Budapest to Bucharest Train: First Night Train Experience in Europe
Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to return to Turkey by land from the Netherlands. She loved long train rides and dreamed of making her way back home slowly, savoring every stop along the route. Well, that girl is me. Nice to meet you! This adventure started in Amsterdam, and my plan was to travel from city to city until I reached Turkey. After riding the train from Prague to Budapest, the next leg of my journey was the Budapest to Bucharest train—a journey I’ll never forget.
15 Hours on a Soviet-Era Sleeper Train
A long, slow, slightly surreal experience aboard what felt like a relic from another era—possibly the Soviet one. Limited in modern comforts but rich in atmosphere, this 15-hour overnight train ride from Budapest to Bucharest deserves its own story.
And this post is exactly that: a reflection of the night I spent on one of Eastern Europe’s most unique rail journeys.
This trip wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. As I moved east through Europe, not only the landscapes but the style of travel itself began to shift. There’s a noticeable difference between my first leg from Amsterdam to Berlin and this final stretch into Romania.
Curious about how the whole route looked?
✨ Read more: From Europe to Turkey by Train: 6 Countries in 10 Days
Taking the Night Train from Budapest to Bucharest
Step 1: Buy Your Ticket from the Right Place
There are many websites out there selling European train tickets, and some are popular because they make it easy to find connections. But for this particular route, my advice is simple: book directly through CFR Călători, the Romanian State Railway.
It’s cheaper, more reliable, and avoids extra commissions.
When you search the route, you’ll find multiple options—choose a direct train (0 transfers). The site also shows you a detailed map of the train’s stops.
💸 Ticket price: We paid around €86 for two people in a sleeper cabin—quite affordable by European standards.
Just remember: this is not a luxury train. It’s not terrible by any means, but it’s important to set your expectations accordingly.
All Aboard: Departure from Budapest’s Keleti Station
This was going to be my first night train experience in Europe, so I was excited! I had previously taken the famous Eastern Express from Ankara to Kars in Turkey (24 hours!), so I had a decent idea of what to expect.
Before heading to Keleti Station, we stocked up on water, fruit, and snacks. The station doesn’t have many food options—just a few small kiosks selling toast, pizza slices, and packaged pastries—so I strongly recommend bringing your own supplies.
The Journey: 15 Hours to Bucharest via Brașov
Once the train leaves Budapest, the journey takes about 15 hours, with a stop in Brașov, one of Romania’s most beautiful cities. If you haven’t visited, Brașov is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
You could even break your journey there and spend a day before continuing to Bucharest. I love Brașov—it has a special place in my heart.
Inside the Budapest–Bucharest Night Train: What to Expect
We chose a private two-person sleeper compartment. The beds were arranged bunk-style, and we were welcomed with fresh sheets and pillowcases already in place.
Inside our compartment:
- A small cabinet and mirror
- A working sink
- A personal hygiene kit with slippers, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes
- Bottled water (0.5L)
The space was tight, and yes—the train was old—but it was clean and surprisingly comfortable.
🚿 There were also shared toilets and showers in our carriage. The bathroom was clean every time I used it, always stocked with soap and paper. I didn’t try the shower, but just knowing it was available was a pleasant surprise.
Quiet, Calm, and Safe: A Peaceful Ride Through the Night
The train stopped for extended periods during the night—probably to wait for connections or signals. Since it was dark outside, I used that time to sleep through most of it.
I woke up at dawn, hoping for scenic views, but I’ll be honest: they weren’t exactly postcard-perfect. Still, the landscapes we passed were charming in their own way.
Best part? We had the entire carriage to ourselves.
The ride was incredibly quiet, peaceful, and felt completely safe. The attendant in our carriage was kind and helpful—even though he didn’t speak English, we managed just fine with gestures.
Is There Food on the Train?
Yes—but keep your expectations low. There is a dining car, where you can get coffee, tea, and some basic snacks. But if you’re hoping for a full dinner, you’ll likely be disappointed.
👉 My tip: Bring your own food. A couple of sandwiches, some fruit, trail mix, and a thermos of coffee go a long way on a trip like this. The dining car uses plastic cups, so having your own reusable bottle or thermos is also a great idea. There were a few warm options like toast—but the choices were limited.
Final Thoughts for Night Train Travelers in Europe
If you’re wondering, “Is the night train from Budapest to Bucharest safe and comfortable?” My answer is yes—but don’t expect luxury. Expect something practical and memorable instead.
Sleeper cabins really make a difference, especially if you enjoy slow travel and want to experience the journey as much as the destination.
Bucharest is a great place to end up, especially if you’re asking: “Where can I travel by train from Budapest?” It’s a historic, high-energy city that’s worth exploring.
The Magic of Train Travel Still Lives
This journey wasn’t just transportation—it was a meaningful chapter in a longer story. As I made my way from Amsterdam to Turkey, each train and each country gave me memories I’ll never forget. And this Budapest to Bucharest night train remains one of the most magical, peaceful, and unique experiences along the way.
If you’re looking to break out of the usual travel patterns, try taking a night train. Bring a book, pour some hot coffee into your thermos, and watch the world slip by outside your window.
Have You Ever Taken a Night Train in Europe? Leave a comment below! Feel free to ask questions—I’d love to help. Wishing you safe and beautiful journeys ahead!
