Sofia to Budapest by train

Compare prices, times and book fast direct trains

Overview: trains from Sofia to Budapest

Find the key information for travelling by train from Sofia to Budapest, including journey times, fares and operators serving the route. Compare your options and plan the journey that works for you with Rail Europe.

First train 09:00 View journey
Last train 09:40 View journey
Avg changes 1
Fastest journey 21hr 10m View journey
Distance (km) 631
Trains / day 1 View all
Cheapest journey £96.00 View journey
Avg journey time 30hr
Train operators 1

Going from Sofia to Budapest by train

About to set off from Sofia to Budapest by rail? Make your journey as seamless as possible with this guide, packed with tips on schedules, route details and how to find the best deals on tickets.

Train cost from Sofia to Budapest

Ready to book tickets from Sofia to Budapest? Start by comparing all the upcoming trains in just a few clicks with Rail Europe. Here is what you can expect from fares along this specific route:

  • The cheapest tickets between Sofia and Budapest typically run £96.00.

  • If you wait until 30 days before the departure date to book, ticket prices can hit .

  • If you wait until 7 days before the departure date to book, ticket prices can increase to .

  • You can book travel between these two destinations 3 months in advance.

Rail Europe’s Protection Plan

Ready to lock in your tickets but not entirely sure of your travel plans or you just want a bit more peace of mind? Consider adding a Rail Protection Plan to your ticket at checkout. This ensures that your eligible Flex or Semi-Flex ticket is fully refundable. Learn more about the details of this coverage here so you can truly book worry-free.

Departure frequency and timetable from Sofia to Budapest

Here are the scheduling basics for trains from Sofia to Budapest:

  • 09:00 is the first scheduled train (Monday-Friday).

  • 09:40 the the last scheduled train (Monday-Friday).

  • 09:00 is the first scheduled train (Saturday and Sunday).

  • 09:40 is the last scheduled train (Saturday and Sunday).

  • A train departs every 25 minutes from Sofia toward Budapest.

Start booking your ticket aboard one of the 1 train serving this route each day.

Average train travel time from Sofia to Budapest

The quickest time by train is 21 hours and 10 minutes, travelling a total distance of 631 kilometres.

How early can you book train tickets from Sofia to Budapest?

Tickets on this route typically go on sale 3 months in advance. Booking early gives you access to the most competitive prices and ample seating options.

Maximising your travels to Budapest

For a smooth travel experience, explore our help articles. Start planning your holiday and explore travel ideas in our city guide: Budapest.

FAQs about the train journey from Sofia to Budapest

Want to know more about your journey from Sofia to Budapest? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

The train journey between Sofia and Budapest spans 631 kilometres.

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Sncf Eurostar Deutsche Bahn Trenitalia National Rail ÖBB Renfe SBB
Interrail Eurail TGV Lyria Swiss Travel System Italo Iryo Alleo OUIGO RegioJet

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Child and youth passengers

The definition of "Child" and "Youth" varies by country and operator. This is why we ask for the age of young passengers.

Sometimes children below a certain age can travel without a seat for free. If you want to guarantee a seat for child passengers, enter '6' as the age of the child.

Read more about child and youth passenger ages. See also youth discounts and railcards.