Getting from Prague to Budapest
 

Does anyone have any advice on the best way to get from Prague to Budapest? We are three women friends traveling together and are exploring the train, bus, plane or renting a car and driving. We like the fact that the bus is much cheaper than the train and takes about the same time. But we think the train might be more comfortable. We could fly for about the same cost as the train, but we would miss the scenery. Is it a beautiful ride? And, has anyone driven from Prague to Budapest? How difficult is it? Thanks so much for any help or advice you can give us.
Gail

Where did you get your train fares? I found a bus fare of 20 EUR and a train fare of 30 EUR.

If you're just trying to get between cities and aren't looking to explore the countryside, I would either bus or train. I don't think flying is worth the hassle when there are other options available, and renting a car probably isn't worth it either if just going directly from Point A to Point B. I guess it would depend how significant the price difference is between bus and train, but I love train travel in Europe (I got motion sickness on a bus in Italy once on curvy roads--but that's just me). And for the length of the trip (~7 hours on the train), I'd rather have the freedom of movement that the train allows (not to mention a cafe car) vs. the bus. There is an overnight train option on that route, I believe, if you're up for that experience (saves a night of hotel expense!).

Check out www.orangeways.com
It is a bus company, i believe operated by Hungarian firm. The fare is about 20Euros. I took it between Budapest and Vienna. It's very comfortable, there is a stewardess on the bus to help out. You dont have to buy tkts online, can use different travel agancies or just purchase on the spot. I highly recommend this bus company.

train fare 19 euros if bought in advance from Czech railways eshop......I'd rather use the train than the bus
https://eshop.cd.cz/international/search_int.aspx?tt=4

It sounds extravagant at first, but consider hiring a private car. Google or search Fodors for Mike's Chauffeur service in Prague. We used Mike for a pickup in Vienna and transport to Prague and the price was just about the same as if the four of us had taken the train. The benefit was obvious: door to door service by a professional driver in a late model vehicle. To top it off Mike is a great guy.