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Traveling from Vienna to Bratislava by train is fast, affordable, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration: The trip takes about 1 hour, with trains running hourly.
- Cost: One-way tickets are €11, or get the €18 Bratislava Ticket for a round trip plus a 1-day public transit pass in Bratislava.
- Route: REX6 trains currently operate between Vienna Hauptbahnhof and Bratislava Petržalka due to electrification work (until July 5, 2025).
- Comfort: Options range from basic Regional Express trains to more premium services like Railjet Xpress and RegioJet.
- Stations: Vienna Hauptbahnhof is easily accessible, and Bratislava Petržalka connects to the city center via bus or tram.
For the best deal, book tickets online at www.oebb.at or buy at the station. This route is one of Europe’s shortest international rail connections, making it perfect for a quick and budget-friendly trip.
Train Companies and Services
Main Train Operators
Traveling between Vienna and Bratislava is made easy by several train companies. The main operators are ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and ZSSK (Slovakian Railways), which jointly run the Regional Express (REX) trains connecting the two cities. Another player, GySEV, operates REX6 services between Vienna Hauptbahnhof and Bratislava Petržalka. These trains are easy to spot with their green and yellow design, and they come equipped with air conditioning, power sockets, and free WiFi. RegioJet also serves this route, offering multiple travel class options to suit different needs.
Train Categories
Trains on this route are divided into several categories based on travel time and service features:
| Train Type | Travel Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ÖBB Express | 1 hr 7 min | Frequent and affordable |
| Railjet Xpress | 1 hr 9 min | High-speed with added comfort |
| InterCity | 1 hr 16 min | Classic service with good value |
The Regional Express (REX) trains are the most budget-friendly option. These trains only offer 2nd class seating and don’t require seat reservations. They use a mix of ZSSK and ÖBB cars, so comfort levels can vary slightly depending on the carrier.
Services on Board
Amenities differ based on the operator and train type:
- ZSSK cars: Air conditioning, power sockets, basic seating, toilets, luggage racks, and bicycle spaces in the end cars.
- ÖBB City Shuttle cars: Basic seating, luggage storage, and windows that open. However, they lack air conditioning and power sockets.
- RegioJet: Offers six travel classes. Business Class, for example, includes leather seats, adjustable seating, spacious tables, reading lamps, quiet work areas, free WiFi, and complimentary beverages.
Note: REX6 services now feature upgraded amenities due to electrification work [1].
Fares and Costs
Ticket Options
When planning your trip from Vienna to Bratislava, you’ll find several ticket options designed to suit different needs and budgets. For adults, a one-way ticket costs €11, while children aged 6–14 pay €5. If you’re looking for a round trip, the Bratislava Ticket (EuRegio Slovakia) is a great choice at €18. This ticket also includes free access to Bratislava’s public buses and trams on the first day of use.
For frequent travelers, there are additional options:
| Ticket Type | Adult Price | Child Price (6–14) |
|---|---|---|
| One-way | €11 | €5 |
| Round Trip | €18 | €9 |
| Weekly Pass | €42.50 | N/A |
| Monthly Pass | €143.80 | N/A |
Children under 6 years old can travel for free in second-class coaches, making this route especially family-friendly.
Money-Saving Tips
Want to keep your travel costs low? Here are a few tips that might help:
- Choose the Marchegg route: It’s more budget-friendly compared to the Kittsee route.
- Travel in groups: The Einfach-Raus-Ticket allows groups of 2–5 people to travel together for €37–49.
- Discounts for younger travelers: Slovak Rail (ZSSK) offers a 50% discount for students and young travelers under 26, as well as children aged 6–16.
Early Booking Advantages
While tickets are always available on the day of travel, buying in advance can save you time by avoiding lines at the station. With consistent pricing, you can plan your trip without worrying about sudden price changes. These options make it easier to stick to your budget while enjoying your journey [1][4].
Times and Route Information
Train Times and Duration
Traveling between Vienna and Bratislava takes about an hour, depending on the train you choose:
| Train Service | Journey Duration |
|---|---|
| Regional Express (REX) | 56 minutes |
| OEBB Express | 1 hour 7 minutes |
| Railjet Xpress | 1 hour 9 minutes |
| InterCity | 1 hour 16 minutes |
Trains run hourly, departing Vienna at 14 minutes past the hour and Bratislava at 50 minutes past. During peak times, departures increase to every 30 minutes. Since March 2024, REX8 services are temporarily suspended due to electrification projects, with REX6 trains covering the route instead [1]. The first train leaves Vienna at 5:14 AM, while the last departs at 12:14 AM. From Bratislava, the first train leaves at 4:50 AM, and the last at 11:50 PM [1].
