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Traveling from Prague to Vienna by train is fast, affordable, and eco-friendly. Covering 254 km in as little as 3 hours and 57 minutes, trains are a better alternative to flying or driving, reducing carbon emissions by up to 83%. Tickets start at €14.90 if booked early, with services provided by Railjet, RegioJet, and EuroCity. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fastest Travel Time: 3 hours 57 minutes (Railjet)
- Daily Trains: ~24 departures
- Ticket Prices: From €14.90 (advance booking)
- Comfort Options: WiFi, power outlets, meal services, and multiple seating classes
- Stations: Prague Hlavni Nadrazi and Vienna Hauptbahnhof, both centrally located
| Service Provider | Travel Time | Starting Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Railjet (CD/ÖBB) | 3h 57m | €14.90 | WiFi, onboard meals, seat reservations |
| RegioJet | 4h 10m | €14.90 | At-seat service, seat reservations included |
| EuroCity | 4h 25m | €14.90 | Comfortable seating, optional reservations |
With frequent departures and modern amenities, train travel between Prague and Vienna is a convenient choice for all types of travelers.
Prague to Vienna onboard the Czech Railjet
Train Types and Services
Traveling between Prague and Vienna? There are three main train services to choose from, each catering to different needs and budgets.
EuroCity Trains
EuroCity trains are a solid choice for comfort and reliability. They offer a direct route between the cities in 4 hours and 25 minutes. Seats are comfortable, and reservations are optional during busier times [2].
RailJet Trains
Looking for speed and extra perks? RailJet trains, operated by ČD and ÖBB, are the way to go. These trains hit speeds of up to 230 km/h, cutting the journey time to about 3 hours and 57 minutes [1].
Here’s what you can expect:
- Economy and First Class options, with adjustable seating
- Free WiFi and charging ports
- Onboard meals and air conditioning
- Spacious legroom for added comfort
Tickets start at €14.90 for 2nd class [4].
Budget Train Options
For budget-conscious travelers, there are options like RegioJet and REX trains.
- RegioJet offers multiple seating classes (Low cost, Standard, Relax, Business) at fares starting from €14.90. These trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
- REX trains take a bit longer, with a travel time of about 5 hours and 10 minutes, but tickets are available from €14.30 when booked in advance [3].
Now that you know the train options, the next section will cover ticket purchasing, fare details, and pass choices.
Tickets and Prices
Where to Buy Tickets
You can buy tickets directly from official railway websites:
- Czech Railways (ČD): www.cd.cz
- Austrian Railways (ÖBB): www.oebb.at
- RegioJet: www.regiojet.com
Prefer buying in person? Head to ticket counters at Prague Hlavni Nadrazi or Vienna Hbf stations. Don’t forget to check current fares and available discounts.
Ticket Costs
Ticket prices vary depending on when you book and the operator you choose. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Train Service | Class | Advance Booking | Full-Price Flexible |
|---|---|---|---|
| CD/ÖBB Railjet | 2nd Class | €14.90 | €59–87.40 |
| CD/ÖBB Railjet | 1st Class | €29.90 | – |
| CD/ÖBB Railjet | Business | €44.90 | – |
| RegioJet | Low Cost | €14.90 | – |
| RegioJet | Standard | €19.90 | – |
| RegioJet | Relax | €22.90 | – |
| RegioJet | Business | €23.90 | – |
Tips to Save Money:
- Book at least 30 days ahead for the best rates.
- Kids under 6 travel free.
- Children under 15 can travel for free with Sparschiene fares.
If you’re using a travel pass, check out the guidelines below.
Interrail Pass Guide
Traveling with an Interrail pass? You can use it on both EuroCity and RegioJet trains. While seat reservations for EuroCity trains are optional, they’re a smart choice during busy periods or if you’re traveling as a group.
For reservation costs, visit the Interrail reservation page. The self-service system charges a €2 administration fee per person per train, along with €9 for paper tickets [5]. It’s worth comparing prices between the Austrian and Czech reservation systems to find the best deal.
Trip Planning Guide
Once you’ve got your ticket, it’s time to plan your trip with helpful station details and train schedules.
Station Information
Praha Hlavni Nadrazi is Prague’s busiest railway station, handling over 610 trains and around 71,000 passengers every day [6]. It’s conveniently linked to Prague Metro Line C (red line) and is just a short 10-minute walk from Wenceslas Square.
If you’re coming from Prague Airport, take bus 199 to Nadrazi Veleslavin, then switch to subway lines A and C to reach the main station.
In Vienna, you’ll arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, a modern hub that opened in December 2015. It serves around 268,000 daily commuters [7]. The station connects easily to Vienna’s city center via U-Bahn line U1 to Stephansplatz, tram line D to Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, various bus routes, and taxis.
Daily Train Times
On weekdays, the first train departs at about 04:12, with the last one leaving around 18:45. Weekend services start at the same time, but the final train runs later, at approximately 00:36. During peak hours, trains can depart as often as every 7 minutes [1].
Next, explore the seating options to find the level of comfort that fits your travel style.
Seating Classes
Second class offers standard seating, basic facilities, and a lively atmosphere. First class, on the other hand, includes wider seats, more legroom, dedicated luggage areas, a quieter environment, and perks like at-seat meals and lounge access. If you’re on a budget, second-class tickets are about one-third cheaper than first-class ones [8], making them a solid choice for those who don’t need the extra frills.
Travel Tips
Booking Seats
Booking your seat early can make your trip much more comfortable. While seat reservations on CD/ÖBB Railjet trains aren’t mandatory, they’re a smart choice during busy times like weekends, holidays, or when traveling in a group. RegioJet tickets automatically include a reserved seat. If you want to pick a specific seat, use cd.cz for departures from Prague or oebb.at for departures from Vienna. ÖBB seat reservations cost about €3, and you’ll need to claim your seat promptly.
Once your seat is sorted, make sure to pack what you need for a smooth journey.
What to Bring
For this 4-hour trip, consider packing the following:
- Comfort and Entertainment: Noise-canceling headphones, a refillable water bottle, a portable charger, and some reading material or pre-downloaded entertainment.
- Practical Items: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, a secure bag, a European power adapter, and some local currency for onboard purchases.
- Security: A neck wallet to keep valuables safe and a VPN for secure internet use on public Wi-Fi.
With these essentials, you’ll be ready to enjoy your train ride.
Arriving in Vienna
When you arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, you’ll have two main exit options. Use Südtiroler Platz for quick access to the U-Bahn, which can take you to the city center. Alternatively, exit via Karl Popper Straße to catch tram line D. Public transport tickets can be purchased in several ways: at the Wiener Linien info office in the U-Bahn entrance hall, from ticket machines at metro stations and tram stops, directly on trams, or through the Wiener Linien online ticket shop.
Since Wien Hauptbahnhof is located at the southern edge of central Vienna, choose your transportation based on where you need to go next.
Summary
Taking the train from Prague to Vienna is a straightforward and comfortable way to travel the 254-kilometer distance. The journey usually lasts about 4 hours and 15 minutes, with two main operators offering services on this route.
| Service Provider | Daily Frequency | Starting Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Railjet (CD/ÖBB) | 7 trains | €14.90 | Restaurant car, optional seat reservations |
| RegioJet | 4 trains | €14.90 | At-seat service, seat reservations included |
Both Railjet and RegioJet provide dependable options with modern trains equipped with conveniences like WiFi, power outlets, and air conditioning [3][4].
With several departures each day and affordable pricing, travelers can pick the service that suits their schedule and comfort needs. Both operators ensure a high-quality experience, making this route an excellent choice for trips between these two Central European cities [9].
