Two Cities. One Journey.
Vienna & Budapest
The Vienna to Budapest Train
Two former imperial capitals, 256 km apart, linked by a Danube-valley train journey of just over two hours. Hourly departures, no need to plan months ahead.
The Route
The Vienna to Budapest Train Route, Along the Danube Valley
Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace
Imperial palaces, coffeehouse culture and a Habsburg skyline that hasn't changed its mind in two hundred years.
Explore Vienna →Budapest
Hungarian Parliament
Grand boulevards, thermal baths and a Parliament building lit along the Danube at night.
Explore Budapest →Route Map
256 km, One Direct Train, Two Capitals
Vienna to Budapest Route and Distance
The direct train covers roughly 256–270 km, following the Danube valley east through Austria and across the border into Hungary, calling briefly at Győr. Because both countries sit inside the Schengen Area, there are no passport checks — you'll simply notice the announcements switch from German to Hungarian. This stretch of track once formed part of the original Orient Express corridor.
Know Before You Board
Luggage Allowance
Both operators are generous with luggage: bags up to roughly 90 × 60 × 40 cm travel free, stowed in overhead racks or the ample luggage areas near the doors, with no weight limit for standard-sized luggage. A limited bike compartment is available in second class on ÖBB services.
Hourly Departures
Trains run close to every hour in each direction — no need to book months ahead.
City Centre to City Centre
Wien Hbf and Budapest Keleti both sit minutes from the historic core.
Restaurant Car & Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi throughout, with a full restaurant car on Railjet and EuroCity services.
Fares from $34
Two competing operators keep prices low on both second and first class.
Choosing Your Train
ÖBB Railjet, EuroCity and RegioJet — Vienna to Budapest Trains Compared
Two very different operators run trains on this corridor. All Budapest trains on this route are modern, air-conditioned and equipped with free Wi-Fi — the real choice is price, seats and which Budapest station you'd rather arrive at.
ÖBB Railjet & EuroCity
Modern trains roughly every hour between Wien Hauptbahnhof and Budapest Keleti, some run jointly with Hungary's MÁV as EuroCity services. A genuine restaurant car serves coffee, hot meals and draught beer on tap.
- Second class from €55 · First class from €68
- Free Wi-Fi, power sockets, quiet car, air conditioning
- Arrives Budapest Keleti — the grand, central terminus
RegioJet
Extending its popular Prague–Vienna route onward to Budapest, RegioJet runs 3–4 trains a day and undercuts the state operator with a Low Cost class from $34, plus Standard, Relax and Business classes.
- Low Cost class from $34
- Free Wi-Fi, at-seat tea, coffee and water service
- Arrives Budapest Déli, also stopping at Kelenföld
01 · Before You Board
Vienna Highlights
Schönbrunn Palace
The Habsburgs' summer residence, with formal gardens, the Gloriette monument and the world's oldest zoo.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Climb the South Tower for a panoramic view over the historic city center.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Habsburg family's collected old masters, in a building as grand as its contents.
Coffeehouse Culture
Ornate rooms, suit-and-tie waiters, and no rush to finish your coffee and apple strudel.
02 · Before You Board
Budapest Highlights
Hungarian Parliament
Best viewed from across the Danube, especially once it's lit up after dark.
Buda Castle & Fisherman's Bastion
The historic hilltop core of the city, with sweeping views over the river.
Dohány Street Synagogue
The largest synagogue in Europe, with a moving memorial garden.
Thermal Baths
Széchenyi or Gellért — Budapest's signature experience, and one Vienna simply doesn't have.
Practical Info
Vienna to Budapest Train Times, Stations and Ticket Prices
Trains run from early morning until late evening, with departures roughly every hour from both cities. A typical schedule looks like this:
| Departure | Arrival | Operator | Journey time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:40 Wien Hbf | 10:00–10:40 Budapest Keleti | ÖBB Railjet | ~2h20–3h* |
| Hourly, ~05:30–21:30 | Budapest Keleti | ÖBB Railjet / EuroCity | ~2h27 |
| 3–4 daily | Budapest Déli (via Kelenföld) | RegioJet | ~2h40 |
*Exact journey time varies by specific train; always check live times in the search tool above.
Wien Hauptbahnhof and Budapest Keleti
Wien Hbf is a modern, fully accessible station with a wide concourse of shops, food options and currency exchange. Budapest Keleti is a 19th-century iron-and-glass hall with left-luggage facilities, cafés and free Wi-Fi. Budapest Déli, used by RegioJet, is smaller but well connected to the metro. All three sit close to central hotels.
Wien Hauptbahnhof
Budapest Keleti
Book a little ahead, not months ahead. The cheapest saver fares sell out first, so booking a week or two out beats a same-day walk-up price.
Compare both operators. RegioJet is usually cheapest; ÖBB and EuroCity add the restaurant car and Budapest Keleti's central arrival point.
Travel midweek if flexible. Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons see the most demand between the two cities.
A seat reservation is included automatically with every ticket — no need to arrive early to grab a spot.
Experiences
Vienna to Budapest Day Trips and Onward Journeys
A Vienna to Budapest Day Trip
At just over 2 hours each way, Vienna to Budapest is genuinely doable as a day trip — catch an early departure and you'll be exploring Castle Hill by mid-morning. Most travelers still prefer at least one overnight stay to enjoy a thermal bath or a long dinner without watching the clock.
The Night Train Option
Travelers heading further afield can pick up the EuroNight "Kálmán Imre" sleeper, running through Vienna between Budapest and Munich or Zurich with private compartments and couchette cars — a niche option next to the frequent daytime trains, but worth knowing about.
Frequently Asked
Vienna to Budapest Train FAQs
How long does the Vienna to Budapest train take?
+
Between about 2 hours 20 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes, depending on the specific train and operator.
Which train company should I choose: ÖBB Railjet or RegioJet?
+
Choose ÖBB Railjet or EuroCity for a restaurant car and arrival at Budapest Keleti; choose RegioJet for the cheapest low cost class fares if Budapest Déli works for your plans.
How much does a Vienna to Budapest train ticket cost?
+
Fares typically start around $34 in RegioJet's Low Cost class, with ÖBB Railjet and EuroCity fares from about €55 in second class up to €68 in first class.
Where do Vienna to Budapest trains depart and arrive?
+
All trains depart from Wien Hauptbahnhof. ÖBB and EuroCity trains arrive at Budapest Keleti; RegioJet trains arrive at Budapest Déli, also stopping at Kelenföld.
Is the Vienna to Budapest train direct?
+
Yes — it's a direct train with no transfers, though most services make a brief stop in Győr along the way.
How many trains run per day between Vienna and Budapest?
+
Around 15–18 ÖBB and EuroCity departures a day at roughly hourly intervals, plus 3–4 additional RegioJet trains.
Is there food and drink on board?
+
ÖBB and EuroCity trains have a full restaurant car, including draught beer; RegioJet offers at-seat trolley service with complimentary tea, coffee and water in higher classes.
When should I book to get cheaper train tickets?
+
A few days to a couple of weeks ahead usually secures the best fares; booking months ahead isn't necessary given how frequently trains run.
Do I need a seat reservation?
+
No separate reservation is needed — a specific seat is assigned automatically as part of every ticket on both operators.
How far is Budapest from Vienna by train?
+
About 256 km (159 miles) by the direct rail route via Győr.
Is there a night train between Vienna and Budapest?
+
Yes — the EuroNight "Kálmán Imre" passes through both cities on its way between Budapest and Munich/Zurich, though most travelers on this short route prefer the frequent daytime trains.