Here’s a quick overview of the departure and arrival stations.
Station Guide
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Hbf)
Vienna’s main train station, operational since December 2015, is a key hub for international travel [5]. Highlights include:
- Direct access to the U1 metro line.
- Step-free access via Karl-Popper-Straße and Sonnwendgasse [6].
- Reserved parking spaces for visitors with disabilities [6].
Bratislava Hlavná Stanica
Bratislava’s main station offers:
- Six platforms and ten tracks [8].
- A direct tram connection (line 1) to the city center.
- Amenities such as staffed luggage storage, lockers, ATMs, and food vendors [8].
"Vienna is way ahead of most other European cities when it comes to accessibility" – Condé Nast Traveller [7]
For the latest schedules, visit www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com [1]. Covering a distance of just 82 kilometers (51 miles), this is one of Europe’s shortest international rail routes between capital cities [3].
How to Buy Tickets
Buying Online
You can purchase tickets easily on official websites like www.oebb.at. Navigate to the Menu, select More services, and then choose Tickets for our neighboring countries to find the Bratislava Ticket for €18. This ticket also includes free access to Bratislava’s buses and trams on the first day it’s valid [1].
When booking, pick trains heading to Bratislava Hlavna via Marchegg, as they’re more budget-friendly compared to those traveling to Bratislava Petrzalka via Kittsee. One-way tickets are priced at €11 [1]. If you prefer face-to-face assistance, ÖBB also sells tickets at their counters and machines.
Station Ticket Purchase
Ticket Counters: ÖBB’s staffed travel centers at major Austrian stations provide help with route planning and accept various payment methods [9].
Ticket Machines: Most stations have self-service machines for quick ticket purchases. For local transport services like REX, R, CJX, and S-Bahn, make sure to buy your ticket before boarding. At stations without ticket machines, you can purchase your ticket immediately after boarding – either from an onboard vending machine or a train attendant [9].
Rail Pass Information
If you have a rail pass, you can enjoy smooth travel on REX services. These regional trains offer perks like free WiFi and power outlets, ensuring a comfortable trip for pass holders [1].
Here’s what to do:
- Use the Rail Planner app to check train schedules.
- Look for REX services included in your pass.
- Just board with your valid pass – no extra booking required [10].
Both Interrail (for European residents) and Eurail (for travelers outside Europe) now provide nearly identical benefits on this route [10].
Travel Tips
Station Preparation
At Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), train platforms are simple to reach from the street level. Look for formation screens near the escalators – they show zones (A through E) for car positions [5]. Most trains depart from above-ground platforms 3–12, while platforms 1 and 2 are located underground [5]. For transit tickets, consider downloading the WienMobil app [5].
Baggage and Seating Tips
ÖBB trains allow free luggage as long as it fits within the size limit of 90 x 60 x 40 cm [11]. You can store your bags in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated storage areas. Items like snowboards, skis, wheelchairs, strollers, and musical instruments are not subject to these size restrictions and can be brought on board without extra fees [11]. Once you’ve sorted your luggage and seating, Bratislava’s sights are perfect to explore on foot.
Top Sites in Bratislava
From Bratislava Hlavna Stanica, the historic Old Town is just a 15-minute walk away. For a pleasant introduction to the city, follow this route:
- Exit the station and head south.
- Walk along Štefanovičova Street until you reach Freedom Square (Námestie slobody).
- Continue for one block to see the Presidential Palace and the Planet of Peace fountain [12].
If you’re short on time, take bus 93 for a quick 10-minute ride to Old Town, stopping at Hodžovo námestie [13]. Alternatively, hop on tram number 1 from the station terminus to Námestie SNP [8].
How to do a Day Trip from Vienna to Bratislava
Summary
Here’s what you need to know about traveling by train from Vienna to Bratislava:
- Service Update: Until July 5, 2025, due to electrification work, only REX6 trains operated by GySEV run between Vienna Hauptbahnhof and Bratislava Petržalka [1].
- Ticket Options: Prices start at €11, but the €18 Bratislava Ticket offers the best deal. It includes a round-trip journey and a one-day local transit pass [1][4]. Trains run every 30 minutes, with the journey taking about an hour [2].
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Expert Insight:
"However, I personally don’t see any advantage to taking the bus. Buses leave from the same Vienna Hauptbahnhof station, take longer, cost more, and don’t offer free public transportation in Bratislava." – Steven Jepson, The Thorough Tripper [2]
- Getting to the City Center: From Bratislava Petržalka station, walking to the city center takes 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services are available [14].
- Booking Tip: Save time by booking your tickets in advance at www.oebb.at [1].
Check the earlier sections for more details about fares, services, and helpful travel tips.
