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trips from vienna by train

12 city trips that are easy-to-reach from Vienna by train that you absolutely must do

Can’t get enough of the city life now that traveling is possible again, why not enjoy a quick trip to some other exotic urban setting we’ve put together a list of easy-to-reach cities you can visit just by hopping on the next train. these all make for a perfect (long) weekend getaway..

Here are 12 city trips that are easy to reach from Vienna by train in less than 6 hours:

trips from vienna by train

Images via Unsplash

trips from vienna by train

Budapest – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Budapest, Hungary

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Budapest-Keleti (around 2h 39min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: the giant and beautiful gothic style parliament building, take a dip at the Instagram-famous thermal Széchenyi Baths, to sit at the Danube somewhere other than Vienna, take in the views of the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion, to try the tasty Hungarian cuisine, to enjoy the rough but grand vibe of the city

Less obvious reasons: munch on a delicious langós with various toppings at the central market hall, to take a ship as public transport instead of the metro, partake in endless games of pinball at the Flipper Muzeum, spend rainy days at a former aristocrat’s mansion that was turned into Szabo Ervin Library, to spend a night at one of the very cool hidden open air ‘ruin bars’ located in the courtyard of buildings (like  Racskert ,  Szimpla Kert) , enjoy the view from the 360 Bar

trips from vienna by train

Images © Graz Tourismus - Tom Lamm © Graz Tourismus - Harry Schiffer

trips from vienna by train

Graz – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Graz, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Graz HBF (around 2h 35min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  catch some  scenic views from the Schlossberg and the clock tower, visit an artificial island on the river Mur that looks like a giant shell, admire the beautiful buildings in the old town, take hundreds of pics in front of the outlandish art-museum Kunsthaus Graz that looks like a human heart

Less obvious reasons: build-your-own lunch at one of many Bausatz Lokale in the city, walk through Schlossbergtunnel, take in some modern art in a religious building at church St. Andrä, slide down the largest underground slide in the world at ‘The Slide,’ eat your way through the daily market,  Kaiser-Josef-Platz Market

trips from vienna by train

Munich – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Munich, Germany

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Munich HBF (around 4h)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to drink  beer in the beer gardens (obvious, right?), visit the Hofbräuhaus , to eat Weißwurst for breakfast with a Wheat beer in a place where both is socially acceptable, to check out the town hall at Marienplatz aka. the city’s most favourite postcard-building, to explore the multiple periods of art in the Neue Pinakothek, to experience a car-lover’s dream in the BMW Museum, Munich’s former Olympics Venue at Olympiapark, spend time shopping and walking around the so-called ‘bohemian neighbourhood’ of the city, Schwabing

Less obvious reasons:  see  the devil’s footprint at Munich’s Frauenkirche, walk a hidden stairway that leads to nowhere called ‘Umschreibung’, the pavement memorial of the nazi-opposing student group White Rose, to explore the nearby alps on nature day trips out of the city, to indulge in some heavy and hearty Bavarian cuisine, to watch (or join in yourself) the people surfing on the one wave in a stream known as the Eisbachwelle, go for a walk in West Park or the English Gardens, spends some thinking time in the NS-Dokumentationzentrum , go for a swim in the Müller´sches Volksbad

trips from vienna by train

Images via Pixabay

trips from vienna by train

Nürnberg – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: NÜRNBERG in GERMANY

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Nuremberg HBF (around 4h 14min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to explore the castle of Nuremberg, beautifully arranged fresh fruits and vegetables in the Hauptmarkt, see where renaissance-painter Albrecht Dürer lived and did his work

Less obvious reasons: Bratwurst at the last real “Bratwurstküche”, to let your inner kid loose in the Toy Museum, a medieval Holy-Spirit-Hospital turned restaurant, a rather grim interpretation of married life in the form of the fountain-sculpture Ehekarussel, the home of the city’s former executioner and some surprisingly beautiful views out his windows

trips from vienna by train

Prague – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Prague, Czech Republic

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Praha hl.n. (around 4h)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to marvel at the   astronomical clock in the main square , for strolls across the Charles Bridge, to take a scenic route to the Prague Castle, for some very affordable Bohemian cuisine and local beer, for the buzzing nightlife (including the likes of Chapeau Rouge  , Roxy , Hemingway Bar ), to enjoy the romance of its medieval streets

Less obvious reasons: ice-cream filled chimney cake, a huge graffiti wall in honor of John Lennon, to dance the night away in the five-story club, Karlovy Lazne , for pickled cheese, relaxing at the Beer Spa (just please don’t drink the bath water)

trips from vienna by train

Blick über die Salzburger Altstadt vom Mönchsberg Images: © Tourismus Salzburg, Fotos: Breitegger Günter

trips from vienna by train

Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick vom Kapuzinerberg auf die Salzburger Altstadt und auf die Festung Hohensalzburg, Untersberg im Hintergrund

trips from vienna by train

Sehenswürdigkeiten Salzburg, Blick über den Mirabellgarten auf die Salzburger Altstadt

Salzburg – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Salzburg, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Salzburg HBF (around 2h 30min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to binge on the  original Mozartkugel chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth, to check if the hills are actually alive with the sound of music, frolicking in a flower field between scenic mountain views, baroque architecture, to visit classical music’s most famous Wunderkind W.A. Mozart house, to catch impeccable views of the old town from the Kapuzinerberg, to explore the blissful nature surrounding the city, to climb up to the fortress and see the city from above, wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, do a kitschy skip in the idyllic setting of the Mirabell gardens

Less obvious reasons: beer with the locals at Augustiner Bräu , visit the stone dwarfs at the Zwerglgarten, five human-sized gherkins (unfortunately not edible), visit the Eagle’s Nest

trips from vienna by train

Images: © Vienna Würstelstand

trips from vienna by train

Bratislava – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Bratislava, Slovakia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Bratislava (around 1h 7min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  it’s just a stone throw away from Vienna, cheap booze resulting in fun nights out, to check out the UFO bridge and enjoy the view up high in the Flying Saucer , the charming streets and squares to wander through

Less obvious reasons: enjoy Middle Europe’s renowned and very affordable cuisine, find out how closely connected the city is to Vienna, to go on a hunt throughout the city to find ALL the hidden human-sized bronze statues, listen to some music in an upside down pyramid or in a granary, lounge on the ‘Magio Beach’ on the Danube riverside, to get messy with the amazing racks of ribs in Meštiansky pivovar 

trips from vienna by train

Images: via Pixabay & Vienna Würstelstand

trips from vienna by train

Brno – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Brno, Czech Republic

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Brno main train station (around 2h 11min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there:  it’s very easy to reach from Wien, the cheap beer, the heartwarming bohemian comfort food, the mix of gorgeous Modernist and Medieval architecture

Less obvious reasons:  it’s undiscovered by tourists, there’s plenty of Instagram-worthy buildings and spots to take pictures at, to climb the highest church tower and have a grand view over the city, to enjoy a vibrant city during summer, to experience the hip cafe scene

trips from vienna by train

Dresden – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Dresden, Germany

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Dresden (6h 40min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to visit one of the trendiest city’s to visit at the moment in Germany, to taste some quality German beer, to check out a historically important city that’s been rebuilt from scratch, to check out the halls of magnificent masterpieces by the old masters in the  Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister , visit the architecturally unique, Semperoper , to marvel at the plentiful architectural gems

Less obvious reasons: to really check out why it’s known as a living and breathing book of German history, to taste a glass of fine wine from the surrounding wine-growing region, to take a long stroll and check out the alternative scene of the city that tries its best to match Berlin’s vibe (and it’s doing a damn good job), for some serious bar-hopping

trips from vienna by train

Images © Pixabay © Vienna Würstelstand

trips from vienna by train

Innsbruck – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Innsbruck, Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Innsbruck (4h 14min)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to visit the Goldene Dachl and the Bergisel Ski Jump stadium , to get that priceless Alpine feeling, to experience some epic hikes around the city

Less obvious reasons: to take the Hungerburgbahn funicular railway and the Hafelekar cable car all the way up the 2,556 metres mountain for the breathtaking views over the region, to rent a bike and explore the city and its surroundings, to check out the hip café and foodie scene in the old town, to see Innsbruck’s version of their own unique Ampelpärchen aka. Ampelskier

trips from vienna by train

Images via Pixabay & Unsplash

Košice – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Košice, Slovakia

How to get there: from Wien HBF to Košice (around 6h)

Obvious reasons you should travel there: to check out a former European Capital of Culture and enjoy some Central European charm

Less obvious reasons: to eat your way through town and try some Lokše (thin pancakes), or Bryndzové halušky (dumplings with sheep cheese – the national dish), to admire the historic buildings of the old town, to check out the nearby Spiš Castle which is the largest castle site in Central Europe

trips from vienna by train

Linz – City trips from Vienna by train

Where: Linz, Upper Austria

How to get there: from Wien HBF, or Wien WBF to Linz HBF (1h 14min)

Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to check out the rich cultural scene, take the steep Pöstlingberg tram up the Pöstlingberg for the great view over the city, the stunning old town

Less obvious reasons: to eat the famous Linzertorte, to check out the Hip Hop capital of Austria, to check out the local club and somewhat underground party locations such as KAPU , Stadtwerkstatt , Exxtrablatt or Solaris , to enjoy the summer breeze next to the Danube in summer, to eat and dance at the cafés/bar/art and cultural space mix on the ship that is the Salonschiff Fräulein Florentine , check out the Ars Electronica Center

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Solo Travel Story

day trips from vienna by train

6 Quick & Easy Day Trips from Vienna by Train

Here are six day trips from Vienna by train, which I feel might be of interest to you when you visit the area. Vienna is obviously a cool city itself, but sometimes there’s curiosity driving me to find out more about local experiences or “what else is there” in the area.

Having spent the past three month in Vienna, I have had some opportunity to hop on the train a few times and explore locally. The area has a few points of interest such as castles and hiking trails. Further, it is incredibly easy and quick to explore neighbouring countries, such as Slovakia or the Czech Republic.

Sounds good? Then let me tell you everything I know about taking day trips from Vienna by train and share the cool and not so cool spots with you.

Table of Contents

What You Need to Know Before You Go

  • All day trips from Vienna by train are under 2h of travel time
  • Specifically with local experiences, English often is not offered or as easily accessible
  • Experiences use Vienna Hauptbahnhof (HBF) in District 10/Quartier Belvedere as the starting point
  • HBF (main station) is not to be confused with Vienna Mitte (Central)
  • Experiences often prefer cash only, so make sure you have enough on you
  • Direct connections, especially local ones, run more frequently on weekends rather than during the week
  • Photography in Austria is often banned inside churches, castles and other grand historical buildings. This is to prevent & reduce the travel under the Social Media influence
  • Train tickets in Austria using the Austrian train line ÖBB are quite expensive, whereas trips to Czech Republic and Slovakia on the RegioJet Student Service are extremely cheap
  • Costs are correct as of September 2022

City Destination Allegiance (CityDNA) the leading network for city tourism organisations in Europe has recently awarded Vienna with the title of “best connected city in Europe” when it comes to train travel. 115 cities were benchmarked for touristic infrastructure including accommodation offering, CO2 emission and connectivity when it comes to travel. More key stats and results from the C ityDNA Travel Report can be found on the Vienna Tourism Board website (2023).

Criteria For Evaluating Day Trips from Vienna by Train

I used these 5 travel criteria to provide transparency and a clear guideline when comparing the day trips. It was important to me to apply the same aspects on each experience and evaluate them fairly, regardless if the experience was a city or castle visit.

  • Costs: how much were train tickets and entrance fee?
  • Efforts: what did it take to get here?
  • Time Efficiency: has travel time exceeded exploring time?
  • ROI: was there lots to do after I got here?
  • Mood: was I happy, angry, annoyed after my visit and would I come here again?

Highly Recommended Day Trips From Vienna By Train

These day trips from Vienna by train were highly enjoyable to me. These are places which I would love to visit again and spend more time here.

Castle Franzensburg in Laxenburg

Located: 18km south of Vienna

This replica of a medieval knight’s castle was built by Emperor Franz Joseph I and lies within 280 hectares of parkland, Austria’s largest landscaped gardens. With this rather charming and playful castle, the Emperor brought his wildest childhood fantasies to life – even though knights and shiny armours were already long in the past.  

The castle in Neoclassicism style is only 200 years old and has everything a mediaeval castle has to offer. From detailed stained glass windows, hidden doors in the walls and a walk on the rooftops – the features are all impressive and serve the sole purpose of enjoyment and entertainment. Therefore, Franzensburg was not intended as a liveable place so there is no electricity, running water or a kitchen.

Franzensburg water castle near vienna

Costs : 4.90€ (one way) by train or the bus 200 from Vienna HBF. The train service has Traiskirchen Aspangbahn Bahnhof as its final destination. Costs at the castle were a bit annoying as there is no combi ticket and you have to purchase everything individually. Entrance to the park is 3€, visitor train return 4.50€, ferry 0.70€ and guided tours (11€ each) can quickly add up to 30€. 

Efforts : 30 minutes one way either on the train or the bus. The train takes four stops and then there is another 20-minute walk to the park gates. From the gates, it’s another 25-minute walk. There is a small guest train on site. If you take the bus, line 200 arrives & leaves from Wiener Straße. Either or, it’ll be another 45-50mins walk to the castle.

Time Efficiency : the travel time is approximately 30 minutes one way. Then you explore the extensive gardens and can take part in two 1h long guided tours around the castle. Exploring time definitely has the upper hand here over travelling time.

ROI : Laxenburg is a quaint and charming town itself and makes for a wonderful distraction whilst walking to the park. Once at the park entrance you can either walk to the castle and explore its parklands on the way or keep that for your return later. The park has many romantic elements such as pavilions, grottos, monuments and small functional buildings. 

Franzensburg rooftop walk

Mood : I found Franzensburg an enchanting treasure trove even though it is technically an outrageous frivolity. There was much to see and many secrets to discover. It’s a toy castle and comes with all sorts of playful features. Of course, the castle is located in the middle of an artificial lake. During the building time of 30 years, the lake was added rather late, therefore the maximum depth is only 2 metres.

The tour on the roof revealed spectacular views over Vienna and the surrounding grounds. Emperor Franz was a hobby gardener who planted his favourite oak trees around the grounds. The castle itself is not overwhelmingly big but provides enough rooms to keep you engaged and occupied. From elaborate wooden ceilings to kitschy four-poster beds, shiny armours and delightful towers. There’s even a Juliet balcony replica here. On a sunny day, the many colourful glass windows displaying key scenes from the Habsburg monarchy bring the place even more to life. For me, this was a delightful visit. 

Bratislava in Slovakia

Located: 65km east of Vienna

The capital city of Slovakia since 1993 and part of the EU (2004), Bratislava is the third richest area in the EU. With approximately 660,000 inhabitants the city has a moderate centre which can easily be visited within a day. The Old Town has been extensively modernised and welcomes visitors with its gelato-coloured houses. Quaint streets and cafés, a gorgeous castle and the romantic Danube River, what’s not to love?

Bratislava skyline view from the castle

Costs : 4.90€ one way on the RegioJet bus. Please book in advance. Train tickets with ÖBB are approximately 11€ one way and use hlavná stanica as the final destination.

Efforts : this is a very easy and direct bus or train connection from Vienna. The bus leaves from the International bus terminal outside of Vienna HBF. The journey takes 90 minutes. The bus terminal in Bratislava is located within a brand new shopping centre. From here, it’s only a short walk into the historic Old Town centre. You can also take the ÖBB train which is a bit more expensive but services are more frequent and allow you to max out the day efficiently. The train journey is approximately 1h. The walk into town takes between 30-40 minutes.

Time Efficiency : I went twice to Bratislava and tested the bus and the train connection. By bus: I took the 9am service from Vienna to arrive in Bratislava at 10:30am. Then I explored until 5pm and took the return bus to Vienna. This gave me more than 6h of exploring time and exceeded the invested travel time of 3h. Overall the day was very enjoyable. By train: I booked a 9am service with my return booked for 7pm to max out the day effectively. The walk from the train station to central, however, is a bit longer and takes about 35 minutes.

ROI : Bratislava has a charming and very well-maintained Old Town. In the many quaint streets are cafés and cute houses. Have a look for the Coronation Route marked with golden crowns integrated into the pavement or visit the Blue Church. The castle is a must-visit, too. Here I would factor in at least 2h for the 85m ascent and walk around its grounds overlooking the town and the Danube. This is without a tour of the building. There are several viewpoints from the castle and you can see the UFO building, too. You’ll see that time will pass quickly. Bratislava can be extended to a weekend trip but I doubt it would engage me past a two to three-day stay. 

Bratislava quaint cafe

Bratislava was the coronation town of the Hungarian kings of the House of Habsburg between 1563-1830. 11 kings and 7 royal spouses were crowned at St Martin’s Cathedral, et alia Maria Theresa in 1741. 

Mood : I’m completely in love with Bratislava, especially on a sunny day strolling around is super enjoyable. The Old Town is beyond cute and the best bit: the town is not overrun by tourists. The locals can be hit-and-miss. Some seem to be upset if you speak English straight away but the majority are accommodating and friendly. The Old Town is clean, modern and manicured. Even if you don’t end up visiting a museum or doing a guided tour, just walking around and getting to know the place will fill the time easily. 

Brno in the Czech Republic

Located: 135km north of Vienna 

Brno, pronounced “burn-oooh”, is the Czech Republic’s second-largest city. A short train journey away from Vienna, the city scores with great coffee culture and historical sites. There are lots of interesting activities to do here that will fill your day with variety aplenty and keep you engaged. The town centre is not as manicured as Bratislava, but its local authentic charm will make you fall in love with Brno slowly but surely. 

view over Brno from Radnice Town Hall tower

Read More : How Brno Cafes & Coffee Culture Shaped The City Now & Then

Costs : 8-10€ (one way) on the RegioJet Student service train. 

Efforts : train services leave a few times per day and make this day trip from Vienna by train easily doable. The first service runs at 6:30am and you could max out the day by choosing a return at 6pm or take the last service at 9:30pm. The train is a direct connection and takes 80 minutes. From Brno’s train station Hlavní Nádraží it’s a ten-minute walk to the main square. The train is really just for transportation purposes so it’s not the cleanest or the best maintained. 

Time Efficiency : if you take the earliest service, you can max out the day to approximately 12h exploring time which exceeds the initial 3h travel time (return).

ROI : similar to Bratislava, Brno has a gorgeous Old Town. Whilst it may not be as manicured as Bratislava, Brno offers a variety of activities that can be done within a 1h time frame. Therefore your day exploring can cover a variety of historical places including the Ossuary & St James’ Church, the labyrinth under the vegetable market, the view from the Radnice Town Hall Tower, the main square and astronomical clock, the Capuchin Crypt or a visit to the Moravian Museum. The views from Špilberk Castle especially at sunset are unrivalled. And there’s, of course, Brno’s extensive coffee culture. Literally, every café is insanely gorgeous and Brno’s baristas are world-renowned for making excellent speciality coffee. 

atmospheric ossuary in Brno

Did You Know : the Ossuary is the second largest in the world after Paris. It was found in 2001 by accident during construction work on the St James’s Church. Yes, the church is dedicated to Apostle St James and therefore, this is a Camino site. It’s not recognised as an official site YET, but the guides running the Ossuary feel strongly connected to the Camino and you can even fetch a stamp here for your Credential. 

Mood : Brno is not only laid-back, but it is also an interesting place. At first sight, it may be a bit edgy but soon it’ll develop its charm. Part of the charm is the friendliness and directness of the locals. The Old Town isn’t as overrun as Prague and Brno has kept a flair of authenticity to it. There’s more to discover and Brno would keep me engaged for longer. It’s worth having a look at staying here for a few days. 

Average Day Trips From Vienna By Train

These destinations were good and engaging at the time of my visit, but I doubt I would be excited enough to go there again. They were good, but there are better day trips from Vienna by train waiting to be explored.

Roman Town of Carnuntum

Located: 43km east of Vienna

Excavation site of a former Roman city. Originally a winter camp, Carnuntum grew to city size between the 1st and 4th century AD. At its peak, it was home to 50,000 citizens, connected key trade routes of the Roman Empire and was an important military base. Today, only 0.5% of the original site is excavated. 

Carnuntum stretches over two villages, which lie 5km apart. In Bad Deutsch-Altenburg is the museum with Austria’s largest collection of Roman artefacts. There are also remains of a former amphitheatre here. The village of Petronell-Carnuntum shows excavations of a Roman quarter completed through additional reconstructions. A visit here includes public thermal baths, an Inn, several residential buildings and villas. Nearby are an old city gate and another amphitheatre.

Carnuntum Roman excavations Vienna

Costs : 9.60€ train ticket one way, 12€ entrance to the site which is spread over two villages. 

Efforts : it is a 70-minute journey on a direct train, which only runs directly on the weekend. Check S7 (direction Wolfsthal) leaving from Rennweg, which is a short walk from HBF. The train station for Petronell-Carnuntum has a “middle of nowhere” feel to it. The signage is sparse. Keep straight and then turn left on the main road to get to the quarter site. The second part of the site is located in the next village, a 5km hike away. You can walk it or take the train to the next stop. However, the train only runs once per hour. I would advise taking the train from Vienna first to Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, checking out the museum and then walking over to the Roman quarter in Petronell-Carnuntum. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from the train station and cycle over to the next village. 

Time Efficiency : travel time exceeded exploring time slightly, especially if you decide to walk between the two villages.

ROI : the Roman quarter takes a good hour to explore. It is well kept and there is a visitor centre with a small exhibition. Nearby you can see the remains of an amphitheatre and the old city gate. Those are free to visit and roam about. Overall, there’s no strict tour and many parts are accessible for you to walk in and around rather than closed off as it is usually the case.

The second site in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg is quite a walk away but there’s another amphitheatre ruin here. It is the last standing of the military part of Carnuntum city. A well-curated museum completes the experience. Efforts have been made to present the exhibition in English, but unfortunately not consistent throughout; alternatively, you can fetch an informative English guidebook for 1€. Overall, this day trip from Vienna by train will keep you busy for the entire day. 

Museum Carnuntinum in Bad Deutsch Altenburg

Mood : the quarter part is the main site and attracts the most visitors. It’s not overrun and overall a rather relaxed point of interest. There’s also a café here overlooking the grounds. The Carnuntum village is mostly self-guided, manageable and on a sunny day, it is no hassle to walk to the second site. I doubt I would do it when it is colder or drizzling. Therefore, I would prefer to start with the museum in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg first and then fetch a bike and cycle to the Roman quarter. 

Poor Day Trips from Vienna by Train

These are destinations which didn’t impress me and have put me off from visiting again. They are pretty much destinations I have ticked off my list but I wouldn’t bother coming here again. This is my personal experience and therefore, contains subjective views. You can, of course, decide for yourself, if you’d like to pay these destinations a visit.

Castle Kreuzenstein in Leobendorf

Located: 32km north of Vienna

Oh, another medieval castle just outside of Vienna? Ah don’t get too excited, unfortunately, Castle Kreuzenstein was rebuilt from scratch after it was destroyed in 1645 by the Swedes. The castle as it stands today is only 200 years old and is privately owned by the family of Count Wilczek. Wilczek was a rich local thanks to his coal mining in Silesia. Today, the castle is used as a filming location and you may have seen it in The Quest or The Witcher. Nicolas Cage is a regular celeb filming here.

castle kreuzenstein day trip von vienna

Costs : 6.10€ train ticket one way. 15€ entrance to the castle by guided tour only. The nearby falconry costs another 12€.  

Efforts : there are regular S3 & S4 services out of Vienna (direction Korneuburg) which take approximately 40 minutes to reach the village of Leobendorf where Castle Kreuzenstein is located. Then there’s a 45-minute hike and ascent to the castle. The return train to Vienna is the problem, as there are only two services per hour. A less frequent service means waiting time which stretches your day trip unnecessarily and there’s nothing to do at the small train station. 

Please note : in Greater Vienna, there’s a LeobENdorf (North) and LeobERSdorf (South). Confusing AF at times.

Time Efficiency : the travel time exceeded the exploring time, as there were only two services back to Vienna. Be prepared for some waiting time. The guided tour at the castle only lasts for about 45 minutes and afterwards, there’s little to do. You can walk around the castle’s dramatic exteriors and see its moat which keeps you occupied for another ten minutes. The falconry is only open for its shows which have irregular showing times, so check these in advance if you’re interested in visiting. The Leobendorf village is unspectacular and most shops are closed outside of the wine season in September/October. 

ROI : the castle is only accessible by a guided tour which starts every full hour and lasts for roughly 45 minutes. You see a medieval knights’ hall, kitchen, Europe’s largest privately-owned weapon collection, a bedroom, a staircase and a trophy room. Whilst the tour guide was friendly, I found the tour could have been better and more informative. The ticket price of 15€ is steep but it is, unfortunately, a privately-owned experience. There are no bathrooms or a café here either which is a shame, as there is space and facilities available but currently not in use. 

Castle Kreuzenstein courtyard

Mood : please note, this is a privately-owned castle run by family members. As such, the curation is clumsy and at times makes you feel unwelcome. There are tons of “forbidden” signs and “do not touch” warnings plastered around the place. The information provided by the tour guide is ok but not plentiful enough to justify the high entrance fee. The exterior of the castle is gorgeous but you can’t shake off the feeling that this is a more style-over-substance experience. Overall, I didn’t enjoy this day trip from Vienna by train as much as I would have loved to. 

Signs of a Poorly run Privately-Owned Experience : – often way overpriced – poorly & clumsily curated exhibits – weird obsession with mannequins – family members act as “guides” and provide little information – when faced with criticism, the owners often take offence & post unprofessional replies on e.g. Google reviews – lots of “forbidden” and “do not touch” signs everywhere – you’re unwelcome but your money is not – amateurish processes e.g. handling of queues, no marketing, basic 90s-looking website – no photography – broken/outdated facilities – financial blame, resentment and finger-pointing by the owners towards commercialised competitor experiences – insecurities towards “the big” institutions e.g. National Trust

Melk Abbey in the Wachau Valley

Located: 88km west of Vienna

Melk Abbey is a stunning Benedictine abbey in the Wachau Valley. Often included in a Danube cruise but you can, of course, visit it individually. Founded in 1089 and run primarily as a school, it was extended to a grammar school in the 12th century. Its library has a large manuscript collection and hosts an equally impressive gemstone collection, too. The iconic Baroque façade of the abbey built in the early 18th century was extensively restored over the past 40 years. Today, the abbey is the resting place of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. 

Melk abbey day trip from vienna

Costs : 20€ train ticket one way with the ÖBB. You have to change at St Pölten and take a regional train to Melk. The ticket for the abbey without a tour costs 13€. 

Efforts : the train journey is approximately 70 minutes and even though you have to take two connections, it feels quick and swift. You take a train first to St Pölten and then change to a regional service which runs seamlessly. The walk from Melk’s train station to the abbey takes approximately 20 minutes. Train services back to Vienna run frequently but watch out for the final destination. Often they end at Hütteldorf or Westbahnhof, which is fine, but add another 30 minutes to the journey if you need to get back to HBF. 

Time Efficiency : trains run frequently to Melk and back to Vienna, so you won’t be stranded here. However, I found myself finishing my explorations after 2h and I struggled to keep myself busy for another hour. Therefore my exploring time and travel time balanced themselves out. 

ROI : I had my train connections pre-booked which gave me a 4h time window for exploring. When I got to Melk Abbey I found myself finished after 40 minutes. I spent another 25 minutes roaming the gardens and then went back for another self-guided tour inside the abbey. There are a few rooms with exhibits but I didn’t find them curated well enough to keep me engaged for long. The gemstone collection is impressive, but then I must have missed its point of a display in a Benedictine abbey. The annexed library and Marbled Hall are impressive, too but you won’t dwell there forever. The Church and the 15-minute service were good but again a rather short experience. The gardens are huge but can be walked within 25 minutes as there’s not much to do there. 

town of melk with the abbey in the wachau valley

Mood : I found the staff exceptionally rude & argumentative, especially at the ticket office and later on at the main exhibition. Whilst the interiors are impressive, most parts of this massive abbey are closed off to the public. The information displayed isn’t as engaging as I’d thought it’d be, leaving out an educational effect and therefore the visit felt less inspiring. The town itself is very small with only a handful of cafés. Overall it felt like a pensioner’s rip-off. They get dropped off here during a Danube cruise, the cafés are expensive with Vienna prices and the abbey can only engage you for a short while as it gets boring real quickly. I couldn’t wait to get back to Vienna.

FAQs for Your Day Trips from Vienna by Train

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about day trips from Vienna by train. You can, of course, always come back to any section of my post and read in more detail what you’d need for your trip. If you have questions or need help, please get in touch and I’m happy to assist. 

How much do Day Trips from Vienna by Train cost?

Day trips from Vienna by train have varied in their costs but all six introduced in this post stayed under 100€. Travelling within Austria is rather pricey. However, you can save a few Euros when you book tickets in advance. The in-advance lead time can be as short as two weeks and you’d still get a good deal. Cheap alternatives are trips to nearby Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Is Austria solo travel friendly?

Yes, Austria has been friendly towards me as a solo female traveller and I felt safe on all of my trips. Know that English isn’t as common in local and rural areas and you may want to have a few German phrases at hand.

Is it easy to move around in Vienna?

Vienna is well-connected to its neighbouring countries and has several train stations to serve the demand. The Hauptbahnhof (HBF aka main station) serves mostly connections to Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary, whereas Westbahnhof (west station) runs services towards Salzburg and Linz more frequently. The city also has a great bus and tram network. It’s quite easy to move around and you can be across town within a 1h time frame. All are very accessible and manageable. The only confusion is with Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station) and Vienna Mitte (central). The latter runs the costly direct airport train and many tourists have fallen victim to the translation. Usually, a central station is the main station but in this case, Vienna is ambiguous. Vienna Mitte (central) is not the main station. Please watch out when booking your train from the airport.

Thank You so much and if you enjoyed this post you can always support my research and Buy Me a Coffee .

