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Traveling from Budapest to Vienna by train is fast, affordable, and eco-friendly. High-speed Railjet trains cover the 216 km journey in just 2 hours and 21 minutes, with ticket prices starting at €13 when booked early. With 16 daily departures, modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, and no airport-style security, this is one of the most convenient ways to travel between these two cities.
Key Highlights:
- Fast Travel: Railjet trains take 2h 21m; EuroCity trains take 2h 40m.
- Affordable Tickets: Advance fares start at €13; standard fares are around €50.50.
- Frequent Departures: Trains run from 3:17 AM to 11:32 PM daily.
- Eco-Friendly: 76% lower emissions than flying.
- Comfortable Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, dining options, and quiet zones.
| Feature | Railjet | EuroCity | Nightjet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Time | 2h 21m | 2h 40m | 5–6h |
| Daily Services | 11–12 | 3–5 | 1 (overnight) |
| Wi-Fi | Available | Not available | Not available |
| Dining | Full service | Limited | Limited |
Book early for the best fares and enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey between Budapest and Vienna.
Vienna to Budapest by Railjet Train: First Class Journey Review
Route Details
This section breaks down the timings, operators, and daily schedules for the Budapest-Vienna train route.
Journey Time and Distance
The Budapest-Vienna route covers 216 km. Travel times vary by service:
Train Companies
Several operators provide services on this route. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Train Company | Service Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ÖBB Railjet | High-speed | Modern amenities; speeds up to 230 km/h |
| EuroCity | Express | Multiple travel classes available |
| RegioJet | High-speed | Standard facilities |
| Nightjet | Sleeper | Overnight travel option |
ÖBB Railjet stands out for its speed and modern features, making it a popular choice [3][5].
Daily Schedule
Trains run frequently from early morning until late at night, with departures between 3:17 AM and 11:32 PM [4]. Here’s the breakdown:
- Railjet Xpress: 11 daily services
- Railjet: 8 daily services
- EuroCity: 8 daily services
- RegioJet: 2 daily services
For overnight travelers, Nightjet offers one service per night [3].
Ticket Booking Guide
Purchase Options
You can book Budapest–Vienna tickets through several platforms:
- ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): The official website of the operator.
- Rail Europe: A popular international booking platform.
- Trainline: Known for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing.
For the best fares, book directly on the ÖBB website or app.
Fares and Discounts
| Booking Window | Price |
|---|---|
| 3–6 months in advance | €9 |
| 30 days ahead | €13 |
| 7 days ahead | €15 |
Booking early is key to getting the lowest prices, with the best deals available 3–6 months before your travel date. Traveling during off-peak times can also help you save. Check fares on both Hungarian and Austrian railways’ websites for comparisons. RegioJet provides another affordable option, with tickets starting at €12. These prices also apply if you’re using an Interrail pass.
Interrail Pass Information
The Budapest–Vienna route is included in Interrail passes, making it a great choice if you’re planning additional train trips. However, if this is your only journey, point-to-point tickets are often cheaper. Be sure to book early, as fares can vary depending on the season.
Train Services and Features
Railjet Services
ÖBB Railjet trains connect Budapest and Vienna at speeds of up to 230 km/h, offering a fast and modern travel option. With 10-12 daily services, these high-speed trains ensure frequent departures and a comfortable journey.
Railjet offers three travel classes, each with its own perks:
| Class | Features |
|---|---|
| Economy | Free WiFi, power outlets, quiet zones, and a family area with a cartoon corner |
| First | Includes all Economy features plus at-seat dining service |
| Business | Premium seating, at-seat dining, and a dedicated steward service (available for a €15 upgrade from 1st class) |
These trains are equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities and multiple spaces for added convenience. The restaurant car serves seasonal Austrian dishes, including vegetarian and vegan meals. Families traveling in Economy can enjoy a designated area with entertainment for children.
"On board our long-distance trains, the DoN’s team will spoil you with the best service, regional freshness, quality and sustainability at prices that make you sit back and relax." – ÖBB [7]
For travelers seeking a more budget-friendly option, EuroCity trains are available as an alternative.
EuroCity Services
EuroCity trains may lack some of the modern features of Railjet, but they still provide a reliable and comfortable experience. With journey times ranging from 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours and 3-5 daily services, these trains are a practical choice.
