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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.
It takes an average of 1h 1m to travel from Vienna to Bratislava by train, over a distance of around 34 miles (55 km). There are normally 40 trains per day travelling from Vienna to Bratislava and tickets for this journey start from €9.80 when you book in advance.
First train | 00:50 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:45 | |
Departure station | Vienna | |
Arrival station | Bratislava | |
Journey time | From 44m | |
Distance | 34 miles (55 km) | |
Frequency | 40 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From €9.80 | |
Train and bus operators |
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.
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.
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.
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.
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
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.
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.
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.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Vienna and Bratislava is 1 hour and 1 minute, with around 40 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The fastest journey time by train from Vienna to Bratislava is 44 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Vienna to Bratislava can start from as little as €9.80 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Vienna to Bratislava without having to change trains. There are 40 direct trains from Vienna to Bratislava each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Vienna to Bratislava leaves at 00:50. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Vienna to Bratislava leaves at 23:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
Trains travelling from Vienna to Bratislava cover a distance of around 34 miles (55 km) during the journey.