Enjoyed the day trips from Vienna by train? You may also like these local explorations:

  • How Authentic are Coffee Houses in Vienna Today?
  • Beautiful Bike Tour on the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Germany
  • Is The Eurostar London to Brussels Train Link Worth It?
  • A Complete 4 Day Vienna Itinerary For First Time Visitors
  • Local, Unusual, Underrated: The City Hiking Trails Vienna

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About SoloTravelStory

Blogs about her travel adventures in the world from her London home.

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19 comments.

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Wonderfully written, I enjoyed reading this so much. Don’t apologise for your views, negative or otherwise, as for me they are essential in seeing a place through someone’s eyes before I get there. … I can always make up my own mind on the sights. I’d never have thought of such an engaging post, it really shows how easy it is to get to several places when you are based in one place and therefore do not have to confine yourself to just where you are. I like the list of warning signs that a place is not so good and privately owned – I’ve experienced that myself and the idiosyncrasies that are thrown up as a result. The 5-point criteria plan is just what I need and so well researched. I often think of how long it will take to get there and back and what am I actually going to get out of it – this works so well for my way of thinking too. Great read.

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I love your criteria for selecting day trips! What a great way of looking at them! I’ve never been to Vienna, but I do agree – exploring outside the city is just as important!

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Vienna is so well-connected and has an amazing rail network. I took the train from Vienna to Budapest but it was very expensive. I’m glad to see there are other much cheaper options for day trips because I was impressed by the quality of service and punctuality of trains.

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Paul (Paul Passing Through)

This is a helpful list for those visiting Vienna or the region in general. I’d love to visit Brno or Bratislava when we’ll be there over Christmas, but I doubt we’ll have time. I’ll refer back to this list if we end up having a day to spare. I’ll definitely keep it in mind in the future when we visit the region again!

I had to laugh at some of the things in your list of privately-owned destinations. The thing about the mannequins cracked me up haha I always groan when I see mannequins. They’re so tacky and detract from the experience. There was a famine house we visited in Ireland that had several. The experience is good enough without them – why the need to include them?!

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Vienna is a place I’ve looked at a lot recently so this was super helpful as I noticed it didn’t look like it was too far to get to some other places. More impressive is that you can easily get to more than one other country as a day trip – the perfect base in my opinion. Too bad to hear they weren’t all winners but really appreciate the thorough reviews and how you rated them

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Loved this detailed post on day trips from Vienna. I feel like if someone is traveling and decided to stay in Vienna for a few months (like you did), they have a lot of options in terms of day trips and activities. It’s always fun to explore other areas.

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I love travelling by train so I’d be in my element in Vienna, especially as it’s so easy to have a quick day trip to a neighbouring country. I think it’s great how you’ve used the same criteria for rating them too – it’s just missing some mannequin photos!! 😉

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I love all these day trip ideas… Bratislava is amazing! I also love that you have an emotional metric in your research 🥰

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Thanks for this honest review! It’s helpful to see your criteria and explanations, as this helps me understand your thinking and make up my own mind. Bratislava is a place I’d love to visit 🙂

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Tiffany Pence

I love Vienna. It’s a beautiful city! But I haven’t ventred outside the city so these are great tips. I especially loved your honesty about Melk Abbey. I’m always wary about places that seem to only cater to a cruise crowd. It’s good to know.

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I didn’t realise how well connected Vienna was. It’s a place we would love to visit and it’s great to know how many other towns and cities particularly Bratislava and Brno, which we have also long wanted to see – are within easy reach. It was good to get your views on which trips were great and which didn’t work for you. A great post with loads of practical info too. Thank you.

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Great post – I love that you provide the good with the bad, it is so helpful. I also like the criteria you’ve used, Bratislava and Brno would be my choice, for sure.

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It sounds like Vienna makes a great home base for exploring other areas of Europe, and I love that! A 2 hr train ride that transports to new places is exactly what I look for to break up your holiday in one destination. How creative of you to identify your criteria and share your honest views of each of these day trips by train. Top of my list would be to go to Bratislava in Slovakia, so glad you highly recommended it too!

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Eleanna | Flying Fork Tales

I’m so glad you liked Bratislava because I was considering it as a day trip destination from Vienna. It so happens I’ll probably have a day to spare on my Vienna trip (since it will be my second time there). From the photos and videos that I’ve seen online Bratislava looks really pretty but it’s better when a friend recommends it. Thank you xx

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Riana Ang-Canning

What a great post! I love that instead of just a list of day trips, you categorize them and give so many helpful details to assist people in planning the best day trip for them. I’ve been to Brno and Bratislava so just have Castle Franzensburg left on your list of best day trips. Excited to cross it off on a future visit!

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Lyn (aka Jazz)

Fabulous post and very timely! I was able to share it with a friend heading to Vienna next month.

I really like how you gave us your criteria in evaluating, it made comparisons very clear. Castle Franzenburg is really intriguing and sounds like a place I would definitely want to explore. Secret doors and rooftop walks play a big part in my castle fantasies.

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I have been waiting for someone to post something like this for a long time. So happy you did it Carolin. This is such a timely post as we are planning to visit Vienna very soon and wondering about other possible places to see outside the city. I always thought that Vienna has one of the most friendly city-railway systems and to read about the convenience of hopping from one train to another makes it even more alluring to step out of the city for a day trip 😉 #flyingbaguette

Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/

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Seems like Vienna is a perfect gateway to several amazing destinations around. Castle Franzensburg looks quite picturesque with it’s beautiful surroundings. And Brno of course is a heaven for coffee lovers and just the place for me.

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Flavia @latinatraveler

I love how many day trip options you offer! I’m someone who loves having a base even when I travel so using Vienna as a jump off point to visit other places really is great. Thanks for going into so much detail regarding prices and companies to use to get from point A to B. Will def be using this info in the future!

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train öbb

The Best Day Trips from Vienna in 2022 (train-friendly)

If you want to explore Europe by train, there could hardly be a better place to start than Vienna. As the capital of the Habsburg Empire , the city had been the epicenter of Central and Eastern Europe’s sprawling rail network in the 19 th and early 20 th century. It was also one of the first and major stops of the storied Orient Express .

trips from vienna by train

The disruptions of World War I put a dent in Vienna’s central position. Then, after World War II, Vienna found itself suddenly located on the edge between the democratic West and communist Central and Eastern Europe. The the Iron Curtain was a mere 70 kilometers from the city borders, turning its once bustling train stations into provincial outposts.

When the Iron Curtain finally fell in 1989, both Vienna and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) seized the moment like few other places in Europe. While others retrenched, the ÖBB continued to build its network of daytime trains (Railjet or Eurocity) and rejuvenated the continent’s overnight trains ( Nightjet ).

Now, 30 years later, Vienna is officially Europe’s best-connected city by rail . Only Moscow comes close in the number of connections to other European capitals.

So here are our selected best train trips from Vienna in 2020 – five day trips by rail and five sleeper trains. Bon voyage!

Vienna to Bolzano

trips from vienna by train

A new daily service via Salzburg and Innsbruck connects the Austrian capital to Bolzano (Bozen) the capital of South Tyrol. The mostly German-speaking province of Italy has made a name in eco-tourism and encourages visitors to use the public transport while on holiday. Enjoy the Alpine route over the Brenner pass and arrive in a land of apple trees, crystal-clear rivers, stunning mountains and delicious Italian-inspired food, in a landscape out of an Austrian fairy tale.

Vienna to Prague, Dresden & Berlin

4 / 6 / 8 hours, respectively

Launches May 4, 2020, to Dresden & Berlin

trips from vienna by train

The ÖBB and Cesky drahy together serve the Czech capital Prague extensively – five times a day from Graz, ten times a day from Vienna. Beginning on May 4, 2020, the same trains will go on to the Dresden, the baroque jewel of Saxony, and to the German capital of Berlin. For a little more adventure, consider stepping out in Ústi nad Labem and explore the northern Bohemian region with spa towns Teplice, regional capital Liberec or the wilderness of the Ore Mountains.

Vienna to Kraków

trips from vienna by train

Poland’s second-biggest city can be reached from Vienna in just 7 hours, the same time it takes for a train trip to Austria’s western-most regional capital Bregenz. Kraków is often described as “the secret capital of Poland” and has been center of Polish thought, arts, politics and culture for centuries. On the way there, you’ll see the ancient coal region of Silesia with its sturdy cities of Ostrava and Katowice.

Vienna to Budapest & Satu Mare

3 / 9 hours

budapest satu mare

The Hungarian capital on the Danube, with its gritty splendor, is less than three hours away by train. After enjoying Budapest’s grand allées and many spas, you can travel on to Satu Mare, regional capital of northern Romania. A royal free city since the 13 th century, Satu Mare has been shaped by its multi-ethnic and multi-lingual inhabitants.

Vienna to Nuremberg & Hamburg

4 / 9 hours

trips from vienna by train

From Vienna, the erstwhile seat of the Holy Roman Emperors, to Nuremberg, its ancient capital, it’s only four hours. The unofficial capital of Swabonia is known for its guild houses, operas, galleries and churches. Five hours more onwards and you reach the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest municipality. A center for media, logistics, research and culture, the dramatic city on the Elbe is well worth a visit.

Overnight routes

Vienna to venice.

trips from vienna by train

On the night train to Venice you fall asleep heading for the Alps and wake up with the sun rising over the Mediterranean.  What better way to start your holidays?  Starting from Vienna at 21:27, ÖBB’s Nightjet brings you directly to Venezia Lucia, arriving at 8:24 in the morning. From the station you can walk to all the major sights, dozens of restaurants and cafés and, of course, the sea.

Vienna to Zurich

trips from vienna by train

Switzerland’s biggest city is also just a night train’s ride away. Taking you through the core of the Alps, with the snow-covered mountains pitching skyward just outside your window, the Nightjet departs at 21:27 from Vienna and arrives at 8:20 in Zurich. Enjoy the museums and art galleries, the Swiss cheese and chocolate, and above all, the breathtaking landscape.

Vienna to Florence & Rome

trips from vienna by train

Departing at 19:23 from Vienna, only a night’s sleep stands between you and the land where the oranges bloom. ÖBB’s Nightjet arrives at 6:36 in in the metropole of the Renaissance on the Arno River – Firenze (Florence), where Michaelangelo, Ghiberti or Brunelleschi will greet you as you walk the streets. If you’d rather see the eternal city, just stay on the train until you reach Roma Termini at 9:22.

Vienna to Brussels

Launches January 20, 2020

trips from vienna by train

Announced to great fanfare , the direct connection to Europe’s de-facto capital was long-awaited by eurocrats and their entourages – but also by people who’d just like to visit the (far underestimated) Belgian capital. Departing from Vienna at 20:38, the Nightjet currently still arrives at 10:55 due to the packed schedule of Belgium’s morning commuter traffic. If the connection proves popular, the ÖBB promises better travel times for the following year.

Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv

16 / 23 hours

trips from vienna by train

The ÖBB also has a special treat for the hardened rail travelers. A sleeper train takes you from Vienna to Lviv, the unofficial capital of western Ukraine that still has astonishingly deep connections to the Habsburg era and Central Europe. Stroll through the streets, check out the many hipster coffeehouses and explore a town which is just as beautiful but not yet as touristy as many in Western Europe. Or travel on to the fascinating Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, which you can reach after a 23 hours direct journey by rail.

A Railway Named Desire

nightjet night train rail öbb

Recently, the ÖBB ordered 13 all-new and futuristic sleeper trains , which are scheduled to enter service in 2022. The overall number of people in Austria taking the train for their summer holidays increased to 690,000 trips, a 35-year-high . And locally, the ÖBB extended its night train service with the Vienna S-Bahn to the weekends and holidays.

Is there a train trip that catches your fancy in 2020? The ÖBB offer attractively priced Sparschiene ticket on almost every route. If you book your train journey well in advance, you may protect your wallet and the environment all in one go.

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16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Vienna

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Mar 9, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Thanks to its setting on the banks of the Danube in the northeastern foothills of the Alps, the area around Vienna offers an abundance of beautiful scenery to explore. Tall mountain peaks plunge to emerald river valleys, and you'll see quaint villages nestling against this breathtaking backdrop.

The city's central location makes it a convenient base for day trips by train to visit some of the nearby towns and villages. Here, you'll find magnificent abbeys, opulent palaces, and historic attractions.

For a longer rail journey, take the Semmering Railway through picturesque countryside, and a Salzburg day trip from Vienna is another popular addition to your itinerary.

If you're prepared to travel even further afield, you can add a few cross-border cities to your itinerary, such as Prague and Budapest.

From the beautiful Vienna Woods to snowcapped mountain peaks; from lovely old palaces to exciting day trips by boat, rail, and road, the city offers some of the best scenery in Austria right on its doorstep. Discover other rewarding places to visit with our list of the best day trips from Vienna.

1. The Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey

2. budapest, 3. salzburg, 4. hallstatt, 6. bratislava, 7. klosterneuburg abbey, 8. the vienna woods, 9. the roman town of carnuntum, 10. lainzer wildlife park and baden bei wien, 11. the village of grinzing, 12. beethoven's heiligenstadt, 13. haydn's birthplace and rohrau castle, 14. danube boat tours, 15. eisenstadt and schloss esterházy, 16. laa an der thaya, map of day trips from vienna.

The Wachau Valley

About an hour's drive from Vienna, the beautiful Wachau Valley is a World Heritage Site due to its spectacular scenery and rich history and culture. It stretches for about 40 kilometers between the towns of Melk and Krems.

The Danube River snakes through the valley's heart, past picturesque monasteries, grand castles, villages, and vine-draped hills, conjuring a scene from medieval times. The area is also a hot spot for foodies and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vienna.

One of Melk's top attractions is the magnificent Benedictine Melk Abbey , perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Danube River. Highlights include its octagonal domed entrance gate; the Imperial Corridor, lined with priceless art; the museum; the frescoed Marble Hall; and the lovely gardens. The Abbey Church , with its symmetrical twin towers and impressive 18th-century ceiling paintings, is known as one of the finest Baroque churches north of the Alps.

An easy way to explore the Wachau Valley, without the stress of driving and possibly missing the highlights, is the Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip . This full-day excursion begins with an air-conditioned coach ride through the beautiful Wachau Valley, while an experienced guide shares information about the history and attractions in the area. It continues with a stop at the medieval castle ruins of Burgruine Dürnstein.

In summer, the tour includes a relaxing cruise down the Danube River to Melk, where you can explore the magnificent Benedictine Melk Abbey. In winter, you can enjoy a walking tour and a hearty Austrian lunch in a local restaurant. Pickup from select hotels and entry to the abbey are also included.

Budapest parliament at sunrise

About 240 kilometers from Vienna, Budapest is affectionately known as the "Paris of the East." It sits in a beautiful location astride the Danube River and is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe.

Although this is a long day trip, it's worth it for the wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites , breathtaking architecture spanning styles from Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau, and the chance to soak in the city's famous therapeutic springs. Besides, you can always stay longer - Budapest is one of the best weekend trips from Vienna.

Top attractions in Budapest include World Heritage-listed Castle Hill , home to the 18th-century Buda Castle ; the late-19th-century Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church ; the magnificent Parliament buildings ; and Heroes' Square .

Amp up your day of sightseeing by visiting multiple tourist attractions in one venue: City Woodland Park is home to an impressive line-up of museums, as well as the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle . You could spend days here exploring all the cultural jewels.

An easy way to visit the city from Vienna without having to relocate is on the Budapest Day Trip , which takes you to many of the city's most famous landmarks. Vajdahunyad Castle, the Parliament Buildings, Heroes' Square, and the Opera House are just some of the highlights. This full-day tour includes pickup from select hotels, a scenic drive through the Hungarian countryside, a walking tour through Buda, and a city tour on an air-conditioned coach.

Mirabell Gardens with Hohensalzburg in the background

About 2.5 hours by train from Vienna, Salzburg is another of Europe's beauty queens. Beset with elegant buildings and surrounded by mountains, this picturesque city straddles the River Salzach and is famous as the birthplace of Mozart, as well as the setting for the film The Sound of Music .

Salzburg's highlights include the World Heritage-listed Old Town , with its beautiful Baroque architecture and the Salzburg Cathedral ; Hohensalzburg Castle; Mozart's Birthplace, one of the world's most popular museums; and the gorgeous Mirabell Palace and gardens, where the Von Trapp children famously frolicked.

A great place to begin a walking tour of the city is from the Residenzplatz , one of the city's largest squares and home to the Residenzbrunnen , an impressive marble fountain by Italian sculptor Tommaso di Garone.

If you are not up for doing this excursion on your own, try the Salzburg Day Trip . This full-day adventure is one of the best day trips from Vienna to Salzburg and includes plenty of photo opportunities on the spectacular drive through the Austrian Alps. You'll stop at Lake Mondsee along the way, and enjoy a walking tour through the Old Town.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is quite simply one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Austria. Cute 16th-century cottages with flower-draped balconies cluster along an achingly gorgeous lake, backed by rugged Alpine peaks. Seeming to add an exclamation point to all this beauty is the slender spire of the Evangelical Church of Hallstatt. No wonder both the village and the lake are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Hallstatt lies about 2.5 hours from Vienna in the Salzkammergut region, but you can relax and enjoy the scenery on an organized Day Trip from Vienna to Hallstatt . Led by an expert guide, you'll visit Orth Castle in Gmuden before joining a walking tour of Hallstatt to learn about its fascinating history and see some of its top attractions . Then embark on a scenic boat ride around Hallstätter See. Your camera will get a workout in this breathtakingly beautiful region.

Aerial view over Charles Bridge and the Vltava river

Bristling with spires and breathtaking architecture, Prague has a beautifully preserved old town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It's about 290 kilometers from Vienna, a long day trip, but you can make it there and back in a day, and get a great feel for the city.

The Old Town Square is a wonderful place to begin a walking tour. From here, you can visit many evocative old churches, including the famous Týn Church, and the Jewish Quarter .

Other top things to do in Prague include visiting Prague Castle , with St. Vitus Basilica , St. George's Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace ; and exploring Wenceslas Square in Prague's New Town, which is also home to the National Museum, as well as fantastic shopping and restaurants.

Also save time for a stroll across the famous Charles Bridge and try to see a performance at the National Theatre .

To squeeze in as much as possible on a visit here, consider the Prague Day Trip from Vienna . This well-planned 14-hour tour takes you through the pretty Moravia countryside to Prague for a 2.5-hour guided city tour to see sights such as Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the National Theatre.

Bratislava

Less than an hour from Vienna by train, Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, is an affordable, fun, and easy day out. Old abuts new in this vibrant city, where 18th-century buildings line the streets of the old town, and Soviet-era architecture sits not far beyond. If you're looking for relatively cheap trips from Vienna, this is a great option.

The Danube slices through the city, and Bratislava Castle is the focal point, perched on a plateau above the river, with its stark white walls and red-tile roof.

Start your tour in the pedestrian-only 18th-century old town, where you'll find the old town hall , home to Bratislava City Museum, and Michael's Gate from the original medieval fortifications, as well as many restaurants and sidewalk cafés.

Another of Bratislava's top attractions is Grassalkovich Palace , where, the president of Slovakia resides, and if you feel like getting back to nature, hiking trails lace the surrounding Little Carpathian mountains, close to the city.

A fun way to travel from Vienna to Bratislava and explore the city without the stress of navigating your way around is the Bratislava Day Trip tour. This full-day excursion includes a comfortable coach trip to the capital, a walking tour of the old town and all its attractions, and a visit to the Rococo-style Grassalkovich Palace. End your day with a high-speed catamaran trip down the Danube on the return journey.

Klosterneuburg Abbey

At the edge of the Vienna Woods on the city's northern outskirts, the Augustinian abbey in the small town of Klosterneuburg attracts many visitors. Perched high above the Danube, Klosterneuburg Abbey (Stiftes Klosterneuburg) was founded in the 12th century, and many newer buildings were added in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Highlights of this sprawling complex are the church, with its Romanesque and Baroque features, the Leopold Courtyard, and the monastery vaults. The famous Verduner Altar in the Leopold Chapel is especially noteworthy and consists of 45 enameled panels dating from 1181. The newer Baroque building has two copper domes, one surmounted by the German Imperial Crown, the other by the Lower Austrian Archducal Bonnet.

Other notable features include the Baroque main staircase; the Marble Hall, with its fine frescoes; the Imperial Apartment; the Tapestry Room; the Treasury; and the Monastery Museum.

Also of interest is the nearby town of Kierling , with its Kafka Memorial set up in the very room of the sanatorium where the famed writer spent his last days.

Address: Stiftsplatz 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg

Official site: www.stift-klosterneuburg.at/en

Liechtenstein Castle in the Vienna Woods

Fabled in song and a favorite getaway for the Viennese, the Vienna Woods also hold a number of interesting attractions for tourists, including a beautiful monastery, historic sites, and natural wonders.

A good place to begin is atop the 484-meter Kahlenberg . This is Vienna's own "mini-mountain," with magnificent views across the city and the Danube all the way to the Little Carpathians and the Schneeberg region.

The Baroque Kahlenberg Church (St. Josef auf dem Kahlenberg) was built on the spot where Polish Prince Sobieski beat the Turkish army besieging Vienna. The Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz , constructed in 1133, is the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monastery in the world and one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries. Its highlights include the vaulted Romanesque nave (1187); the 13th-century ribbed vaulting; and the 13th-century choir, considered a masterpiece of Austrian Gothic.

Also in the Vienna Woods is Mayerling , a former imperial hunting lodge. Here, in 1889 the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph and the Empress Elizabeth, Crown Prince Rudolph, was found dead with his mistress Baroness Vetsera, an event that rocked the imperial court.

The largest underground lake in Europe, the Seegrotte was formed when a former gypsum mine was flooded, and you can take a boat ride through its subterranean caverns and passages.

A good way to combine many of these sights is on the Vienna Woods and Mayerling Half Day Trip , which includes guided visits to the Abbey of Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling hunting lodge; a guided walk through the city of Baden; and a scenic ride through the Vienna Woods, past the fairy-tale Liechtenstein Castle .

Address: Kahlenberg, 1190 Wien

The Roman Town of Carnuntum

Fields, meadows, vines, and woodland are the distinctive features of the pretty March-Donauland region to the east of Vienna. It was here that many famous battles were fought, including one against the Romans and, centuries later, against the Hungarians, the Turks, and the French under Napoleon.

The region was perhaps most important to the Roman Empire, as witnessed in the spectacular ruins of the fortified town they built here, once home to a population of more than 50,000. Now part of a superb historic attraction, Archaeological Park Carnuntum is a reconstruction of the key buildings from the 1st-century town, including a city mansion, a citizen's house, and Roman baths, as well as a semi-reconstructed practice arena of a gladiator school that was discovered in 2011. The park offers fun events and programs for the whole family.

Address: Hauptstrasse 1a, 2404 Petronell-Carnuntum

Official site: http://www.carnuntum.at/en

Hermes Villa in the Lainzer Wildlife Park

The Lainzer Wildlife Park (Lainzer Tiergarten) occupies 24 square kilometers of the Vienna Woods. Famous as a place of relaxation and escape from the big city, it's a haven for old oak and beech trees (some more than 350 years old), as well as wildlife such as deer and boar. Once the hunting reserve of Emperor Joseph II, it was fenced off with a 24-kilometer-long stonewall in 1787 on the orders of Empress Maria Theresa.

Opened to the public in 1921, this important conservation area includes more than 80 kilometers of footpaths and the 14-meter-high Hubertuswarte observation tower on the Kaltbründlberg.

Another tourist attraction on the edge of the Vienna Woods is Baden bei Wien , a spa town famous for its curative waters (the Romans called the town Aquae). Today, nearly 2,000 years later, the town's sulfur springs still spew out six-and-a-half million liters of therapeutic warm water every day.

Address: Hietzing-West, 1130 Wien

The Village of Grinzing

Just 17 kilometers northeast of Vienna, the pretty little village of Grinzing was first mentioned in 1114. Destroyed numerous times by war, the current structures in the village date predominantly from the 19th century, and its wooded setting, quaint gardens, and winding streets, make it a fun place to explore.

Grinzing is also unique in that local laws allow individuals to purchase tiny plots of land where vines may be grown. It's also well known for its many typical Austrian restaurants (Heuriger), famous for indicating whether they're open by placing branches of spruce over their entrances. The area is also popular among hikers, especially for the trails around the nearby Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg hills.

Beethoven's Heiligenstadt

The oldest of the "Viennese villages" on the city's outskirts, Heiligenstadt was incorporated into the district of Döbling in 1892 and is famous for its quiet, narrow winding streets, especially around the historic homes of Probusgasse and Armbrustergasse.

Be sure to roam around St. Jacob's Church on the Pfarrplatz, built in Romanesque style on Roman foundations.

Heiligenstadt's most important claim to fame, however, was the fact it was visited several times by Ludwig von Beethoven, including in the autumn of 1802 while working on his Second Symphony. It was here, at 6 Probusgasse, that he wrote his Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter to his brothers in which he bemoans his increasing deafness (and which he never sent). The home is now a museum - the Beethoven Wohnung Heiligenstadt - dedicated to this period in the composer's life. (Later a resident of Vienna, Beethoven is buried in the Zentralfriedhof , the city's largest cemetery.)

Address: Probusgasse 6, 1190 Vienna

Rohrau Castle

Famous as the birthplace of composer Joseph Haydn in 1732, a trip to Rohrau - just 46 kilometers east of Vienna - is a pleasant way to spend a day. A museum dedicated to the great composer is now housed in the small thatched farmhouse where he was born, and boasts numerous fascinating exhibits and artifacts relating to his life.

Also open is the actual room in which he was born, refurbished as it would have been at the time. Another highlight of a visit to Rohrau is the castle that once belonged to Count von Harrach. This splendid attraction is now a fine arts museum possessing the Count's vast collection of paintings - all told, more than 200 paintings are held here, including works by Rubens and Van Dyck.

Address: Schloss Rohrau 1, 2471 Rohrau

A boat tour on the Danube

A trip along the Danube by boat, through the Danube Valley, offers you the chance to see some of the most beautiful scenery around Vienna. Destinations include cities such as Budapest and Bratislava (up to four days round-trip), or simply a short one- or two-hour jaunt.

In the other direction (upstream) the Danube leads to the Wachau Valley or to Melk with its famous abbey. A variety of fun themed cruises are also available, from fine dining to classic ballroom dancing in the evenings. Alternatively, visitors can hire a boat taxi to explore Vienna from the water.

The Bergkirche in Eisenstadt

About an hour south of Vienna, picturesque Eisenstadt is famous for its connection to one of Austria's greatest composers: Joseph Haydn. Haydn lived here for many years, and today his house serves as a museum celebrating his life and times (he was buried in the Bergkirche above the town).

Be sure to explore the lovely Old Town , also known as Freistadt (Free Town), traversed by three long streets opening off the main square: Hauptstrasse, Pfarrgasse, and Haydngasse. It's here you'll find the 17th-century Town Hall (Rathaus).

Afterwards, head to Schloss Esterházy , the former palace of Prince Esterházy. Originally a medieval stronghold, it was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1672, with its stunning rear façade remodeled in neoclassical style between 1797 and 1805. Highlights of a visit include the exquisite Haydn Room, with its colorful frescoes and busts (English language guided tours are available).

Eisenstadt Map - Tourist Attractions

Laa an der Thaya lies about 68 kilometers north of Vienna on the Czech frontier. Highlights of a visit include the remains of the town's medieval walls and the massive moated 13th-century castle - Laa Castle - with its well-preserved battlements and towers, and fine panoramic views.

Try to visit the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), home of the Südmährermuseum Thayaland , an informative local history museum with displays of artifacts and traditional clothing.

Other notable highlights include the 13th-century Gothic parish church of St. Vitus, with its High Altar dating from 1740, and the Plague and Trinity columns from 1680.

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The best Vienna day trips for fairytale scenery and stunning centuries-old architecture

Apr 2, 2022 • 8 min read

Beautiful panoramic view of the historic city of Salzburg with traditonal horse-drawn Fiaker carriage and famous Hohensalzburg Fortress on a hill on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer; Shutterstock ID 1038459445; your: Claire Naylor; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: Best places to visit Austria

Pretty Salzburg is just a two-hour journey from Vienna © canadastock / Shutterstock

The once hallowed seat of the Habsburg Empire,  Vienna spoils travelers rotten with baroque palaces, fabled coffee houses and plenty of cultural pizzazz. 

But  Austria 's stirring, majestic capital also makes a great base for exploring some of the country’s other jewels. These are the best day trips from Vienna.

See storybook settings in Salzburg

Storybook Salzburg could easily steal a week of your time, but even a swift day trip from Vienna will leave you mesmerized. The whopping 900-year-old clifftop fortress  Festung Hohensalzburg  will eat up a whole morning, while a wander through the historic Altstadt will swallow up the rest. 

Not much has changed since Mozart was born and raised here 250 years ago, including St Peter’s Stiftskeller serving food. Allegedly Europe’s oldest restaurant, it's said to have been around since the 13th century. Booking remains essential. 

Don't go home without bingeing on baroque finery in the DomQuartier's cathedral and abbey, or sipping a potent stein of monk-made ale at Augustiner Bräustübl .

How to get to Salzburg: The Railjet express goes direct from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg in under two hours. Regional trains take around two-and-a-half hours. By car, the journey is around three hours.

The Vienna suburbs at dusk as seen by from a vineyard in the Wienerwald

Go for a stroll in the Vienna Woods

For some superb hiking and a taste of the mountains near Vienna, scamper across to the Wienerwald. Fringing the capital from the northwest to the southeast, this 45km (28-mile) swath of forested hills was immortalized in Tales from the Vienna Woods , Johann Strauss Jr's 1868 concert waltz.

There are 11 walks to choose from, all easy day trips from the city, but the best lead travelers into the forest. You'll need about three hours to complete the 7.2km (4.5-mile) trail No 4, which threads up to the Jubiläumswarte lookout tower. There are sweeping views of Vienna and the 2076m (1.3-mile) hump of Schneeberg from the uppermost platform. 

