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.


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1. Vienna To Budapest Day Trip Overview

Vienna To Budapest Day Trip Overview


  • 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.

2. Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Car

Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Car


  • 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.

3. Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Bus

Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Bus


  • 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.

4. Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Train

Getting to Budapest from Vienna by Train


  • 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.

5. Important Information for Your Budapest from Vienna Day Trip

Important Information for Your Budapest from Vienna Day Trip


  • 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


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