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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Budapest Without Flying

London to Budapest by sleeper train, three nights in Budapest, return via Munich

Illustration of Budapest Without Flying

Budapest Without Flying, operated by Tailor Made Rail, is a 7-day independent rail journey from London to Budapest and back to London via Paris. The trip departs London by Eurostar to Brussels, then boards the NightJet sleeper train in a private 2-berth compartment, traveling overnight through Austria to Vienna. From Vienna, the daytime RailJet carries you to Budapest, where you stay three nights at the Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel or similar, with time to explore the parliament building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman's Bastion overlooking the Danube. On day 5, you board the RailJet again to travel through Hungary and Austria to Munich for an overnight stay. The return journey continues by ICE train to Mannheim and TGV to Paris, with a night to sample the city before taking Eurostar back to London. All six nights' accommodation includes breakfast, and Tailor Made Rail provides all rail tickets, seat reservations, travel documentation, and proactive rerouting in case of disruptions.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 999 (low season, November-March) applies in selected months; high season April-October costs GBP 1,099.
  • Hotels are listed as "or similar"; your final accommodation depends on availability in each city.
  • On certain days of the week you may need to depart from Amsterdam instead of Brussels to connect with the NightJet sleeper.
  • Days 3, 4, and 7 are unguided; you make your own arrangements to explore Budapest and Paris.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Sleeper train

    London to Brussels and overnight train

    Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels, then an easy connection onto a NightJet sleeper train direct to Vienna. On certain days of the week you may need to travel up to Amsterdam to pick up the night sleeper.

  2. Day 2overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    A light breakfast served in your cabin, then disembark in Vienna and catch the RailJet service to Budapest, arriving in time for lunch. Check in at the Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Budapest blends history, culture, gastronomy and a modern vibe: the landmark parliament building, the historic castle and the Fisherman's Bastion.

  4. Day 4overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    A further full day exploring Budapest.

  5. Day 5overnight: Munich

    Budapest to Munich

    A RailJet service speeding through Hungary and Austria and across the German border to Munich, arriving in the early evening. Check in at the Courtyard Munich City Centre (or similar) for an overnight stay.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Paris

    Munich to Paris

    An ICE train to Mannheim, then continue by TGV to Paris. Check in at the Hotel Whistler (or similar) near Gare de l'Est for an overnight stay.

  7. Day 7rail

    Paris to London

    Time to sample the delights of Paris, such as the Musée d'Orsay or a boat cruise on the Seine, before making your way to Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London by Eurostar to Brussels, then board the NightJet sleeper in a private 2-berth compartment, traveling overnight to Vienna.
  • Day 2Arrive in Vienna for breakfast, then take the RailJet to Budapest, arriving in time for lunch and three nights at the hotel.
  • Day 3Explore Budapest's parliament building, castle, and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda hills overlooking the Danube.
  • Day 5Travel by RailJet through Hungary and Austria to Munich, arriving in the early evening.
  • Day 6Board the ICE to Mannheim and continue by TGV through France to Paris for an overnight stay.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 6 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Overnight journey from Brussels to Vienna in a private 2-berth compartment
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class: Eurostar (London-Brussels), NightJet sleeper (Brussels or Amsterdam to Vienna), RailJet (Vienna-Budapest and Budapest-Munich), ICE (Munich-Mannheim), TGV (Mannheim-Paris), and Eurostar return (Paris-London). Seat reservations are included where required.
Is the overnight train included?
Yes. The journey from Brussels or Amsterdam to Vienna on the NightJet sleeper is included, with a private 2-berth compartment.
What is included in the price?
All rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations, 6 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast, a private 2-berth sleeper compartment, easy-to-follow travel documentation, email ticket despatch, and proactive rerouting if strikes or disruptions occur.
How many nights do I stay in Budapest?
Three nights at the Three Corners Lifestyle Hotel (or similar), with one night each in Munich and Paris.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
This is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides tickets and documentation; you explore the cities on your own schedule.
Can I upgrade to First Class?
Yes, an optional upgrade to First Class on all rail journeys is available from GBP 150 per person.

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