A slightly longer alternative is trail No 1, an 11km (6.8-mile) loop that starts in Nussdorf and climbs 484m (.3 miles) up Kahlenberg, a vine-streaked hill commanding fine city views.

How to get to the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods): For trail No 1, tram D takes 27 minutes from the Ring to Nussdorf. For trail No 4, tram line 49 takes 34 minutes from the Ring to Rettichgasse.

Hop across the border to Bratislava

A short zip across the border is Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia . Overlooked by a mighty Renaissance castle, it's easy to lose a morning wandering around the delightful old town, which merrily mixes medieval and Gothic architecture. 

The city's nucleus is Hlavné nám (Main Sq), where architectural finery shimmers in almost every direction, particularly the Stará Radnica (Old Town Hall). Across the city, look out for lashings of Soviet design, from scowling statues to the  space-age bridge . 

Try not to miss the art nouveau Blue Church , a powder blue place of worship dedicated to St Elisabeth of Hungary. If you’re in need of food, the city’s cellar restaurants serve huge helpings of dumplings and fried cheese. 

How to get to Bratislava: International trains take one hour from Vienna to Bratislava. The journey takes around the same by car.

The water glows against the caves inside Seegrotte mine in Hinterbrühl

See the subterranean lake at Seegrotte

This former limestone and gypsum mine, just over an hour from Vienna, closed in 1912 after a controlled explosion caused 20 million liters of water to flood its underground tunnels – an incident that created the largest subterranean lake in Europe . 

Now visitors can wander through its echoing chambers and enjoy a short boat ride out on its turquoise waters. There are also military artifacts on display, as the Nazis used the mine’s dry, upper sections to secretly build aircraft during WWII. Small group tours last 45 minutes.

How to get to Seegrotte: Take the Sbahn from Vienna to Meidling, change for bus 364 or 365, and alight at Seegrotte. The journey will take one hour 15 minutes. By car, the journey is around 30 minutes.

Wander the cobbled streets of Melk 

An easy and rewarding day trip from Vienna, Melk is high on the list for many travelers, most of whom call in for its blockbuster abbey-fortress , perched high above the Danube. The twin spires and high octagonal dome of the monastery church dominate the complex, but inside it's baroque gone barmy: a riot of chubby cherubs, barley-sugar twirls and polished faux marble.

Day-trippers stream in from Krems too, so the cobbled streets are busy year-round. Stop in on Schloss Schallaburg to see its remarkable 400 terracotta sculptures, each completed between 1572 and 1573, and wander past the Altes Posthaus, built in 1792. Not only is Mercury, the messenger of the gods, depicted in the stucco reliefs, but so too is postmaster Josef Weber Edler von Fürnberg.

How to get to Melk: The regional train from Wien Westbahnhof to Melk station takes around one hour and 15 minutes. By car, the journey is one hour and 10 minutes. 

The Kunsthaus Graz building in Graz, Austria

Discover the arts and culture of Graz

Graz , Austria’s second-largest city, might be a smidge over two hours from Vienna by car, but it’s an instant heart-stealer: renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, abundant parkland, sea of red rooftops and a beautiful bluff, connected to the center by steps, a funicular and a glass lift. 

But it's the absorbing architecture of Kunsthaus Graz , the provocative biomorphic art gallery dubbed the “friendly alien,” that takes visitors aback. Its contemporary design and exhibitions are at total odds with the traditional city, which makes it even more arresting.

For something equally striking but not quite as modern, check out Schloss Eggenberg , the elegant 17th-century palace with magnificent courtyard arcades by Italian master builder Giovanni Pietro de Pomis.

How to get to Graz: The train from Vienna to Graz takes around two hours 30 minutes. By car, the same journey is two hours 15 minutes.

People seated on the terrace of a restaurant at Fisherman's Bastion

Survey the scene in Budapest

It may take a couple hours to meander down to Budapest by car, but as the dual capital of the once-great Austro-Hungarian Empire, a day trip from Vienna can make for compelling comparisons. 

Start in the  Castle District , where Castle Hill , the nerve center of Budapest’s history, towers 170m (558ft) above the Danube. Survey the scene from  Fisherman's Bastion , a neo-Gothic viewing platform overlooking the vast blue river, built in 1905. Look north (left) for the Hungarian  Parliament  building, which many believe was inspired by London's Palace of Westminster. 

Spend some time at the Royal Palace , which has been bombed and rebuilt at least half a dozen times since King Béla IV established it in the mid-13th century, before heading across the river for some lunch. Then slowly work your way along Andrássy út and up to Heroes’ Square . Finish with a soak in one of the 18 thermal pools at Széchenyi Baths before heading home.

How to get to Budapest: Direct trains go from Vienna to Budapest in two hours and 37 minutes. By car, the same journey takes two-and-a-half hours.

Bikers riding on the Danube cycle path

Go for a bike ride in the Danube Valley

To see the grand Danube in all its dramatic glory, head to the Wachau. This romantic stretch of the Danube Valley , between Krems an der Donau and Melk, waltzes through poetic landscapes of terraced vineyards, forested slopes and apricot orchards, with the meandering river – and the imposing fortresses that loom over it –nearly always in sight.

Less than an hour by car, it’s a great spot for a cycle ride with children. Start in Krems an der Donau and take the B3 southwest towards Spitz, pedaling past the lovely town of Dürnstein, with its blue-towered Chorherrenstift backed by Kuenringerburg , the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

A couple of kilometers on, just after Wösendorf, you find the church of St Michael, in a hamlet with 13 houses. Get the kids to count the terracotta hares on the church roof. The pretty town of Spitz finally swings into view some 17km (10.6 miles) from Krems. Head to its  heurigen (wine taverns) for a much-deserved glass of wine before heading back.

How to get to the Danube Valley: The journey from Vienna to Krems an der Donau takes one hour 13 minutes by direct train and just under an hour by car.

Young happy man skiing in Kitzbuehel ski resort and enjouing the beautiful weather with blue sky and Alpine mountains in Austria.

Hit the slopes in Semmering 

Come December, when the powder sits plumply across the Austrian Alps, there are a number of easily accessible ski slopes from Vienna that can be visited in a day, including the resorts of Hauereck and Unterberg. 

Semmering , however, is the pick of the bunch. A long-term host of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races, it has 14km (8.7 miles) of slopes at Zauberberg and 26km (16.2 miles) at Stuhleck, and the night slopes at both are open until 8:30pm. 

How to get to Semmering: The train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Semmering Bahnhof takes as little as one hour 16 minutes. The journey takes around one hour 50 minutes by car.

Skiers will love these city breaks in Austria and Germany

Evangelical Church of Hallstatt looks out across Lake Hallstatt

Soak up the scenery in Hallstatt

A few hours by car, a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt is doable, but very taxing. Thought to be one of the inspirations behind the Disney film Frozen , this fairytale town is thronged with visitors who outnumber the locals by more than 10 to one.

Hallstatt’s beauty borders on the surreal and the sublime. Boats glide serenely across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore.

If you want to visit in a single day, either get the first train from Vienna at 4:55am and arrive before the coaches, or stay overnight and wait for the day-trippers to leave, then enjoy a lakeside dinner in relative peace.

How to get to Hallstatt: Trains from Vienna to Hallstatt usually require a change at Wels or Attnang-Puchheim and take around three hours and 52 minutes. By car, the journey takes three-and-a-half hours.

You may also like: Best free things to do in Vienna 18 top things to do in Vienna The 7 best things to do in Vienna with kids

This article was first published February 2019 and updated April 2022

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Train advice from the Man in Seat 61...

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      Vienna Hbf station guide

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Before you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets .  They answer all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

European train travel FAQ

Which station in vienna.

Vienna Hauptbahnhof is Vienna's modern central station, opened in 2015.  All long-distance & international trains now use this station.  See Vienna Hbf station guide .

Vienna Meidling :  Many trains call at Vienna Meidling before or after calling at Vienna Hbf .  See station guide .

Vienna Westbahnhof is a terminus, once one of Vienna's major stations, now relegated to secondary status by Vienna Hbf.  It's now only served by regional trains & the privately-run Westbahn trains to Salzburg & Munich.  See station guide .

Vienna Franz Josefs Bahnhof is a small terminus for regional trains.  You're only likely to use it if heading for Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.  See station guide .

Vienna to Salzburg

Vienna to innsbruck, linz, graz & other destinations in austria.

You can buy Austrian Railways ÖBB tickets online at www.thetrainline.com which is quick, easy, international credit cards accepted and it has the advantage over oebb.at that it book both ÖBB and Westbahn trains on the Vienna - Linz - Salzburg route.  There's a small booking fee.

Vienna to Hallstatt

Option 1, Vienna to Hallstatt - the direct route

You can travel from Vienna Hbf to Hallstatt station in as little as 3h18 with one easy change at Attnang-Puchheim.  There's a departure at least every hour, fares start at only €19.90 if you pre-book, that's a cheap Sparschiene fare, specified train only, no refunds, no changes.

The train arrives at Hallstatt station (Hallstatt Bahnhof) on the east side of Halltstatt Lake (Hallstatter See) .  Hallstatt town is on the west side of the lake, so you need to take a small local ferry called the Stefanie from Hallstatt Bahnhof to Hallstatt town, this sails shortly after most train arrivals and takes 15-20 minutes, see www.hallstattschifffahrt.at for the timetable.

Option 2, Vienna to Hallstatt via the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway - the scenic route

Railjet, Austria's premier train

Railjets link Vienna, Linz, Salzburg & Innsbruck, and Vienna & Graz, as well as running internationally from Vienna to Venice, Zurich, Prague, Budapest.

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Vienna to London

See the London to Austria page for times, fares & how to buy tickets , in either direction.

Vienna to Paris from €49.90

Option 1, Vienna to Paris by Nightjet sleeper train , 3 times a week - the safe, comfortable, time-effective option

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and two ordinary seats cars.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

It's planned to increase frequency to daily from autumn 2024.

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 2, Vienna to Paris in a single day - the high-speed daytime option

Leave Vienna Hbf at 09:13 every day, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf (arrive 15:36, depart 16:56 by TGV Duplex ), arrive Paris Est 20:43.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 11:13 daily except Saturdays, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf (arrive 17:36, depart 18:56 by ICE ), arrive Paris Est 22:52.

It's a day relaxing through the 3 different countries with a good book and a beer or glass of wine.  You travel from Vienna to Frankfurt by luxurious German ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Then from Frankfurt to Paris at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) on a German ICE3 train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, or a French double-deck TGV Duplex .  Book an upstairs seat for the best views on the TGV, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

Suggested places for a beer or coffee between trains in Frankfurt .

Step 1, book a morning train from Vienna to Frankfurt at int.bahn.de and pay for that ticket.

Option 3, Vienna to Paris using the Vienna-Zurich Nightjet sleeper train - runs every day

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, several larger 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, and several 3-berth compartments with washbasin.  It has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats.  The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  Sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, served in your compartment, see the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Tip:   If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf before boarding, with tea, coffee, soft drinks & free WiFi.

Buy tickets at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards accepted, small booking fee, this keeps all your bookings together in one place) or using the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Option 4, Vienna to Paris with overnight stop in Zurich, via the Arlberg Pass - the scenic route, watch the video!

This is the leisurely scenic route from Vienna to Paris via the lovely Arlberg Pass between Austria & Switzerland, see the Arlberg Railway page & watch the video here .  This route takes longer, so is best done in 2 stages with an overnight stop in Zurich.

Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or using the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg :  View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the left hand side as the railjet crosses the river after leaving Salzburg Hbf .

Cutting across Germany :  From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here .  All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory!  Such a train is called a Korridorzug .

Kufstein :  The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.

Above right, lunch is served.  In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.

Mountains near Innsbruck .  The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf .

River Inn :  Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Ötzal & Landeck.

Arlberg Pass :  Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Arlberg Tunnel :  Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884.  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel .

Swiss lakes :  Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zürichsee.

Vienna to Bordeaux , Toulouse, Lourdes, Brittany & northern France

Option 1, via Paris.  You can get to anywhere in France via Paris, although it usually means changing stations by taxi or metro .

The most time-effective way is to take the Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Paris, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est in the morning.  Buy tickets as shown in the Vienna-Paris section .

Or you can travel from Vienna to Paris by day & stay overnight.  Hotels near Paris Gare de l'Est with good reviews include the Libertel Gare de l'Est Français (opposite the station, 3-star);  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (350m from the station, 2-star), OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est (2-star).

Step 2, take an onward train from...

Paris Montparnasse to Le Mans, Tours, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Biarritz, Lourdes, Brittany.

Paris Austerlitz to Orleans, Limoges, Brive, Cahors

Paris St Lazare to Rouen, Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets

Buy tickets from Vienna to Paris as shown in the Vienna-Paris section above .

Buy tickets from Paris to any French city at www.raileurope.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking for French trains opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Vienna to Strasbourg

Option 1, Vienna to Strasbourg by daytime trains

Take a fast ICE-T from Vienna to Frankfurt and a double-deck TGV Duplex to Strasbourg.  There are two daily departures with 1 change:

Leave Vienna Hbf 06:49, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Strasbourg 16:02.

Leave Vienna Hbf 09:13, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Strasbourg 18:48.

Vienna to Regensburg (where we're going to split the booking) starts at 27.90 in 2nd class, €37.90 in 1st class.

Regensburg to Strasbourg starts at 39.90 in 2nd class, €69.90 in 1st class.

There are no through tickets from Vienna to Strasbourg, at least not at affordable advance-purchase prices, so split the booking.  Instead of splitting at Frankfurt, it's better to split the booking at Regensburg, as then you'll be on a through ticket Regensburg-Strasbourg and your connection in Frankfurt will be 100% legally protected by the CIV international conditions of carriage should there be a delay and missed connection.  Just common sense, really.

Step 1, go to the German Railways website int.bahn.de and book from Vienna to Regensburg on the departure you want, 06:51 (ICE 228) or 09:15 (ICE 28).

Step 2, still at int.bahn.de , now book from Regensburg to Strasbourg, leaving Regensburg on exactly the same train, ICE 228 leaving 10:32, or ICE 28 leaving 12:32.

Option 2, Vienna to Strasbourg by Nightjet sleeper train , 3 times a week - the time-effective option

Option 3, Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train , onward trains to Strasbourg

Book the Vienna-Zurich sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, more fiddly, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

Book from Zurich to Strasbourg at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place) or at www.raileurope.com or at the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch .  Booking opens 60 days ahead for Swiss trains, up to 4 months ahead for French TER trains.  You print your own ticket.

Vienna to Lyon, Avignon, Aix, Marseille

Option 1, Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train, Swiss train to Geneva, regional train to Lyon

Book the Vienna-Zurich sleeper at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, a bit more fiddly, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Book Zurich to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place) or at the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch .  Booking opens 60 days ahead for Swiss trains, up to 4 months ahead for French TER trains.  You print your own ticket.

Vienna to Nice , Antibes, Cannes, Monte-Carlo

Option 1, Vienna to Monaco, Nice & Cannes using the Vienna-Milan/Genoa sleeper, then a scenic coastal ride

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €59.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €69.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket.

When travelling via Milan, transfer from Milan Porta Garibaldi to Milan Centrale by taxi (€6, 10 minutes) or walk (25 minutes) or local train .

This is a lovely scenic ride along the Italian Riviera between Genoa & Ventimiglia.  There's a refreshment trolley.

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €26.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

The fare is €9.20, promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com .

Option 2, Vienna to Monaco, Nice & Cannes with overnight stop in Verona - the scenic route, mountains & coastline

It's a lovely scenic ride along the Italian Riviera between Genoa and Ventimiglia, through Savona and San Remo.  If you'd like a morning in Verona, a 13:02 departure from Verona to France is also available, see the timetable on the Nice to Italy by train page .

Fares start at €38.90 in 2nd class or €59.80 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com .  You can also book at the French Railways website, www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Option 3, Vienna to Monaco, Nice & Cannes with overnight stop in Venice

Or take the earlier railjet leaving Vienna Hbf at 06:25 & arriving Venice Santa Lucia 14:05 and spend an afternoon in Venice.

The railjet has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It takes the lovely UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Villach , a real treat.

Fares start at €28.30 in 2nd class, €56.60 in 1st class or €71.60 in business class (premium 1st class).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

It's a lovely scenic ride along the Italian Riviera between Genoa and Ventimiglia, through Savona and San Remo.  If you prefer, an earlier 07:18 departure from Verona to the South of France is also available, see the timetable on the Nice to Italy page .

The fare is a fixed-price €8, though promotional fares of €5 or €7.50 are sometimes available.  2nd class only.

Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com , keeping all your bookings in one place, or book this ticket at the French Railways website, www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Vienna to Brussels & Bruges from €59.90

Option 1, Vienna to Brussels by direct Nightjet sleeper train on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays - safe, comfortable, time-effective

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has two couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Tip:   If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf before boarding, with tea, coffee & free WiFi.

Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own tickets.  Child under 6?  See here .

Option 2, Vienna to Brussels using the Vienna-Cologne Nightjet sleeper train - on days when the direct Vienna-Brussels sleeper isn't running

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Buy tickets for this Nightjet sleeper train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, easy to use, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (on €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own tickets.

Option 3, Vienna to Brussels in a single day - the daytime option

Leave Vienna Hbf at 06:49, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Brussels Midi 17:35,

Leave Vienna Hbf at 09:13, change Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arrive Brussels Midi 19:35.

Tip:   Look for journeys with just 1 change.  If you click Stopovers , enter Frankfurt (Main) Hbf with a length of stay of 20 minutes, this should then show the 1-change options via Frankfurt with few irrelevant multi-change options.

Stopover in Nuremberg or Cologne?

Vienna to Amsterdam from €49.90

Option 1, Vienna to Amsterdam by direct Nightjet sleeper train - safe, comfortable, time-effective

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Tip:   If you have a sleeping-car ticket you can use the ÖBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf , with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.

Option 2, Vienna to Amsterdam in a day - the high-speed daytime option

Leave Vienna Hbf 09:13, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf , arriving Amsterdam Centraal 20:29.

Vienna to Luxembourg

Option 1, Vienna to Luxembourg using the Vienna-Koblenz sleeper - the time-effective option

Step 1, travel from Vienna to Koblenz by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:38 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving in Koblenz at 05:45 next morning.  This train is expected to become daily from Autumn 2024.

Step 2, travel from Koblenz to Luxembourg by regional train, leaving Koblenz at 06:03 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Luxembourg 08:23

On Sundays (or if the sleeper is late), leave Koblenz 07:06, change at Trier, arrive Luxembourg 09:23.

The line from Koblenz to Luxembourg is very scenic, much of it along the Moselle valley past river boats and vineyards.  For the best river views, sit on the left hand side when going west from Koblenz (the train leaves Koblenz station heading north before turning west).

The fare is €31.50 in 2nd class or €53.40 in 1st class, fixed price, always available.

Buy this ticket at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Option 2, Vienna to Luxembourg by daytime trains

You can travel from Vienna to Luxembourg in a single day with just 1 change at Koblenz - these are the ones to go for:

Leave Vienna Hbf at 09:13, change at Koblenz Hbf, arrive Luxembourg 20:23.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 11:13, change at Koblenz Hbf, arrive Luxembourg 21:29.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 13:13, change at Koblenz Hbf, arrive Luxembourg 00:34.

You travel from Vienna to Koblenz by superb ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

This train travels along the Rhine Valley from Mainz to Koblenz, past vineyards, river boats, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock, it's worth making sure you do this bit in daylight.  See the Rails Down the Rhine page .

You then travel on a CFL (Luxembourg Railways) double-deck regional train from Koblenz to Luxembourg, along the Moselle valley which is also a scenic ride at least in summer when it's light, see the photos above.

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.

These fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy tickets at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Vienna to Zurich , Basel, Geneva & Switzerland from €39.90

Option 1, Vienna to Switzerland by daytime train - the direct route through the beautiful Arlberg Pass

These railjet trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, treat this as a chill-out day, especially if you splurge on business class, a real treat.  Railjets travel at up to 230 km/h (143 mph) on new sections of line, and at lower speed on the classic lines, which account for the vast majority of this route.  They call at Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck , then travel through the Arlberg pass, clipping a corner of Lichtenstein before running alongside the Walensee & Zürichsee lakes into Zurich.  The Arlberg offers some superb scenery, watch the Arlberg Pass video & see the Arlberg Railway page .  It's worth checking sunset times for your date of travel and making sure you do the Innsbruck-Zurich bit in daylight.

Option 2, Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train - the comfortable & time-effective option that saves a hotel bill

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has two air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin, four larger 1 & 2 bed deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, and several 3-berth compartments with washbasin.  It has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments & ordinary seats.  The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  Sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee in the morning, served in your compartment, see the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Change in Zurich for destinations all over Switzerland.

Tip:   In the search results you'll see a second sleeper train leaving Vienna around 23:25 and also arriving 08:20.  This is the Hungarian EuroNight (EN) sleeper train from Budapest to Zurich which gets combined with the Vienna-Zurich Nightjet (NJ) in Salzburg.  By all means take this if you need to be in Vienna until late, but otherwise I'd stick with the Austrian Nightjet leaving 21:39 as this has higher quality cars, the option of deluxe sleepers with shower & toilet & a better breakfast.

Vienna to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome & Italy from €29

Option 1, Vienna to Italy by nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option

These comfortable Austrian Nightjet trains have one or two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars , each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The trains have couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Tip:   You can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz .  Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj .

Tip:   If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf before boarding, with tea, coffee & free WiFi.

Option 2, Vienna to Italy via Venice - a scenic route over the wonderful Semmering railway

Step 1, two smart Austrian  railjet trains link Vienna with Venice every day:

The morning railjet train leaves Vienna Hbf at 06:24 and arrives Venice Santa Lucia at 14:05.

The afternoon railjet train leaves Vienna Hbf at 12:24 and arrives Venice Santa Lucia at 20:05.

These smart modern railjet trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  They travel via the UNESCO-listed Semmering railway through the mountains , a real treat.  More about the journey from Vienna to Venice .

Fares start at €28.30 in 2nd class, €56.60 in 1st class or €71.60 in business class (premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Step 2, travel from Venice to Florence, Rome or Naples by Frecciarossa .  If you take the morning railjet from Vienna, you can leave Venice Santa Lucia 15:26 arriving Florence SMN 17:39, Rome 19:25 & Naples Centrale 20:48.  If you take the afternoon railjet, stay overnight in Venice and continue next morning.

These high-speed Frecciarossa trains have a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Tip:   You can arrive an hour earlier by changing at Venice Mestre on the mainland, but I wouldn't risk any tight connections on separate tickets and I couldn't pass through Venice without at least a glimpse of the Grand Canal outside Venice Santa Lucia .  In fact, I'd be tempted to book the later 16:26, 17:26 or 18:26 Frecciarossa and have a quick scoot to the Rialto Bridge & Piazza San Marco between trains.

Venice to Florence starts at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 1st class.

Venice to Rome or Naples starts at €29.90 in 2nd class, €39.90 1st class.

Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (keeping all your bookings together in one place) or at www.italiarail.com (easy to use, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at [email protected] afterwards) or Italian Railways' own website www.trenitalia.com (requires Italian-language place names, read this advice on using it first ).  Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Option 3, Vienna to Italy via the Brenner Pass - another scenic route

Leave Vienna Hbf at 06:28, change Innsbruck Hbf , arriving Verona Porta Nuova 14:58 & Bologna Centrale 16:19.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 08:28, change Innsbruck Hbf , arriving Verona Porta Nuova 16:58 & Venice Santa Lucia 18:25.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 10:28, change Innsbruck Hbf , arriving Verona Porta Nuova 18:58 & Bologna Centrale 20:16.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 12:28, change Innsbruck Hbf , arriving Verona Porta Nuova 20:56.

You travel west from Vienna to Innsbruck by fast railjet train , then south by comfortable Austrian EuroCity train through the Brenner Pass to Verona.  One or two trains a day continue to Bologna, one or two a day to Venice.

Step 2, take an onward Frecciarossa from in Verona (or on the 1st & 3rd train of the day, from Bologna) to Florence, Rome & Naples.

If you left Vienna Hbf at 06:28:  Leave Bologna Centrale at 17:27, arriving Florence SMN 18:04, Rome Termini 19:49, Naples Centrale 21:13.

Vienna to Verona, Bologna or Venice starts at €29.90 in 2nd class, €39.90 1st class.

Verona to Florence starts at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 1st class.

Verona to Rome or Naples starts at €29.90 in 2nd class, €39.90 1st class.

First try booking from Vienna to your Italian destination all in one go at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.

Booking for the Austrian trains opens up to 6 months ahead , booking for Italian trains opens up to 4 months ahead , but can vary.

For Austrian trains, you print your own ticket, the Italian trains are ticketless, you print your booking reference or show it on your phone.

Vienna to Trieste

Option 1, Vienna to Trieste by EuroCity train

A EuroCity train called the Emona leaves Vienna Hbf at 07:58 every day, arriving Trieste Centrale at 17:16.

The Emona has comfortable air-conditioned Austrian 1st & 2nd class cars, 1st class is open-plan seating, 2nd class offers a choice of open-plan saloon seating or classic 6-seat compartments.  An excellent Slovenian restaurant car (cash only) & Slovenian seats cars are attached between Vienna and Ljubljana.  Emona is the Roman name for Ljubljana.

It's a lovely scenic ride.  South of Vienna the train travels over the UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway , a real treat, with more great scenery across the border in Slovenia along the beautiful River Sava.  Between Ljubljana & Trieste you'll discover where Prosecco comes from as you pass through Prosecco station, closed to passengers since 2012, see the photo & account of the journey on the Ljubljana-Trieste page .  And in my opinion, Trieste is one of Italy's most under-rated cities, along with Turin.

Option 2, Vienna to Trieste using the Vienna-Venice sleeper train

Vienna to Sicily

Option 1, Vienna to Sicily using the Vienna-Rome sleeper

Option 2, Vienna to Sicily by daytime trains with overnight stop in Rome

Vienna to Barcelona , Madrid & Spain

Option 1, Vienna to Barcelona & Spain via Zurich & Paris - the most time-effective option

This impressive 320 km/h (199 mph) double-deck TGV Duplex has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a comfortable & scenic journey - I recommend an upper deck seat for the best views. More about the Paris-Barcelona journey .

Fares start at €39 in 2nd class or €59 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Stay overnight in Barcelona.  The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users.  See other suggested hotels near the station .

Day 3, travel from Barcelona Sants to any Spanish destination next morning by high-speed train.  Check times & book at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com .  Booking opens 60 days ahead , but this varies as Renfe loads blocks of dates at a time.

For Madrid:   AVE-S103 high-speed trains link Barcelona Sants with Madrid Atocha every hour or two in as little as 2h30 from €35, check times at www.raileurope.com .

For Granada:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 by AVE S112 high-speed train arriving Granada at 13:10.

For Malaga:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Malaga Maria Zambrano at 14:51.

For Cordoba & Seville:   Leave Barcelona Sants at 08:35 by AVE-S112 high-speed train arriving Cordoba 13:42 & Seville Santa Justa 14:32.

For Valencia & Alicante:   EuroMed trains link Barcelona with Valencia & Alicante regularly through the day, for example one leaves Barcelona Sants at 07:15 Mondays-Fridays arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 10:55 & Alicante 12:45 or at 10:15 every day arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 12:55 & Alicante 14:48.  Fares from €23.

For Santiago de Compostela, A Coruna & Vigo , there's a morning Alvia train to Galicia, see details here .

Option 2, Vienna to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Geneva

The TGV Duplex passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more about the journey .

Book from Geneva to Barcelona at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.

Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Malaga, Cordoba, Seville, Valencia or Alicante and so on by high-speed train.

A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:07 & Alicante 23:40.

For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station.  Next morning direct high-speed AVE trains leave Barcelona Sants at 06:45 for Granada and 08:35 for Cordoba, Seville Santa Justa & Malaga Maria Zambrano.

Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in €, much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it ) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up).  You print your own ticket.

Booking normally opens 60 days ahead , but this varies greatly.  Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona.

Vienna to San Sebastian

Option 1, Vienna to San Sebastian using the Vienna-Zurich sleeper - the most time-effective option

Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Day 2, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes.

Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt.  Buy a ticket for €2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes.  You can check Euskotren times at www.euskotren.eus .  More about the Paris to San Sebastian journey .

Option 2, Vienna to San Sebastian with overnight stop in Paris

Booking opens up to 4 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can select a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt.  Buy a ticket for €2.75 at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren metro from Hendaye to San Sebastian Amara station, journey time 37 minutes.  More about the Paris to San Sebastian journey .

Vienna to Lisbon & Portugal

Option 1, Vienna to Lisbon via Paris

Stay overnight in Paris .  The Mercure Paris Gare De Lyon is part of the Gare de Lyon station complex, ideal for an early train next morning.  See other suggested hotels near the Gare de l'Est & Gare de Lyon .

Option 2, Vienna to Faro & the Algarve using a bus from Seville

Stay overnight in Barcelona.  The Hotel Barcelo Sants is top choice here, it's part of Barcelona Sants station so easy to use when arriving & departing by train, with great reviews & good feedback from Seat61 users.  Other suggested hotels near the station .

Day 2, travel from Seville to Faro by bus.  Buses run from Seville Plaza de Armas to Faro several times daily, journey time around 3h40, fare around €16-€20.

Buses are run by Damas, Eva-Bus & Alsa amongst others, you can check times & buy tickets for various bus companies all in one place at Omio.com .  You print your own ticket.

Vienna to Andorra

Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Vienna to Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne & Germany from €27.90

Option 1, Vienna to anywhere in Germany by ICE  - the daytime option

Every hour or two, a luxurious German ICE-T train leaves Vienna Hbf for Regensburg, Nuremberg & Germany

Leave Vienna Hbf 06:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Berlin Hbf & Hamburg Hbf .

