Budapest to Ljubljana - 12 Best Ways to Travel in 2025

Even though train travel is one of the most popular ways to get around Europe, it’s not the most convenient option for the Budapest to Ljubljana route. There are only two trains per day connecting the capitals, and currently, one of them includes a replacement bus service, which makes the trip even more demanding.

Trains depart from Budapest at 8:30 and 16:13. The afternoon train is a direct connection via Austria, while the morning departure includes that bus segment. Both options take over eight hours, and to be honest, neither is ideal—but if you’re determined to travel by train, it's still doable.

Budapest to Ljubljana train ticket

Ticket prices vary depending on the connection and when you buy. The earlier train costs €16 in advance and €20 if bought shortly before departure. The later train, which is more straightforward, is €42 in pre-sale and up to €53 last-minute.

You can purchase tickets via the Hungarian Railways website, where you can browse schedules and compare options. Tickets are also available at Budapest train stations, though be prepared for long lines, especially during busy times.

If you’re traveling with a railway pass like Interrail or Eurail, both trains are available at no extra cost. While seat reservations aren’t required for international routes, we recommend getting one for a small fee—especially since in Hungary, seat reservations are mandatory for domestic segments, and you don’t want to risk being asked to move if you're in an already-reserved seat.

Train stations in Budapest and Ljubljana

The morning train departs from Déli station in Budapest, located on the Buda side of the city. It’s easily accessible via red metro line 2 (stop: Déli pályaudvar). The afternoon train departs from Keleti station, which is more centrally located, also on metro line 2 (stop: Keleti pályaudvar).

In Ljubljana, you’ll arrive at the main train station, conveniently located just outside the Old Town. If your accommodation is nearby, it’s a short walk, or you can catch a public bus or taxi from just outside the station.

A better option than the train for getting from Budapest to Ljubljana is taking the bus. Depending on the day, there are several connections to choose from, with departures spread out across the day.

Typically, the first bus leaves Budapest at 6:45, and the last departs at 23:00. Travel time varies depending on the connection, but the fastest journeys take around six hours.

All buses on this route are operated by FlixBus, a well-known company offering comfortable vehicles equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and power sockets at every seat.

Budapest to Ljubljana bus ticket

Ticket prices vary by connection and day of travel. You can find one-way tickets for around €20 if booked in advance, but last-minute purchases tend to cost around €30.

Because the bus is a more convenient and popular option, we recommend booking in advance. You can purchase tickets directly on the FlixBus website, where you can also compare departure times and travel durations to find the option that best fits your itinerary.

Bus stations in Budapest and Ljubljana

All buses depart from Budapest’s Népliget bus station, which is conveniently connected to the city center via metro line 3 (blue line)—stop: Népliget.

In Ljubljana, buses arrive at the main bus station, located right in front of the train station and just a short walk from the Old Town. From there, you can easily reach your accommodation either on foot or by public transport.

Even though the distance from Budapest to Ljubljana is around 460 km, there are no direct flights between the two capitals. However, you can still fly via one of several European airports. The best options are usually with LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw or Air Serbia via Belgrade.

You can find flight combinations with total travel time under four hours, and even when factoring in the time to get to and from the airports, flying is still worth considering, especially for those short on time.

Depending on the departure day and how early you book, it’s possible to find one-way flights for under €100. To check schedules and current prices, visit the websites of LOT or Air Serbia.

Airports in Budapest and Ljubljana

In Budapest, you can reach the airport using public transport. The easiest and most direct option is the express airport bus 100E, which runs frequently from Deák Ferenc tér in the city center. It also stops near the Astoria and Kálvin tér metro stations before heading to the airport. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and you’ll need a special ticket, which can be purchased from the driver.

A cheaper alternative is to take metro line 3 (blue line) to its final stop, Kőbánya-Kispest, and then transfer to bus 200E, which goes to the airport.

In Ljubljana, the airport is located further from the city. A shuttle bus connects the airport to the main bus station and runs at least once per hour, with a travel time of about 50 minutes. If you're in a hurry, taking a taxi is the faster option, though you should expect to pay at least €40 for the ride to the city center.

With most of the popular travel options between Budapest and Ljubljana presenting a few challenges, driving between the capitals is definitely worth considering. The shortest route covers about 460 km and takes under five hours.

However, we recommend turning the journey into a Budapest to Ljubljana road trip, as the route passes by some truly great places that would be a shame to skip. A few highlights include Székesfehérvár, the first capital of Hungary; Lake Balaton, the country’s favorite summer getaway; Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city; and Celje, known for its impressive hilltop castle. These are just a few suggestions—this region of Central Europe is filled with scenic and historic gems worth discovering.

If you're planning to rent a car, keep in mind that one-way rentals come with a hefty surcharge. Prices for a Budapest to Ljubljana rental start at around €700, excluding fuel and motorway vignettes (required for highway travel in both Hungary and Slovenia).

Despite the cost, driving offers complete flexibility, allowing you to customize your route and travel at your own pace while enjoying some of the best stops in the region.

If you're happy to pay a bit more for comfort and convenience but don’t want to drive yourself, a private transfer from Budapest to Ljubljana is an option worth considering.