Key features include:
- Spacious seating arrangements
- Large panoramic windows
- Power outlets at seats
Here’s a quick comparison of Railjet and EuroCity services:
| Feature | Railjet | EuroCity |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Time | 2h 21m | 2h 45m – 3h |
| Daily Services | 10-12 | 3-5 |
| WiFi | Available | Not available |
| Dining | Full restaurant car | Variable options |
| Business Class | Available (€15 upgrade from 1st class) | Not available |
Station Information
Budapest Stations
Budapest Keleti serves as the primary departure hub for trains heading to Vienna. Found at the intersection of Rákóczi and Kerepesi Avenues, this historic station manages around 410 daily arrivals and departures [11]. It’s easy to reach Keleti via metro lines M2 and M4, tram line 24, and various trolleybus and bus routes [8].
The station offers a range of amenities, including ticket counters, information desks, luggage lockers, dining spots, shops, ATMs, and spacious waiting areas. Accessibility features include wheelchair lifts and accessible restrooms.
For those seeking alternatives, Kelenföld station provides a modern option with excellent metro and tram connections [9].
Vienna Stations
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hbf) welcomes travelers with a sleek, modern design and efficient transit links. Handling around 268,000 daily commuters [10], this station has been a key transport hub since December 2015. It offers convenient connections to the U-Bahn, tram lines 18, D, and O, as well as bus routes like 13A, 69A, and N66. Regional options include the S-Bahn and Flixbus services.
Boarding Process
Here’s how to ensure a smooth boarding experience:
- Arrive early: Get to the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs, especially at Vienna Hauptbahnhof [2].
- Check your ticket: Validate it and review departure boards for your platform and reserved car/seat details.
- Find your seat: If you’ve reserved a seat, locate your designated car and seat number – this is especially helpful on busy routes [2].
Budapest Keleti features seven platforms with thirteen tracks [9], while Vienna Hauptbahnhof is designed for seamless transfers between local and long-distance trains [10].
Travel Essentials
Here are some key tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Baggage Rules
Passengers traveling on trains between Budapest and Vienna can bring one main piece of luggage and one smaller hand luggage item [12]. While some rail operators mention weight limits, these are rarely enforced. You can store your luggage in overhead compartments or on racks at the ends of the carriage [12].
A few things to keep in mind: clearly label your bags, keep an eye on your valuables, and avoid blocking aisles or emergency exits.
Train Facilities
Railjet trains provide a range of amenities based on your travel class. Expect comfortable seating, free WiFi, power outlets, and in-seat dining options. Family zones and quiet areas are available for all passengers [6].
Every Railjet train has a restaurant car offering hot meals, snacks, and drinks. The onboard entertainment system lets you enjoy movies, music, and journey updates [6].
"On board our long-distance trains, the DoN’s team will spoil you with the best service, regional freshness, quality and sustainability at prices that make you sit back and relax." – ÖBB [7]
Border Crossing
Both Hungary and Austria are in the Schengen Area, so border crossings are simple – no passport control or immigration checks are required. However, it’s smart to carry valid photo ID, like a passport, as random checks can occur.
Key points to note:
- Customs declarations aren’t needed.
- Security officers may occasionally inspect luggage.
- Rules apply to items like alcohol, tobacco, and large sums of money, which might need to be declared.
For a hassle-free trip, keep your ID and important documents easily accessible, even if checks are uncommon.
Conclusion
Traveling by train from Budapest to Vienna is both quick and enjoyable. Railjet services cover the route in just 2 hours and 21 minutes [3], offering a fast alternative without the stress of airport transfers or security lines.
It’s also a budget-friendly choice, with advance tickets starting at €13, compared to flights that can cost around €95 [1]. Plus, since train stations are centrally located, you avoid extra transfer expenses, making it a smart option for saving both time and money.
With around 16 daily departures [3], there’s plenty of flexibility. Whether you’re catching the 5:40 AM train or opting for an afternoon ride, the schedule suits different travel preferences.
Since both Hungary and Austria are part of the Schengen Area, crossing the border is straightforward, adding to the ease of this journey. The Budapest–Vienna train route combines comfort, reliability, and convenience, making it an appealing way to travel.
