Budapest is about 150 miles away from Vienna, so it's not too far for the purposes of a day trip. If you're planning this day trip, you'll have a few different options available in terms of how you choose to travel. You can either rent a car and make the trip yourself, hop on board a bus service, or take a train.

⮕ Vienna To Budapest Day Trip Overview

Vienna To Budapest Day Trip Overview

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  • Why are day trips popular when visiting Europe?
    • Many people who choose to visit Europe decide to do some day trips as part of their vacation.
    • The continent has strong and speedy rail connections, as well as international bus services and good roads connecting major cities and regions.
    • It’s quite easy to get around, and even long-distance trips can be done quickly and simply all over Europe.
  • Why is Vienna a great base for day trips?
    • The Austrian capital of Vienna sits on the banks of the Danube River.
    • Vienna is known for major landmarks like Schonbrunn Palace and St Stephen's Cathedral, as well as countless other beautiful buildings.
    • It is perfectly situated for a wide variety of day trips.
  • What international destinations can be visited from Vienna?
    • Vienna is very close to the international borders with Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
    • It’s possible to do day trips to many different international cities like Brno, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest from this location.
  • Why is Budapest a great day trip destination from Vienna?
    • Of the many options available, Budapest is one of the best.
    • The Hungarian capital city, divided in half by the Danube, has a lot of interesting sites, churches, squares, museums, and more.
    • Here’s how to plan a day trip from Vienna to Budapest.

⮕ Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Car

Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Car

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  • What are the advantages of renting a car for a day trip to Budapest from Vienna?
    • Renting a car for your day trip to Budapest from Vienna offers a lot of advantages.
    • It gives you the flexibility to choose when you set off in the morning and what time you head back.
    • You don’t need to worry about sticking to a fixed timetable like you would on a bus or train.
    • You also get to park where you want and make stops along the way.
  • How do you drive from Vienna to Budapest?
    • It's quite an easy drive to Budapest from Vienna.
    • You follow the A4 out of Austria and then take the E60 and M1 through to Budapest.
    • You'll have to pay some tolls along the way, but you can be in Budapest within about two and a half hours.
  • What should drivers be aware of when driving in Vienna and Budapest?
    • Drivers will need to be calm and careful when navigating the inner city streets of Vienna and Budapest.
    • There are high levels of traffic in both cities, so patience and awareness are important.

⮕ Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Bus

Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Bus

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  • Is taking a bus a good option for traveling from Vienna to Budapest?
    • If you'd like to enjoy the road route from Vienna to Budapest but don’t actually want to do any driving, catching a bus might be a smart idea.
    • The bus is often the cheapest way to get around Europe, making it ideal for affordable day trips and budget travel.
    • You can book your tickets with a company like Flixbus to get the best prices.
  • Where can you catch a bus from Vienna to Budapest?
    • When traveling to Budapest from Vienna by bus, you can head out from either Vienna Erdberg or Vienna Central Station.
  • What is the bus schedule like for Vienna to Budapest?
    • Several buses leave each day, starting early in the morning at around 5-6 AM and continuing into the evening.
  • How long does the bus take from Vienna to Budapest?
    • The bus will take around three hours on average.
    • It’s the slowest form of transport but also the cheapest.

⮕ Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Train

Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Train

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  • Is the train a good option for a day trip from Vienna to Budapest?
    • When it comes to day trips in Europe, the train is usually the most reliable and the fastest way to get around.
    • You can take a train direct from Vienna Central Station into the heart of Budapest.
    • The journey takes around two and a half hours in total.
  • How does the train compare to other transportation options?
    • The train is faster than the bus, but about the same as taking a car and driving.
  • Are there many trains between Vienna and Budapest each day?
    • There aren’t too many trains between Vienna and Budapest each day.
    • You'll need to check the times and plan accordingly if you choose to travel by train.

⮕ Important Information for Your Budapest from Vienna Day Trip

Important Information for Your Budapest from Vienna Day Trip

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  • How can you get around Budapest?
    • If you're only spending a day in Budapest, you can probably just stay in the historic city center and walk around to see most of the main sights and famous buildings.
    • There are several pedestrian-only areas dotted around the city, making walking the best mode of transport.
    • If you need to rely on public transport, Budapest has an excellent network of cable cars connecting the various districts and neighborhoods.
    • The city also has a metro/subway system for convenient travel.
  • When is the best time to visit Budapest?
    • Budapest is enjoyable in all weather conditions and at any time of year.
    • For the best weather, visit between late spring and early fall.
    • The summer months offer the warmest weather but also attract the biggest tourist crowds.
    • The best time to visit is in the shoulder months of May or September to avoid large crowds.
    • Budapest hosts plenty of fun events, including:
    • The Winterfest Beer Festival in January.
    • The Summer Festival in June, July, and August.
    • The Danube Carnival in June.
    • The Wine Festival in September.
  • What are the top things to do in Budapest?
    • Budapest is a big and historic capital city with a lot to see and do.
    • Some of the top landmarks in the city include:
    • The Budapest History Museum.
    • The 13th-century Matthias Church.
    • The fortress of Fisherman's Bastion.
    • The awe-inspiring Parliament Building.
    • St. Stephen's Basilica.
    • Buda Castle.
    • Margaret Island.
    • While visiting Budapest, be sure to try some local Hungarian food and drinks.
    • Enjoy souvenir shopping at the city's many independent stores and boutiques.

Plan Your Trip