- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Cheapest price
$16
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
2 h 23 m
Average duration
2 h 24 m
Trains per day
37
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Budapest is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Budapest will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
Of the 37 trains that leave Vienna for Budapest on Mon, Jul 27, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest trains will take 2 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
RJ 1065 (Vienna -> Budapest)
RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest)
RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest)
EC 343
RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest)
EC 143
RJX19929
RJ 1065 (Vienna -> Budapest)
D 347
EC 141Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a flight costs an average of $155.
Distance: 132 miles (214 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$28 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $360 Average price | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Vienna to Budapest:
A bus is $7 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Budapest costing on average $28 (€28).
A bus is $340 (€340) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Budapest costing on average $360 (€360).
Other travel options to Budapest take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 39m.
Bus takes on average 2h 53m.
The journey is about 23m faster (2h 39m by train vs 3h 2m by car) and roughly $39 (€39) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($28 (€28) vs $66 (€66)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with RegioJet a.s., ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB, ÖBB | Railjet, EuroNight, ÖBB.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Budapest trains for today, Sunday, July 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 143+ RJ 752+ R 3335 | 10:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h43 | 1:45 PM Budapest Keleti | 2 transfers | |
EC 143+ RJ 752 | 10:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h15 | 1:17 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1031 (Prague -> Budapest) | 10:27 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 1:22 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 143 | 10:42 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h35 | 1:17 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 143+ R 3335 | 10:42 AM Vienna Hbf | 3h03 | 1:45 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJX19976 · RJX 61 | 11:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 2:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJX 61 | 11:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 2:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 145+ RJ 750 | 12:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 3:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
EC 145 | 12:40 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 3:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX19956 · RJX 63 | 1:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 4:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1033 (Prague -> Budapest) | 1:27 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 4:22 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX 63 | 1:40 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 4:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 147+ RJ 858 | 2:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 5:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
EC 147 | 2:40 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 5:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX19918 · RJX 65 | 3:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h36 | 6:38 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJX 65 | 3:40 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h58 | 6:38 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 149+ RJ 856 | 4:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h36 | 7:38 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
EC 149 | 4:42 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h56 | 7:38 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX19970 · RJX 67 | 5:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1035 (Prague -> Budapest) | 5:27 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 8:22 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX 67 | 5:40 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 8:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 854+ RJX19915 | 6:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
IC 746+ D 347 | 6:34 PM Vienna Airport | 2h59 | 9:33 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
RJX19915 | 6:42 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h53 | 9:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 341+ RJX19972 | 7:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
D 347 | 7:08 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h25 | 9:33 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 341 | 7:42 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h53 | 10:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 343+ RJ 852 | 8:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 11:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
EC 343 | 8:37 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h58 | 11:35 PM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX 764 · RJX 261 | 9:02 PM Vienna Airport | 3h33 | 12:35 AM Budapest Keleti | 1 transfer | |
RJX 261 | 9:40 PM Vienna Hbf | 2h55 | 12:35 AM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJ 650+ R 9919 · R 4929+ REX 6 | 11:02 PM Vienna Airport | 8h02 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 3 transfers | |
R 9919 · R 4929+ REX 6 | 11:23 PM Vienna Hbf | 7h41 | 7:04 AM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, July 27 | |||||
EC 463 | 6:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h49 | 9:29 AM Budapest Keleti | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX19950 · RJX 267+ R 4647 | 7:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h17 | 10:19 AM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
RJX19950 · RJX 267 | 7:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h03 | 10:05 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
RJ 1065 (Vienna -> Budapest) | 7:34 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h24 | 9:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX 267+ R 4647 | 7:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h39 | 10:19 AM Budapest-Deli | 1 transfer | |
RJX 267 | 7:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h25 | 10:05 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 141+ RJ 754 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h03 | 11:05 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
EC 141+ R 4615+ RJ 754 | 8:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h17 | 11:19 AM Budapest-Deli | 2 transfers | |
EC 141+ R 4615 | 8:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h39 | 11:19 AM Budapest-Deli | 1 transfer | |
EC 141 | 8:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h25 | 11:05 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX19952 · RJX19929 | 9:02 AM Vienna Airport | 3h03 | 12:05 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 1 transfer | |
RJX19929 | 9:42 AM Vienna Hbf | 2h23 | 12:05 PM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
By Tobias Shiner-Fuchs
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.

A RegioJet Meggi CT-TRAIN train at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
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!
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.

A RegioJet Meggi CT-TRAIN train at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
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.
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.
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.