Leave Vienna Hbf 07:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & via the Rhine Valley to Koblenz, Cologne. Dusseldorf & Dortmund.

Leave Vienna Hbf 09:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & via the Rhine Valley to Koblenz, Cologne. Dusseldorf & Dortmund.

Leave Vienna Hbf 10:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Berlin Hbf & Hamburg Hbf .

Leave Vienna Hbf 11:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & via the Rhine Valley to Koblenz, Cologne. Dusseldorf & Dortmund.

Leave Vienna Hbf 13:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Hannover & Hamburg Hbf .

Leave Vienna Hbf 15:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & via the Rhine Valley to Koblenz, Cologne. Dusseldorf & Dortmund.

Leave Vienna Hbf 17:13 for Regensburg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt (Main) Hbf .

Change at Nuremberg or Frankfurt for destinations all over Germany. 

ICE trains are a pleasure to travel on, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about ICE trains .

Enjoy the scenic ride along the Rhine Valley if going to Koblenz, Cologne, Dusseldorf or Dortmund.

Fares from Vienna to Germany start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.

You can book from Vienna to anywhere in Germany for an inclusive price.

Option 2, by Nightjet sleeper train - the comfortable overnight option

There are excellent Nightjet sleeper trains from Vienna to Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hannover, Hamburg & Berlin.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 19:38 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (expected to be daily from October 2024), Koblenz 05:45, Cologne Hbf 06:58.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 20:10, arriving Cologne Messe-Deutz 06:53 & Düsseldorf 07:23 en route to Amsterdam.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 20:10, arriving Hannover 06:49 & Hamburg Hbf 08:47.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 22:10, arriving Berlin Hbf 08:15.

Tip:   If you have a sleeping-car ticket, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf , with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.

Vienna to Berlin from €37.90

Option 1, Vienna to Berlin by ICE train - the daytime option

Stopover in Nuremberg?

In Nuremberg you'll find a pleasant old town, a railway museum and of course the thought-provoking Party Rally Grounds (take tram 9 from outside Nuremberg Hbf, it's well worth the trip).

Option 2, Vienna to Berlin by railjet train departing 13:10 - another comfortable daytime option

A swish railjet train called the Vindobona leaves Vienna Hbf at 13:10 every day, arriving Berlin Hbf 21:54.

Update:   This train won't run from 10 December 2023 until 19 March 2024, due to trackwork on the Berlin-Prague line.

This modern Czech railjet train has 2nd class, 1st class, business class (premium 1st class, just 6 luxurious seats at one end of the train) and a restaurant car.  There's free WiFi & power sockets at all seats.  In 1st & business class a steward takes food orders from the restaurant menu and serves them at your seat.

Although it takes a bit longer than the direct ICE train in option 1, this train is routed via Prague & Dresden, and in summer when it's light the scenery along the Elbe river valley between Prague & Dresden more than makes up for that, see the scenery photos & video for the Prague to Berlin part of the journey .

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class, €69.90 in 1st class or €84.90 in business class (premium 1st).

Option 3, Vienna to Berlin by nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective overnight option

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Option 4, Vienna to Berlin by day trains with overnight stop in Prague from €37.90

Vienna to Hamburg

Option 1, Vienna to Hamburg by daytime train:

Three direct ICE trains now link Vienna & Hamburg every day.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 06:13, arriving Hamburg Hbf 16:00.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 10:13, arriving Hamburg Hbf 19:51.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 13:13, arriving Hamburg Hbf 21:55.

ICE trains are a pleasure to travel on, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch and an Erdinger Weissbier in the restaurant car - in 1st class class a steward takes orders and serves you at your seat.  More about ICE trains .

Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.

Option 2, Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper

From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation .  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  A light breakfast is included in the sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.

Fares start at €59.90 in a mini cabin or 4-berth couchettes, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Vienna to Munich from €27.90

Option 1, Vienna to Munich by railjet train - the most frequent & fastest option

Option 2, Vienna to Munich by Westbahn - up to 6 per day, cheaper at short notice, great double-deck trains

In April 2022, private operator Westbahn started operating up to 6 daily trains from Vienna Westbahnhof to Munich Hbf .

Their swish modern double-deck trains compete with the ÖBB's railjet trains, with 1st class, comfort class and standard class.  There are power sockets at seats & free WiFi.  There's no restaurant car, but self-service areas have vending machines for tea & coffee and snacks.  In WESTbahn first class, food & drink orders are taken and served at your seat.

Advance-purchase fares start at €23.99 if you book ahead.

Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com , this shows both railjets and Westbahn trains.

Option 3, Vienna to Munich by sleeper train - the time-effective option

The daytime journey only takes 4 hours so most people travel by day.  But to save both daytime hours and a hotel bill, there's also a sleeper although even by night it only takes 7 hours.

The sleeper train Kalman Imre leaves Vienna Hbf at 23:28 and arrives Munich Ost at 05:50.

This is a Hungarian sleeper train en route from Budapest to Munich, it has an air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and an air-conditioned Hungarian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments.  See the Hungarian sleeping-car video & see photos of the sleeper & couchettes on this train in the Budapest to Munich section .

Fares start at €49.90 with couchette in 6-berth, €59.90 with couchette in 4-berth, €89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper, or €129.90 with a bed in a single-bed sleeper.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Vienna to Passau

Many river cruises start from Passau in Germany, just over the border from Austria.

Superb German ICE-T trains run from Vienna Hbf to Passau Hbf in around 2h16 with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Vienna to Copenhagen , Gothenburg & Stockholm

Option 1, Vienna to Copenhagen in a single day.  Overnight stop, on to Gothenburg & Stockholm next day.

The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Fares & booking are shown in step 2.

Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train , leaving Hamburg Hbf at 16:53 & arriving Copenhagen at 21:34.

Fares from Vienna to Copenhagen start at €49.90 in 2nd class or €79.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Book from Vienna to Copenhagen at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Stay overnight in Copenhagen .  The friendly Astoria Hotel is a 1930s design classic right outside Copenhagen station main entrance, see photos & information here .  Other hotels near the station with good reviews include the Nimb Hotel (5-star luxe), Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (5-star), Axel Guldsmeden (4-star), Andersen Boutique Hotel , First Hotel Mayfair (3-star), Hotel Ansgar (3-star), City Hotel Nebo (2-star).

Option 2, Vienna to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

The ICE train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Always allow at least an hour when connecting with a sleeper train you don't want to miss.  Have dinner in Hamburg, see suggested restaurants near Hamburg Hbf .

Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Fares start at €44.90 with a couchette in 6-berth, €69.90 with a couchette in 4-berth, €79.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €164.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per bed, fares vary like air fares so book ahead.

Book tickets at the Swedish Railways website www.sj.se .

Option 3, Vienna to Copenhagen, Malmö, Gothenburg or Stockholm with an overnight stop in Hamburg

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by ICE train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 13:13 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 21:55. 

This comfortable ICE-T train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means take an earlier train if you like for a leisurely evening in Hamburg.

Book at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train , leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:50 & arriving Copenhagen at 13:34.

If you're only going as far as Copenhagen , book from Hamburg to Copenhagen from €27.90 in 2nd class or €59.90 in 1st class at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Tip:   If you're only going as far as Copenhagen, it can be cheaper to book from Vienna to Copenhagen as one transaction, clicking Stopovers , entering Hamburg Hbf with length of stay 11 hours.

Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Sweden:

For Malmö, travel from Copenhagen to Malmö Central by Öresund train , these run every 20-30 minutes, taking 39 minutes.  Book from Hamburg to Malmö as one transaction at int.bahn.de .

For Gothenburg, travel from Copenhagen to Gothenburg Central by Öresund train , these run every hour, journey time 3h50.  Book from Hamburg to Gothenburg as one transaction at int.bahn.de , Gothenburg is listed as Göteborg Central.

Book from Hamburg to Stockholm as one transaction from €56.90 at int.bahn.de , looking for the morning departure with 1 change marked EC, X2 (X2000s are shown as X2 on bahn.de).

Step 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train .  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey .

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo .  Larger photo .

Option 4, Vienna to Copenhagen by daytime trains with an overnight stop in Munich

Day 2, travel from Munich to Copenhagen, leaving Munich Hbf at 08:20, change at Hamburg Hbf , arriving Copenhagen 19:34.

Or there's a later departure leaving Munich Hbf at 10:21, change at Hamburg Hbf , arriving Copenhagen 21:34.

How much does it cost? 

Vienna to Munich starts at €27.90 in 2nd class, €56.90 in 1st class.

Option 5, Vienna to Copenhagen & Malmö using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper train

From the timetable change on 10 December 2023 this train is a new generation Nightjet with 1 & 2 bed sleepers all with shower & toilet, 4-berth comfort couchettes, individual mini cabins and ordinary seats, see the new generation Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips & photos .  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers, couchettes & mini cabins.

Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.

Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €56.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

If you're going to Malmö or Gothenburg , travel from Copenhagen to Malmö or Gothenburg by Öresund train , these run several times each hour to Malmö taking 39 minutes, and once an hour to Gothenburg taking 3h50.  Book from Hamburg to Malmö or Gothenburg as one transaction at int.bahn.de (Gothenburg is listed as Göteborg Central).

Step 1, Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train .  Above, a new generation Nightjet ready to leave.  More about new-generation Nightjets .

Vienna to Oslo & Norway

Option 1, Vienna to Oslo with overnight stop in Copenhagen

Day 1, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train , leaving Hamburg Hbf at 16:53 & arriving Copenhagen at 21:34.

Day 2, travel from Copenhagen to Oslo, leaving Copenhagen at 07:30, change at Gothenburg Central, arriving Oslo Sentral 15:47.

Earlier & later departures are available, see the Copenhagen-Oslo timetable & how to buy tickets .

Option 3, Vienna to Oslo with overnight stop in Hamburg

Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Gothenburg by EuroCity train & Öresund train :

Leave Hamburg Hbf 08:50, arriving Copenhagen 13:34.  Leave Copenhagen at 14:30, arriving Göteborg Central at 18:20.

The EuroCity train from Hamburg to Copenhagen has power sockets at all seats & a refreshment trolley.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey .  The Öresund train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg has power sockets & free WiFi, but bring your own food & drink.

Have an early dinner in Gothenburg.

Fares from Hamburg to Gothenburg start at €56.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy a ticket from Hamburg to Gothenburg at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Tip:   If you're clever, you may be able to book a through ticket all the way from Vienna to Gothenburg using int.bahn.de .  To get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopovers and enter Hamburg Hbf with a suitable length of stay, say 10 hours.  Adjust departure time and length of stay to get the departure from Brussels you want and the 08:50 departure from Hamburg next morning.

Tip:   If you don't see any affordable fares (which may be the case if you want 1st class), split the booking:  First book Hamburg to Copenhagen at int.bahn.de .  Then buy a ticket from Copenhagen to Goteborg Central at www.oresundstag.se .

Day 2, travel from Gothenburg to Oslo by Norwegian train, leaving Göteborg Central at 20:10 and arriving Oslo Sentral at 23:47.

Option 3, Vienna to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most comfortable way to Oslo

Money-saving tip:   It's considerably cheaper to book on Color Line's Norwegian website www.colorline.no in Norwegian Krone, for example a €274 fare becomes the equivalent of €164.  You'll need to use Google Chrome translation to translate the Norwegian.  You are still able to enter a UK or other European address and contact details.  Feedback appreciated .

Step 1, Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train & regional train to Kiel.  Above, a new generation Nightjet.  More about new-generation Nightjets .

Vienna to Helsinki

Option 1, Vienna to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Hamburg, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:13, arriving Hamburg Hbf 19:51 (times may vary).

Day 1, transfer from Hamburg Hbf to the Travemünde ferry terminal by train+bus and sail from Travemünde to Helsinki with Finnlines, see the Hamburg page for full details of the transfer, check-in arrangements & ferry crossing .

Finnlines sail from Travemünde in northern Germany to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 3 from Munich).

Check sailing dates, times & book the ferry using the Direct Ferries website or at www.finnlines.com .

Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi .

Option 2, Vienna to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

Step 1, travel from Vienna to Stockholm as shown above .

Vienna to Prague from €14.90

Option 1, Vienna to Prague by railjet

Option 2, Vienna to Prague by competing RegioJet train

Vienna to Český Krumlov from €12

The Austrian regional express (REX) train from Vienna to České Velenice is a comfortable City Shuttle train using ÖBB's double-deck air-conditioned Weasel trains .  2nd class only, sit upstairs for the best views!

At České Velenice you simply get off and walk a few metres across the same platform to the waiting Czech regional train for České Budejovice.  If the Austrian train is a few minutes late the Czech train will wait for it.

The Czech train from České Velenice to České Budejovice is also 2nd class only, modern & air-conditioned.  Both Austrian & Czech trains have plenty of luggage space & toilets.  Bring your own food & drink.

If you're happy to commit to a specific departure, advance-purchase fares from Vienna to Ceský Krumlov start at €12.

If you want to stay flexible, a Standard-Ticket (Local Trains in Czech Republic) from Vienna to Ceské Budejovice costs around €38.10, good for any train on this route that day, unlimited availability so it cannot sell out.  You need to pay separately for the GWTR local train from Ceské Budejovice to Ceský Krumlov, this costs 40 Koruna (€1.55), bought from the GWTR kiosk in the main hall at Ceské Budejovice station or on board the train.

How to buy tickets - if you want the cheapest price

If you are happy committing to a specific departure, go to the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz .

Search for Vienna to Ceský Krumlov.  Booking opens 3 months ahead .  In the results, look for journeys via České Velenice & České Budejovice.

You'll also see journeys from Vienna Hbf via Linz (Donau) & Ceské Budejovice, this is a longer way round but the trains are faster so it only takes a little longer.  The trains have 1st class on this route.  However, it's less frequent and more expensive, so I'd stick with the direct route via České Velenice unless the main Vienna Hbf is significantly more convenient for where you're staying.

You'll see prices in a green button.  If you are happy committing to a specific departure, click one of those.  You'll get a First Minute advance-purchase fare for the Vienna-České Budejovice trains plus a OneTicket fare to cover the GWTR local train between České Budejovice & Ceský Krumlov, all booked as one easy transaction.

You can also buy flexible full-price tickets at www.cd.cz , these are called International ticket , good for any train that day.  But this is over €50, for flexible tickets it's cheaper to use www.oebb.at as I'll explain now:

How to buy tickets - if you want to stay flexible

If you want to remain flexible and not commit to a specific departure and/or want to buy on the day, go to the Austrian Railways www.oebb.at and run an enquiry from Vienna (just plain Vienna ) to Ceský Krumlov.

In the search results, look for journeys from Vienna Franz Josefs Bahnhof with 2 changes marked REX, Os and then a greyed out train symbol.  It'll specify via Ceské Velenice and Ceské Budejovice underneath.

Oebb.at will show fares including advance-purchase Sparschiene tickets, but it will say Ticket for section only because ÖBB can't sell tickets for the GWTR local train from Ceské Budejovice to Ceský Krumlov.  The fares shown are only for Vienna to Ceské Budejovice.

Click on the Sparschiene fare and other fares appear.  To remain flexible, select Standard-Ticket (Local Trains in Czech Republic) for around €36 .  You can either carry on and buy this online or buy it at the station on the day, fixed-price, it cannot sell out.

Vienna to Brno from €7

Vienna to ostrava.

Several times a day, direct EuroCity trains link Vienna Hbf with Ostrava, journey time 2h50.

Check times at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

The final destination of these trains is usually Warsaw, carriages are usually supplied by Polish Railways, comfortable and air-conditioned, and there's usually a restaurant car and power sockets at seats.  You can see the train formation, on-board facilities and photos if you go to www.vagonweb.cz and search for the train number once you have found that at www.oebb.at .

Fares start at €19.90.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead

Book at the www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (booking opens up to 6 months ahead) or at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz (where booking usually opens 90 days ahead).  You print your own ticket.

Vienna to Bratislava for €11.60

Regional express trains link Vienna Hbf with Bratislava Hlavna every hour in 1h09, see the Vienna to Bratislava page .

Important:  If travelling between 4 March & 14 December 2024, see the update here .

Vienna to Poprad-Tatry & Kosice

This excellent air-conditioned Slovakian Intercity train has a Slovakian restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Book this train at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk .

Booking opens 60 days ahead .  Switch it to English by clicking EN top right.  It's a little fiddly, but it works.  You print your own ticket.

Vienna to Budapest from €9

Advance-purchase Sparschiene fares start at €19.90.

Vienna to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest from €58

Option 1, Vienna to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest by Dacia Express sleeper train - safe, comfortable, time-effective & scenic

The Dacia Express leaves Vienna Hbf at 19:42 arriving in Simeria 07:10, Sighisoara 09:13, Braşov 12:36, Ploeşti 14:28 & Bucharest Nord 15:06.

It has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  It has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.

A Hungarian restaurant car is attached in the evening, treat yourself to dinner with wine.  A Romanian bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks.  There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest, a real treat.

The Dacia Express also conveys a portion from Vienna to Cluj Napoca, also leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 and arriving Cluj Napoca at 10:47. This portion has a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.

Fares start at €59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, €69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, €79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, €99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or €159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself.  All per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

Booking normally opens 90 days ahead .  In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes.  If it says not available you can't book it (booking may not have opened yet), but if a Sparschiene fare is shown you can.

You can also book this train in either direction at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro .

Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens 60 days ahead .  For Vienna type Wien , for Bucharest type Bucuresti.   It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers.  For Austria to Romania journeys you print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. 

Tip:   Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!

Option 2, Vienna to Romania using the sleeper train Ister from Budapest to Brasov & Bucharest - a good alternative

Step 1, travel from Vienna to Budapest by EuroCity train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 14:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti 17:19.

The EuroCity train has a restaurant car.  By all means take an earlier train and spend a day or an afternoon exploring Budapest.

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class, €29.90 in 1st class, €44.90 in business class (premium 1st).  Fares vary like air fares, book ahead.

Step 2, travel from Budapest to Romania by sleeper train , leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10, arriving Brasov 08:50, Bucharest Gara de Nord 11:30.

This comfortable sleeper train is called the Ister , the ancient name for the river Danube.  It has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a Romanian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  There's no restaurant car so take a picnic and bottle of wine, although a bistro-bar is usually attached within Romania.  Enjoy the alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov & Bucharest.

Fares start at €39 with a couchette in 6-berth, €46 with a couchette in 4-berth, €69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or €162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

You can also book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu , see my advice on using it .

For Bucharest type Bucuresti .  You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.  Tip:   If it won't offer tickets for a 2-bed or 1-bed sleeper, book 3 tickets in a 3-bed sleeper to get sole occupancy.

Option 3, Vienna to Romania with an overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet , leaving Vienna Hbf at 18:42 and arriving Budapest Keleti at 21:19.

The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means take an earlier train and spend a pleasant afternoon or evening in Budapest.

Fares start at €19.90 in 2nd class or €29.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Stay overnight in Budapest .  Top choice for an inexpensive stay next to Budapest Keleti is the Intercity Hotel just across the square in front of the station.  Also try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel , the inexpensive Baross City Hotel across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away. Of course, if you want to push the boat out, the luxurious Corinthia Hotel opened in 1896 was almost certainly the inspiration for the 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel , 20 minutes walk or 9 minutes by taxi from Keleti station .  More hotels in Budapest .

Day 2, travel from Budapest to Transylvania & Bucharest by daytime train.

A comfortable air-conditioned InterCity train called the Traianus leaves Budapest Keleti at 07:10 and arrives Bucharest Nord at 00:31. 

Another InterCity train leaves Budapest Keleti at 09:10 via Simeria & Sibiu arriving Brasov 22:42.

Fares start at €26.30 in 2nd class or €40.50 in 1st class.

These are advance-purchase fares with limited availability.

Book these trains at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu , see my advice on using it . 

Booking opens 60 days ahead .  You show the ticket in the MAV app on your phone.

You can also book at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro .  Click EN top right for English.  Booking opens up to 90 days ahead .  For Bucharest type Bucuresti.   You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.

Vienna to Bled, Ljubljana & Slovenia

Option 1, by direct EuroCity train Emona

Fares start at €23.30 in 2nd class or €32.60 in 1st class.

Option 2, Vienna to Bled & Ljubljana with a change of train

Leave Vienna Hbf at 08:24, change at Villach, arriving Lesce-Bled 13:50 & Ljubljana 14:31.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 10:24, change at Villach, arriving Lesce-Bled 15:48 & Ljubljana 16:58.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 12:24, change at Villach, arriving Lesce-Bled 17:50 & Ljubljana 18:32.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 14:24, change at Villach, arriving Lesce-Bled 19:50 & Ljubljana 20:34.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 16:24, change at Villach, arriving Lesce-Bled 21:47 & Ljubljana 22:38.

Vienna to Zagreb , Split, Dubrovnik & Croatia

Option 1, Vienna to Zagreb & Croatia, every day all year round

Other departures are available:

Leave Vienna Hbf at 08:24, change at Villach, arriving Zagreb 17:10.

Leave Vienna Hbf at 12:24, change at Villach, arriving Zagreb 20:45. 

These trains also take the UNESCO-listed Semmering route .

Fares start at just €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.

For Split , stay overnight in Zagreb and take a train from Zagreb to Split next day, a lovely scenic ride.

The fare is only around €20 in 2nd class.  See the Trains from Zagreb page for details .

Buy tickets at the Croatian Railways website www.hzpp.hr , though it's not usually a problem to get places on the day.

For Dubrovnik , take a train to Split then a bus from Split to Dubrovnik.  Buses leave every hour or even every half hour from Split bus station taking between 3h45 and 4h35 to Dubrovnik bus station.  There are various operators, the fare is between €13 & €17.  Buy at the bus station on the day, it's easy.

Suggested hotels in Zagreb & Split .

Option 2, Vienna to Split by direct sleeper train (for bus to Dubrovnik), 3 times per week in summer - recommended

A EuroNight sleeper train links Vienna with Split 3 times a week in summer.

It runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays from 3 May to 2 October 2024.

It leaves Vienna Hbf at 18:05 and arrives in Split at 08:10 next morning.

The train starts its journey in Bratislava, with three comfortable air-conditioned Slovakian sleeping-cars with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, a Slovakian couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments and ordinary seats.  You can see details of train formation & carriages if you go to www.vagonweb.cz switch it to English, click train formations and search for train number EN 1153.

Fares start at €29.90 in a seat, €49 in a couchette, €79.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €99.90 in a 2-bed sleeper, €149.90 in a single-bed sleeper.

Book at either www.thetrainline.com (easy, in €, £ or $, small booking fee, international credit cards no problem) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead , you print your own ticket.

For Dubrovnik, take a bus from Split .  There are buses every hour or even every half hour, run by several companies.  Journey time between 3h45 and 4h35, fare around €13-€17.  Buy a ticket at the bus station in Split.

Option 3, Vienna to Split using the Budapest-Split sleeper train Adria , 3 times per week in summer - if option 2 is fully-booked or expensive

Step 1, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 13:40 and arriving Budapest Keleti 16:19.

Step 2, travel from Budapest to Split by sleeper train Adria.

The Adria runs on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays from 9 June to 29 September 2024.

It leaves Budapest Keleti at 18:45 and arrives in Split at 08:46 next morning.

The Adria is a pleasure to travel on.  It has two comfortable air-conditioned Hungarian sleeping-cars (with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin) and three or four couchette cars with 4 & 6 bunk compartments.  There are no seats cars.

It has a Hungarian restaurant car serving dinner and breakfast - start your day in Croatia with a cooked breakfast of ham & eggs!  The restaurant car usually used on this train is an older wood-panelled type which used to be part of the Hungarian governmental train, see the photo below.

Fares start from €49 with couchette in 6-berth, €59 with couchette in 4-berth, €64 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €79 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper or €119 in a single-bed sleeper.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

You can book it at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu , see my advice for using it .  Booking opens 60 days ahead .

Option 4, Vienna to Croatia using the Regiojet sleeper from Bratislava to Rijeka - summer only, 3 per week

Step 1, travel from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Hlavna by regional train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:16 and Bratislava Hlavna at 20:23.

By all means travel earlier and have dinner in Bratislava, these trains leave every hour at xx:17 minutes past each hour, journey time 1h09.  See the Vienna to Bratislava page .  Transfer to Bratislava Nove Mesto by local train or taxi.

Step 2, travel from Bratislava to Rijeka by Regiojet sleeper train, 3 times a week from 16 June to 30 September 2023.  2024 dates to be confirmed.

It leaves Bratislava Nove Mesto (4km from Bratislava Hlavna ) at 21:26 on Tuesday, Friday & Sunday, arriving Rijeka at 10:40 next morning.

This excellent train has 4-berth couchettes & seats.  The couchette fare includes all necessary bedding and a light breakfast.   There's excellent on-board at-seat service from an extensive menu, with complimentary bottled water and excellent Illy coffee.  There's free WiFi.

Open-access operator Regiojet introduced this train in 2020 and it was the surprise runaway success of that year, with every 500-seat train averaging 90% occupancy and carrying tens of thousands of passengers on holiday.  It came back for summers 2021 & 2022, expanded to serve Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, with bus connections to other resorts along the Croatian and Montenegrin coast.  It's back again in 2023, but without a portion for Split.

The fare is €22.90 in a seat or €29.90 with a couchette in a shared 4-berth compartment, or €89.60 for sole occupancy of a private couchette compartment for 1 to 4 people.

Buy an e-ticket online at www.regiojet.com .  Booking is a breeze, it even allows you to choose your exact place from a carriage plan.

Vienna to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, Vienna to Belgrade with overnight stop in Zagreb

This is a round-about route, but the direct Vienna-Budapest-Belgrade route is currently blocked for several years by major track rebuilding.

Step 1, travel from Vienna to Zagreb by EuroCity train Croatia, leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:58 and arriving Zagreb at 22:20.

The Croatia has a restaurant car serving snacks, meals, beer & wine so treat yourself to dinner, and at least in summer enjoy the fabulous scenery along the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Graz .

Fares start at €29.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easiest to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in €, same prices).  You print your own ticket.

Stay overnight in Zagreb .  There are good hotels just a stone's throw from the station, I suggest the historic Esplanade Hotel , the Palace Hotel or Central Hotel , all near the station with good reviews.

Step 2, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.

This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended in 2024.

This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class.  There's no catering, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.

Option 2, Vienna to Belgrade with overnight stop in Budapest - slower, but by train all the way

Day 1, travel from Vienna Hbf to Budapest Keleti in 2h40 on any train you like, see the timetable here .

Transfer by taxi, tram or metro to Budapest Nyugati .

Stay overnight in Budapest .  The highly-recommended 3-star  T62 Hotel is across the road from Budapest Nyugati and a traveller's favourite.  The cheaper 3-star Star Inn Budapest Centrum is few minutes walk away.  The 4-star Radisson Blu Béke Hotel is one block away.

Day 2, travel from Budapest to Belgrade as shown on the Budapest-Belgrade page .

You leave Budapest Nyugati at 05:50, change at Szeged, Subotica & Novi Sad, arriving Belgrade Centar at 20:27.

All direct Budapest-Belgrade mainline trains remain suspended until at least 2025 while the line is modernised for 200 km/h operation.  However, in 2024 it's possible for the determined traveller to reach Belgrade on local trains via this somewhat round-about route.  It's a long but interesting journey, with time for lunch in Subotica.

Serbian local train of the type used between Szeged & Subotica and Subotica & Novi Sad.  They are air-conditioned, 2nd class only, with toilets.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels , DiscoverByRail.com .

Vienna to Sofia

Option 1, Vienna to Sofia via Bucharest

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Budapest by railjet train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 11:40 and arriving Budapest Keleti 14:19.

The swish Austrian railjet train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  By all means take an earlier train if you'd like more time in Budapest, perhaps for lunch.

The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats.  A Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments is attached from Arad (depart 21:04) to Bucharest.  There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.

Fares start at €40 with a couchette in 6-berth or €47 with a couchette in 4-berth.  These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares

Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en .  You print your own ticket.

The fare is around €34.

Option 2, Vienna to Sofia via Belgrade

Not currently viable while Zagreb-Belgrade, Budapest-Belgrade and Belgrade-Sofia trains remain suspended.

Vienna to Warsaw from €42.90

Option 1, Vienna to Warsaw by daytime train - the leisurely daytime option

The EuroCity Sobieski leaves Vienna Hbf at 06:10 and arrives Warsaw Gdanska at 13:45.

The EuroCity Polonia leaves Vienna Hbf at 14:10 and arrives Warsaw Centralna at 21:34.

Option 2, Vienna to Warsaw by sleeper train - safe, comfortable, time-effective

Fares start at €53.50 in a 3-bed sleeper, €68.20 in a 2-bed sleeper, or €126.70 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per bed as berths are sold individually.  Prices vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 3, Vienna to Warsaw using the Bratislava-Warsaw sleeper - often cheaper than option 2 and you get to bed earlier!

These regional express trains run every hour, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Bratislava?  More about Bratislava to Vienna trains .

The fare is €11.60, fixed-price, unlimited availability.

Buy at the station on the day or at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at .

Booked via Czech Railways, the base fare is around €74, plus one of the following supplements:  Couchette in 6-berth €14, couchette in 4-berth €21, bed in 3-berth sleeper €24, bed in 2-berth sleeper €34, bed in single-berth sleeper €72.

Buy tickets at the CD (Czech Railways) website www.cd.cz .

Vienna to Krakow from €32.90

Option 1, Vienna to Krakow by daytime train - morning departure

An air-conditioned EuroCity train called the Porta Moravica leaves Vienna Hbf at 08:10 and arrives Krakow Glowny 13:56.

Option 2, Vienna to Krakow by daytime train - afternoon departure

From 10 December 2023 there's a second direct daytime EuroCity train between Vienna & Krakow called the Danubius , leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:10 and arriving Krakow Glowny at 21:13.  It has a through car to Wroclaw, arriving 21:30.

The Danubius has one Austrian 1st class car with open-plan seating and two Polish 2nd class cars with 6-seat compartments.  Refreshments are available.  It has a Czech through carriage to Wroclaw, 2nd class only.

