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Travelling by train from Budapest to Vienna
If you’re looking to travel from Budapest to Vienna by train, you've come to the right place!
Usually, the train from Budapest to Vienna takes around 3 hours and 19 minutes but can take just 2 hours and 38 minutes on the fastest services. On this route, you can travel directly with ÖBB. On board, you'll find comfortable seating, space for luggage and on most services, free WiFi as standard.
At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive at Vienna's main train station, stepping out onto the platform mere minutes from such famous landmarks as:
- St. Stephen's Cathedral – built in the 14th century, the cathedral is one of Europe’s best examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
- Belvedere Palace – boasts incredible artwork, such as that of Gustav Klimt, one of Austria’s most famous artists.
- Schönbrunn Palace – one of the most impressive palaces in Europe and where Mozart played some of his first shows.
Take a tour of the city’s beautiful buildings or simply grab a scrumptious Viennese coffee at a local café. The choice is yours!
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Budapest to Vienna in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or keep reading for more information on:
- Today’s train times
- Classes on board ÖBB trains
- Services on board ÖBB trains
- Travelling from the airport to central Budapest
- How to get to Budapest Keleti station
- Everything you need to know about Budapest Keleti station
- Arriving in Vienna from Budapest
- Using public transport in Vienna
- Discover Vienna and Austria
- Where to travel next after Vienna
- Explore Europe with an Interrail pass
- Travelling from central Vienna to the airport
- Review: Travelling from Budapest to Vienna by train
Budapest to Vienna by train
It takes an average of 2h 42m to travel from Budapest to Vienna by train, over a distance of around 133 miles (214 km). There are normally 21 trains per day travelling from Budapest to Vienna and tickets for this journey start from £8.47 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Budapest to Vienna
Want to know more about your journey from Budapest to Vienna? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Budapest to Vienna?
How far is Vienna from Budapest by train?
Which trains run from Budapest to Vienna?
Can I get from Budapest to Vienna without flying?
What is the best way to get from Budapest to Vienna?
When is the first train from Budapest to Vienna?
When is the last train from Budapest to Vienna?
How often do trains run from Budapest to Vienna?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Budapest to Vienna?
Looking for a return trip from Budapest to Vienna?
ÖBB trains from Budapest to Vienna
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
More information
- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
Eurocity and RegioJet classes from Budapest to Vienna
Compare the different travel classes offered by Eurocity and RegioJet when travelling from Budapest to Vienna.
Eurocity
RegioJet
Economy
The Economy Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous luggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Power sockets
- Catering at your seat
First Class
There are plenty of amenities in First Class on ÖBB's Eurocity trains, including adjustable seats, additional legroom and at-seat catering service.
- Luggage storage
- Air-conditioning
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Power sockets
- Catering at your seat
Low cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low-Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Onboard services on Eurocity and RegioJet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Budapest to Vienna.
Eurocity
RegioJet
You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it is stowed in the luggage racks above or below your seat or in the areas provided for hand luggage.
The pieces of luggage must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 90 x 60 x 40cm. These dimensions can only be exceeded if you’re travelling with skis and snowboards, ski and hiking poles, wind, string or plucked instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
A restaurant carriage is available on most ÖBB Eurocity trains and offers a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are available too. If you upgrade to First Class, your meal of choice will be served straight to your seat.
Unfortunately, ÖBB Eurocity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. Also, WiFi is not always available.
If you’re travelling with your child, you’ll get a discounted ticket. Children aged 0-5 travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Eurocity trains offer special compartments for children in Economy Class – they come with 6 seats and can be booked for any route. Breastfeeding compartments are available too – they have curtains that block the view for more privacy. These seats can’t be booked.
You can travel with your bike for free on all ÖBB Eurocity trains, provided that it can be folded and is not larger than 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm. You won’t need to book a space for your bike.
If you can’t fold your bike, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket to reserve your space. You can book your ticket up to 6 months in advance from ÖBB Ticketshop online. If possible, we recommend you print out your bike reservation and attach it to your bike where it is clearly visible for the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Eurocity trains if they’re placed in a carrier or cage. If you can’t carry them in a carrier or cage, you’ll need to buy a ticket for them. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost and don’t need to wear a muzzle.
ÖBB Eurocity trains come with accessible toilets. Depending on the type of coach, several wheelchair bays including one seat for an accompanying person can be booked free of charge.
On many trains, the wheelchair bays are in First Class. However, passengers with wheelchairs and the person accompanying them can travel in First Class with their Second Class tickets and can also make use of the at-seat meal service on offer there.
There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
Cheap train tickets from Budapest to Vienna
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Budapest to Vienna by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Travelling from the airport to central Budapest
If you’re flying to Budapest, you’ll need to make your way from the airport to the heart of the city. Not sure how? We’re here to help!
When flying to Budapest, you’ll more than likely land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, more commonly known as Budapest Airport. Once you’ve gone through Passport Control and Customs, you can head to Budapest city centre using the local public transport network.
Buses from Budapest Airport
From Terminal 2, jump on the 100E Airport Express service and you can get off at one of three separate city centre stops, including Kalvin Square, Astoria, or Deak Ferenc Square.
Running 24 hours every day, the bus departs every 30 minutes, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to reach central Budapest. In total, a single ticket costs 1500HUF (£3.32) as of February 2024.
Trains from Budapest Airport
Although there isn’t a direct train connecting Budapest Airport to the city centre, you can take a bus and a train. After leaving the airport, hop on the Bus 200E to nearby Ferihegy train station. The bus journey takes around 12 minutes and costs 350HUF (£0.78) as of February 2024. From here, take the train to Nyugati train station in central Budapest. The train journey takes around 25 minutes and costs just 370HUF (£0.82).