Prices for a comfortable car with an English-speaking driver start at around €400. This service offers door-to-door travel, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport or returning a rental car.

For an additional fee, you can also include sightseeing stops along the way. Some of the most popular detours include Székesfehérvár, Maribor, Celje, and Ptuj—each offering a unique look into the culture and history of Central Europe.

A popular alternative to traditional travel methods is carpooling. It allows you to join a driver heading in the same direction, helping you save money on travel costs while also giving you the chance to meet new people during the journey.

The best place to find Budapest to Ljubljana car-sharing rides is on BlaBlaCar. You can browse available offers without creating an account, but you’ll need to log in to contact drivers. BlaBlaCar is a reliable platform, offering driver profiles and user ratings, so you can learn more about who you'll be traveling with before committing.

Once you find a suitable ride, all that’s left is to arrange the time and pickup location with the driver. Be sure to double-check the pickup and drop-off points, as they’re sometimes located outside city centers, which may require additional planning to reach.

The Budapest to Ljubljana carpool route isn’t among the most frequently posted, but you can usually find a few offers, especially as the travel date approaches. Carpooling is best suited for last-minute plans, as most rides are uploaded just a few days before departure.

Prices are set by the driver, but you can typically expect to pay between €25 and €30 for the full trip.

If you're not in a hurry and enjoy the thrill of spontaneous travel, you might consider hitchhiking from Budapest to Ljubljana. That said, with nearly 500 km between the capitals, it’s unlikely you’ll make the journey in one go. You may also find it easier to take a route via Austria or Croatia, where the roads are more heavily trafficked and your chances of catching a ride toward Ljubljana are higher.

The best place to begin your hitchhiking trip is at the OMV petrol station in Kelenföld, located at the start of the M1 highway. To get there, take metro line 4 (green) to its final stop, Kelenföld vasútállomás, and walk about 1 km to the motorway.

There’s another petrol station about 200 meters further, but it’s less popular, so it’s best to try your luck at the OMV station first. Keep in mind, though, that this is a common hitchhiking spot for those heading toward Vienna, so you may encounter some competition at the start.

Cycling from Budapest to Ljubljana is an epic way to spend your holidays, especially if you enjoy long-distance rides and discovering new places at your own pace. The distance between the two capitals is around 450 km, so you should plan for about ten days, including time for sightseeing stops along the way.

We’ve already suggested several interesting places in this article, but for a Budapest to Ljubljana bike trip, we especially recommend taking breaks in some of Hungary’s famous thermal spas—they're a great way to relax your muscles after a day on the road. You could also make a small detour through Austria or Croatia to add even more variety and cultural highlights to your itinerary.

The terrain in this region of Central Europe is mostly flat, making it accessible even if you're not a seasoned cyclist. You don’t need to be in peak physical condition, but a decent level of endurance will help you make the most of the journey.

What might seem extreme to most travelers can be a perfect holiday for those who enjoy slow travel and walking adventures. If you have some extra time—at least two to three weeks—why not consider a long-distance walk from Budapest to Ljubljana?

The shortest route between the two capitals is about 440 km, so careful planning is essential to keep the journey enjoyable and avoid burnout. Fortunately, the terrain is mostly flat, with the highest point staying under 600 meters above sea level, making it a pleasant, if lengthy, trek.

You can design your route to pass through scenic areas and take advantage of the many beautiful and interesting stops along the way. To make the experience even more rewarding, be sure to include thermal baths and Lake Balaton in your itinerary—perfect places to relax and recharge.

This part of Europe remains relatively off the beaten path, and there’s truly no better way to explore it in depth than by walking through it, one step at a time.

A fancy and luxurious way to travel from Budapest to Ljubljana is by private jet. While it’s certainly not the most budget-friendly option, if you’re comfortable spending at least €5,600 to charter a plane, why not treat yourself?

Including travel to and from the airports and flight time, the journey takes just under three hours—making it the fastest way to get from one city center to the other.

If you’re looking to travel in comfort, privacy, and style, a private jet offers a seamless and unforgettable experience.

A Budapest to Ljubljana RV road trip is a fantastic option if you’re traveling with a motorhome and have a few days to explore the region. This route offers the perfect opportunity to stop at amazing places along the way (many of which we've already mentioned in this article) and to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that slow travel in a motorhome provides.

Keep in mind that wild camping is not permitted in Hungary and Slovenia (as well as in Austria or Croatia, if you choose to take a scenic detour through those countries). Thankfully, you’ll find plenty of campsites with solid infrastructure where you can safely park, rest for the night, and recharge before the next leg of your journey.

Getting from Budapest to Ljubljana by motorcycle is a wonderful way to experience the journey and fully embrace the freedom of the open road. If you're short on time, you can stick to the motorways and complete the trip in under five hours. But for a more enjoyable ride, consider taking the back roads for a slower, scenic adventure.

This approach lets you explore the region more deeply, with plenty of opportunities to stop at beautiful places along the way—many of which we’ve already highlighted in this article.

No matter which route you choose, you’re in for an exciting and memorable trip, packed with picturesque landscapes, winding roads, and that unmistakable sense of freedom that only motorcycle travel can offer.