Step 2, Vienna to Warsaw or Krakow by EuroCity train.  This is the Danubius to Krakow at Vienna Hbf on a winter afternoon.  That's the Czech through car to Wroclaw nearest the camera, the Polish cars to Krakow are ahead of it.  Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler.

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.

Option 3, Vienna to Krakow by sleeper train - the time-effective option

Fares start at €43.50 in a 3-bed sleeper, €58.20 in a 2-bed sleeper, or €116.70 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself.  All prices per person per bed as berths are sold individually.  Prices vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Option 4, Vienna to Krakow using the Bratislava-Krakow sleeper - often cheaper than option 2 and you get to bed earlier!

Vienna to Vilnius , Riga, Tallinn

Day 1, travel from Vienna Hbf to Warsaw by EuroCity train, as shown in the Vienna to Warsaw section .

Or take the overnight sleeper & spend the following day exploring Warsaw.

Vienna to Lviv, Kyiv & Ukraine

Option 1, Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv by direct sleeping-car, still running in spite of the war.

Be warned, these direct sleeping-cars sell out well before departure, sometimes soon after reservations open.

Option 1, book the train from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

This will book one-way or return trips starting in Vienna.  Tickets need to be collected from an ÖBB station in Austria, they cannot be collected in Ukraine. Booked through oebb.at:

Vienna to Kyiv costs €80.50 in a 3-berth sleeper, €90.50 in a 2-berth sleeper or €152.90 in a single sleeper.

Vienna to Kyiv costs around €138 in a 3-berth sleeper €149 in a 2-berth sleeper, or €241 in a single-berth sleeper.

Option 2, Vienna to Lviv using the Vienna-Lviv daytime connection, useful when the direct sleeping-cars are full

 Option 3, Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv using the Vienna-Chop daytime train then sleeper, useful when the direct sleeping-cars are full

This train has comfortable 2nd class 4-berth sleepers.  Bring your own food & drink.

 Option 4, Vienna to Lviv & Kyiv with overnight stop in Krakow - comfortable, easily booked online & usually has availability

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Krakow by EuroCity train Danubius , leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:10 and arriving Krakow Glowny at 21:13.

The Danubius has one Austrian 1st class car with open-plan seating and two Polish 2nd class cars with 6-seat compartments.  Refreshments are available.

Fares start at €32.90 in 2nd class or from €42.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

Buy tickets at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .

Leave Krakow Glowny at 05:05, change at Przemysl (arrive 07:33, depart 09:35), arriving Lviv 12:27 & Kyiv 19:57.

Krakow to Lviv starts at €24.80, Krakow to Kyiv starts at €44.80.  The fare varies by date, check your date online.

Vienna to Moscow , St Petersburg & Russia

Vienna to athens & greece.

Option 1, Vienna to Athens & Greece via ferry from Italy - currently the most practical route

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Bologna by Nightjet sleeper train , leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:18 & arriving Bologna Centrale at 05:15.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  There are couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Fares start at €49.90 with couchette, €99.90 with a bed in a cosy 2-bed sleeper or €139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, light breakfast included.

Day 2, travel from Bologna to Bari by Frecciarossa , leaving Bologna Centrale at 09:45 arriving Bari Centrale at 15:27.

The train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  It's a pleasant run along the scenic Adriatic coast.

In Bari, transfer from station to port, see map of Bari showing station, port entrance, check-in building & Superfast Ferries berth .

You can walk the 1.9 km from the station to the port entrance in 25 minutes, a stroll through Bari's pleasant old town, see correct walking map from the station to the port entrance gate - if Google tells you any different, trust me, not Google!

Alternatively, bus 50 runs from Bari Centrale station to the road outside the port gate roughly every 40 minutes.  A taxi will take 10 minutes.

Day 2, sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece with Superfast Ferries.

The ferry sails from Bari at 19:30 on Mondays-Saturdays, arriving Patras at 13:00 next day (Day 3).

On Sundays the ship sails at 13:30, too early to make connections from Milan.

You can check sailing times & dates at using the Direct Ferries website or at www.superfast.com or www.ferriesingreece.com .

You should check in at the Superfast desk on the ground floor of the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari port with passport & booking number to get your boarding pass, ideally 3 hours before departure in summer, although in practice 2 hours or even 1½ hours is normally fine.

You then walk 500m from check-in to the ferry, board the ferry via the foot passenger gangway at the stern and head up the escalator to the main lounge and reception desk to get your cabin key.

The ship is comfortable, with self-service restaurant, lounge, bar and sun deck.  You can book a deck place (a good & cheap option in summer if you have your own sleeping bag), a reclining seat or various types of cabin, all with private shower & toilet.  Strolling the decks in the morning sun as the ship cruises past the islands of Cephalonia and Ithaca is the nicest part of the trip, and it's a wonderful way to arrive in Greece.

Day 3, travel from Patras to Athens by Greek Railways bus/train combo.

Corfu:  The Bari-Patras ferry calls at Corfu on certain dates in summer.  It calls at Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland on all departures year-round.  If you can't find a direct ferry to Corfu, book the ferry from Bari to Igoumenitsa, then take the local ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu with Kerkyra Lines ( kerkyralines.com ).  These sail half a dozen times a day, crossing time 60-90 minutes, fare around €5-€10.  Buy a ticket at kerkyralines.com or when you get to Igoumenitsa.

Option 2, Vienna to Athens & Greece by train through the Balkans - currently suspended

Vienna to Istanbul & Turkey

Option 1, Vienna to Istanbul via Budapest & Bucharest - 3 nights, 2 days, currently the most viable route

Day 1, travel from Vienna to Bucharest overnight on the sleeper train Dacia Express as shown above .

Day 2, stay overnight in Bucharest.  The Hotel MyContinental Bucuresti Gara de Nord is walking distance from the station, inexpensive and gets great reviews.

Day 3, travel from Bucharest to Istanbul by sleeper train as shown on the Bucharest to Istanbul page , arriving in the morning on Day 4.

Option 2, Vienna to Istanbul via Belgrade & Sofia

Take a train from Vienna to Sofia as explained above .

Stay overnight in Sofia.

Then take overnight sleeper train from Sofia to Istanbul as explained on the as shiown on the Trains from Sofia page .

Railbookers custom-made tours

If you just want to buy train tickets at the cheapest price, book online as shown on this page.  However, if you want someone to sort out your whole trip for you, arranging all your trains, hotels and transfers, and to look after you if anything affects your arrangements, the people to talk to are Railbookers.  Railbookers can tailor-make a train trip around Europe to your own specification.  Just tell them what you want and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels.  They get good reports and a lot of repeat business!  They now have offices in the UK, North America and Australia.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website .,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., hotels in vienna, hotels near vienna hbf, hotels close to the sights, backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

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Travel Bliss Now

15 Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria

It’s easy to get caught up in the fancy palaces and coffee house cakes of Vienna.  I certainly did.  But you should also know that there are many great options for day trips from Vienna.

The city is a great base for exploring nearby countryside scenery and centuries-old villages and cities.

I’ll be up front with you.  I haven’t done all of these Vienna day trips.  I asked travel experts to share the best options based on their personal experiences.

To help you decide which ones are right for you, here’s a list of the top day trips from Vienna based on their recommendations (and mine).  It includes tips on things to do in each place and how to get there.

You may also like: 

6 Terrific Ways to See the Lipizzaner Stallions of Vienna in Real Life and Vienna Christmas Markets – Top Tips for Your Visit

Day trips within about one hour from Vienna

Melk Abbey, Austria

By Haley of Haley Blackall Travel

An abbey on a rocky outcrop beside a river in Melk Austria, a popular day trip from Vienna.

Nestled in the heart of Lower Austria, the charming town of Melk is a must-visit day trip from Vienna, especially for its crown jewel: Melk Abbey. A baroque masterpiece perched atop a rocky outcrop, overlooking the Danube River, the abbey is not just a feast for the eyes.

The library within Melk Abbey is an invaluable home of ancient manuscripts, a significant draw for those interested in historical texts.

If you’re a design lover, don’t miss the architecturally significant Marble Hall, adorned in Rococo style and the Abbey Church with its stunning frescoes and high altar. For panoramic views, soak in the sights from the abbey’s terrace.

Beyond the abbey, the town of Melk is worth a wander. Its cobblestone streets, especially around Rathausplatz, the main square, lead to local cafes and shops that offer a genuine taste of Lower Austrian culture.

And, if you’re up for some scenic views, take a boat ride along the Danube.

To go from Vienna to Melk:

Train : Hop on a direct train from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (main station), an 8-minute taxi (or 15-minute subway) from the best area to stay in Vienna , Innere Stadt. The train ride takes about an hour.

Tour:  Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour (includes romantic boat trip on the Danube in summer)

Wachau Valley, Austria

By Kamila Napora of Kami and the Rest of the World

A castle on a hill and a village beside the Danube River in the Wachau Valley in Austria

The Wachau Valley, Austria

Wachau Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Austria.

This picturesque area along the Danube River is only 90 km west of Vienna, between Krems and Melk.  It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, vineyards, and apricot orchards scattered along the riverside, charming medieval towns, and interesting historical sites.

When you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a diversity of attractions as well as the laid-back vibe of the place.

To admire the most beautiful views of the Wachau Valley, go on the boat tour on the Danube – there are scheduled departures that can take you from one town to another.  This place is so special that in 2000, the “Wachau Cultural Landscape” became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.as another proof of what a valuable place this is.

To go from Vienna to the Wachau Valley:

Tip:   The easiest way to visit Wachau Valley from Vienna is by car or with a tour, so you can see most of the attractions.

Train: You can take the direct train from the Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof in Vienna to Krems (the journey takes around one hour) and then explore the region by bike/boat/train/bus. Then you can return by train from Melk directly to Vienna.

Bratislava, Slovakia

By Roxanne de Bruyn of Faraway Worlds

A church spire and red roofs of Bratislava, a popular day trip from Vienna

Just an hour away from Vienna, you’ll find Bratislava , the capital city of Slovakia. A relatively small city, Bratislava makes a delightful contrast to Vienna with a relaxed and charming Old Town.  It’s easy to explore on a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava.

Spend your time wandering through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, lined with historical buildings.  You’ll see quirky statues and interesting street art as you make your way around the city.  Visit Bratislava Castle for panoramic views of the city and the Danube River, and stop at the beautiful Blue Church to admire its architecture (and colour).

For lunch, try some traditional Slovak cuisine – bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with cheese and bacon) is a favourite and Slovakia’s national dish.

If you have more time, venture beyond the old town to see contemporary art at Nedbalka Gallery and honour the past at the Slavín Memorial.

To go from Vienna to Bratislava:

Train :  Traveling between Vienna and Bratislava is easy, with regular train routes available.  Get train tickets from Vienna to Bratislava .

Tour:   From Vienna: Bratislava City Tour (includes coffee and cake)

Vienna Woods

An underground grotto filled with blue water in the Vienna Woods, Austria

Hinterbrühl lake grotto in the Vienna Woods

Looking for a nature getaway from Vienna?  You don’t have to go far.

The Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) is large forested area near Vienna.  It’s perfect for hiking or cycling, strolling through picturesque towns and having a sip or two in the vineyards.  It’s a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and even inspired a waltz by Johann Strauss.

Highlights include the  Heiligenkreuz Abbey — Europe’s largest Cistercian abbey.  This 900-year-old monastery is famous for its Gregorian Chant which once led the Billboard charts in the U.S.

The Hinterbrühl lake grotto is another must-see as part of a day tour from Vienna.  It’s the largest underground lake in Europe, discovered during a mining operation.  During World War II, the water was pumped out so it could serve as an underground aircraft factory.  Now, you can glide through the grotto on a boat.  Be sure to take warm clothes if you go.

To go from Vienna to the Vienna Woods:

Tip: The best way to explore the Vienna Woods is by car or on a tour.

Tour:  From Vienna: Vienna Woods and Seegrotte Half-Day Tour

Gyor, Hungary

By Richard Meek of RJOnTour

A quaint city square with pastel-coloured buildings in Gyor, Hungary.

Gyor is a lovely city which is where 4 rivers meet, including the River Danube. The city has a beautiful historic centre with some interesting things to see.  Gyor’s history dates back to the 1th century when the Romans occupied the area – – you can learn more in the museums of Gyor.

There is a lot of baroque architecture throughout the old town area. This includes some pleasant churches and a castle. As you step off the train, you’ll see the splendid baroque town hall.

If you visit during the summer, don’t miss the thermal pool and water park. .

Walks along the river are lovely. There are some restaurants on the banks, including a floating restaurant. For a fantastic view of the city and nearby countryside, the Bishops Tower is wonderful.  Overall, there are lots of things to do in Gyor , a beautiful city with a laid-back vibe.

To go from Vienna to Gyor:

Schloss Esterhazy and Eisenstadt, Austria

By Paul D’Souza of Paulmarina

A beautiful concert hall with frescoes on the ceiling in the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria.

Haydn Hall in the Esterhazy Palace

The Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt is one of the most dazzling palaces and a must-see for all culture lovers. Rich baroque interiors with intricate frescoes and stucco work make every room worthwhile a visit.

The Haydn Hall, named after the legendary composer, Joseph Haydn, who was the Kapellmeister of the Esterhazy family, is a dazzling marvel and the acoustics have been perfected. Special tickets to musical events, that take place in the Haydn hall in the Esterhazy palace, are highly sought after.

The Haydn house, wine cellars and gardens are the highlight of a visit to the grand palace. On a trip, you’ll notice that the palace dominates the area as it sits right in the center of Eisenstadt, which is a small city of the Burgenland region.

To go from Vienna to Eisenstadt:

Car:   It takes an hour to get to Eisenstadt by car. There’s parking on the palace premises,  priced at €5 for 4 hours.

Train: From Vienna, take a 70-minute-long regional train ride to Eisenstadt.

Vienna day trips within one to three hours away

Devin Castle, Slovakia

By Alice Jasper Smith from Adventures of Alice

A walkway to an opening in a castle wall at Devin Castle, Slovakia

Devin Castle is a fantastic day trip from Vienna , especially if you love history.

This crumbling castle in Slovakia is a pretty well-preserved medieval fortress perched on a hill overlooking the place where the Danube and Morava rivers meet. The views are gorgeous and you can easily spend a whole day exploring the grounds.

Once you’re at the castle, you can climb the turrets, step down into the cellars, and explore the old courtyards. The castle ruins are spread over a large area. You can explore the remnants of medieval walls, towers, and fortifications. The views of the surrounding landscape from the castle are stunning and there is also a small museum containing archaeological finds from the castle.

Don’t forget to climb the Maiden Tower for panoramic views of the Danube River and the Austrian and Slovakian landscapes.

To go from Vienna to Devin Castle:

Tip: To get to Devin Castle from Vienna, you can either take the train to Bratislava , which will take about an hour and then get a taxi to Devin, which will take an additional 20 minutes.  A taxi straight from Vienna will take an hour, but it’s expensive.

Brno, Czech Republic

By Maria & Katerina of It’s All Trip To Me

A large gothic cathedral stands above a red roof buildings in Brno, Czech Republic

The second-largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno is an authentic, fascinating city with plenty to offer to those who decide to visit it on a day trip from Vienna.

Without a doubt, the best place to start your day trip in Brno is the Old Town, where you can explore the city’s diverse architecture with Functionalist, Art Nouveau and Baroque buildings creating a unique urban landscape.

Apart from what lies on the surface though, Brno hides a separate city in its depths, the so-called Brno Underground. Some of the best places to appreciate the magic of Brno Underground are the Brno Ossuary, the second-largest in Europe, and 10-Z Bunker, a WW2 air-raid shelter turned into a fascinating museum.

Before heading back to Vienna, make sure you sample the excellent South Moravian wine at one of Brno’s cozy wine bars.

To go from Vienna to Brno:

Train: Brno is very easy to get to by train from Vienna, as the city is a stop on the railway line that connects Vienna to Prague. The train ride from Vienna to Brno lasts one hour and a half.  Get train tickets here.

  Salzburg, Austria

The view over Salzburg with snow-covered mountains in the background, a popular daytrip from Vienna

Salzburg, Austria

If you watch the Sound of Music every year like I do, you’ll definitely want to take a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg .

On a day tour to Salzburg, you’ll visit the movie locations and get the behind-the-scenes stories.  There are also stops in the stunning Austrian Lakes region and the cute mountain village of St. Gilgen.

Of course, there’s more to Salzburg than a movie.  This is where Mozart is from.  You can visit his birthplace and the cathedral where he played for church services.  Be sure to try some Mozartkugel, otherwise known as “Mozart balls” (really!).  They are tasty chocolates, filled with marzipan and pistachio.

To go from Vienna to Salzburg :

Train : The fast train from Vienna to Salzburg takes 2 hours 30 minutes.  Get train tickets here .

Tour :  Salzburg and the lakes region from Vienna (includes Vienna Woods and Melk Abbey) .  A tour is the best way to see Salzburg and the lakes region.

Graz, Austria

By Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop

A large baroque building in Graz, Austria

Graz is a beautiful mix of both the modern and traditional.  It boasts historic courtyards, beautiful red rooftops and a large variety of pubs, restaurants, and great nightlife.

The Old Town of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful cities in Austria.  Like the rest of Austria, Graz has beautiful Christmas markets. Consider an Austria itinerary 5 days  to explore this charming country.

Take the Schlossberg cable car to see Graz’s most famous view. You can also explore the colourful and unique buildings, especially around th Hauptplatz, the town square.  Be sure to try delicious Austrian meals from various food trucks.

Murinsel is an interesting combination of an island and a bridge and has a cafe in the middle of it.  Observe the beautiful street art and visit the local bars for a drink or two to enjoy the hip culture here.

To go from Vienna to Graz:

Train:   Graz is around two and a half hours from Vienna by train.  Get train tickets from Vienna to Graz .

Tip :  You can fly from Vienna to Graz in 35 minutes. Take a cab or the bus to the town centre, which is around 9 kilometres away.

Budapest. Hungary

By Tina from Veganderlust

The majestic Hungarian Parliament buildings on the Danube River in Budapest

Hungary’s Parliament in Budapest

Budapest is a fantastic day trip from Vienna. The two capital cities have a lot in common, including their history in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, stunning architecture, and a love for the traditional Hungarian dish, goulash.

The most famous attraction in Budapest is the Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Also, don’t miss out on having a drink in one of the ruin bars while you’re there.  These trendy pubs were built in half-abandoned buildings, and are popular among both locals and tourists.

From breathtaking architecture to hip bars and delicious food, Budapest has it all.  So, pack your day bag and set off for an unforgettable journey because, without a doubt, Budapest is worth a visit.

To go from Vienna to Budapest

Train : You can reach Budapest from Vienna by train in 2.5 hours one way.  Get train tickets here .

Tour:   Budapest Day Trip from Vienna

Day trips from Vienna over 3 hours away

Hallstatt, Austria

By Andreea Ioana of Andoreia Travels the World

The quaint village of Halstatt with church spires sits on a lake nestled in the Austrian Alps

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, the tiny lakeside town of Hallstatt is famous for its beautiful scenery and picturesque wooden houses. As it’s located around 3 hours away from Austria’s capital city, many tourists choose to visit Hallstatt from Vienna as a day trip .

Upon arriving, walking around the town is a must since every turn you take you’ll encounter a new, lovely view. Make sure you don’t miss the postcard viewpoint which is marked Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt on Google Maps.

For those interested in history, the Hallstatt salt mine, which is one of the oldest in the world, provides a glimpse into the town’s past, as its wealth was once built upon its salt production. It can be easily reached by using the funicular.

Lastly, the Hallstatt Skywalk (located right next to the mine) offers a panoramic view from above of the town and its surroundings, making it the perfect spot for taking photos.  

To go from Vienna to Hallstatt:

Tip: To visit Hallstatt from Vienna you’ll either need to rent a car or take a train. If you opt for public transportation, know that you’ll arrive on the other side of the lake, so you’ll need to take the ferry or a local bus to Hallstatt.

Train:  Get train tickets from Vienna to Hallstatt (3 hours).

Tour:  Vienna to Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

By David Angel of Delve into Europe

Two spires above red roof buildings in Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe. It’s a gorgeous little country town on the river Vltava, beneath a mighty Bohemian Castle.

The narrow cobbled streets are lined with medieval, Renaissance and Baroque townhouses, almost like a time capsule. It’s always been on the edge of major events in history, which is why it’s so perfectly preserved.  It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The two main things to do are exploring the Old Town and walking up to the Castle. You can walk all the way through the castle precincts for free – you only need to pay to join one of the mandatory guided tours of the rooms inside, or the unique Baroque Theatre.

There are enough things to do in Cesky Krumlov to keep you there for two or three days, but with limited time I’d urge you to seek out the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel. It’s the home and studio of the town’s main photographer in the early 20 th century, and like the rest of the town, exquisitely preserved.  

To go from Vienna to Český Krumlov:

Tip:   It’s faster to take a tour or to drive the 128-miles (206 km) from Vienna to Český Krumlov (about 2.5 hours).

Train:   You can get there by train, with a change at Linz or Ceske Budejovice. From either of these, you can then change for another train or bus. Count on up to 4 hours, sometimes more, each way if traveling by public transport.

Tour: Český Krumlov Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna

Prague, Czech Republic

By Mal of Raw Mal Roams

Two spires tower over the old town square in Prague, Czech Republic.

Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic

While seeing everything Prague has to offer in one day is impossible, you can still get a good taste of its captivating atmosphere and experience some of its most iconic attractions.

Begin your day with a visit to Prague’s Castle, located on the western bank of the Vltava River and home to the 14th-century Gothic masterpiece – St. Vitus Cathedral.

Next stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, then explore the historic Old Town Square.  There, you can climb the City Hall tower for panoramic views and watch the famous Astronomical Clock show.

Make sure to sample Czech specialties like chimney cake and fried cheese. For a breathtaking city scape, head to Hotel U Prince’s rooftop terrace for a drink and a fantastic photo op.

There are many fantastic boutique hotels in Prague , such as The Julius Prague, if you choose to stay overnight.

To go from Vienna to Prague :

Train:  Take a direct train from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (central train station) to Prague’s main station, Wilsonova. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, and there are multiple connections per day. Get train tickets here .

Ljubljana, Slovenia

By Cosette from KarsTravels .

A bridge over a river with a white building in the background in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Ljubljana is the beautiful capital of Slovenia, in the western part of the country. The city is easy to explore on foot during an afternoon in Ljubljana , as part of a day trip from Vienna.

Walking around Ljubljana is a feast for the eyes, with its colourful facades from the Jugendstil, Baroque and Classical periods.  Outside the city centre, the buildings are from the Communist period and less colourful.  Not to be missed on a tour through the city is Tromostovje, a triple bridge, that’s beautifully adorned.

A highlight of the city is Ljubljanski Grad.  The large castle, dating from the Middle Ages, towers above the city.  The castle is reachable by car, by furnicular and on foot. The furnicular is a glass cogwheel that goes up from the city centre to the castle. During the ride you’ll have splendid views of Ljubljana. The castle houses the Slovenian Archeological Museum, a virtual castle, 2 restaurants and a tower that you can climb.  

To go from Vienna to Ljubljana

By car:  By car it’s about 4 hours (384 Kilometers) on the E59/A2 and E57, both are toll roads.

Train:   You can either take a direct train early in the morning or with a transfer in Villach, both ways taking about 6 hours.  Get train tickets to Ljubljana here.

Best Vienna day trips by map:

There you have it!  I hope these recommendations help you choose the Vienna day trip that’s right for you.

More information:

Tourism Information :  Vienna Tourist Board

Car rental :  Compare prices at Auto Europe

Where to Stay in Vienna :  Get the best deals on hotels in Vienna here .

Suggested reading : Rick Steves Pocket Vienna , Rick Steves Central Europe

Avoid data roaming fees :  I use an aloSIM eSIM (a digital SIM card) to stay connected when I travel.  Get 5% off your first order with the promo code:  TRAVELBLISSNOW.

15 Best day trips from Vienna as recommended by travel experts with tips on how to get there and what to do | Vienna day trips | day tours from Vienna

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12 Stunning Day Trips from Vienna

trips from vienna by train

Vienna, Austria is a one of the most popular destinations in central Europe and is often included on many European itineraries. This is of no surprise given its history and position of power less than 200 years ago.

Whether you are visiting Vienna for the cafes or classical music, or maybe to visit one of the many breathtaking palaces sometimes a bit of a day trip helps recharge the batteries.

There is a lot to see outside of Vienna and in surrounding countries. Below you will find a range of day trips from Vienna that you can take a bus to in less than an hour to a more signficant road trips through vineyards.

Read | 2 Days in Vienna, Austria

Table of Contents

11 Day Trips from Vienna, Austria

Below many wonderful bloggers from across the globe have helped contribute their favorite day trips from Vienna. I love doing collaborative posts because it also inspires me to visit places I’ve never considered. Share your appreciation to contributors by giving their link a click!

Eisenstadt, day trip from Vienna

Contributed by Marina of PlacesofJuma

A lovely place for an unforgettable day trip from Vienna is the charming town of Eisenstadt. It’s the political and cultural center of Burgenland. Visitors just love the mix of a long history, cultural events, and the modern outlook. Actually, there is a lot to see in the city center between the pedestrian zone, the palace park, and the parliament building. The whole inner city is stuffed with lovely details and many highlights.

The main attraction in Eisenstadt is the Esterházy Palace . It dates back to a fortified 13th-century Gothic castle. For more than 40 years, the composer Joseph Haydn was inspired by Esterházy Palace’s special atmosphere to create exceptional music to accompany historic events. The Haydn Room, named after the composer, is still one of the world’s best – acoustically – and loveliest concert halls.

Lovely are also the beautiful palace grounds. On a walk, you will enjoy the lovely botanic garden, a small lake, and even a public pool area. On any case, don’t miss the Gloriette (the Esterházys’ former hunting lodge), Haydn’s House , and Haydn’s church , which contains Haydn’s mausoleum and the Stations of the Cross are all worth visiting too.

It’s easy to organize the day trip from Vienna to Eisenstadt:  You can ether take the train (1:10 hour), the bus (1:20 hour) or the car/taxi (45 minutes).

Linz, day trip from Vienna

Contributed by Cazzy of Dream Big, Travel Far

If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Vienna, then Linz is the perfect place to visit. Located just 1 hour and 40 minutes from Vienna, Linz is easily accessible via train or renting a car and driving. Linz is the 3rd largest city in Austria which means there are plenty of great things to see and do.

Some of the highlights of Linz include the charming Old Town which features the wonderful Hauptplatz with its many restaurants and cafes, a perfect spot for lunch. Make sure you visit the “New Cathedral”, also known as Mariendom (which is actually the largest church in Austria) for beautiful views over Linz from the 135m spire.

Other great spots to visit in the city centre include Linz Castle , the many great museums on offer ( Schlossmuseum Linz is a popular choice), and don’t forget to check out the Mural Harbor for some pretty cool graffiti art.   Another great activity located not far from Linz town centre is a trip to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp . This is a painful, but necessary and very informative place to visit that will allow you to delve into the history of this Nazi concentration camp. It’s only 30 minutes from the town centre of Linz and accessible via bus.

Hallstatt

Contributed by Vaibhav Mehta from The Wandering Vegetable

Located in the mountain region of Salzkammergut in the Gmunden district, Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful villages in Austria. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most visually pleasing villages/lake towns in the world. It is a popular day-trip destination for travellers and has to be included in your Europe trip itinerary . Hallstatt is situated about 288 km away from Vienna.

You can get to Hallstatt from Vienna either by car or by train. It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Hallstatt by car and a little over 4 hours to reach by train. To get to Hallstatt by train, depart from Wien Hauptbahnhof, make a transfer at Attnang-Puchheim train station and arrive at either Hallstatt central station or Obertraun-Dachsteinhöhlen train station.

The lake town greets you with such stunning scenery that you feel like a day’s less to explore the place. It looks like a fairytale town straight out of your childhood storybook. Strolling around Hallstatt and getting lost in the charming streets is an experience of a kind.

There are several things to do in Hallstatt like walking along the Hallstatt Lake Promenade , visiting the lovely Market Square and having a nice meal at a restaurant/cafe, exploring the iconic Hallstatt’s Salt Mine (Salzwelten), enjoying the paradisiacal alpine view of Hallstatt from the Hallstatt Skywalk , visiting the Catholic Church of Hallstatt , and touring the Welterbemuseum Hallstatt .

Do not miss out on doing a boat ride across the Hallstatt Lake. It is one of the most calming and memorable experiences you’ll ever have. If you’re a foodie, then do visit the Rudolfsturm restaurant for some fresh seafood, a delicious garlic soup, and a picturesque lake view.

Durnstein

Contributed by Laura of Cruise Lifestyle

Dürnstein is just an hour’s drive from Austria’s capital, making it a great option for a day trip from Vienna.  Its location on the banks of the Danube means it can also be visited on a river cruise.  Dürnstein is a quaint, fairy-tale town, best known for it’s vineyards but there are many other things to do here if visiting for the day.

Stift Dürnstein is the most iconic landmark of the Wachau region, recognised by its ornate white and blue steeple.  You will come across the former monastery during a walk through the town centre and is definitely worth pausing to admire the architecture.

The town is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets, dotted with little shops and cafes.  The region is known for producing apricots and most of the shops sell apricot wine, brandy, liqueur, and jam.  You can sample these if you choose to take a tour of the nearby apricot vineyard; I can confirm that the brandy is very strong! It’s definitely worth walking to the top of the main street ( Hauptstraße ) where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Danube and the Wachau Valley . 

For authentic Austrian cuisine, I’d recommend stopping at Gasthaus Kuenringer, which has a pleasant outside terrace for dining al fresco during the summer months.  I enjoyed drinking a refreshing ‘Hugo’ aperitif, which combines Prosecco, elderflower syrup, sparkling water and mint leaves.

