Vienna to Budapest train with Regiojet

Vienna to Budapest by Train in 2025: What’s the Best Option?

Introduction

As a student living in Vienna, I always find cross-border rail journeys exciting, and Vienna to Budapest by train is one of the most convenient international trips you can take from Vienna. In this article, I’ll share useful tips, comparisons between different train services, and insights from my own journey to help you plan your next trip from Vienna to Budapest.

Route Overview

The journey from Vienna to Budapest by train takes about two and a half hours and is served by three operators: the Austrian ÖBB RailJet, the Hungarian EuroCity train, and the private Czech company RegioJet. While the journey times on all three providers are similar, they differ in pricing, onboard amenities, and arrival stations in Budapest.

Until recently, I had only traveled on the ÖBB RailJet and the EuroCity, so I decided to try out RegioJet to see how it compares, especially considering its reputation for low fares and decent comfort. Spoiler: it didn’t disappoint!

Transportation Experience

I booked my Vienna to Budapest train ticket on Omio, where I could easily compare prices and departure times across the different train operators. While you can also catch a flight or a bus to Budapest, the train remains the most convenient and stress-free choice. There’s no need to travel to an airport or have trouble finding bus stops. The train departs and arrives at centrally located stations and is definitely the best way to get from Vienna to Budapest.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Details

All trains from Vienna to Budapest depart from Wien Hauptbahnhof, Vienna’s main station. It’s well-connected via subway line U1 and offers plenty of shops and restaurants.

Your arrival station in Budapest depends on which train you choose: ÖBB RailJet and EuroCity trains terminate at Budapest Keleti, centrally located on the eastern side of the city. RegioJet, on the other hand, arrives at Budapest-Deli in the western half of Budapest. Both services also stop at Kelenföld, a station on the city outskirts with access to the subway line M4.

Schedule & Frequency

In terms of frequency, ÖBB RailJet and EuroCity trains are more frequent, offering a combined hourly service throughout the day, while RegioJet operates four departures daily. On my recent trip, I opted for the first RegioJet departure at 7:34 am, which arrived at Budapest-Deli at 10:14 am, giving me plenty of time to explore the city.

Onboard Experience & Services

Upon arriving at Wien Hauptbahnhof in the morning, I quickly visited the RegioJet lounge, conveniently located near the ÖBB and RegioJet ticket counters in the main hall, before continuing on to my train. This small lounge was a very welcome surprise. I made myself a free coffee and used the Wi‑Fi while waiting for my departure. Inside, there are screens with live departure information, which I found very helpful. It was a nice, quiet spot to wait before my train.

I chose Relax Class, which cost only €4 more than Standard. It featured a spacious 2+1 seating arrangement, reclining leather seats, a large fold-out table, and a power outlet. Shortly after departure, the RegioJet staff, who were very helpful, offered all passengers a free bottle of water and a choice of hot drinks (coffee or tea).

Although there is no full dining car like on ÖBB RailJet or EuroCity trains, you can still buy coffee, tea, and snacks on board. RegioJet trains from Vienna to Budapest don’t have strict rules about luggage size or weight, which is great if you’re traveling heavy. You're expected to carry and stow your own bags without blocking aisles or bothering other passengers.

Ticketing Advice & Budget

If you are traveling on a budget, RegioJet is hard to beat. One-way tickets usually range from around €9 to €36 for a single ticket, depending on the comfort class and booking time. It’s often possible to find tickets under €20, even just a few days in advance.

In contrast, ÖBB RailJet and Eurocity start from €15 booked months ahead and can exceed €70 at the last minute. If you prefer these trains, plan to book several weeks in advance to secure the best prices.

Top Tips & Recommendations

So, which train provider should you choose? Having tried all three train services, here are a few points to consider when choosing your train:

• RegioJet is ideal for last-minute bookings, budget travel, and flexible cancellation (free cancellation up to 15 minutes before departure).
• ÖBB RailJet is the best choice if you want an onboard dining car, a generally more modern train, and a more central arrival at Budapest Keleti train station.
• EuroCity trains are decent but are slightly more outdated than the RailJet trains.
• For best value for money, the Astra coach or Relax class on RegioJet is excellent.
• Wheelchair users should consider RailJet and EuroCity trains for accessibility, as they are better equipped than RegioJet.

Conclusion

My trip with RegioJet was reliable, affordable, and surprisingly comfortable. Catching an early weekday train meant a quiet journey and plenty of time for me to explore some new parts of Budapest. If you’re looking for a relaxed, low-cost travel option, traveling from Vienna to Budapest by train is well worth it. Ready to plan and book your journey?

About the Author: Tobias Shiner-Fuchs

• Job Title: Transport Content Creator

• Bio: Public transport enthusiast and YouTuber based in Vienna, Austria. I document unique railway lines, stations, and transport projects—mainly in Austria and Central Europe—through short, story-driven videos.