Budapest to Vienna: Transport Guide
If you love classical music, Vienna is a perfect place to visit after your trip to Budapest.
In this travel guide, you’ll find useful information about traveling from Budapest to Vienna by train and bus, including timetable, ticket prices, and tips.
Getting from Budapest to Vienna: Overview
The distance between Budapest and Vienna is about 240 km (150 miles), and you can get to Vienna by bus, train, and car.
While it takes about 3 hours by bus, a train journey is shorter at 2 hours 40 minutes.
| Type | Time | Cost | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 2 hours 40 minutes | From €19 | Book train ticket |
| Bus | 3 hours | From €12 | Book bus ticket |
| Car | 2 hours 35 minutes | – | – |
Travel tips
- Guide: Touring Schönbrunn Palace, riding Giant Ferris Wheel, and listening to Vienna Mozart Orchestra are must-do activities in Vienna.
- Accommodation: I recommend booking your hotel in Vienna in advance. NH Collection Wien Zentrum is an excellent boutique hotel located on Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s biggest shopping street. They also offer large rooms and delicious breakfast, and friendly staff.
- Day pass: You can get a Vienna Pass covering admission to over 60 of Vienna’s top attractions.
- Transport: Taking a hop-on hop-off bus is a fun way to explore Vienna. You can also get Vienna City Card for unlimited rides on public transport in downtown Vienna.
Budapest to Vienna by train
One of the most comfortable ways to travel to Vienna is by train.
Austria’s ÖBB offers daily trains from Budapest to Vienna, taking about 2 hours 40 minutes. The ticket starts from $11(€9) if you book in advance.
Note: You must print the ticket before departure for Deutsche Bahn.
| Train info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | From 2h 40m |
| Price | $11 (€9) |
| Distance | 214 km (133 miles) |
| Frequency | 18 trains per day |
| First train | 05:40 am |
| Last train | 08:40 pm |
| Departure station | Budapest |
| Arrival station | Vienna |
| Operators | ÖBB, RegioJet |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| ÖBB | 5:40 am | 8:21 am | Book tickets |
| ÖBB | 6:40 am | 9:18 am | Book tickets |
| ÖBB | 7:40 am | 10:21 am | Book tickets |
| RegioJet | 7:58 am | 10:32 am | Book tickets |
| ÖBB | 8:40 am | 11:21 am | Book tickets |
| ÖBB | 9:40 am | 12:21 pm | Book tickets |
| ÖBB | 10:40 am | 1:21 pm | Book tickets |
How long is the train from Budapest to Vienna?
The journey takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes over a distance of around 214 km (133 miles).
How much is the train ticket from Budapest to Vienna?
The cheapest train ticket for this route is $11 (€9), but the average price of train tickets is $24 (€20). You should book your train tickets early to get the best price.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
All trains leave Budapest Keleti and arrive at Vienna Central Station, conveniently located in the city center.
When is the first and last train depart from Budapest to Vienna?
The first direct train departs from Budapest Keleti station at 5:40 am, and the last leaves at 8:40 pm. Please check the latest schedule here.
Budapest to Vienna by bus
Taking a bus is also an excellent way to travel from Budapest to Vienna.
FlixBus and RegioJet offer frequent buses to Vienna, taking approximately 3 hours.
The bus ticket costs about $13 (€12), depending on your choice.
| Bus info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 3 hours |
| Price | $13 (€12) |
| Distance | 240 km (150 miles) |
| Frequency | 13 buses per day |
| First bus | 3 am |
| Last bus | 9:05 pm |
| Departure station | Népliget or Kelenföld vasútállomás Etele tér |
| Arrival station | Vienna International Bus terminal |
| Operators | FlixBus, RegioJet |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| FlixBus | 7:15 am | 10:10 am | Book tickets |
| FlixBus | 12:45 pm | 3:50 pm | Book tickets |
| FlixBus | 2:45 pm | 5:35 pm | Book tickets |
| FlixBus | 9:15 pm | 12: 20 am | Book tickets |
How long is the bus from Budapest to Vienna?
FlixBus and RegioJet offer daily service to Vienna, and the journey takes about 3 hours. Please note that the bus travel schedule depends on specific dates or weekends and holidays.
How much is the bus ticket from Budapest to Vienna?
The ticket costs about $13 (€12) on average.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
Buses leave from Népliget or Kelenföld vasútállomás Etele tér station and arrive at Vienna International Bus terminal.
When is the first and last bus depart from Budapest to Vienna?
The first bus leaves Budapest at 3 am, while the last departs around 9 pm.
Getting around Vienna
The best way to get around Vienna is by public transport.
The system includes U-Bahn (subway), Schnellbahn or S-Bahn (local train), Straßenbahn (tram) and Autobus (bus).
While there’re no ticket barriers at the station and no formal ticket check, you still should buy tickets.
You should get Vienna City Card for unlimited use of public transport in downtown Vienna.
Best things to do in Vienna
There are plenty of things to do and see in Vienna. Here are my favorite activities:
- Visit the summer Schönbrunn Palace
- Listen to Vienna Mozart Orchestra
- Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Eat your way at the Naschmarkt market
- Ride the Giant Ferris Wheel