Active visitors can explore Durnstein on the walking and cycling paths on the river bank or even take a canoe along the Danube to admire Dürnstein from the water along with local birds and wildlife.

Salzburg day trip from Vienna

Mozart’s birthplace or setting of the Sound of Music are most likely one of the reasons Salzburg is on your radar. Austria’s second largest city? is often looked over but it is the perfect size for a day trip with plenty to do that you might find yourself staying the night.

Start your day wandering the UNESCO World Heritage awarded Old Town of Salzburg. Here you will find narrow winding streets with colorful buildings and hanging signs. In the middle of the Old Town is a bright yellow building with the words “Mozarts Geburtshaus” which translates to Mozart’s Birthplace (Getreidegasse 9). It is possible to tour the home, as well as his residence (Makartplatz 8).

Castle and palace lovers will have absolutely no shortage of things to do in Salzburg. Between the commanding Hohensalzburg Fortress towering over the city, the flower-filled gardens at Mirabell Palace , or the impressive rooms of the Salzburg Residenz all the way to the trick fountains of Hellbrunn Palace .

End your day with a stop at Restaurant Stiegl-Keller for a meal (and pint!) with a view over Salzburg.

Graz

Contributed by Lina of World of Lina

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of the wonderful state Styria. The best way to get there is either by public transport which takes around 2.5 hours or by car. There are direct train and bus connections available a few times a day.

On top of a small hill and overlooking the city, you can spot the Uhrturm – the city’s main sight. To get up there, you can either climb a few hundred very small stairs, follow a windy road on the backside of the hill or take the cable car called Schlossbergbahn . If you’re a bit of an adventurous person, I recommend sliding down the highest underground slide worldwide which can be found inside the Schlossberg hill. It’s not only the fastest way down but also a hell lot of fun!

Another place you shouldn’t miss seeing is the Kunsthaus . It’s a modern art museum where you can admire different exhibitions of contemporary artists. Due to it’s strange look, locals also call it the “Friendly Alien”. For lunch or a good cup of coffee, check out the vegan restaurant Ginko Greenhouse that is located near the main square. It has a great variety of amazing dishes and the best vegan cakes ever!

If you have some time left, make your way to Schloss Eggenberg where you can take an extensive stroll in its beautiful surrounding park.

South Styria

South Styria wine road

Contributed by Lori of Travelinmad

If you’re longing for a unique day trip from Vienna to a less-traveled locale, head south… to South Styria, an easy 2.5 hour drive.

South Styria (Südsteiermark) is home to charming small towns, rolling hills and enchanting vineyards — a lovely destination anytime of year, though foodies and wine enthusiasts particularly love it in the fall. One of the best things to do is go wine tasting along the 44-mile long South Styrian Wine Road , which rewards road trippers with beautiful scenery, small town wine festivals, and excellent local food and wine.

Winding through quaint towns with inviting wine taverns, the route is reminiscent of Tuscany with its rolling green hills adorned with lush vineyards. If you came for the day but decide to stay, you have your choice of lovely  Sudsteiermark buschenschanks . These country inns along the Wine Road serve local food, their own wine and an overnight stay is easy to arrange.

For lovers of local food, a stop to the Vinofaktur Genussregal in Vogau is on the way and highly recommended. It’s the largest wine shop in the region and features all sorts of delicious foods, beer, and wine produced locally in Styria. For a nominal fee, take the tour and sample your way through the store. Be sure to try the pumpkinseed oil. It’s one of Styria’s most famous local foods and it’s drizzled on everything from meats, cheeses, salads, and even ice cream — delish!

South Styria is an ideal day trip from Vienna, but even better with a few days or longer!

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava day trip from Vienna

Contributed by Matt from Two Tickets To

Bratislava, the charming capital of neighbouring Slovakia, makes for a perfect day trip from Vienna. This is a city on a different scale – easy to explore on foot, but packed full of enough sights to keep you very busy! An hour’s journey is all it takes to be transported from the sweeping grandeur of Vienna’s palaces and opera houses to the cobbled streets of Bratislava’s Old Town .

Perhaps my favourite thing about Bratislava is its contrasts. This is a city where you can stand under the shadow of a monumentalist Soviet war memorial whilst taking in a perfect view of the iconic renaissance-style Bratislava Castle , towering high above the Danube . At street level, you might walk past the Slovak Radio Building – perhaps the most wonderfully ugly building in Europe – before walking through the medieval-era Michael’s Gate , and into one of the many wonderful pubs and restaurants within the Old Town. 

If you’re looking to try traditional Slovak food during your brief visit to Bratislava, my recommendation would be Koliba Kamzik, which is nestled right in the heart of the action. However, you won’t be without choice in the city center, and you shouldn’t need to walk too far to find somewhere to suit any taste or budget. Once you’ve eaten your fill, dive back into Bratislava’s fascinating maze of streets before making the short trip back to Vienna by bus (shout-out to Flixbus), train or car!

Budapest, Hungary

hungarian parliament

One of the best parts of traveling around Europe is that in a couple hours you can be in a totally different country surrounded by new sounds and smells. In less than 3-hours you can drive or take a train from Vienna to Budapest, Hungary. While this beautiful capital city is best enjoyed over a few days it is possible to visit for a day trip.

Read | 3 Day Itinerary for Budapest, Hungary

I suggest starting your day admiring the Hungarian Parliament (pictured above) as it is the largest building in Hungary and difficult to miss. Next, cross the Danube to the Buda side of Budapest to wander the castle district. Here you will find The Fisherman’s Bastion built in the 1800’s to the chieftains of Hungary, Matthias Church which boasts an colorfully decorated ceramic tiled roof, and various museums housed inside Buda Castle .

When it is time for something to eat don’t miss out on lángos, a deep fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and sometimes meat and potatoes. If you are staying overnight then definitely don’t miss out on ruin pubs and street food from Karaván. To complete your day of exploring Budapest and to treat yourself, head over to the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath for a dip in the healing waters.

Brno, Czech Republic

Brno, Czechia

Contributed by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Brno, Czech Republic is an easy day trip from Vienna. Located just across the Austrian border in the southeastern portion of Czech Republic called Moravia, Brno is worth visiting for at least one day. 

From Vienna, you can reach Brno by train or by car. It takes roughly two hours, which allows for plenty of time in Brno to hit the highlights. Like many cities in Europe, Brno has a picturesque old town area, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning cathedrals.

Perched atop a hill in Old Town overlooking the city, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is the most notable cathedral in the city. For a small charge you can climb the cathedral’s spiraling towers and tour the crypt inside the church. But the crypt inside the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is only one of the catacombs you can visit in Brno. The Capuchin Crypt is another must-see attraction in Brno.. Although certainly a bit morbid, the ossuary contains dozens of well-preserved mummies of former monks and nobility. 

End your day with a drive through the countryside of Moravia. One of the most scenic regions in Czech Republic, just outside of Brno, you’ll find rolling hills of vibrant green and yellow fields. It’s the perfect place to take in a little serenity and escape the busy city of Vienna for the day.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague day trip from Vienna

Prague is a 4-hour trip from Vienna, not exactly day trip material but if you are desperate to squeeze it in then I suggest taking the train or even staying over one night. It is one of the best-preserved Medieval cities in the world and a personal favorite.

The city also boasts the largest ancient castle in the world. The Castle District ( Hradčany ) dates back to the 9th century with plenty to see and do. St Vitus Cathedral is an impressive feat of construction with over 100 gargolyles decorating the outside, incredible stained glass windows, and a tower to get a bird’s eye view of Prague. After a wander down Golden Lane where you can peer into historic homes and shops that used to line the streets.

The Old Town Square boasts the oldest operating astrological clock at the Town Hall that goes off twice a day (9:00 and 23:00). A five-minute walk from the square you can arrange to visit the Klementinum to see a baroque library with antique books and globes as well as take a tour of the Astrological Tower .

Read | 3 Days Wandering Medieval Prague

When it is time to take a breather head into U Krale Brabantskeho , a medieval pub where you can enjoy a large glass of their own beer by candlelight. If you’re lucky you might catch the fire dancers and swordsmen!

Wachau Valley

trips from vienna by train

Contributed by Anjali from Travel Melodies

Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region,  Wachau Valley  in Lower Austria is about an hour away from Vienna that makes it a perfect day-trip destination from Vienna. 

Located between the historic towns of Melk and Krems, Wachau is a narrow stretch (about 22-miles) along the Danube River lined with beautiful vineyards and orchards, charming hamlets, lush rolling hills, forests, imposing castles, abbeys, and medieval ruins.

The easiest and the recommended way to reach Wachau from Vienna is by car. It gives you the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want. Other options include ÖBB train or a combination of bus and train or Wachau Cruise.

The best places to visit in Wachau are  Krems ,  Dürnstein ,  Aggstein Castle , and  Melk Abbey . One of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries, Melk Abbey, is stunningly gorgeous and the most impressive site on this trip. Wine lovers wouldn’t want to miss the wine tour.  Domäne Wachau  offers wine tours that include local wine-tasting at the end.

How can you leave one of Europe’s top culinary regions before you sample some of its famous delicacies? You must try  Benedictine Torte  at  Stifts-restaurant  in Melk Abbey,  Wachauer Kugeln  at  Konditorei Raimitz  in Krems, and a glass of wine with a traditional dinner at  Heuriger Höllmül .

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48-Hour Itinerary

The 10 Best Day Trips From Vienna, Austria

trips from vienna by train

Vienna is surrounded by beauty, culture, and history. Close to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, it affords travelers plenty of great getaways with minimum hassle and expense. It's also in close reach of idyllic countryside villages, vineyards with wine-tasting opportunities , and breathtaking mountain landscapes. These are the best day trips from Vienna, Austria that can also be extended to an overnight or weekend stay, so you can make the most of each destination. 

The Wachau Valley

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

The Wachau Valley is a remarkable network of green forests, storybook castles, medieval abbeys, pristine riverbanks, idyllic vineyards, and cute little towns. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular getaways from Vienna.  

Located about an hour from the city center by car or bus, the Valley offers plenty of things to see and do. It's coveted by history buffs, wine lovers, foodies, and anyone in search of a bucolic and quaint Austria. 

Spanning some 25 miles between the pretty towns of of Krems and Melk, the Wachau Valley (also referred to as the Danube Valley for the river that runs through it) is rich with both history and natural beauty. 

What to Do There: Make sure to visit the stunning  Melk Abbey, situated at the top of a hill and offering gorgeous views over the river below and the entire Valley. The Benedictine Abbey, which dates to 1089, is perched on a site that has been used by various royal and religious figures for over 1,000 years. Its fine marble elements, arresting domed entrance, and picturesque gardens make it a real draw card in the Valley. There's also a museum dating to the Austrian Imperial period, offering visitors a good overview of the site and displaying numerous opulent artifacts. 

Wine tasting in the Wachau valley is also a great options, as is a long walk along the Danube between Melk and Krems, and exploring the area's many interesting historic sites. Take a look at this page on the UNESCO World Heritage Trail in the Valley.  

Bratislava, Slovakia

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Take the train for an hour due east, and you'll find yourself in Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia and one of the prettiest and most well-preserved cities in Europe. 

Bratislava's cobbled pedestrian streets lined with cafes and restaurants, grand old national theatre, and whimsical statues make for an ideal day trip. Even many travelers on tight budgets will find the fare reasonable, and when it's nice out, walking around and visiting the city's main monuments is an inexpensive way to spend the day. 

What to Do There: With its distinctive, brightly colored facades and warm red rooftops, the city is cheerful and full of interesting sites , even on a foggy or rainy day. Make sure to visit the 16th-century Bratislava castle, a storybook-worthy monument that dominates a high hill overlooking the old city. 

If you have a bit more time and wouldn't mind spending a lot of time on the water, a day-long cruise by boat from Vienna to Bratislava is entirely possible, too. However, these cruises generally only operate between April to September. 

The Local Vineyards of Vienna

One of the most idyllic and easy ways to get out of the city for a spell is to head for the local vineyards of Vienna. These winemaking areas are remarkably close to the urban hustle and bustle but make you feel like you've gotten far, far away from it all. 

Vienna counts an astounding 700 hectares of actively cultivated vines within its greater city limits, and 80% of these produce distinctive Austrian white wines, including the world-famous Gruner Vetliner and Wiener Gemischter Satz, a local speciality. 

In the spring and fall, locals flock to the vineyards to catch a bit of bucolic country charm, taste and judge the seasonal bounty, and nibble on typical Austrian specialties at local heurige (country wine estates where food is also generally served).

What to Do There: This is probably one of the most Austrian things you can do on a trip to Wien: spend a lazy afternoon at a heurige or two. Taste the latest whites and tuck into a plate of cheese, charcuterie, special salads and homemade cakes. 

For more information on the best wine-tastings and heurige in close reach of the city, including information on how to get there by train and/or bus, visit this page . 

Klosterneuburg Monastery

More than 900 years old, the Klosterneuburg Monastery is one of the Vienna area's loveliest and most historically important centers of religious activity. It houses numerous prized works of religious art, including the "Verdun Altar," crowns, and other ceremonial items. 

Blending high Gothic and Baroque architecture, the Monastery features distinctive green domes and towers that can be spotted from afar as you approach the hilly area on which it stands. It's also surrounded by centuries-old vineyards: a typical feature of the Austrian countryside. 

Founded in 1114 by Margrave Leopold III, the site has served as a residence of many Imperial dynasties, including the Habsburgs. Since it's served as an unusual combination of monastery and royal residence, it lends much insight into the religious and Imperial history of Austria. 

What to Do There: Make sure to see the Verdun Altar, a remarkably well-preserved piece of medieval art. Also see the onsite wine cellars and the former private rooms of Emperor Charles VI, which serve as the starting point for most guided tours. For more information on getting there, what to do and see at the monastery, see this page. 

Kreuzenstein Castle and Fortress

Crowning a grand hill that was prized by settlers as far back as the prehistoric period, this castle and fortress is one of the most arresting sites around Vienna. Although the original 12th-century medieval structure was destroyed during the 17th century, the reconstructed 19th-century site and its adjoining museum make for a fun and informative visit. 

Kreuzenstein served as a center of strategic defense against enemies for many centuries, and was acquired by the powerful Habsburg family (later to rule much of Europe with their Empire) during the Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a museum of medieval history, art and culture.

What to Do There: There's an armory, chapel, Knight's Hall, kitchen and keep to explore. For more information on visiting the site, including details on guided tours and admission fees, see this page. 

True, Prague is a bit of a stretch for a day trip in the strict sense—at least if you want to really take advantage of the city. But if you leave Vienna early in the morning and opt for an overnight stay in the Czech capital, a 24-hour hop between the two remarkable cities is feasible. 

It takes around four hours to get to Prague from the Austrian capital, by train, car, or tourist bus. For this reason, make sure to set out early so you have enough time to explore all the highlights of the former center of Bohemia. 

What to Do There: Old Prague is a marvel and another UNESCO World Heritage site. With its breathtaking and remarkably preserved Old Town Square, Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter and distinctive synagogue, Prague Castle, Kafka Museum, and numerous other attractions, this is one of Eastern Europe's most fascinating cities. 

In addition to taking some time to taste specialities such as local Czech beers, goulash, dumplings and pastries, we recommend hitting off-the-beaten-path attractions such as the Cubist Museum, one of the city's most interesting gems. Also make sure to stroll across the centuries-old Charles Bridge. 

Beethoven Museum

A must for classical music fans, the quiet village of Heiligenstadt lies just outside of Viennese city limits. Its claim to fame is that Ludwig von Beethoven visited the town many times, composing part of his Second Symphony in a small apartment here in 1802. Arriving for the first time at the tender age of 17 as a student of Mozart's, the young Ludwig would return to Vienna to study under Haydn and stayed until his death in 1827.

What to Do There: Make sure to visit the composer's former residence at 6 Proubusgasse. It's been transformed into a 14-room museum that's only been open since November 2017. Toward the end of his life when Beethoven was losing his hearing, he wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament here, an unsent missive to his brothers that reveals much about the composer's suffering.

The permanent collection tells the story of that famous letter and displays numerous personal artefacts of Beethoven's, musical equipment and other objects of interest. 

Also, Beethoven, who eventually moved to Vienna, is buried in the city's biggest cemetery at Zentralfriedhof. There are many other sites around the Austrian capital that can be visited as part of an informal "Beethoven tour"—the new museum being one of them. For information on visiting the Beethoven Museum,  visit this page.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

This iconic city served as the setting for the beloved movie " The Sound of Music ."  Salzburg is roughly two and a half hours away from Vienna by train. If you're looking for a slice of the idyllic Austrian atmosphere you've so often heard about, a trip to this city near the German border is well worth a try. Offering views of the Eastern Alps, Salzburg is surrounded by picturesque mountains.

What to Do There: Famous denizens include Mozart, and classical music fans can visit his birthplace at the popular museum that stands here.

Make sure to spend a few hours roaming around the Baroque Altstadt (Old Town), which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Noteworthy sights and attractions there include the Mirabell Palace and its sumptuous formal gardens (reportedly a favorite playground of the Von Trapp kids),  Salzburg Cathedral , and the Residentzplatz , an immense square in the city centre that's dominated by the Residenzbrunnen , a stunning fountain crafted in marble. 

Otherwise, a stop at Hohensalzburg Castle is another good option, as is a walk along the gorgeous banks of the Salzach river .  You can even take a sightseeing cruise on the river to rest your feet for a stretch. 

Carnuntum, an Old Roman Archaeological Site

Austria was a vibrant and important part of ancient Rome's nexus of power and influence within Europe. Located just east of Vienna via a short (and inexpensive) local train, the Archaeological Park at Carnantum features some impressive Roman ruins, reconstructed buildings and an engaging permanent exhibition that brings the 1st Century BC town back to life. 

For anyone interested in history and archaeology, this makes an ideal and easy day trip. There are plenty of activities designed for kids, too, so a family outing is certainly possible here. 

What to Do There: During its heyday, Carnantum was home to some 50,000 people. Come see the reconstructed buildings at the park. These include elaborate Roman baths, or Thermae , stately houses of wealthy citizens, and even part of an arena that once served as a gladiator school. The latter was only discovered in 2011. 

For more Information on the park, tickets and getting there from Vienna, see this page at the official website.

The Woods of Vienna

The Vienna Woods—part of the lower foothills of the Alps—are immense, full of easy walking trails, heurige for wine tasting and casual meals, and the  Kahlenberg,  a small mountain popular for its panoramic views. 

What to Do There: On a clear day, the Kahlenberg viewpoint affords visitors incredible vantages over the entire city and its surroundings. Home to a centuries-old monastery and the Baroque St Joseph's Church, the mountain also features a large tower, the Stefaniewarte , that was built in the late 19th century in honor of the Crown Princess Stefanie of Belgium. From here, you can enjoy the panoramic terrace before accessing the many walking paths that wind through the Vienna Woods. If you start early enough, you can even walk the whole way back to the city (about 4.5 hours in total). For lovers of the outdoors, spending some time on these trails is highly recommended—UNESCO even named the Woods a Biosphere Reserve, owing to their outstanding natural beauty and diversity. Some 2,000 plant species and 150 bird species, including endangered ones, inhabit the sprawling forest. 

For information in English on the Woods, walking trails and getting there from the city center by tram or bus,  see this page.

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The Roads Beyond

The best weekend trips from vienna by train.

Are you based in Vienna and craving a weekend adventure that doesn’t require endless hours of travel or the hassle of airport check-ins? In this post, I’m excited to share with you some of the best weekend trips from Vienna by train.

As someone who has always been enchanted by the ease and romance of train travel, I’ve discovered that Vienna is not just Austria’s heart but also a gateway to some of Central Europe’s most charming cities.

Train travel in Central and Eastern Europe is a window to the region’s soul. The routes weave through changing landscapes – from rolling hills and vineyards to historic towns and modern cities.

The trains, varying from modern high-speed lines to traditional carriages, offer a range of experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences.

The places mentioned below are places you can easily fall in love with. From the musical streets of Salzburg and the architectural wonders of Budapest to the historical charm of Prague, these destinations promise enchanting escapes that will enrich your weekends with unforgettable experiences.

Table of Contents

Domestic Weekend Trips from Vienna by Train

A view of buildings and a river in Salzburg, which is one of the best weekend trips from Vienna.

If you’re in Vienna and thinking about a weekend getaway, Salzburg can be a great idea. Just a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, Salzburg is a world away from the hustle of the city, offering a perfect blend of music, history, and architecture.

Salzburg, primarily known as Mozart’s birthplace, is a cultural haven waiting to be explored. Stepping into the city, you’re greeted with an ambiance that feels like a homage to this musical legend.

Visiting Mozart’s birthplace, now a fascinating museum, isn’t just about walking through a historical site; it’s about walking in the footsteps of a genius.

But there’s more to Salzburg than just Mozart. The city is a paradise for “The Sound of Music” enthusiasts. Don’t miss a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, where the famous “Do-Re-Mi” scene was filmed.

Beyond music and movies, Salzburg captivates with its architectural wonders. The Salzburg Cathedral, with its stunning baroque design, and the bustling Getreidegasse, a charming shopping street.

So, for anyone in Vienna looking for an enriching weekend escape, Salzburg is a top-notch choice. It’s a journey that promises more than just a change of scenery. And the best part? It’s just a train ride away from Vienna, making it one of the best weekend trips for a quick yet memorable getaway.

Buildings and mountains in the background, in Graz, Austria.

Just a couple of hours by train from Vienna, and you’re in Graz. Graz, often overlooked in the shadow of Vienna and Salzburg, has its own unique flavor.

When you step into Graz, you can’t miss the Schlossberg – a lush hill right in the city center, topped with a clock tower that’s become the city’s symbol. It’s not just a pretty sight; the climb up there is a real treat with great views of the city.

You also have the Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the ‘Friendly Alien’, this funky, blob-shaped museum that’s all about contemporary art. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before – trust me.

But Graz isn’t just about modern art. Wander around the old town and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Cobbled streets, cute cafés, and buildings with a story – it’s all there.

The local farmers’ markets, especially the one at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, are overflowing with fresh, local produce. And you’ve got to try the Styrian pumpkin seed oil – it’s a game changer for your salads.

For anyone in Vienna looking for a weekend trip, Graz is a no-brainer. It’s easy to reach, full of surprises, and just different enough to give you that ‘vacation feel’ without any of the stress.

Typical lake view of Hallstatt, with houses and a church next to a lake, surrounded by mountains.

A three hour and forty minute-train ride away from Vienna lies Hallstatt, a place that’s been a dream destination for me since my teenage years. I remember having a poster of its picturesque lakeside view on my bedroom wall, igniting my wanderlust to explore the world.

Hallstatt is like stepping into a fairytale. This charming village, nestled between the Hallstätter See (lake) and the towering Dachstein mountains, is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most photographed spots in Austria.

The heart of Hallstatt is its market square, Marktplatz, surrounded by colorful, old-world buildings and quaint cafes. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and soak in the serene atmosphere.

One of the must-visits in Hallstatt is the Salt Mine. Yes, Hallstatt is famous for its salt production history. The mine offers an intriguing look into the past with fun and educational tours. Plus, the ride up to the mine on the funicular offers some of the best views of the village and the lake.

You also have the Beinhaus, or Bone House, in the St. Michael’s Chapel is a unique and somewhat eerie sight. It’s filled with painted skulls, a tradition dating back to when the cemetery ran out of space.

Finally, don’t miss out on a boat trip on Hallstätter See. It gives you a whole new perspective of the village and the surrounding mountains – a view that’s absolutely spellbinding.

Hallstatt is not just a pretty postcard town; it’s a small slice of Austrian charm that’s one of the best weekend trips form Vienna by train.

The Ars Electronica Center, in Linz, lit up at night.

Continuing our journey of weekend trips from Vienna, let’s venture to the enchanting city of Linz. A comfortable train ride of about 1.5 hours from Vienna will transport you to this unique destination, where culture, technology, and history blend seamlessly.

Linz, unlike its more famous Austrian counterparts, presents a fascinating mix of old-world charm and futuristic innovation.

One of Linz’s most captivating attractions is the Ars Electronica Center. Known as the ‘Museum of the Future,’ it’s a place where technology, art, and science converge in the most interactive and engaging ways.

But Linz isn’t all about the future. The city’s main square, Hauptplatz, is one of the largest in Central Europe and is lined with beautiful baroque buildings. It’s a very lively area where you can feel the pulse of the city.

A stroll along the Danube, which flows through the city, is another must-do. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the views, especially during the evening when the city lights reflect on the water.

And while in Linz, be sure to try the famous Linzer Torte, reputed to be the oldest cake in the world!

For those venturing from Vienna for a weekend trip, Linz offers a refreshingly different experience. The ease of reaching it by train makes it an ideal, hassle-free destination for those looking to explore beyond Vienna’s borders.

International Weekend Trips from Vienna by Train

Bratislava, slovakia.

The Bratislava Castle, overlooking the Danube. Bratislava is one of the best international weekend trips from Vienna by train.

If you are looking for international weekend trips from Vienna, one of the best destinations is Bratislava, in Slovakia. Just about an hour away by train, this charming city is a hidden gem that offers a delightful mix of culture, history, and modern vibrancy.

Bratislava has a cozy yet exciting atmosphere. It might be one of Europe’s smaller capitals, but it packs a punch with its rich history and contemporary appeal.

The Bratislava Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, is a must-visit. This massive castle has a history that dates back over a thousand years and offers some of the best views of the city.

Descending from the castle, the charm of Bratislava’s Old Town awaits. Strolling through the narrow, winding streets, you’ll find an array of quaint cafes, quirky shops, and historic buildings. The Old Town is also home to the stunning St. Martin’s Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece that once crowned Hungarian kings.

One of the most delightful aspects of Bratislava is its size – it’s perfectly walkable. This means you can leisurely explore the city without the rush, discovering hidden gems along the way. From the quirky Čumil (The Watcher) statue to the lively squares lined with eateries, every corner of Bratislava has its own story.

For those looking for a culturally rich yet relaxed weekend trip from Vienna, Bratislava is a fantastic choice. Its proximity to Vienna makes it incredibly accessible, but its unique charm and character make it a world away.

Budapest, Hungary

The Danube River in Budapest, separating Buda and Pest.

Continuing our exploration of weekend destinations easily accessible from Vienna, let’s turn our attention to the picturesque city of Budapest, Hungary. Approximately a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, Budapest offers a blend of grand architecture, thermal baths, and a rich cultural scene, making it an irresistible option for a weekend getaway.

As the train pulls into Budapest, you’re greeted by a city that seems to straddle two different worlds – the historic grandeur of Buda on one side of the Danube River and the bustling, modern Pest on the other. The city’s dual character is its most enchanting feature, offering visitors a taste of two cities in one.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the stunning architecture. From the Gothic revival marvel of the Hungarian Parliament Building to the grandeur of Buda Castle, Budapest is a haven for architecture enthusiasts.

No visit to Budapest is complete without experiencing its famous thermal baths. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of the largest spa complexes in Europe, is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Its outdoor pools, set against a backdrop of Neo-baroque architecture, make for a surreal and relaxing experience.

The Central Market Hall is a paradise for food lovers, where you can find a range of Hungarian specialties, like goulash and sweet chimney cakes.

For a taste of Budapest’s vibrant cultural life, a visit to the historic Opera House or a stroll through the Jewish Quarter. And the city’s nightlife, particularly the famous “ruin bars,” provides a quirky and fun way to experience the local scene.

For those based in Vienna, Budapest is more than just a convenient weekend destination; it’s a gateway into a world where history, culture, and modernity coexist in harmony.

Prague, Czech Republic

A view of the Charles Bridge in Prague at sunrise. Prague is one of the best weekend trips from Vienna by train.

Another captivating weekend journey from Vienna is Prague, in the Czech Republic. It’s a little bit further though, around 4 hours by train, but it’s totally worth it.

As the train arrives in Prague, you’re immediately transported into a world that seems to have leaped from the pages of a fairy tale.

Prague’s most iconic landmark, the Charles Bridge, is a must-visit. This historic bridge, adorned with statues and offering panoramic views of the Vltava River, is like a portal to the city’s past. The early mornings on the bridge offer a peaceful experience, while the evenings turn it into a lively spot with artists and musicians adding to its charm.

Close to the bridge you can find my favorite spot in Prague: the Kafka Museum. It’s a small museum where you can see an exhibition of the life of the writer, in relation to his work. If you are a fan of his books you will love it too.

Another place that you can’t miss is The Prague Castle. Exploring this vast complex, with its palaces, churches, and gardens, is like stepping back in time.

Prague’s Old Town Square is a hub of activity, surrounded by colorful baroque buildings and Gothic churches. The medieval Astronomical Clock is a highlight here.

Another aspect that I love about Prague that I love and recommend you visit during your weekend there is its tea houses. While I’m used to cafés, I haven’t seen much tea houses while traveling except for in Asia, so I found them pretty unique.

Additionally, if you prefer beer, don’t miss the beer bars where you can sample excellent craft beer. Even though I’m not a big beer fan, I found these bars definitely worth visiting.

Prague is a world waiting to be discovered, promising an unforgettable weekend adventure.

Before You Go…

For those seeking further adventures for weekend trips from Vienna by train, consider the inviting cities of Brno and Sopron.

Brno, a Czech city less than two hours away, offers a rich mix of medieval architecture and modern culture. It’s an ideal destination for those interested in history and vibrant city life.

Sopron, located in Hungary and about an hour and a half from Vienna, is renowned for its wine and enchanting streets. It’s a perfect choice for a peaceful yet culturally rich getaway.

Alternatively, you might opt for two separate day trips during a weekend, maximizing your exploration. Vienna’s central location provides the advantage of easily reaching a variety of fascinating nearby destinations.

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I share travel tips and experiences based on my trips. I love countries with delicious food, night bazaars, nature, interesting birds, archaeological sites and beautiful temples

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The 16 Coolest Day Trips From Vienna, Austria

trips from vienna by train

Amazing & Unforgettable Day Trips From Vienna!

Thanks to its perfect location at the Danube and close to many other countries borders, Vienna offers an abundance of great places to explore.

