Alright, here’s the plan: first, we’re hitting up a cozy Berlin café for a frothy cappuccino, then it’s off to Budapest for a hearty goulash, and we’ll wrap it up with a peaceful river cruise in Prague.
Your chance to experience all this and more with the Eurail Global Pass is closer than you think. Let’s take a look at how to organize an unforgettable Central European adventure!
Image Credit: Getty Images, benedek. Image Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Why should I explore Central Europe by train?
- Compact size and proximity of cities. Unlike other regions where destinations may be spread out over vast distances, Central Europe allows for shorter travel times between its vibrant cities and picturesque towns. This means you can wake up to the historical wonders of Prague and fall asleep to the musical rhythms of Vienna without losing an entire day to travel.
- Short and enjoyable train rides. One of the biggest advantages of train travel in Central Europe is the duration of the journeys. Most train rides between key cities are under three hours, allowing for more time to explore and less time commuting. Train stations are usually centrally located, so you can step off the train and be right where the action is, skipping the long haul from far-off airports.
- Diverse highlights within reach. Central Europe is an open-air gallery of cultures, languages, and landscapes. By train, you can easily journey through the heart of this diversity. Each stop presents an opportunity to experience something new: from the architectural marvels of Berlin and the historical ambiance of Prague to the culinary delights of Budapest and the imperial elegance of Vienna.
Train travel not only provides the ease of hopping from one country to another but also ensures that you get to see the changing landscapes and soak in the panoramic views that only ground travel can offer.
What’s this Eurail Global Pass for seeing Central Europe by train?
Think of the Eurail Pass as your magic train ticket to wander around Central Europe. It lets you freely hop on and off trains as you like, exploring cool cities and hidden gems. Just a heads up, though: some fancy trains, especially the faster and overnight ones, may require an additional seat reservation.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Animaflora. Image Location: Leipzig, Germany
Eurail Global Pass itinerary: Central Europe edition
Berlin → Leipzig → Dresden → Prague → Brno → Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest
Berlin to Leipzig: a quick jump
Kick off in Berlin, buzzing with stories and street art. Then zip over to Leipzig for a taste of its artsy vibes and musical beats.
Train travel time from Berlin to Leipzig: from 1h 5m
Leipzig to Dresden: time traveling
Next up, Dresden. It’s got the nickname “Florence of the Elbe” for a reason—think stunning buildings and tales of resilience.
Train travel time from Leipzig to Dresden: from 1h 7m
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kirill Rudenko. Image Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Dresden to Prague: fairy-tale time
Prague’s next, with its castles, cobblestones, and cool bridges. A boat ride here is like sailing through a storybook illustrated by a watercolor painter.
Train travel time from Dresden to Prague: from 2h 4m
Prague to Brno: off the beaten track
Then, hit Brno (Czech Republic)—it’s less crowded but just as cool, with underground caves and buzzing bars.
Train travel time from Prague to Brno: from 2h 25m
Image Credit: Getty Images, SilvanBachmann. Image Location: St Charles Church, Vienna, Austria
Brno to Vienna: melodies and coffee
On to Vienna, where music floats in the air and the coffee has its own culture. Don’t miss out on the palace and maybe a concert or two.
Train travel time from Brno to Vienna: from 1h 27m
Vienna to Bratislava: Europe’s best-kept secret
An hour later, you’re in Bratislava. It’s compact, quirky, and its castle looks right out of a Disney movie.
Train travel time from Vienna to Bratislava: from 1h 9m
Bratislava to Budapest: the grand ending
Wrap things up in Budapest, with its stunning river views, thermal baths, and food that’ll make you want to stay forever.
Train travel time from Bratislava to Budapest: from 2h 23m
Image Credit: Getty Images, ElOjoTorpe. Image Location: Berlin, Germany
Central Europe by train with a Eurail Pass: your questions answered
What countries are located in Central Europe?
- Austria: famous for mountains, music, and Mozart.
- Czech Republic: home to awesome beer, beautiful Prague, and lots of castles.
- Germany: think cars, castles, and Berlin’s non-stop buzz.
- Hungary: Budapest’s baths, hearty food, and stunning views by the Danube.
- Poland: rich history, delicious pierogi, and vibrant cities.
- Slovakia: mountains, medieval towns, and hearty meals.
- Slovenia: lakes, dragons (well, sort of), and green landscapes.
Some definitions of Central Europe might also include parts of or entire countries like Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and others, depending on the cultural, historical, and geographical contexts being considered.
Can I really tour Central Europe just by train?
Absolutely! Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and more—they’re all connected like a giant dot-to-dot puzzle, but way more exciting because you’re actually there!
How do I even start planning this train adventure?
Let your imagination guide you. Would you like to wander through Berlin’s eclectic flea markets? How about indulging in Vienna’s delectable pastries or relaxing in Budapest’s famous thermal baths?
To turn these dreams into reality, all you need is a Eurail Pass. It’s your all-in-one ticket to a mix of planned and spontaneous adventures across vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes. With this pass, you’re set to explore Central Europe at your own pace, discovering its history, culture, and cuisine along the way.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Budapest, Hungary
What’s the best way to travel from Vienna to Budapest?
Hit the tracks! Seriously, a train ride from Vienna to Budapest is the way to go. The Railjet trains traveling at 143 mph will take you there in as little as 2h 20m. It’s quick, cuts out the airport hassle, and drops you right in the heart of the action.
How long is the train from Berlin to Budapest?
It takes about 10h 48m on the fastest services, and on average, 12h 39m to travel by train between Berlin and Budapest.
Got any pro tips for my train journey?
Sure thing! Keep your plans flexible, log every leg in Eurail’s Travel Diary, dive into the local cuisine at each stop, and check out if you need seat reservations for a smoother ride. And find out how to pack for Europe like a pro.
Ready to ride the rails and make memories? Central Europe’s calling your name. Download the Trainline app to purchase your Eurail Pass and enjoy the adventure!
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Tanatat pongphibool. Image Location: Budapest, Hungary