Private car transfer
from Budapest to Venice

You can feel the significance of this venture as Budapest's towering landmarks, including the Buda Castle and Liberty Statue, pass by your window as you exit the city. It doesn't take long before drifting into the basin of Hungary's flat-plained heartlands, flanked by softly rolling hills. This is a complete contrast to Slovenia's soaring cliffs and meandering valleys, cutting through the final leg of the European Alps.

You'll know you're in Italy once the much-loved local vineyards line the vibrant green countryside and the baby blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. You know you've reached the journey's end when a colorful city floating in its waters presents itself to your windows.

Venice is a maze of narrow walkways, a labyrinth of waterways, and a network of bridges. Since the islands aren't car accessible, you'll begin exploring them from the get-go. So, arriving refreshed and in the La Dolce Vita spirit is essential. The only way to do so is by reading our in-depth guide about traveling from Budapest to Venice in 2024!

Early Venice

The first inhabitants of Venice were settlers fleeing from the growing empires in the east. On the 25th of March, 421 AD, locals declared it a town, but it took at least three decades before it saw a rapid population increase.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Venice saw an opportunity to expand a new kingdom. In 697 AD, the Venetian Republic came into existence and flourished due to its position on the crossroads between East and Western trade routes. At its peak, its army stretched through Greece and to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

The Golden Age of Venice

Like most of Italy, Venice grew substantially during the Renaissance, from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese were influential artists who resided here, creating murals and designing buildings throughout the canals.

Over time, royalty and wealthy aristocrats came to indulge in the unique setting and hotbed of cultural activity. Due to the art culture, opera scene, and the famous Carnival Festival, Venice became the home of entertainment in Europe during this period.

Modern Venice

Today, Venice is unlike any other town on the planet. Its center, free of cars and buses, may seem like a futuristic city, but it's a work of art from the past. The area consists of 118 islands, woven together by 435 bridges and over 150 canals.

On the water, gondolas flow as freely as aperol spritzes here. On the dry land, the exquisite architecture stands as proudly as the famous Venetian glass works. This bustling city combines its vibrant squares and quaint lanes into a stunning location that will make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated!

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: Subtropical
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and F

Book in advance

Budapest and Venice are two of Europe's most in-demand cities. As a result, transportation can sell out in advance. Book early to secure tickets and maybe save hard-earned cash, as companies inflate the cost of last-minute seats.

For Venice, it's a good idea to get skip-the-line tickets, especially when traveling in the summer. Don't forget to book your free 15 minutes at the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace!

Explore Slovenia

As a keen traveler, you'll want to explore one of Europe's more underrated yet beautiful countries: Slovenia. You'll pass through the entire nation, allowing you to create unique travel adventures and memories.

Whether you're a history buff, cultural vulture, or nature lover, there's something to whet your appetite en route. Go underground and venture through the Idrija Mercury Mine and Postojna Cave, or stop in Ljubljana and climb over 1200 feet to its imposing castle!

Do your homework

When you're not stopping at sights or admiring the stunning vistas along the 7-hour trip, use the time to do your homework. Cruise ships and tourists have overrun Venice to the point that there's now a tourist tax. Speak to your driver or read a reputable travel guide for tips and to learn about some traps to avoid.

Also, Hungary and Italy have many different aspects of life. Firstly, you'll switch currency from Hungarian forint to euro, but you'll want to know the tipping culture and basic phrases before you arrive too!

Flights from Budapest to Venice

A flight is the fastest way to travel from Budapest to Venice but is only available in the busy season from April to October. The air distance is 305 miles, so the flight is just over an hour. Ryanair is the only operator.

Flights go from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to Venice-Treviso Airport, another city almost 20 miles north of Venice. You'll need to factor in the additional time spent getting to and from the airports and 2 hours for check-in and security.

• Cheapest/average cost: €30-€54
• Average flight duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• First/last departure: 12:15 AM–2:25 PM

Bus from Budapest to Venice

The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Venice. So it's the most popular method of transport between the cities, meaning seats can sell out, especially during the busy summer months.