Whether you choose to discover the surroundings of the city or even go abroad, there’s almost no limit when it comes to finding the best day trips from Vienna.

Whether you drive by car or take public transport, the city makes a convenient base for trips to nearby towns and villages.

From the idyllic Austrian village Hallstatt to the Hungarian capital city Budapest, or the Czech quaint town Cesky Krumlov. The opportunities are endless!

Together with other travel bloggers, I compiled this list of the, in our opinion, best day trips from Vienna.

It features lovely old castles , breathtaking lakes, gorgeous wine villages , bustling cities and even a big spa complex .

That’s enough detail already, now you need to find out the rest by yourself!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

1. Hallstatt

Recommended by me

A quiet, deep blue lake with swans and wooden houses in a picturesque village located at the foot of impressive mountains – welcome to Hallstatt!

This scenic village is one of the most famous places in Austria and therefore a must on every itinerary.

Whether you decide to choose public transport or go by car, Hallstatt is easily reachable with both options. The journey takes around three hours for either of them.

In Hallstatt, the first thing you need to do is take a walk along the lake promenade. There are many lovely cafés side by side serving a good cup of coffee.

It’s also possible to rent a pedal boat in form of a big swan or take a swim in the lake if the weather is good.

Hallstatt

Moreover, don’t miss out on visiting the world-famous charnel house (“Beinhaus”) that can be found at the cemetery.

The tiny chapel dates back to the 12th century and is home to more than 600 spectacularly painted skulls .

Due to its popularity, Hallstatt is swamped by tourists every day, no matter what season. Thus it’s recommended to go there as early as possible to avoid getting overrun and get a more authentic experience.

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and the capital of the beautiful state of Styria.

With a car drive of only 2.5 hours , it’s among the most popular and top-rated day trips from Vienna.

Those who prefer public transport can choose one of the many direct train and bus connections that are available a few times a day.

Once in Graz, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the “Uhrturm” – the city’s main sight and one of the most famous landmarks in Austria located on a small hill.

To get up there, you can either climb a few hundred steep stairs or take the less exhausting way: The cable car called “Schlossbergbahn” .

Another place you shouldn’t miss is the “Kunsthaus” . It’s a modern art museum housing different exhibitions of contemporary artists. Because of its weird look, locals also call it the “Friendly Alien”.

day trips from Vienna

For lunch or a hot cup of coffee, head to one of the numerous places near the city hall. Some good recommendations are Ginko Greenhouse, Café Sacher or Don Camillo .

If you have some time left, make your way to Schloss Eggenberg to take an extensive stroll in the big, beautiful surrounding park.

One day is more than enough to see all the main attractions without rushing through the city. However, it’s easy to fall in love with the Styrian capital so you’ll most likely want to come back again and again!

3. Ljubljana

Recommended by Džangir of Dr Jam Travels

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana , is three and a half hours from Vienna and thus still able to visit as a day trip!

The city is not big at all, but its smaller size is exactly what makes the city so charming.

One place you shouldn’t miss is the old town of Ljubljana where you can find many of the main attractions such as the town hall or the famous triple bridge.

Take an hour and walk slowly on the narrow and cobbled streets that were formed in medieval times on both sides of the river Ljubljanica.

Moreover, stop at a few baroque churches and palaces to admire the work of the famous architect Plečnik .

Ljubljana

On the left bank of the river, you can find the remains of Emona , a city from ancient Rome.

For some stunning city views, make your way to Ljubljana castle on a hill. You can access it by walking many of the different paths or by funicular.

After walking, eat some local food in one of the many great restaurants and finish your visit with a leisure stroll in the green park Tivoli .

4. Bratislava

Recommended by Rachael of A City Girl Outside

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and lies just across the border of Austria , making it one of the most perfect day trips from Vienna.

Bratislava is small for a capital city and therefore it’s possible to see its main attractions within one day.

Getting to  Bratislava from Vienna  is relatively easy. You can either opt to take a guided tour which is great for convenience and learning about the area. Or you can take the train on a self-guided day trip.

The train to Bratislava departs from the Vienna Hauptbahnhof and getting tickets from the ticket machines is relatively easy with many languages available. The total journey time is just over an hour .

best day trips from Vienna

Once you arrive in the city center you are free to explore! The Bratislava Old Town is the most popular and picturesque part of the city.

Michael’s Gate is quite possibly the biggest attraction in Bratislava. It was originally one of the four gates when Bratislava was a fortified city. 

The Old Town Hall sits in a beautiful square filled with vibrant buildings and unique statues. This bright yellow building also houses the city’s oldest museum , the Bratislava City Museum.

The entry also includes access to the viewing tower which showcases panoramic views of the square below. 

There are many more things to do in Bratislava and most are within a short walking distance of each other.

A total of 8-10 hours is recommended for visiting Bratislava from Vienna, you won’t want to rush through this beautiful city! 

5. Cesky Krumlov

Recommended by Julia of The Cure for Curiosity

Take a  day trip to Cesky Krumlov  in the Czech Republic to explore one of the quaintest and most picturesque towns in Europe.

Its storybook-like charm is accentuated by its location nestled into the crook of the Vltava River , almost giving a moat appearance around the city.

Located just 2.5 hours away from Vienna , the best way to make the journey to Cesky Krumlov is to rent a car and drive yourself or take a direct shuttle bus. 

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with amazing views over the city and even more beautiful views as you meander through the cobblestone streets. 

Cesky Krumlov

Spend the day wandering the historic Old Town, visiting the Cesky Krumlov Castle, and admiring Cloak Bridge and the views from it.

You’ll also want to taste the traditional “trdelnik” , a local pastry of grilled dough shaped in a cylinder and topped with various ingredients. 

If you have more time, check out the handful of local museums to learn more about the city’s history.

6. Budapest

Recommended by Anjali of Travel Melodies

Just about 2.5 hours away , Budapest makes for an easy day trip from Vienna.

Frankly, Budapest needs at least two to three days to explore though if you narrow down on the high points, you can cover Budapest in 24 hours.

Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Gellért Hill, Buda Castle, Hungarian Parliament, Szechenyi Thermal Baths, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Chain Bridge are some of the  best things to do in Budapest .

best day trips from Vienna

Another not-to-be-missed activity in Budapest is the Danube River Cruise . It’s, in fact, one of the best ways to take in all the highlights of Budapest, right from the waters.

You should book the sunset cruise. This way, you can see the city in daylight and then see it again all lit up as the cruise returns to the starting point.

You can not leave Budapest before you have tried the Chimney Cake . The best place to taste the traditional Chimney Cake is Cafe Molnár’s Kütrőskalács .

Getting to Budapest is relatively easy, there are many flights, trains and buses from Vienna to Budapest . Alternatively, you can join a guided Budapest day tour from Vienna.

7. Vienna Woods

Recommended by Kenny of Knycx Journeying

There is a lot to  see and do in Vienna  – and why wouldn’t it? The City of Music is an enchanting travel destination filled with music, art, history, and culture.

Having said that, you will have a great experience going a little bit further to the city’s outskirts.  

Located just about 50 kilometers away from Vienna’s city center, Vienna Woods is a place known for its wine gardens , vineyards, walking trails, and picturesque villages .  

To get there, there are a number of trains and bus routes that take travelers to Vienna Woods within an hour.

Nevertheless, it would be wise to organize a day trip with a rental car, as you can get around town and explore the area at your own pace.  

Vienna Woods

Begin your day with a wine tour and have a sip of some world-class wines, and if you are looking for something more active, go kayaking on the Danube or go on a scenic walk through the historic forest, which was a hunting ground of Viennese royalty.

In the afternoon, take it slow and have a walk in the town center.

Vienna Woods has no lack of historic sites including the Mayerling hunting lodge and Heiligenkreuz Abbey, which is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in the world.   

Recommended by Monique of Trip Anthropologist

Only 75 miles from Vienna , Sopron is just across the border in Hungary and is one of Europe’s hidden gems.

Trains leave every hour from Vienna to Sopron but it is also a quick and easy driving destination. You just need to follow the A2 to the A3 and then take the Sopron city exit.

Sopron is surrounded by lakes and forests and its Old Town is built upon the ancient Roman city of Scarbantia . Parts of Scarbantia have been excavated and its walls and Forum are right next to the Old Town square.

The buildings and houses in the old part of town are a mix of baroque and medieval styles fronting cobbled streets and surrounding charming squares.

day trips from Vienna

Every  Sopron travel guide  will tell you not to miss Sopron’s central landmark, the 58-meter-high old fire tower , the Tűztorony. Wardens would once stand on the balcony and warn of fires in the forests surrounding the town.

A few hours wandering the Old Town, lunch in the main square, and a look through a museum can all be achieved in a day trip.

If you have more time, driving around the forests, wineries, and monasteries around Sopron makes for a lovely few days just across the border from Austria!

9. Wachau Valley

Recommended by Roxanne of Faraway Worlds

Only an hour out of the city,  visiting the Wachau Valley  makes for a wonderful day trip from Vienna. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Wachau Valley is renowned for its wine, castles and pretty towns.

Situated on the banks of the Danube, the valley is lined with terraced vineyards, primarily known for their dry white wines usually made from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes .

The landscape is beautiful, with rolling countryside overlooking the river.

Wachau Valley

Of the towns dotted through the valley, Dürnstein and Melk are well worth a visit.

They both boast lovely town centers, beautiful Baroque architecture and nearby fortresses (it’s technically an abbey in Melk, but it’s still stunning).

Getting to the Wachau Valley from Vienna is very easy. There are direct trains to Melk and Krems and you can catch a bus to the smaller towns from there.

If you want to visit the wineries, you can also cycle through the valley . There are a few providers offering organized tours from Vienna (these usually still involve taking a train to Krems).

Of course, traveling by car would give you the most flexibility, allowing you to stop at any village, castle or winery that you choose. 

Recommended by Adriana of Czech the World

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic , presenting a perfect combination of history and a modern city. You can find remarkable places, delicious food, beer, and wine here.

The Czech city is only 1,5 hours by train or two hours by bus from Vienna, which makes it a great destination for a day trip. A one-way ticket to Brno costs about €7 .

It’s also a beloved destination for Czech people because it’s among the best day trips from Prague.

One day is already enough to see the best of Brno. Most of the important landmarks are within walking distance, located around the city center.

You can start by exploring the iconic Petrov Cathedral (St. Paul’s and Peter’s cathedral) as well as the Špilberk Castle , which is a massive baroque citadel with extensive casemates.

Brno by night

Another very interesting place that shouldn’t be missed is the St. James Ossuary (Kostnice u Svatého Jakuba), which is the second-largest ossuary in Europe!

It’s not very far from the main square – Náměstí Svobody, which is often a place of markets and festivals.

If you are a fan of modern architecture, you shouldn’t miss Vila Tugendhat . It was built in the functionalist style and is listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Here, you can find also other places and cool  things to do in Brno .

Once you are in Brno, don’t forget to stop at a local pub for great and cheap Czech beer, which costs about €1.5–2 (for 0.5 l of draft beer). 

11. Lake Bled

Recommended by Tom & Zi of Craving Adventure

Lake Bled is one of the most popular locations in Slovenia, and it is easy to see why.

A mesmerizingly blue lake surrounded by mountains, the most picture-perfect tiny island with a shining white church on it in the middle of the lake, and a medieval castle overlooking this magical scenery.

Your jaw is guaranteed to drop when you first lay your eyes on this wonder of nature.

Lake Bled is a great day trip from Vienna, although you might want to make that into a multi-day trip as it is an almost four-hour long drive by car . There is enough to do in Bled to keep you entertained for days!

Lake Bled

Highly recommended is having dinner in the castle and doing a boat trip to Bled Island on a traditional Pletna boat.

They’re a bit like the gondolas in Venice, except that Pletna boats are propelled with two oars instead of one.

If you’re spending more than one day in Bled, then make sure to check out the Vintgar Gorge .

It’s a 1.6-kilometer-long gorge with suspended boardwalks going alongside the emerald-colored water as it tumbles its way through rapids toward the Sum waterfall at the end. 

12. Grinzing

Recommended by Samantha of The Wandering Wanderluster

Austria is a well-known wine destination, and Vienna boasts over 700 hectares of vineyards alone.

If you have ticked off all the  top things to do in Vienna , then a trip out of the city to its wine villages and vineyards that hugs the slopes beneath the Vienna woods is a must.

One of the most popular wine villages is the small town of Grinzing which is easily reached by tram from the Schottentor U-Bahn Station.  

Part of the charm of Grinzing is simply wandering its lanes and enjoying the charming village atmosphere that has attracted many famous people over the centuries including painters, writers and musicians including Beethoven and Schubert.

best day trips from Vienna

As you walk around you will find a plethora of Heurigen, traditional wine taverns serving local wines and traditional dishes.

Since most people come to Grinzing to enjoy the wine and food, for this reason, it is recommended to visit in the late afternoon or early evening . 

During the summer you can eat and drink outdoors with grapevines hanging above your head and enjoy beautiful gardens and views of the slopes of the Vienna Woods.

If you visit earlier in the afternoon, you can even pair your visit with a stroll or bike ride around the local area before stopping and treating yourself to a glass of wine.

13. Devin Castle

Recommended by Alice of Adventures of Alice

Located just over an hour’s drive away from the imperial city, Devin Castle is a great day trip from Vienna.

It’s actually in Bratislava, one of  Europe’s hidden gems , but sits right against the border with Austria, making it a nice, easy journey.

The castle also sits at the meeting place of the Danube and Morava Rivers and you can actually see the places where the waters meet from the top of the castle. 

The Slovakian Castle is pretty spectacular. Archaeologists suspect that it was occupied during the Neolithic period .

However, during the first century AD, Devin passed through the hands of the Celtics, then Germanic tribes, before the Romans arrived.

trips from vienna by train

Walking around the castle, you’ll find remains of various buildings , including a gatehouse, chapels, and even a graveyard. Little alcoves hold museum pieces encased in glass, and little plaques explaining their history.

Across a small bridge, in the main courtyard, you’ll find the remnants of the Garay Palace and the Upper Castle , as well as beautiful views of the Maiden Tower where, according to legend, the King held his own daughter captive.

From here, and the other taller turrets, you’ll be treated to beautiful views out across the Slovakian countryside and the two combining rivers on this fascinating and beautiful day trip.

14. Lutzmannsburg

Recommended by Carly of Fearless Female Travels

When you’re ready to escape Vienna for a day of relaxation and rest, Lutzmannsburg is the perfect one-day getaway. 

It’s easiest to make the trip by car, with Lutzmannsburg about ninety minutes south of Vienna on the Austrian border, but it’s also possible to make the trip by bus.

Depending on the day of the week it could take one or two transfers.

Once you arrive, head directly to Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg , the massive spa complex on the edge of the town. 

Here, you’ll find a family-friendly indoor and outdoor waterpark for all ages, including waterslides (one of which is the world’s longest virtual-reality slide), pools and diving towers.

There’s a separate adults-only area called “Sauna World”, where you can relax in seven different saunas (no swimwear allowed!).

Throughout the day, different skincare treatments are offered in the saunas, including body scrubs, lotions infused with local grape extracts and natural herbal fragrance treatments. 

Treatments are normally complimentary, but registration is required to ensure there’s room in the sauna for everyone. Plan to spend the whole day here … it’s so relaxing that you’ll never want to leave! 

15. Salzburg

Recommended by Tegan & Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Thanks to the great train connection, Salzburg is one of the best day trips from Vienna and a must-visit during any trip to Austria.

The train ride, using Austrian ÖBB or WESTbahn trains, takes about 2.5 hours , and has beautiful scenery to admire on your journey.

Trains go between the two cities multiple times per hour, so no need to worry about scheduling if you decide to stay overnight, but Salzburg is an eminently doable day trip if your time is more limited.

While in Salzburg, be sure to visit the various sites from The Sound of Music , including the Mirabellgarten and Palace, Schloss Hellbrunn, Nonnberg Abbey, and Schloss Leopoldskron.

You will definitely recognize all of these places if you have seen the classic film!

best day trips from Vienna

Salzburg is also the birthplace of the world-renowned composer Mozart , and you can visit the house where he was born in Altstadt, or the Old City, and enjoy window-shopping along the nearby Getreidegasse, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Another historic site to enjoy is the Hohensalzburg Fortress , a medieval fortification located atop Festungsberg Hill.

You can ride a vintage funicular up to the top and enjoy gorgeous views of the city from above, as well as a neat tour of the fortress.  

Last but not least, make sure to discover the city’s food scene by joining a Salzburg food tour !

Recommended by Nathalie of Bolet Worldwide

If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Vienna, you can easily head to Hungary and visit the beautiful city of Győr.

The trip takes only around an hour by train , starting from the main train station in Vienna Wien Hauptbahnhof to the main train station in Győr with the NT 347 BUCURESTI NORD.

There are many things you can do in Győr, for example, visiting the City town hall which is on the way from the train station.

The City town hall is a magnificent, big building overlooking a square with different fountains.

best day trips from Vienna

After this, start exploring the old town – a big and bright area, with colorful buildings including the Benedictine church of St. Ignatius of Loyola . At the main square, there is also the Carmelite church.

One spot you should not miss is the boatman sculpture . It was built in 1997 after the floods in the city and is said to bring good luck to those who touch it . 

For lunch, you can visit any of the restaurants at the main square to enjoy a fabulous, traditional Hungarian meal.

Check out other posts about Austria : – 16 Best & Most Famous Landmarks in Austria – 50 Interesting Facts About Austria

Like it? Pin it!

day trips from Vienna

Do you want to travel like me? Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals! Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, thus I book an Airbnb every now and then. Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without having one. I use the simple and flexible one from World Nomads to be protected against unforeseen events. Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide . Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.   

trips from vienna by train

Hey and welcome to my blog! I’m Alina, an Austrian travel addict and vegan food lover who has a passion for exploring new destinations and trying out the best plant-based food around the world. Come and join me as I share exciting bucket list experiences and provide helpful travel guides for your own adventures!

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38 Comments

Austria is so beautiful. Part of these day trips I have done, but have some new ones on my list.

There are so many great ones!

I have never been to Vienna and I want to go! Knowing there are all these cool places nearby makes me want to pack my bags and go for a month! The woods and wine region especially look good.

Haha yes you would really need a month to see all of them!

These are all amazing day trips! I remember Bratislava was so close to Vienna. I didn’t realize Slovenia was that close to the city. This is such a great guide! 🙂

Yes Bratislava is only an hour and you can already see the city while being at the border to Slovakia!

The wachau valley looks amazing, the view!!! These are really great road trip ideas from Vienna, thanks for sharing!

It’s a wonderful place, especially for biking! 🙂

I visited Vienna once on a European road trip. I wish that I’d had more time to visit these beautiful places near it. Hopefully soon!

Maybe next time! 🙂

What a lovely selection of ideas for day trips from Vienna. I certainly look forward to using Vienna as a base for day trips to Bratislava and the Wachau Valley.

The Wachau Valley is amazing! Especiall in late summer/early fall when the wine harvest starts 🙂

Lots of great day trip ideas here! We only managed to go to Bratislava when we visited Vienna for a week, so I would love to see more of Austria on our next trip.

I hope you can do that next time!

So many fabulous places so close to Vienna! I have wonderful memories of Salzburg & the Sound of Music tour.. such pretty scenery! I’d love to go to Lake Bled. Hopefully I will go one day…

I’m sure you will! It’s a wonderful place 🙂

Such great day trip ideas. Vienna is such a great place and the best part is you get to explore so many other amazing places in a day.

Oh yes that’s true!

I love this guide! Austria is one of my favorite countries and Vienna one of my favorites cities. I am planning to go back when I can travel again, and I love all the recommendations here. I have done some of these trips, but now I have many others I want to do. Thanks!

Oh that’s sooo nice to hear! Maybe we can meet next time 🙂

I’ve always wanted to go to Halsatt but some of these other places look super inviting too!

Hallstatt is seriously adorable but very touristy!

Vienna and indeed Austria is so beautiful but it is wonderful to have other countries to go to even if it is just for a day trip! Love it.

Yes the location is very convenient!

So many great looking places, although I still haven’t been to Vienna yet so I need to get to explore that city first. Salzburg has always been on the list but I like the look of some of the other places. I’m a big fan of history and interesting sites so Devin Castle would be a good one to visit

Vienna ia definitely the best place to start! I haven’t been to Devin Castle myself but also want to go there one day 🙂

What a fantastic list of places to explore in Europe, whether you are in Vienna or not. Loads of great suggestions here & plenty I haven’t explored yet so thanks for compiling!

Happy you find this post useful! 🙂

These day trips look amazing! Vienna has been on my list forever and I’d love to take some of these day trips whenever I get there!

I hope you’ll be able to do it soon ?

This list of day trips from Vienna really makes me miss Europe! I will definitely be adding some of these to my bucket list!

Happy to hear that!

I love Austria. It has so many old and beautiful buildings in lots of towns to appreciate. And it is close to other countries. Yes, I love Austria.

So nice to hear that Sharyn! 🙂

I visited Vienna over 10 years ago, and was just looking through old pictures and thinking about how much I would love to go back sometime soon. These all look like wonderful destinations that I will be sure to add to my itinerary when I can finally make it!

I hope it will be soon!

I have been to Innsbruck, but Vienna is still on my list. I would definitely love to take a few of these day trips when I visit Vienna 🙂

Innsbruck is a wonderful city too 🙂

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Home » Travel Guides » Austria » 15 Best Day Trips from Vienna

15 Best Day Trips from Vienna

Vienna truly is a fairytale European capital city that is bursting at the seams with intriguing history whilst remaining impossibly beautiful and well preserved at the same time.

The historical depth of the area means there are a variety of enviable day trips you can embark on from town, from exploring the breathtaking nature of Austria’s alpine foothills, to exploring ancient sites and magnificent castles.

The always reliable European rail lines grant easy access to a number of daytime destinations and the beautiful countryside adds to the overall experience.

Here are the 15 best and most sought-after day trips to take from the city of Vienna.

Prague

Just under 300 km away from Vienna is the fairytale city of Prague, full of evocative architecture, towers and spires reaching up to the sky and a fascinating amount to see and do if you’re willing to undertake the journey.

One of the unmissable highlights is the famous old town, known for the level of its preservation and a great place to embark on a walking tour from.

Amongst the many magnificent castles and basilicas to visit, make sure you get to see the Old Royal Palace and the St Vitus Basilica.

Both are traveller favourites and incredibly worth the time.

To squeeze in the most you can with your few hours in Prague on a day trip from Vienna, it’s a good idea to think about booking a city tour that’ll give you the chance to see the highlights in the space of a day.

2. Bratislava

Bratislava Castle

Another border that is well worth crossing is the Austrian-Slovakian one.

When you do, you’ll have the chance to experience the intriguing and perfectly picturesque city of Bratislava, a conveniently close 60 minutes away from Vienna.

Make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Bratislava’s Old Town where the neo-Renaissance style houses, mansions and palaces paint an attractive picture of the Slovakian capital.

If you want a taste of some authentic Slovakian cuisine and drink, St. Michael’s Street is full of restaurants and cafes that will satisfy your hunger.

A Vienna to Bratislava day trip is an ideal way to spend the day away from the city and introduce you to another and the possibility of a whole other trip one day in the future.

3. Budapest

Budapest

For those who aren’t fazed by the idea of spending a few hours each way journeying, the opportunity to visit the incredibly beautiful city of Budapest should not be passed up if you find yourself with time on your hands in Vienna.

You can arrive by train or car, both stunningly scenic ways to get there and allowing you enough to time to explore.

Known as the “Paris of the East”, Budapest is a veritable wealth of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Matthias Church and Vajdahunyad Castle to name but a few.

Other highlights include the City Woodland Park and the various Parliament buildings; though if you want a concise introduction to the city’s many attractions then join a day trip tour that’ll show you the best bits in a few hours.

4. Lainzer Wildlife Park

Lainzer Wildlife Park

Nestled into a small area of the Vienna Woods, Lainzer Wildlife Park is famed for its abundance of deer and boar and its reputation for being an enchanting haven of incredibly old beech and oak trees.

Not only an important area of conservation, it’s also a beautiful place to lose yourself for a day and stroll along one of the numerous footpaths where Emperors and Empresses once walked and hunted.

For unrestricted views, head up to the Hubertuswarte observation tower on the Kaltbründlberg which stands at 14 metres high and offers breathtaking panoramas of the natural reserve.

5. Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey

Owning the enviable accolade of the “Best Historical Destination in the World”, Melk Abbey is one of those attractions that you really do have to visit if you happen to be in Vienna.

Built atop a rocky mountainside with views across the whole of the breathtaking Danube Valley, the abbey is a majestic Baroque style building that is overflowing with priceless art and contains impeccable gardens and is filled to the brim with enough history to excite history buffs to no end.

6. Klosterneuburg Abbey

Klosterneuburg Abbey

Upon arriving, you’ll find a huge network of magnificent buildings, each more majestic than the last and all full to the brim of Austrian history that is sure to fascinate each and every traveller.

Just north of Vienna and dating back to the 12th Century, Klosterneuburg Abbey contains attractions like the Verduner Altar, the Leopold Chapel and courtyard and The Marble Hall to name a few.

Full of domes, copper, frescoes and staircases, the complex of buildings is truly a sight to behold and worth a visit to the Vienna Woods where its located.

7. Danube Valley

Danube Valley

Considering its only an hour away from Vienna, the Danube Valley is a world away from city life and is considered to be so attractive that it’s been officially named as a World Heritage Site on account of its aesthetic beauty.

The best part is between the towns of Krems and Melk that has unfettered views of the Alpine valley in all its natural glory.

8. The Roman Town of Carnuntum

Carnuntum

Its most recent discovery being made in 2011, the Roman Town of Carnuntum is still uncovering intriguing artefacts that continue to grow its fame as a fascinating day trip from Vienna.

Surrounded by the vast expanses of the fields of the March-Donauland region, Carnuntum was fought over numerous times by Roman.

Today its known as the Archaeological Park Carnuntum, featuring some incredibly impressive reconstructed Roman buildings and containing museums, re-enactments and original ruins.

9. Laxenburg Castle

Laxenburg Castle

Originally built as a market town, Laxenburg Castle is alluring and breathtaking at the same time.

Only 40 minutes from Vienna, it’s the ideal location for a brief but fascinating day trip.

Wander through postcard perfect gardens and wild forests or find tranquillity in floating along in the boats available at the lake.

When you get hungry, make the most of the various restaurants peppered around the grounds or pack your own lunch and eat in one of the many peaceful, sunlit spots.

10. Salzburg

Salzburg

Home to some of the largest castles in Europe, surrounded by the Alps and its forests, Salzburg is undoubtedly one of the prettiest destinations in Europe and easily one of the most sought after day trips in Vienna.

With a journey that takes less than 3 hours, there are endless attractions for the historically inclined traveller.

Wander the banks of the River Salzach, lose yourself in the streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town and visit the positively huge Hohensalzburg Castle.

It’s also worth noting that Salzburg is the birth home of the world renowned composer Mozart and anyone with an interest should visit the aptly named, Mozart’s Birthplace museum, one of the most famous in the world.

11. The Vienna Woods

Wienerwald

Loved by the Viennese people just as much as visiting travellers, the Vienna Woods offer a perfect getaway a mere stone’s throw from the center of the capital.

Here you’ll find a number of historic sites, one of the most famous of which is a beautiful monastery – the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz.

If its stunning scenery you’re after, then make the journey up Vienna’s very own miniature mountain, the Kahleberg, which can also be found in the Vienna Woods.

Finally, take some time to visit the largest underground lake in Europe and learn about the fascinating way the former mine turned into the attraction it is today.

12. Baden Bei Wien

Baden Bei Wien

Formerly an ancient Roman town named Aquae, the settlement known as Baden Bei Wien is now a spa-town that is the perfect way to relax on a day trip from Vienna that is incredibly easy to get to.

The town is famous for its curative and therapeutic waters and has been for a staggering 2000 years, meaning its a popular spot for visitors and locals looking to soak up their benefits.

13. Grinzing

Grinzing

The charming little village of Grinzing lies less than 20km to the northeast of Vienna and the allure of its location surrounded by forests draws in many travellers to explore its winding streets.

Peppered with gardens and no small amount of history of its survival of the war, Grinzing is an interesting place to explore whilst feeling suitably removed from big city life.

Containing an impressive number of Austrian restaurants, the village is also ideal for sampling truly authentic, not to mention delicious Austrian cuisine.

If you want to walk off all that food, then head up one of the hiking trails in the nearby Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg hills.

14. Laa an der Thaya

Laa an der Thaya

A perfect and fascinating insight into the medieval era experienced in the area, Laa an der Thaya is a settlement just over 60km away from Vienna on the Czech frontier.

Filled with wonderfully preserved snippets of history, not to mention beautiful Gothic architecture, the town is an excellent day trip for history enthusiasts.

Highlights include the huge Laa Castle, full of towers and still-standing original battlements.

For more medieval attractions, head to the outer walls of the town and walk the ramparts that once protected its people.

Finally, as with many Viennese towns and villages, you can’t pass up a trip to the beautiful Old Town.

15. Kreuzenstein Castle

Kreuzenstein Castle, Austria

Looking impossibly reminiscent to Hogwarts, Kreuzenstein Castle was built in medieval times and with all its turrets, towers and spires is about as fairytale in its appearance as it’s possible for a castle to be.

Only a few kilometres north of Vienna, the castle is well elevated and overlooks the village of Leobendorf.

Its location snugly nestled between the Vienna Woods and the Danube River makes for some truly beautiful panoramic views when looking out from one of the many vantage points.

As far as castles go, Kreuzenstein is probably one of the most impressive in Vienna.

