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Taking the train from Vienna to Bratislava
Are you thinking of crossing the border for a Slovakian adventure? If so, taking the train from Vienna to Bratislava is a hard option to beat. These cities are only around 50 miles apart, so flying is out of the question – and why waste time navigating traffic on the roads. Instead, the train from Vienna to Bratislava Main station will transport you to the Slovak capital in just over an hour – perfect for a day trip or weekends away.
All trains to Bratislava from Vienna are operated by OBB, and services leave regularly throughout the day, every day of the week. Even though you won't be on board for long, why not take advantage of OBB's partnership with catering experts DoN, and sample some sustainably produced, classically Austrian delicacies? Or you could just sit back relax and watch the world pass by your window – it's up to you.
Once you arrive, Bratislava has so much to offer. Dive into the city's buzzing (and affordable) nightlife, take in unique architecture like the Blue Church, and be sure to ascend the UFO Tower to enjoy the views. However, you choose to spend your time, reaching Bratislava couldn't be simpler. Just start your search for times and tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page, or keep reading for FAQs about the journey and tips for finding cheap tickets.
Vienna to Bratislava by train
It takes an average of 2h 42m to travel from Vienna to Bratislava by train, over a distance of around 34 miles (55 km). There are normally 15 trains per day travelling from Vienna to Bratislava and tickets for this journey start from £10.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:35 | |
| Departure station | Vienna | |
| Arrival station | Bratislava | |
| Journey time | From 1h 16m | |
| Distance | 34 miles (55 km) | |
| Frequency | 15 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £10.20 | |
| Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Slovak Lines Express a.s., Slovak_Lines_Express_a_s_Regional, ÖBB, Flixbus |
FAQs about the train journey from Vienna to Bratislava
Want to know more about your journey from Vienna to Bratislava? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Vienna to Bratislava?
How close is Vienna to Bratislava by train?
Which train companies operate from Vienna to Bratislava?
Is it possible to get from Vienna to Bratislava without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Vienna to Bratislava?
What time does the first train from Vienna to Bratislava leave?
What time does the last train from Vienna to Bratislava leave?
How often are trains from Vienna to Bratislava?
Do you need to book the train from Vienna to Bratislava in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Vienna to Bratislava?
ÖBB trains from Vienna to Bratislava
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
Intercity and RegioJet classes from Vienna to Bratislava
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and RegioJet when travelling from Vienna to Bratislava.
Intercity
RegioJet
Economy
When travelling on ÖBB’s InterCity trains, Economy class is perfect if you’re looking for spacious seats and generous luggage storage at an affordable price.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioning
- Onboard app service
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
First Class
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to First Class on your ÖBB’s InterCity service and you’ll take advantage of adjustable seats and additional legroom.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- Air-conditioning
- Onboard app service
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
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 Intercity and RegioJet
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Vienna to Bratislava.
Intercity
RegioJet
You can take your luggage free of charge onboard all ÖBB Intercity 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.
Unfortunately, a restaurant carriage is not available on ÖBB Intercity trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off!
Unfortunately, ÖBB Intercity 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 Intercity trains, while those aged 6-14 get a half-price ticket. Kids aged 15 or over need a full-price ticket.
Many ÖBB Intercity 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 Intercity 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 to the ticket inspector.
Small pets can travel for free on ÖBB Intercity 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 Intercity 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 Vienna to Bratislava
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 Vienna to Bratislava 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.