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How to get from Vienna to Budapest by train

Trains available on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Earliest departure you can still book: Mon, Nov 2 10:27

Show remaining connections (30)

Group tickets

This route in numbers

Checked against live timetables on (2026-11-08 – 2026-11-14)

Connections a day42
Direct trains a day35
Fastest direct train2 h 20 min
Last direct departure21:40
One way from€17 — ticket and seat reservation
StationsWien Hbf → Budapest-Kelenföld · Wien Hbf → Budapest-Keleti · Wien Flughafen → Budapest-Kelenföld

Who runs the trains

  • ÖBB — Fastest direct train 2 h 20 min · Every day of the week: EC 143 Tisza-Szamos, EC 341 Semmelweis Ignac, rjx 267, EC 141 Csardas, rjx 61 Railjet Xpress and 4 more
  • MAVRAIL — Fastest direct train 2 h 20 min · Every day of the week: EC 149 Hortobagy, rjx 165, EN 50237 nightjet, rjx 63 Railjet Xpress, rjx 65 Railjet Xpress and 3 more
  • RegioJet — Fastest direct train 2 h 24 min · Every day of the week: RJ 1065, RJ 1031, RJ 1033, RJ 1035

The number of trains and the cheapest fare change from day to day — the list above is live for the date you pick.

How booking a train e-ticket works

  1. Pick your date above and choose a connection — you'll see departure times, the train type and the price.
  2. Add tickets to the cart and enter each passenger's full name exactly as in their passport or ID.
  3. Pay in advance by card or bank transfer.
  4. We email your e-ticket as a PDF — print it or show it on your phone, and board.

Frequently asked questions

How do I buy a ticket and what do I receive?
Book here on the website (or via email, WhatsApp or Telegram) and pay in advance by card or bank transfer. After payment we email your e-ticket as a PDF — just print it or show it on your phone when boarding. A small booking fee (from €4 per person) applies and is non-refundable.
What is the difference between an e-ticket and a paper ticket?
An e-ticket is a cheaper PDF sent by email, issued in the passenger's name, and generally cannot be changed or cancelled. A paper ticket is physically delivered (to your home, hotel or our Prague office) for a delivery fee and, depending on the carrier and fare, may be changeable. Both are equally valid; at checkout you see which options exist for your train.
How far in advance can I book?
Most international routes go on sale about 60 days before departure. Because of the Europe-wide December timetable change, later dates open only from mid-to-late November. If your date isn't in the calendar yet, it simply hasn't opened — book early, as popular and night trains sell out.
Do I need a seat reservation, and will my group sit together?
On daytime trains a seat reservation is usually optional; on night trains a couchette or bed reservation is required and is included when you book. Seats are assigned automatically, so a specific seat can't be hand-picked. Book everyone in a single order to be seated together.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class?
Usually only more room: fewer passengers around you and less noise. Both classes travel on the same train and arrive at the same time.
I have an Interrail or Eurail pass — do I still need a ticket?
If your pass covers the countries on your route, you only need a seat reservation (or a couchette/bed reservation on night trains), not a ticket. Reservations are per person and non-refundable, and on some passes are supplied as paper.
Can I cancel or change my ticket, and will I get a refund?
E-tickets cannot be changed or cancelled. Refunds otherwise depend on the carrier and fare — many routes are non-refundable, and seat reservations, booking fees and admin charges are never refundable. Where cancellation is allowed, use the "Cancel Ticket" function in your order summary (paper tickets must be returned first).
What do I need when boarding?
Just board the train and show your printed ticket (plus a separate seat reservation, if any) and a valid passport or ID matching the booking name to the conductor. There's no need to stamp, validate or exchange the ticket at a station window.
When should I arrive, which platform, and is the train direct?
Arrive about 20–30 minutes before departure. The platform is shown on the station screens only around 20–30 minutes beforehand, so we can't tell it in advance. A "direct" train means you stay on the same train (it stops on the way but you don't change); some daytime connections combine a train and a replacement bus — check the connection details above.
What options are there on night trains?
Night trains offer seats, couchettes and beds in shared or private cabins, plus higher-comfort deluxe cabins (private, sometimes with a washroom and breakfast) on some routes. A reservation is required and availability is limited, so book as early as possible.
Can I take a bicycle, a pet or extra luggage?
Bicycles are carried only on certain trains and must be reserved in advance — €15, non-refundable; contact us to add one. Small pets travel in a carrier, and small-to-medium dogs on a separate ticket. Standard luggage (up to about three pieces per passenger that you can handle yourself) is free.
Which stations do Vienna–Budapest trains use?
Wien Hbf at the Vienna end; in Budapest both Kelenföld and Keleti are used, depending on the service — Railjet Xpress covers the route in about 2 hours 20 minutes to Kelenföld and about 2 hours 50 minutes to Keleti. The stations for the departure you choose are shown on its connection card above.
How late can I order a ticket for the Vienna–Budapest train?
Up to 4 hours before departure. Later connections are marked as too late to order, and the first departure you can still book is shown above the list.

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