You can buy train tickets directly from the operator or through a reseller. The reseller is typically slightly more expensive (3-5%) but can provide an easier booking experience, especially if you travel with more than one operator.
These operators provide a complete journey either as a direct connection or through their partners. Even if a change of trains is involved, it’s all part of a single itinerary managed by the same train company or its partners, offering a smoother and more coordinated travel experience.
Some operators don’t run direct trains the whole way, but they serve either the departure or arrival station. In many cases, you can combine two of these operators to complete your journey by changing trains along the way. This is often a flexible and budget-friendly way to travel — especially if you’re comfortable piecing together your own itinerary.
Just keep in mind that these are separate journeys, which means a delay on the first leg could cause you to miss the second without automatic compensation or rebooking. It’s a great option for confident travelers who don’t mind a bit of extra planning.
FlixBus is primarily known as a long-distance bus service, but it also operates under the brand FlixTrain on certain routes. However, they do not traditionally operate rail services between Budapest and Vienna. Instead, rail services between these two cities are commonly provided by operators like ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and occasionally by other European rail operators.
While FlixBus is not a rail operator for the Budapest to Vienna route, for a comprehensive understanding, I’ll describe ÖBB, one of the primary rail services on this route. ÖBB offers the Railjet service, which is a high-speed train featuring modern amenities. Railjets provide a comfortable travel experience with several classes of service including Economy Class, First Class, and Business Class. Passengers can enjoy amenities such as spacious seating, power sockets, free Wi-Fi, and a catering service known as the Railjet Restaurant. Onboard entertainment and information are available on screens throughout the train. ÖBB is known for its strong customer support services, offering assistance at train stations and through their website and mobile app.
For a first-time traveler, it is important to know that tickets can be purchased online, via mobile apps, or directly at the station. ÖBB trains are typically reliable and are known for their punctuality. Passengers should arrive a little early to find their seats and store any luggage, which can be placed in overhead racks or larger luggage areas at the ends of the train cars.
For travel by train from Budapest to Vienna, the Interrail Global Pass is valid for residents of any European country except Hungary. The Interrail One Country Pass for Hungary is not applicable as it is only valid for travel within Hungary and cannot be used for international travel to Austria. The Eurail Pass is valid for this route for travelers who are not residents of the European Union.
Arriving in Vienna by train, you will likely find yourself at one of the major railway stations such as Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien Westbahnhof, or Wien Meidling. From there, navigating the city using its efficient public transportation system is straightforward. The Vienna U-Bahn (metro) consists of five main lines: U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6, which cover most of the city and key locations. Trams are another convenient option, with an extensive network that provides scenic routes through the city, especially in the central districts. Buses supplement areas not covered by the metro and tram lines, and they run frequently throughout the urban area. Public transport tickets are valid for all these modes and can be purchased at ticket machines in stations or via the “WienMobil” app. Taxis are widely available throughout Vienna, and you can easily hail them on the street or find them at taxi stands. Alternatively, ridesharing services like Uber are operational in Vienna and can be accessed through their respective apps for a more personalized travel experience. Lastly, the city is quite pedestrian-friendly, and many central areas are easily explored on foot, with extensive cycling paths if you prefer to rent a bike.
Vienna is well-connected by train to various destinations both domestically and internationally. Domestically, a frequent and popular route is the line from Vienna to Salzburg, offering stunning views of the Austrian countryside and quick travel times with ÖBB’s Railjet or Westbahn services. Other important Austrian cities such as Graz, Innsbruck, and Linz are also easily accessible by train from Vienna, making domestic travel convenient and efficient.
Internationally, Vienna serves as a major hub in Central Europe. One of the most popular connections is to Budapest, Hungary. The Railjet service provides a comfortable and scenic journey between these two capitals in just under three hours. Another significant route is from Vienna to Prague, Czech Republic, with direct trains offering a travel time of approximately four hours. For those heading to Germany, the train ride to Munich is a popular choice, with high-speed services covering the distance in about four and a half hours. Vienna is also well-connected to Bratislava, Slovakia, with regular services making it possible to reach the Slovak capital in just over an hour.
Further afield, direct train services link Vienna with places such as Zurich in Switzerland, Venice in Italy, and Warsaw in Poland, making it an ideal starting point for exploring broader European destinations. These international connections are facilitated by efficient services provided by ÖBB and its partner rail companies across Europe, ensuring high-speed travel with modern amenities.
The best time to visit Vienna is generally during the spring months of April to May and in the fall months of September to October. These periods offer mild and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the city’s historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the peak summer crowds. During spring, you can witness Vienna’s beautiful gardens and parks in full bloom, while fall brings vibrant autumn colors to the city’s tree-lined streets. Prices for accommodation and travel may also be more reasonable compared to the peak summer tourist season. If you prefer a festive atmosphere, visiting in December allows you to experience Vienna’s famous Christmas markets, although prices and crowds will be higher. July and August offer warm, sunny weather but also bring the highest tourist volumes and prices, as well as closures of some local businesses as residents go on holiday. Overall, arriving by train during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall allows you to enjoy a comfortable balance of weather, cultural activities, and cost.
When traveling from Budapest to Vienna by train, it’s important to pack a valid passport or national ID for Schengen Area travel, a train ticket or e-ticket, a power adapter for Austria if your devices have non-European plugs, comfortable clothing and shoes for the journey and exploring Vienna, a reusable water bottle, snacks for the train ride, a smartphone or camera for capturing memories, headphones for entertainment on the journey, a book or e-reader for reading material, a small backpack for daily excursions in Vienna, any necessary medications and essential toiletries, sunglasses and sunscreen for walking around the city, a travel guide or map for sightseeing, and an umbrella in case of rain. Make sure to also have some euros for local expenses.