Comfortable travel to Hungary: transfer from Kyiv to Budapest

Traveling from Ukraine to Hungary remains relevant for tourists, students, businesspeople, and migrants. When choosing between a train, bus, private car, or transfer, it is important to consider not only the price but also the comfort, safety, and reliability of the route. Learn more about the most convenient ways to get from Kyiv to Budapest in 2025

Book a transfer from Visit Ukraine – it's easy, convenient and affordable!

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The popularity of the route from Kyiv to Budapest has grown significantly since 2022. Hungary has become an important destination for Ukrainians — both for transit to other EU countries and for short-term visits or long-term stays. Budapest attracts tourists, students, IT company employees, and entrepreneurs. In addition, it is one of the closest transport hubs to Ukraine, from where it is convenient to travel further across Europe.

After the start of the full-scale war, Ukrainians began to appreciate safe, convenient and organised ways of travelling more.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to get to Budapest from Kyiv and explain why a transfer may be the best option in 2025.

When Ukrainians need a visa to Hungary and how to apply for one — we explain here.

Planning a trip abroad?

Book a convenient transfer from Ukraine to European cities on the Visit Ukraine portal and travel in comfort!

How to get from Kyiv to Budapest in 2025: the main travel options

Kyiv–Budapest train

There is currently no direct rail connection between Kyiv and Budapest. Travel by train is possible via western Ukrainian cities, such as Mukachevo or Chop, from where trains depart for Hungary.

This method involves a transfer and possible waiting time between trains. Despite the comfort of the rolling stock itself, the journey requires careful planning and does not guarantee arrival at the specified time. It is also important to note that train tickets for popular dates may be sold out in advance, especially during holiday periods.

How to get to Ukraine from Hungary in 2025 — find out more at the link.

Bus Kyiv – Budapest

Buses remain an affordable and quite popular option among Ukrainians. Some companies offer direct routes from Kyiv to Budapest. The ticket price is affordable, and the schedule is quite flexible.

However, this method is often accompanied by long delays at the border. Due to long queues and inspection procedures, the journey can take 18–20 hours or even longer. In addition, comfort in the cabin depends on the class of the bus — it is not always possible to rest or conveniently store luggage.

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BlaBlaCar and your own car

Travelling with BlaBlaCar or your own transport gives you more freedom in planning your route. This is convenient for those who value flexibility and want to travel at their own pace. However, there are also significant risks.

Trips with unfamiliar drivers are not always predictable, and road conditions and border checks can affect your route. In addition, when travelling by car, all responsibility for logistics, the technical condition of the car and documents falls on the driver.

About checkpoints between Ukraine and Hungary, their working hours, queues, and rules for crossing the border — read here.

The best option is a transfer from Kyiv to Budapest with Visit Ukraine

The most optimal way to get from Kyiv to Budapest in 2025 is an organised transfer through the Visit Ukraine portal. This solution combines comfort, safety, a clear schedule and no unnecessary transfers.

The service includes a transfer in modern cars, with the driver picking up passengers from a convenient location in Kyiv and delivering them directly to Budapest. The cost is fixed, and the service includes 24/7 support, luggage assistance, a child seat option, clean interiors, and experienced drivers.

This option is convenient for tourists, families with children, elderly people, and anyone who values predictability and quality service.

You can book your trip in just a few clicks!

Among the available options:

– Transfer Kyiv - Budapest. Car: Toyota Proace, 9 seats.

– Transfer Kyiv - Budapest. Car: Hyundai Staria, 9 seats.

– Transfer Kyiv - Budapest. Car: Mercedes Vito, 9 seats.

– Transfer Kyiv - Budapest. Car: Renault Trafic, 9 seats.

Choose a convenient option and book a transfer in just a few minutes on Visit Ukraine!

What do you need to know before booking a transfer from Lviv to Bratislava?

On average, a transfer from Kyiv to Budapest takes 12 to 15 hours, depending on the situation at the border and road conditions. The route covers several European highways, and drivers choose the optimal route taking into account traffic and weather conditions.

Both day and night transfers are available on the Visit Ukraine portal. This allows you to adapt your trip to your personal schedule: some people prefer to arrive in the morning to get things done right away, while others prefer to spend the night on the road.

The support service works around the clock, so if you have any changes or questions, you can always ask for help.

How to book a transfer online?

To book a transfer, just follow a few steps:

1. Go to the link.

2. Select the ‘Transfer’ section.

3. Specify the cities of departure and arrival, the date of travel, and select the most convenient option.

4. After that, simply fill out the booking form. The entire procedure takes no more than a few minutes.

What documents are required to cross the border?

For Ukrainians leaving the country:

– Foreign passport (biometric or with a visa, if required);

– Documents confirming the purpose of the trip (invitation, hotel reservation, onward ticket, insurance).

For foreigners entering the country:

– Foreign passport;

– If necessary, a Schengen or national visa;

– Medical insurance for the duration of your stay;

– Documents confirming your financial solvency and purpose of travel.

Transfers from Visit Ukraine: even more popular destinations

In addition to Kyiv – Budapest, Visit Ukraine offers transfers to Chisinau, Warsaw, Vienna and other European cities. This allows you to organise your trip without stress, planning everything in one place.

Among the most popular routes are:

– Lviv - Vienna;

– Kyiv - Krakow;

– Lviv - Warsaw;

– Kyiv - Bratislava;

– Lviv - Chisinau.

Planning a trip to Budapest?

A transfer is the most convenient way to get from Kyiv to Budapest for those who value comfort, safety, and freedom.

You can book your trip in a few minutes on Visit Ukraine.

Choose your destination and set off on your journey without any hassle!

Reminder! For any trips to Hungary, be sure to have a valid insurance policy. Before travelling, it is extremely important to carefully read all the terms and conditions of compulsory medical insurance, the criteria for choosing a reliable insurance company, and the procedure for obtaining a policy. Here we tell you about insurance for entry into Hungary, who needs it, as well as the rules for obtaining it for different categories of visas and where to buy it.

Photo: generated using Gemini

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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