Vienna to Budapest by Train
Two Habsburg capitals on the Danube, linked by frequent Railjet trains across the Hungarian plain in under three hours.
The journey, stop by stop
From Wien Hauptbahnhof the Railjet heads east, crosses into Hungary near Hegyeshalom and runs across the flat Kisalföld plain to the grand terminus of Budapest-Keleti.
How long does it take?
The fastest direct trains cover the route in around 2h 40m, with several departures a day. Exact times shift by service and season, so check the live schedule for your date before you lock in plans.
Who runs the route?
The route is served by ÖBB Railjet and Hungarian MÁV. Comparing the day's departures in one search is the easiest way to find the best time and fare.
Vienna to Budapest train price (2026)
Railjet tickets start from around €19 booked in advance. Standard fares are typically €35–60.
| Operator | From | Journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ÖBB Railjet | ~€19 | 2h 40m | Every 2 hours |
Prices are indicative advance fares. Check live availability for your exact date.
How to get the best fare
- Book early. The cheapest saver fares sell out first — booking ahead can be dramatically cheaper than buying on the day.
- Travel off-peak. Mid-morning and mid-week departures tend to be quieter and cheaper.
- Consider first class — on many routes the upgrade is modest and very comfortable.
- Compare in one place to see every departure at a glance.
Why take the train instead of flying?
Trains run roughly every two hours and link the two city centres directly — far simpler than a short regional flight.
Ready to go? Check live Vienna → Budapest times and fares and book your seat on Trainline — secure checkout, mobile tickets, every operator in one search.
Prefer to compare every rail operator? Check schedules & book →
Opens in a new tab — come back here anytime.