Flixbus is the primary provider on this route, offering several daily connections. For the best deals, purchase online at least 30 days in advance, but first, find out which departure station is best for you. Buses depart from Budapest Kelenfold, Budapest Mexikoi, and Budapest Nepliget before arriving at Venice Mestre.

• Cheapest/average cost: €31-€46
• Quickest/average duration: 9 hours, 50 minutes; 13 hours, 20 minutes
• First/last departure: 7 AM–11:25 PM

Trains from Budapest to Venice

Although the train is arguably the most scenic way to travel from Budapest to Venice, it's not a favored method since no direct trains are available. And since it runs on a popular interrail route, carriages are often crowded with backpackers traveling to other destinations.

If you wish to take an indirect train and explore cities on the route, go to the OBB website and purchase a ticket with a stopover in Salzburg or Vienna. Alternatively, you can take a cheaper train with Trenitalia from Budapest-Kelenfold to Venice Santa Lucia Station with multiple changes.

• Cheapest/average cost: €40-€56
• Quickest/average duration: 10 hours, 11 minutes; 12 hours, 47 minutes
• First/last departure: 3:10 AM–11:25 PM

Daytrip private car from Budapest to Venice

Daytrip's private car service is ideal for traveling from Budapest to Venice if you prioritize speed, comfort, and enriching experiences. In only 6 hours and 50 minutes, your professional driver will whisk you from bustling avenues in Hungary to picturesque canals in Italy. With your comfortable private vehicle, you won't have to worry about noisy passengers, little legroom, or a furnace for a setting during the summer.

The most compelling reason to use the door-to-door service is that you can explore stunning attractions en route. After all, it's about the journey, not the destination. Predjama Castle, the world's largest cave fort; Maribor, Slovenia's second city; and Kamnik, a fairytale setting, sit on the road waiting for you to discover!

• Seats from: €139
• English-speaking driver
• Complimentary bottled water
• Equipped for children and those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Eat through Rialto Market

After crossing the Rialto Bridge, you'll arrive at the historic Rialto Market, dating back to 1097. Here, amidst busy stalls brimming with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies, you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Venetian cuisine.

From ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs to succulent seafood and artisanal cheeses, the market provides a glimpse into the culinary traditions that have shaped Venetian culture for centuries.

Roam St. Mark’s Square

Thousands of medieval squares litter Europe from east to west. Yet St. Mark's Square is the pick of the bunch!

You can feel the energy building in the air before you even set foot in the square. Locals sip espresso in the cafes encircling the square, and tourists push to the front to admire the centerpiece of this stunning location: St. Mark’s Basilica. Immaculate mosaics, stunning domes, turrets, and columns all decorate the exterior of this extraordinary wonder.

Tour Venice from a gondola

Gondolas are always the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Venice. These iconic rowboats used to be the primary mode of transportation around the city up until the 20th century. Today, they're the best way to explore a city built on water!

You can rent a private boat for up to five people or a shared one and save some cash. No matter how you spend your money, you'll wind through the puzzle-like waterways and admire iconic landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

Get lost in Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is a lesser-known neighborhood in Venice. The best thing to do here is to switch off Google Maps and wander the towering alleyways.

You'll come across plenty of boutique stores and vintage shops where locals like to shop. When you need a break, sit at a cafe and recharge with a local specialty: cicchetti (think tapas)! And if you need more motivation, keep searching for Bacareto da Lele, an eatery serving wine for €1!

From mid-March to mid-June, Venice sees far fewer tourists, which is especially good here since the narrow streets and canals weren't meant to accommodate the tens of thousands of visitors in the summer. And, unlike the overwhelming July and August sun, the average daily high temperature of 74° Fahrenheit is perfect for exploring on foot. Prices are also cheaper during this period. Hotels and tour operators offer significant discounts to fill spaces after the quiet winter season. The more you save, the more you can put towards al fresco-style restaurants at night!