not more, than the train. However, it can be a travel method in an emergency or if you wish to stop at cities en route.

No direct bus goes from Bled to Budapest. But Flixbus does offer indirect services, stopping at world-class cities such as Prague, Munich, or Vienna. Change the location on the Flixbus website to Slovenia for the best rates, and don't forget to book more than a month before departing.

• Cheapest/average price: $63-$80
• Fastest/average duration: 15 hours, 20 minutes; 16 hours, 25 minutes
• First/last departure: 7:40 AM-11:59 PM

Daytrip private car from Bled to Budapest

If you prioritize speed, comfort, and convenience, look no further than Daytrip's private door-to-door car service. Within 5 hours, your driver will handle your luggage and transfer you directly to your new hotel in Budapest. Due to our flexible schedule, you decide where and when you want your driver to pick you up.

We're also the only direct mode of transportation. But that doesn't mean you must head straight from A to B. Our unique sightseeing packages allow you to explore the natural and man-made wonders en route. In charming medieval cities like Skofja Loka and Kranj, you can immerse yourself in the slower-paced life and sample some traditional foods before getting back on the road. But if you want to give your eyes a dopamine hit, head to Helikon Castle, one of Slovenia's most elegant palaces!

• Seats from: $106
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
• English-speaking driver
• Equipped for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 English-speaking customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure

Venture through the Buda Castle District

Situated on the western side of the Danube River, Buda Castle is part of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of preserved buildings along the banks of the Danube. This historic palace complex was the home of Hungarian kings during the middle ages. The castle offers a deep dive into Hungary's past with the Budapest History Museum and the Hungarian National Gallery within its walls.

Castle Hill also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape, particularly from the Fisherman's Bastion, a neo-Gothic terrace that resembles a fairytale castle. Although there's a fee for climbing on top of this Disney-like structure, you can go up for free after dark!

Visit City Park

Believe it or not, you can spend the entire day at City Park, the lungs of Budapest. To get here, catch the quirky M1 metro line, which is still using its original trains from 1896. Or you can roam the stylish Andrassy Avenue and admire the villas lining this leafy street.

Hero's Square will greet you upon arrival, and looming in the background is the Vajdahunyad Castle, with its Transylvanian vibe and gorgeous gardens. This is the place to be if you travel as a family. You can enjoy thermal baths, paddle boats, picnics, or hot air balloons here!

Explore the Jewish Quarter (Erzsebetvaros)

Locals and tourists recognize the Jewish Quarter as the party district. It's home to Budapest's iconic pub ruins, decorated with eccentric furniture and a festive atmosphere. When you need to line your stomach, there are endless mouth-watering street food stalls on every corner.

However, the Jewish District also has a dark side. It was the site where Nazi Germany removed thousands of Jews from their homes before excusing them along the Danube River. To pay your respects or learn more about the tragic events, don't overlook the Hungarian Jewish Museum and Archives.

Relax in the City of Spas

In the 1930s, Budapest officially earned the title of "City of Spas." However, the Romans even appreciated their mineral-rich springs since they arrived in 100 AD. Today, you can't leave Budapest without feeling the balmy, bubbling waters release tension from your body.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath is the most popular due to its Instagram-friendly setting. You can even come here during the evening and experience foam parties after dark. But consider Palatinus Strand Baths or Lukacs Baths for a quieter afternoon.

However, spring is the best time to travel overall. You can relish the glorious sunshine and warmer temperatures while exploring the city without getting lost in the crowds. The slightly cooler average temperature of 74° Fahrenheit is also more enjoyable for cultural tours and walking in nearby green spaces.

Budapest is at its most lively from April to early June. It's the first time in months that bars and eateries can open outdoor seating due to the harsh winter climate. Avenues are alive with the sounds of glasses clinking, locals chatting, and street performers. You can also save some cash, as many businesses within the travel industry offer attractive deals before the summer.