Get ready to tickle your travel taste buds on a train journey that’s like no other.
We’re talking about hitching a ride with Eurail and traveling from Budapest all the way to Munich, with the legendary Danube River waving at you as you go.
Castles, cafés, and a whole lot of “Wow, I’m really here!” moments. Let’s dive into where you’ll be stopping and what makes each spot unmissable.
Image Credit: Getty Images, saiko3p. Image Location: Linz, Austria
What’s the Eurail Global Pass?
This magic key unlocks unlimited train travel across Europe. It’s like having a VIP pass to the continent’s railway network, letting you jump on and off trains as you please. Dreaming of following the Danube River? The Eurail Global Pass is your oyster. It lets you experience everything from Vienna’s elegant cafés to Budapest’s historic baths, all without breaking the bank or getting tangled in booking different tickets.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eric Yang. Image Location: Budapest, Hungary
The Danube by train: your Eurail itinerary
Budapest: starting with a splash
Begin your journey in Budapest, basically the supermodel of the Danube. Here, the river splits the city into Buda and Pest, offering a mix of tranquil spa, stunning architecture, and vibrant street life. Soak in thermal baths, munch on goulash, and don’t miss the chance to cruise the Danube at night for unforgettable views of the lit-up Hungarian Parliament Building and Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Hint: If you want to see Romania too, kick off in Bucharest instead. Marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of the Parliament, stroll through the charming Old Town, and soak in the arts at the National Museum of Art of Romania. Then, when the day turns to dusk, catch the sleeper train to Budapest. Choose from the Ister, the Dacia Express, or the Muntenia for your journey. It’s a cool overnight trip that gives you a unique night’s sleep on the move and offers a neat way to squeeze in more sightseeing without losing a day.
Budapest to Bratislava: castle views and quirky streets
Onward to Bratislava, the little city with a big personality. Wander around to spot playful statues, and visit the castle perched high with views that’ll make your Instagram friends jealous.
Train travel time from Budapest (Hungary) to Bratislava (Slovakia): from 2h 25m
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Vienna, Austria
Bratislava to Vienna: sipping coffee like royalty
Next up is Vienna, where elegance is the name of the game. Sip on world-class coffee, treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte, and feel fancy touring palaces and opera houses. Vienna’s like that classy friend who knows how to have a sophisticated good time.
Train travel time from Bratislava (Slovakia) to Vienna (Austria): from 1h 10m
Vienna to Linz: modern art and the oldest cake
Next on the playlist, we’re hitting Linz—the city that’s like the underground band you can’t believe isn’t famous yet. Vienna might have the classical beats, but Linz drops the bass with its electric art scene and a culinary chart-topper: the Linzer Torte, a legend, claiming the title of the world’s oldest cake. Get ready to have your senses dazzled in a city where modern art meets culinary history in the coolest jam session ever.
Train travel time from Vienna to Linz in Austria: from 1h 8m
Image Credit: Getty Images, Harald Nachtmann. Image Location: Regensburg, Germany
Linz to Regensburg: stepping back in time
Cruise into Regensburg to walk through the pages of a medieval story book. But it’s not just about the old-world ambience here; Regensburg serves up some seriously good beer, making it the perfect spot to toast to history.
Train travel time from Linz (Austria) to Regensburg (Germany): from 1h 56m
Regensburg to Ingolstadt: a hidden gem on the Danube
After soaking up the medieval vibes in Regensburg, your next stop is Ingolstadt. Nestled along the Danube, Ingolstadt is a vibrant mix of history, innovation, and Bavarian culture. It’s a place where old fortifications whisper tales of the past, and sleek cars (hello, Audi headquarters) zoom towards the future. Ingolstadt might just surprise you with its cozy cafés, beautiful parks, and the Bavarian Army Museum—one of the most significant military history museums in Europe.
Train travel time from Regensburg to Ingolstadt in Germany: from 1h
Ingolstadt to Munich: Bavarian culture and celebrations
Finish your journey in Munich, the heart of Bavaria where beer gardens and Lederhosen are just the start. Dive into a culture that’s rich, welcoming, and knows how to throw a party—Oktoberfest, anyone?
Munich is also home to one of Europe’s major air hubs, making your journey home to the States or onto your next adventure as easy as ordering another round of Bavarian brews.
Train travel time from Ingolstadt to Munich in Germany: from 37m
Image Credit: Getty Images, Peter Zelei Images. Image Location: The Parliament of Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
Your guide to train hopping along the Danube River
How do I catch the train from Vienna to Budapest?
Looking to swap schnitzel for goulash? The Vienna to Budapest train has got you covered in 2h 20m. Remember, booking in advance is like grabbing the best seat at the opera—highly recommended.
Is there a direct train from Munich to Vienna?
Yep! Think of it as your direct line from beer heaven to waltz wonderland in under 4 hours. It’s smooth, scenic, and serves up a slice of stunning countryside views. Plus, Munich to Vienna trains are frequent enough that you won’t have to race like it’s the last strudel in the shop.
What should I know about Austrian trains?
Austria’s trains are like the country’s own version of a magic carpet. They whisk you through breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains to lush valleys, all with the punctuality of a Swiss watch. Whether you’re scaling the Alps or cruising to another cultural hub, Austria’s train network is your golden ticket to exploration.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tomas Sereda. Image Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
How long does it take to get from Vienna to Bratislava by train?
Zipping from Vienna to Bratislava is like jumping from one café to another, except these cafés are in different countries. In just over an hour, you can be swapping Wiener Melange for Slovakian Tokaj.
Can I go from Munich to Budapest by direct train?
Of course, you can! The Munich to Budapest train route is your scenic express between these two jewels of Europe. Though it’s a bit of a longer trek, taking 6h 33m on Railjet’s fastest services, it’s packed with beautiful vistas and comfy seats, making it a great way to see more of the countryside. Plus, it’s an excuse to kick back, relax, finish off that novel you’ve been reading for months now, and maybe even plot your next European adventure.
With the Eurail Pass, your adventure along the Danube is as smooth as the river itself on a windless day. Download the Trainline app to be in the know on the go and get ready for a seriously exciting trip!
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Steve Daggar Photography. Image Location: Regensburg, Germany