Video thumbnail showing a RegioJet train at a station.
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.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €9 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 9 |
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?

Trains from Vienna to Budapest run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (214 km) distance in 2h 24m.
Distance 132 miles (214 km) |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€9) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Budapest — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Budapest trip today.
Hungary’s top fine arts museum, with major European works from antiquity to the 20th century. Ideal for classic painting, sculpture, and old masters.
Leading contemporary art museum with strong Hungarian and international shows. Worth visiting for bold exhibitions in a landmark modern building.
National museum covering Hungarian history, archaeology, and statehood. A classic stop for understanding the country beyond Budapest’s landmarks.
UNESCO-listed castle quarter of cobbled streets, courtyards, and viewpoints. Best for atmosphere, heritage walks, and some of Budapest’s finest vistas.
Elegant Andrássy Avenue links the center with Heroes’ Square through palaces and shops. A grand boulevard ideal for walking and historic city views.
Large central park with boating lake, baths, museums, and promenades. A versatile area for families, relaxed walks, and major city attractions.
A rich paprika beef soup with potatoes and vegetables. It is Hungary’s signature comfort dish and a staple in homes and traditional inns.
Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of onion and paprika, usually served with nokedli. A classic example of deep Hungarian paprika flavor.
River fish soup, often carp-based, cooked with hot paprika. It is especially traditional along the Danube and at festive family meals.
Refined Hungarian dining in a historic building, with updated national classics and strong wine service in a formal atmosphere.
Michelin-starred fine dining with a modern tasting menu rooted in Hungarian ingredients. Stylish, intimate, and one of Budapest’s top tables.
Traditional Hungarian restaurant known for goulash, pörkölt, and live music. Warm, old-style atmosphere near the city center.
Moderate for Europe: stays and dining are cheaper than in Western capitals, while central hotels and tourist areas cost more. Transit is good value.
About 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis and leave small change or round up at cafes.
Official public transport app
Budapest Keleti Railway Station -> Deák Ferenc tér
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna to Budapest by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Vienna to Budapest trains use the Wien Hauptbahnhof to Budapest Keleti station pair, with some services arriving at Budapest-Kelenföld. Use this guide to compare Vienna and Budapest train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Wien Hauptbahnhof is 2 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Hauptbahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, L’Osteria, Akakiko, McDonald’s, Oberlaa, Nordsee, Som Kitchen, Starbucks, Admiral Sports Bar, Asia Gourmet, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Hauptbahnhof. Information desks are information desks are located at each end of the main level.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on Level UG1 by the restrooms. They are self-service and available 24/7.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Hauptbahnhof: Wheelchair facilities in elevators, barrier-free toilets, inductive sound system. For mobility assistance, call +43 517175.
Nearby hotels include Star Inn Hotel, Quartier Belvedere, AZIMUT Hotel Vienna.
Flughafen Wien is 3 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Flughafen Wien has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Café Restaurant Johann Strauss, Zugvogel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Flughafen Wien. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Flughafen Wien. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Flughafen Wien: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Flughafen Wien: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Vienna Airport Conference Center, Moxy Vienna Airport, LifeHotel Vienna Airport.
Wien Meidling Bahnhof is 4 km from Vienna city centre. Public transport options include:
Wien Meidling Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Meidlinger Markt, Gasthaus Tirolergarten
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wien Meidling Bahnhof: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Rainers, Austria Trend Hotel Bosei, Hotel Fabrik.
Budapest Keleti is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest Keleti has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rosenstein Restaurant, Huszar Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest Keleti. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest Keleti. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest Keleti: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest Keleti: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hungaria City Center, Baross City Hotel, Royal Park Boutique Hotel.
Budapest-Kelenföld is 3 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Kelenföld has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Etele Plaza, KFC Etele Plaza
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Budapest-Kelenföld. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Kelenföld: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Griff, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Berlin.
Budapest-Déli is 1 km from Budapest city centre. Public transport options include:
Budapest-Déli has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Déli Terasz Söröző, Ibrahim török büfé, Vagon Etterem, Fornetti, Trio pizza, Turkish Döner KEBAB, Déli Mosoly, Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi, Club D One, Lokomotív Falatozó
ATMs are aTM machines are located on the ground floor inside the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35. Information desks are located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
Luggage storage is located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Budapest-Déli: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Budapest-Déli: There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
Nearby hotels include Mercure Budapest Castle Hill, Christina Residence Budapest, ibis Budapest Castle Hill.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need