How to take a rail journey from Budapest to Warsaw / Warszawa

Note that this train service now departs from Budapest-Nyugati station and NOT Budapest-Keleti station.

It is usually scheduled to depart from Budapest-Nyugati daily at around 08:10 and on some timetables it is named the 'Bathory'.

Arriving in Warszawa:

The train is typically scheduled to arrive in the Polish capital at around 19:45.

These daytime trains call at three stations in Warszawa/Warsaw, so check your final location in your city to see which of these three stations will suit you best - leaving the train at Warszawa Centralna may not be your best option.

They will call first at Warszawa Zachodnia, so take care not to leave the train there if you are heading to the city centre.

They will terminate at Warszawa Wschodnia which is on the eastern side of the the city centre.
If your final destination is in the old town area of Warsaw, it's best to remain on the train until it arrives at Warszawa Wschodnia, as tram line/route 4 connects this station to the tram stop named Stare Miasto, which is located on the southern edge of the old town area.

Book early and save: Yes

Online bookings open: 3 months ahead of the travel date (generally though tickets may not be available more than 6 weeks ahead)

The price on MAV will be in €s but the transaction will actually be in Hungarian florins - MAV will convert the currency during the transaction.

Rail pass users need to reserve before boarding for journeys from Budapest, reservations can be arranged at the international travel desk at Budapest Keleti station.

Ideally do this when you first arrive at Keleti, or in Budapest, on the preceding train on your itinerary.

Or book the reservations online with Eurail or InterRail, but if  you do so you will have to pay a booking fee.

The train is usually scheduled to depart Budapest Keleti at 19:25 and arrive in Warszawa Centralna station at 09:16.

On departure from Budapest, the train heading to Warszawa will be joined to another train heading to Berlin.

Final Destination: Warszawa Wschodnia

The train also calls at: Warszawa Zachodnia - before it arrives at Warszawa Centralna

If your rail pass itinerary includes Budapest and Warsaw/Warszawa, the overnight train is a comparatively good option, you won't miss out on experiencing stunning scenery.

Our general guide to taking European overnight trains is available HERE.

Book early and save: No

Tickets will cost the same price if you book at Budapest Keleti station

Online bookings open: 2 months ahead of the travel date

A plus of booking online is that you will have ensured your place on the train.

Your first choice of accommodation MAY be sold out if you don't book in advance.

Click the train button above for more info including the rail pass reservation fees.

Rail pass users must reserve before boarding these trains, but these reservations cannot be booked online on MAV.

Reservations can be arranged and paid for at the InternationalTravel desk at Budapest Keleti station - ideally do this when you first arrive in Budapest on the preceding train on your itinerary.

Or book the reservations online with Eurail or InterRail, but if  you do so you will have to pay a booking fee.