Taxis from Budapest Airport
If you’re in a rush, you can take a taxi from Budapest Airport directly to your desired destination. You’ll find the yellow Főtaxi cars outside the airport, waiting to take you to central Budapest in around 35 minutes, depending on traffic congestion. However, please note that taxi journeys can be expensive, and you should expect to pay around 9800HUF (£21.74).
How to get to Budapest Keleti station
When travelling from Budapest to Vienna, your train will depart from Budapest Keleti station. If you’re unsure how to get there, we’ve got you covered.
Budapest Keleti is the main train station in Budapest, located just east of the historic centre. In fact, ‘keleti’ means ‘eastern’ in Hungarian. There are several ways to get from the city centre to Budapest Keleti station, including:
- Walk: If you’re already in central Budapest, you can essentially walk east from the Erzsébet Bridge, and it’ll lead you right to the station.
- Metro: If you’re situated further afield, you can take metro lines M2 and M4 to Budapest Keleti’s metro stop, Keleti Pályaudvar.
- Bus: There are various buses available from the city centre to Budapest Keleti station.
Everything you need to know about Budapest Keleti station
While you wait for your train to Vienna, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Budapest Keleti station.
Once you’ve entered Budapest Keleti, you’ll be greeted by a magnificent station hall. Once you’ve paused to marvel at the architecture, you can make your way to the platform. Alternatively, if your stomach is rumbling, you’ll find pizza, gyros, and coffee, among other fast-food spots and a small supermarket. Just outside the station, you’ll find small bakeries and more familiar brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Starbucks across the street.
Budapest Keleti has all the amenities you’d expect from a major European train station, including paid luggage storage, currency exchange and places to relax before departing.
Arriving in Vienna from Budapest
After just over 2 hours of travelling, your train will arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, more commonly known as Vienna Hbf.
As soon as you’ve hopped off the train, you can simply leave the station. If you need any help or advice, you’ll find a tourist information office in the main concourse called Info Point.
Once you’ve left the station, you’ll find that Vienna Hbf is located in the south of the city. You’ll probably want to start exploring the city straight away – you can get from Vienna Hbf to different parts of the city by:
- Walking: Although a fair distance from central Vienna, you can walk from Vienna Hbf to St Stephen’s Cathedral in the city centre in around 35 minutes.
- Metro: From Vienna Hbf, take line U1 of the Vienna U-Bahn to Stephansplatz, the central square in the Austrian capital.
- Tram: Beneath the station, there is a tram stop called Hauptbahnhof Ost. From here, you can take tram line D to the Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof tram stop in central Vienna.
- Taxi: Exit the station from the main concourse and you’ll find a taxi rank directly outside.
Using public transport in Vienna
If you want to navigate Vienna quickly and conveniently, use the city's public transport system.
Taking the Metro in Vienna
Comprised of five lines, Vienna’s subway system is known as the U-Bahn and stops at 109 stations across the city.
Operating between 5:00 am and 12:30 am, trains usually depart around every 5 minutes. However, at busier times they run more frequently, and late at night, they run less frequently.
A single ticket costs €2.40 (£2.05) as of February 2024, and must be validated before or at the start of your journey.
Taking the tram in Vienna
Boasting the sixth largest tram network in the world, Vienna has had a tram network since 1865. As well as the traditional trams, Vienna also has ULF (ultra-low floor) trains that are more easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Like the Metro, a single ticket costs €2.40 (£2.05) as of February 2024, and must be validated before or at the start of your journey.
The Vienna Ring Tram is a tourist service that circles the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s most famous boulevard, home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Running every 30 minutes between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, the Ring Tram’s audio guide provides information on the landmarks you pass in eight different languages, including English. A single ticket for the Vienna Ring Tram costs €9 (£7.70) for adults and €4 (£3.42) for children, as of February 2024.
Taking the bus in Vienna
In Vienna, around 172 bus lines run across the city. If you are travelling late at night, you can use the city’s NightLine services. Operating daily between 12:30 am and 5:00 am, NightLine buses are marked with an “N”.
Discover Vienna and Austria
If you’d like to explore more of Austria and Europe but you’re unsure where to begin, here’s some inspiration for the best places to visit and how to get there by train:
Where to travel next after Vienna
Enjoyed your time in Vienna and want to explore more of Europe? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Vienna:
Explore Europe by train with an Interrail Pass
After visiting Vienna, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use an Interrail Pass if you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country (this includes UK citizens). If you’re not a European citizen or someone legally resident in Europe, such as an American or Canadian citizen, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.
Travelling from central Vienna to the airport
If you’d like to know how to get from central Vienna to the airport, keep reading for more details.
If you’re flying back home from Vienna, you’ll most likely depart from the city’s main airport, Vienna International Airport. The airport is about 12 miles southeast of the city and can be reached by train, bus or taxi.
Train to Vienna Airport
To take the train to Vienna Airport from central Vienna, you can take the CAT (City Airport Train). Running between central Vienna and the airport, the CAT is an express train connection departing from Wien Mitte – Landstraße station. Departing every 30 minutes, the CAT will take you to the airport in just 16 minutes. You can buy tickets for the CAT with Trainline, head to our Journey Planner to check train times and ticket prices.
Bus to Vienna Airport
Although it takes a bit longer, the bus can be the cheapest option to get from Vienna’s downtown to the airport. Vienna Airport Lines operates three services with pickup points throughout the city: VAL1, VAL2 and VAL3. Journey times vary depending on traffic but can take as little as 20 minutes.
Taxi to Vienna Airport
If you want to get to Vienna Airport from the city centre with minimum fuss, you could take a taxi. In central Vienna, there are many taxi ranks and companies. Please note that travelling in a taxi can be expensive – the average fare from the city centre to the airport is around €40 (£34.25) as of February 2024.