15 Best Day Trips from Vienna:

  • Lainzer Wildlife Park
  • Klosterneuburg Abbey
  • Danube Valley
  • The Roman Town of Carnuntum
  • Laxenburg Castle
  • The Vienna Woods
  • Baden Bei Wien
  • Laa an der Thaya
  • Kreuzenstein Castle
  • Vienna Travel Planning
  • Vienna Notes Newsletter
  • Help Centre: Ask a Question

Vienna Unwrapped Inspiration and Planning For Independent Travellers who are visiting Vienna

Day Trips from Vienna: Salzburg City

Day Trips From Vienna Austria: Where To Spend A Gorgeous Day

If you have an extra day or more these 9 day trips from Vienna increase your radius beyond the capital’s culture. Within a radius of 200 miles half a dozen top landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites and European cultural capitals huddle together. Let me share a few day trip ideas to neighbouring cities and the countryside to explore in a small group or on your own.

For a quick overview and customer reviews click on available day trips and excursions from Vienna .

1. Vienna Salzburg Day Trip

Day trips from Vienna: Salzburg's Mirabell Gardens

As for transport, you can go by private car transfer from Vienna , or train to Salzburg, or take one of these organised Vienna tours to Salzburg . Don’t feel your travel time is wasted. On your way there (if going by car) you will travel through Salzkammergut’s lake paradise.

Duration of trip: 12-13 hours

2. Vienna Budapest Day Trip

Vienna Budapest Day Trip: Fisher Bastion

Actually, I love to compare Vienna with Budapest since they are strikingly similar and delicately different: from architecture and music to cakes and people themselves. Essentially, you can embark on a self-guided tour by rental car, train or bus, or book a guided day trip from Vienna to Budapest .

Duration of trip: 12 hours

3. Vienna Prague Day Trip

Day Trips from Vienna: Prague's Mala Strana

I have joined a guided day tour to and within Prague. Read my review.

Duration of trip: 13 hours

4. Day Trip To Bratislava

Bratislava

After that, cities like Budapest and Prague had that magnetic lure… A while ago, I finally embarked on a 75-minute boat ride to the Slovakian capital for a day. So good I was there! Read what I experienced in Mini Danube Cruise .

Duration of trip: from 6 hours

5. Wachau Valley

Day trips from Vienna: Wachau Valley

If you prefer to venture out on your own but in private, consider hiring a private car and driver for 4, 8 or 12 hours.

Duration of trip: from 4 hours

6. Vienna Woods

Day trips from Vienna: Vienna Woods

Access my top tips on spending a day in the Vienna Woods, on your own or as part of a guided tour. Read my review of the Seegrotte tour review when I crossed Europe’s largest underground lake.

7. Vienna Alps

Day Trips from Vienna: Semmering

There are also private guides who take you there right from Vienna. In my post Vienna Alps I share my best tips for a day trip, and what to see and do.

8. Klosterneuburg Abbey

Klosterneuburg abbey

When Regina , a locally living tour guide, took me there, I kept comparing this attraction to Melk Abbey in Wachau Valley. It is AS good and at just nine miles distance a great destination for exploring Vienna’s closest surroundings along the Danube. My favourites: the little green courtyards, the unfinished Atlas hall, and the altar of Verdun. You can do a guided tour, visit the abbey’s historic 36 metre deep wine cellar and do wine tasting. Learn more in Vienna art wine tour .

Duration of trip: 3-4 hours

9. Burgenland

Hopler winery estate

Should You Rent A Car?

Day trips from Vienna: rental car

There are a few things that speak for renting a car: First, Austrian drivers are generally considerate and won’t make your life hell. Second, the vast majority of our roads are in very good condition. Third, renting a car easy and there are also good deals on offer. In any case, before renting a car find out about driving and parking in Vienna and surroundings in my Car Rental Vienna guide.

Day Trips From Vienna: Reader Questions

Click below to see questions from other visitors, along with my responses…

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find out more about the best Vienna Attractions go to What To Do In Vienna – Must See and Do Tips By A Native explore my favourite Hotels Vienna Austria – Where I Would Stay If I Was A Tourist

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14 Best Day Trips from Vienna

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While Vienna is one of the best cities to explore in Austria , it’s also the perfect home base for visiting more of the country. Throughout this post, you’ll find 14 of the best day trips from Vienna!

So, what are you waiting for? Get reading and planning your next trip to Austria !

Table of Contents

Bojnice Castle

Cinderella castle in Austria, best day trips from Vienna

The stunning Bojnice Castle in Slovakia is definitely one of the most underrated day trips from Vienna . Being one of the best places to see in Slovakia , this castle is a 2 hour and 50-minute drive from Vienna (258 km) and is considered the most beautiful castle in Central Europe. Once you’re there, it’s not hard to see why. The architecture and surroundings give off total fairytale vibes, and the scenery is incredibly photogenic. 

Bojnice Castle costs €13 to enter. This entry ticket includes the castle gallery as well, and you can easily spend a good hour or two wandering inside the castle premises and admiring the interior design. Once you’re finished touring the interior, be sure to take a nice stroll in the castle gardens outside. There’s a gorgeous view from every corner, and you can even enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park. 

If you’re visiting with family, you can also head over to the Bojnice Zoo after seeing the castle. This is one of the most visited zoos in Slovakia and it’s the perfect place to spot African elephants, orangutans, kangaroos, and even Fiji iguanas!

You can also easily pair a trip to Bojnice Castle with a short visit to Čičmany, a traditional folklore village that’s only 45 minutes away by car. This village is famous for its many iconic houses decorated with stunning geometric designs. You can learn a lot about the culture and traditions of the Slovak countryside by wandering the narrow streets there!

Recommended by Jiayi of The Diary of a Nomad

Want to turn it into a weekend trip? Book a night at Hotel Pod zamkom.

clocktower in Austria under a grey sky

Just an hour by train or 2 hours by ferry via the Danube, Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, is the perfect size and location for a day trip from Vienna. The two cities lie just 79 kilometers (49 miles) apart. Although they share a lot in common, Bratislava is different enough to offer a nice contrast.

Bratislava served as the legislative center for the Kingdom of Hungary for two centuries between 1536 and 1783, and the Hungarian legacy – along with Bulgarian, Czech, German and Serbian influences – still permeates the city today.

Bratislavský hrad (Bratislava Castle) is the north star and is a great place to start your day trip with a view of the entire city, the river, and the colorful Petrzalka neighborhood  beyond. From the castle yard, you can look directly onto St. Martin’s, the Gothic-Romanesque cathedral where no fewer than 19 Hungarian kings and queens were crowned.

Pass through the 14th-century Michael’s Gate to access Bratislava Old Town, a compact yet charming maze of old city walls, squares, palaces, and modern art sculptures.

Eat lunch at Bratislava Flagship, a brewpub restaurant where you can taste many Slovak specialties including the national dish, Bryndzové halušky – a tasty plate of potato dumplings smothered with sheep’s cheese and topped with crispy bacon.

If you want to pack all the highlights into one day and get a feel for Slovakia’s complex history at the same time, consider signing up for a walking tour that leads you through the Old Town and culminates with the castle.

Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush

If you want to stay longer, spend the night at ibis Bratislava Centrum.

Austrian plaza with colorful buildings

Just an hour and a half north of Vienna, Austria, and directly across the border, the town of Brno, Czech Republic is worth visiting. An easy day trip from Vienna, there are a lot of great things to do in Brno whether it is a nature experience or city-life that you seek.

Located in the region of Moravia, in southeastern Czechia, Brno is the second-largest city in the country and is easily accessible by both train or car. Start your visit at the beautiful Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul which towers over the city. Climb the church tower for an even more breathtaking view overlooking Brno.

Afterward, head to the Brno Ossuary, the second-largest ossuary in Europe behind the Paris Catacombs. Although it can be a bit grim, touring the ossuary is a must when in Brno. You’ll walk through tunnels of walls made of bones. This underground chamber beneath the Church of St. Jacob is believed to contain the remains of at least 50,000 people. 

After touring the ossuary, roam the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town, for a refreshing and lively experience. Duck into restaurants or shops or wander through the daily vegetable market to enjoy the atmosphere of local life in Brno.

If it is nature you seek, head just outside of Brno to see the beautiful Moravian fields. This largely agricultural area boasts rolling fields of green and yellow that span as far as the eye can see. 

Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Make it a longer trip if you’d like by spending the night at Barcelo Brno Palace.

white building with a green dome near a horse statue

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Vienna, Budapest is definitely the perfect option for you. Getting there is super easy because it’s just a three-hour train ride away from the Wien Hauptbahnhof Station, in Vienna, to Keleti Train Station in Budapest.

Although many people like to say that Vienna and Budapest are quite similar, both cities should be on your bucket list , regardless of their similarities, and, most importantly, crossed out from it!

Budapest is a unique and vibrant city full of history and life, beautiful locations, and a vast amount of fun things to do. When you plan a visit to Budapest, you have to make sure to include the most important landmarks of the city, such as the amazing Parliament House, the enchanting Buda Castle, and the majestic Matthias Church, at the very least.

Among the incredible things Budapest has to offer, you can’t go wrong with trying some of the traditional cuisines of the city. Some of my favorite dishes are the chicken paprikash and the goulash, from the main dish section. But if you have a sweet tooth, then you won’t want to miss any of the delicious desserts you can find in Budapest, so you should definitely have a taste of kürtőskalács and kremes cake!

If you want to know more about the city and are looking for a complete Budapest bucket list, including all the places you should visit, experiences you should have, and exquisite food and drinks you should try, check out this link here and you’ll find everything you need to get started on planning your visit.

Recommended by Nat from Boletworldwide

Want to stay longer? Make it a weekend trip and spend the night at Prestige Hotel Budapest.

Cesky Krumlov

view of an Austrian city with red buildings from above with hills in the back

Cesky Krumlov  has to be one of the cutest towns in Europe. A small medieval town of roughly 13,000 people, Cesky Krumlov is located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

One of the best things to do in Cesky Krumlov is to just wander the street and absorb the atmosphere of the town. You won’t be able to walk more than a few feet without stopping to snap a picture. It truly feels as though you are walking in a fairytale.

Cesky Krumlov is set on a winding river and below a huge medieval Castle.  The view over the red terracotta rooftops is beautiful and some of the best in Cesky Krumlov.

If you are looking for a day trip from Vienna then Cesky Krumlov definitely needs to be on your list. There are a couple of ways to get to Cesky Krumlov from Vienna, if you have your own car or you have hired a car it will take approximately two hours and 45 minutes or you can take an  organized group tour . 

These tours are a full day and allow you to spend time exploring the town, whilst also taking some guided tours around Cesky Krumlov.

Recommended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties

Make it a longer trip by spending the night at Hotel Ruze !

bright yellow mansion with a manicured green lawn

A really recommended place for an unforgettable day trip from Vienna is the charming town of Eisenstadt. It’s the political and cultural center of Burgenland and is located in the area of Lake Neusiedlersee. On a visit, you will love the mix of a long history and tradition, cultural events, and the modern outlook.

In fact, there is a lot of romantic things to see in the city center like the pedestrian zone, the palace park, and the parliament building. The whole inner city is stuffed with lovely details and many highlights for taking pictures1

The main attraction in Eisenstadt and a must-see on any day trip from Vienna is the Esterházy Palace. It dates to a fortified 13th-century Gothic castle.

For more than 40 years, the composer Joseph Haydn was inspired by Esterházy Palace’s special atmosphere to create exceptional music to accompany historic events. The Haydn Room, named after the composer, is still one of the world’s best – acoustically – and loveliest concert halls.

The beautiful palace grounds are also lovely. On a walk, you will enjoy the lovely botanic garden, a small lake, and even a public pool area. In any case, don`t miss the Gloriette (the Esterházys’ former hunting lodge), Haydn’s House, and Haydn’s church, which contains Haydn’s mausoleum and the Stations of the Cross are all worth visiting too.

For getting from Eisenstadt to Vienna you can either take the car, the bus or the train. This will take you only 45 minutes to 1 hour!

Recommended by Martina from  PlacesofJuma

Want to stay longer? Book a night at Hotel-Restaurant OHR.

view looking down on an Austrian street with public transportation

If you are a lover of beautiful architecture, enjoy getting lost in the labyrinth of Old Town, soaking in the hip culture of a charming university town, then Graz is the place you must visit from Vienna. The second-largest city and capital of the Styria province, Graz offers an incredible mix of historical sites, vibrant café and restaurant scene, and charming cultural city center to explore.

The City of Graz Historic Centre, including the famous Schloss Eggenberg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beautiful blend of different architectural styles through the ages. The fusion of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture gave Graz the coveted title of “the best-preserved city center of Central Europe”! The entire city is filled with such beautiful details all around that walking around Graz feels like meandering through a museum.

The best way to reach Graz from Vienna is either by bus or train. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours with frequent services throughout the day. Once in Graz, most of the places of interest are walkable and hence makes exploration very easy. One can also take tram rides that connect the city very well. T

he best place to start sightseeing is from Hauptplatz (Main Square) which is located in the heart of the Old town. Next to it, Herrengasse is the shopping street which sets the mood vibrant and lively.

No visit to Graz is complete without walking around the Schlossberg and up to its Clock Tower. 

Climb the Clock Tower around sunset to witness the mesmerizing panoramic views of Graz against the setting sun. There are a plethora of good restaurants and it’s heavenly even for vegan foodies. However you wish to spend the time, this youthful and lively Graz is bound to impress you with its magical charm.

Recommended by Sunetra from Globetrotting SU

Want to stay longer? Spend the night at Grand Hotel Wiesler.

historic clock tower near the river

Hallstatt  is a hidden gem in Austria and reminds you of a fairytale perfectly situated in front of a lake with swans swimming peacefully within. It is a great day trip from Vienna and a must-see destination. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and you will understand why when you visit and see the picturesque village.

You only need a few hours to explore the town – most visitors do just that and spend the night in either Vienna or Salzburg . Be sure to take the funicular to the SkyWalk and witness the village from atop. Market Square is the center of the town and you will find unique architecture, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and souvenir shops.

Nearby, you can stop for cream strudel at Cafe Derbl – this is a typical dish of the area. Next, go to the picture-postcard spot is located at Gosaumühlstraße 67. This is where you will find the swans on the lake and it will make you fall in love with visiting this fairytale town.

If time allows, visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine, an important location for mining in the region as well as Museum Hallstatt which showcases the special archaeological finds of Hallstatt.

To get to Hallstatt, you can either drive or take public transport. If you drive there, it takes 3 hours (179 miles or 288 km). Alternatively, you may take the Austrian Railway which also takes a little over 3 hours to complete the journey.

Recommended by Jackie Rezk from Jou Jou Travels 

Stay longer by booking a night at Heritage Hotel Hallstatt.

Krems an der Donau

old statue surrounded by trees

Krems an der Donau is the perfect destination for a day trip from Vienna for anyone looking to experience Austrian history and scenery without spending hours traveling.

There is a direct and convenient local train connection from Wien Spittelau to Krems, which takes about an hour. During the ride, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the train winds along the Danube river.

Krems an der Donau, nicknamed “Krems”, is a town in the Wachau region of in Lower-Austria. It is over 1000 years old with a Medieval town center and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site

You enter the Medieval part of Krems through the Steiner Tor. Walking through the 15th-century gate feels like stepping back in time. You are immediately welcomed by a cozy main street. The side streets hide a wealth of picturesque corners and squares, as well as monuments like the St. Veit Church and Gozzoburg.

The Stein neighborhood is also particularly beautiful and charming. Art lovers should check out the brand new Landesgalerie Niederösterreich.

Krems lies in the most important wine region of Austria. So be sure to try a few local wines at a tavern or visit one of the many wineries around the city. The local cuisine is rustic and seasonal, perfect for foodies that would like to dive into Austrian cuisine .

If you cannot get enough of Medieval towns, there are plenty of additional  pretty towns along the Danube Valley  to explore. I recommend adding Dürnstein to your day trip to Krems an der Donau.

Recommended by Sophie from Just Heading Out

Spend the night at Gasthof Klinglhuber if you want to make the trip longer!

Lake Balaton

nightfall on a river

Lake Balaton is the biggest lake in central Europe. It’s one of the most visited places in Hungary and it’s known more as the summer vacation hotspot for local Hungarians and close-by nations.

Around Balaton Lake are a variety of things to do. Firstly there are countless lakeshore resorts for sunbaths and leisure. Also, there are several hiking trails on the volcanic Bakony Mountains, vineyards for wine tasting, and many festivals throughout the summer.

For a day trip from Vienna, it’s recommended to explore Lake Balaton’s east shore. Firstly, set sights on the Tihany peninsula. It’s the most beautiful area in Balaton. From there you can explore the charming town of Tihany with a beautiful castle, cottage houses, and many authentic local shops. From Tihany Castle’s viewpoint, you can also admire Lake Balaton’s views.

Another remarkable place on the east shore of Lake Balaton is Badacsony. There you have a variety of options to spend a day. Visitors can hike on volcanic Badacsony hill, where you have the best views over Lake Balaton and the surrounding Bakony Mountains. Also, there are different vineyards with farms to taste local wine production. Small restaurants to taste local street food langos. For history enthusiasts, close-by is also well-maintained Szigliget Castle.

Lake Balaton is from Vienna about 210 km away. The best way to get there is by car and it takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Unfortunately, there aren’t any direct public transportation options and it takes a bit longer to reach there than by car. If still going there by public transport, then look for connections with a layover in Györ. 

Recommended by Erki from Genem Travels

Want to stay longer? Spend the night at Mala Garden Design Hotel.

Moravian Karst Complex

boats on water under a tunnel

The Moravian complex is the largest karst area in Central Europe. In order to get there from Vienna, one has to head to the north, cross the border with Czechia and get to Brno. From Brno, there is only around 30km left to the complex.

The total distance is around 180 km and can be done in under 2 hours and a half each way. Public transport is available but much slower. At the entrance, there’s a large parking area and a tourist information center.

Most of the tourists that get to the Moravian karst complex want to  visit Punkva Cave , because the underground tour is partially done by boat. This being said, keep in mind that tickets sell out quickly and it’s advisable to book your tour online in advance.

The cavern is not interesting only due to the river and the beautiful karst formations inside, but also because it reaches the base of the Macocha Abyss. The guide knows many stories linked to it. After that, the visitors are loaded on boats. They are taken through spacious halls and narrow tunnels until the stream finally finds its way out of the cave.

There are more than 1000 caverns in the complex. However, only 4 more are open to the public (Sloupsko-Šošůvské, Kateřinská, Balcarka and Výpustek). Kateřinská Caves is the largest subterranean space in the complex and is often used as a concert venue due to its great acoustics.

However, all of them are much less crowded than Punkva and each is interesting in its own way.

Recommended by Raluca from Travel With A Spin

Make it a longer trip by spending the night at Hotel Kras!

Thayatal National Park

river surrounded by trees

The Nationalpark Thayatal is a great day trip out into the countryside from Vienna to explore the peaceful woodland along the border with the Czech Republic.

The Thaya Valley National Park is around a 90-minute drive from the capital city in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria just outside the town of Hardegg.

Hardegg, the smallest town in Austria, offers a visit to the imposing castle above the settlement as well as being the starting point for hikes along the Thaya river and into the National Park. It is also the location for the pedestrian border crossing into the Czech National Park Podyjí, which covers the northern side of the river. (There is an interesting museum about the opening of the border and the fall of the Iron Curtain in the building just over the bridge.)

The National Park headquarters on the Austrian side is located on the road just before the descent to Hardegg. Visitors can also view the two European wildcats Frieda and Carlo in their living quarters nearby and set off on the six kilometers of the ‘Wildcat Trail’ from the building.

The European wildcat was once thought to be extinct in Austria, but the shy nocturnal mammals were reintroduced to the National Park 20 years ago. The shaded river is also a favorite breeding spot for black storks, who can sometimes be spotted fishing in the waters in the early morning.

There are a variety of hiking trails along the banks and up to scenic viewpoints over the forested course of the meandering river.

The car journey to the National Park is quite straightforward with the road through Stockerau and Hollabrunn. Those wanting to use public transport are best advised to take the train to Retz and then the public bus to the National Park headquarters or Hardegg.

Recommended by Steve from Austria Direct

Make it a longer trip by staying in the area at Hotel Althof Retz.

Vienna Woods  

statue with gold surrounded by a plaza

With so many wonderful things to  see and do in Vienna , it would probably take at least a week to experience all the music, art, history, and culture of the Capital city of Austria. Having said that, take a chance to explore something else a little bit further to the city’s outskirts, like Vienna Woods. Located just about 50 kilometers away from Vienna’s city center, Vienna Woods is a place known for its wine gardens, vineyards, walking trails, and picturesque villages.   

There are a number of trains and bus routes that take travelers to Vienna Woods within an hour; To make a full day out of the city, I suggest renting a car so you can get around town and explore the area at your own pace. 

Start your day with a wine tour in a vineyard and have a sip of some world-class liquor, and if you want to do something more active, go kayaking on the Danube or take a scenic walk through the magnificent historic forest, which was a hunting ground of Viennese royalty.

Take it slow and have a walk in the town center after lunch. Vienna Woods has no lack of historic sites including the Mayerling hunting lodge and Heiligenkreuz Abbey, which is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in the world. 

Recommended by Knycx Journeying  

Wachau Valley

village near the foot of a mountain

Just an hour out of the city by train,  visiting the Wachau Valley  is a great option for a day trip from Vienna. Framed by hills and situated on the banks of the Danube, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO world heritage, famous for its wine, castles, and charming towns.

Once you’ve arrived in either Melk or Krems (there are direct trains from Vienna), spend the day exploring the valley, either by bike, car, or bus. With all of the wineries in the region, cycling is an easy option, with some day tours available from Vienna.

If you like wine, spend the day visiting the terraced vineyards, renowned for their dry white wines made from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes. Between the wineries, marvel at the wonderful scenery, and pick your favorite winery for lunch.

If you’re more interested in the history and culture of the area (or spending the entire day tasting wine isn’t that appealing), visit some of the towns on the banks of the Danube.

Melk and Dürnstein are probably the prettiest, with charming town centers, Baroque architecture, and a fortress and abbey respectively, both of which are well worth exploring. The castle in Dürnstein was once the prison of King Richard, the Lionheart, of England so is a must for those interested in history – or those who want to see the beautiful views from the fortress up on the hill.

If you’re traveling by bus or car, you may choose to stop in some of the smaller medieval towns (Spitz is also charming with vineyards close by) or wineries. And, if you want to see the valley from a different perspective, take the ferry between Krems and Melk – a much more affordable option than a river cruise, with lovely views.

Recommended by Roxanne from Faraway Worlds

Check out our Vienna vlog!

Travel to Austria

Are you planning a trip to Austria? You’re in luck! We have more great Austria travel posts to help ease your stress. Check them out below!

  • Austria Bucket List: 23 Best Things to do in Austria
  • 3 Days in Vienna: The Perfect Vienna 3 Day Itinerary
  • 11 Best Places to Visit in Austria

9 Best Salzburg Day Trips

  • Austrian Food In Vienna: 11 Best Local Dishes & Where to Eat Them

How to Spend One Day in Vienna, Austria

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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Austria ‎ > Vienna   > Top Day & Side Trips From Vienna  

Top 10 Vienna Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Vienna

  • Top 10 Things To Do
  • Old Town Walking Tour
  • Ring Tram Tour
  • Schönbrunn Palace
  • More Sights
  • Best Day Trips
  • Helfpful Visitor Tips
  • Suggested Itineraries

Top Day Trips From Vienna Austria - Best Side Trips Without A Car

Top Day Trips From Vienna:

If you find yourself looking for something to do outside on Vienna it can be a little daunting, but we’re here to help.  We have come up with a great list of the best day trips to take from Vienna and more importantly how you actually get to each place.  You can easily see any of these and still get back to Vienna the same day or choose to fit these in as a side trip on the way to your next destination.  Enjoy our list of the top day trips from Vienna Austria!

Train Tickets & Transportation Info:

These top day trips from Vienna are very easy to do by yourself with the convenient Austrian train system.  To help with planning your transportation, the  National Austrian Railway Website  ( website ) has all of the regional Train/Bus routed, timetable information, and online tickets.  For short day trips the full fare will only be around 5€ round-trip a person, for medium length trips like Melk it is around 34€ round-trip per adult, and for longer trips the price goes up to around 80€ round-trip per adult to Budapest or 110€ for Salzburg.

If you are able to book any medium to longer day trips in advance they-they have special  Sparschiene fares  that can be discounted up to 80% off the full fare.  The special Sparschiene fares can be booked starting 6 months in advance on the National Train website, but because there is a limited number sold per train, you will typically need to buy them at least 30-45 days or sooner ahead your journey before they are sold out.  If you need more advanced schedule options or want to force the route to only looking for buses or certain types of trains you need to use the rail company’s advanced booking engine ( website ).

Day Trips From Vienna:

1. liechtenstein castle ( mödling, austria – 20 mins away ):.

Top Day Trips From Vienna Austria - Best Side Burg Liechtenstein Castle Modling

About Liechtenstein Castle : Liechtenstein ( light-in-stone ) Castle was built in 1130 and stands tall in Medieval glory just a short day trip from Vienna in the Austrian countryside.  If you’ve seen the hit 1993 movie The Three Musketeers , then you’ve seen the historic Burg Liechtenstein which was predominately featured in the film.

The castle was owned early on by the famous Liechtenstein family before changing hands and expanding several times over hundreds of years.  It’s actually amazing that the castle is standing at all as it was sacked by the Ottomans ( Turks ) in both 1529 and 1683 before partially sitting in ruin.  The current ticket desk actually sits inside a tower ruined by the Ottomans.  When the Liechtenstein family regained control of the property in 1807, it was restored and expanded as part of the Historicism ( Romanticism ) movement to serve as a museum showing off idealized Medieval architecture .  Surviving further plunder in WW2, today the castle is available for tours and is one of the only privately owned castles in Austria.

We especially love the approach leading up to Burg Liechtenstein as the mighty castle slowly rises above the trees the closer you get to it.  The backdrop is stunning, but there is also a lot to see inside the castle tour during your day trip from Vienna.  The chapel ( still active ) is maybe the most fascinating space in the castle as it is original to 1130 and still has elements of red wall paintings from the 1200s including one of the crucifixion of Jesus.  It also houses a relic claimed to be a thorn of Jesus’s crown of thorns from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

You’ll find many other elements from the original Romanesque castle structure including a toilet, fireplace, and cistern during your tour of Burg Liechtenstein.  Some of the rooms also have interesting statues from the 1300s, the Squire Hall ( Knappensaal ) has interesting architectural details, the bedrooms have princess balconies overlooking the valley, and the small treasury is nice with a hand-made replica of the Liechtenstein royal crown.  Our favorite room though is the Knights’ Hall ( Rittersaal ) which was created during the more modern Historicism era and looks like it is straight out of a movie set.  A hidden gem in the Knights’ Hall is a stone sleeping alcove in the wall that dates back to the 1100s and is one of the oldest beds in Austria.

Getting Here : From Vienna take the Underground Metro to Vienna’s Meidling Train Station on the Southside of town and take a local train to Mödling.  Trains leave the station about 10 times an hour and the ride is only 15 minutes south of Vienna.  At the Mödling Train Station, you take Bus 262 right to the entrance ( Siedlungsstraße stop ) which is a 6-minute walk to the Castle.  We have also had success using Uber between Mödling Station and the castle.

Visiting Hours :  You can see the outside of the castle and take photos any time of day, but you can only go inside as part of a group tour which has been run since the 1800-s.   Guided Tour Hours :  50 Minute guided tours at the top of every hour.  January & February Saturday at 11am; March-October Daily 10am-4pm ( extended to 5pm July & August ); November Daily 11am-2pm; December Weekends Noon-2pm.  They also take advanced bookings year-round for additional tour times/days.  The Treasury tour is every Saturday at 12:30pm.  Tour Cost :  9€ for Adults; 6€ for kids; Families 25€.   Advanced Booking :  To book in advance email them here [email protected].   Special Tours : The Castle has a ton of private tour options ranging from 12-20€ and they are really cool.  They typically require that you pay for 5+ people but have tours that take you to the top of the tower for wine tastings, cool night tours, and much more.   Facebook Page :  ( HERE ).   Castle Website :  ( HERE ).

2. Seegrotte Hinterbrühl ( Mödling, Austria – 20 Mins Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna Austria - Best Side Seegrotte Hinterbruhl Modling Underground Lake

About Seegrotte Hinterbrühl :  While in the area you might as well take a boat ride on Europe’s largest underground lake, Seegrotte Hinterbrühl.  Starting in the late 1800’s Seegrotte was actually a large thriving  gypsum mine  which had grown into several levels with dozens of rooms.  One of our favorite rooms is the large Festival Ballroom in the upper chamber where all of the miners would gather every December 4th to celebrate the mine’s anniversary and their good luck.  That luck ran on during an unfortunate blasting operation in 1912 which let over  5 million gallons of water  in, flooding most of the mine.

The water had come from 7 underground springs with no natural drain and basically ended all future mining at Hinterbrühl.  It wasn’t until WW2 that anyone starting pumping water out of the mine and it was totally drained by the Nazi’s.  With the secrecy of the newly created cave, the  manufacturing of the airplanes  ( Jetfighter “Heinkel HE 162” ) was done by 2000 concentration camp prisoners under control of Nazi engineers.  Shortly after the Nazis lost WW2 the mine was opened as a tourist attraction with tours.

Because the underground springs had no drainage, the mine became to fill up again re-creating the lake on the mine’s lower level.  The caretakers were prepared and have been pumping out excess water daily to keep the water level even.  In some places, in the lower chamber the water gets up to over 30 feet deep, but most of the upper level is kept completely dry.  Today over 250,000 people a year visit Seegrotte Hinterbrühl getting not only tours of the old mining and plane manufacturing operations but also boat rides on the crystal clear underground lake itself.  A visit really is a unique experience and it is no wonder that the lake old mine has been featured in numerous films including the hit movie  The Three Musketeers  in 1993.

Getting Here From  Lichtenstein Castle :  Hinterbrühl is only a 1km ( 10 minutes ) walk from the entrance to Lichtenstein Castle making the two places easy to visit together.  There are a couple authentic restaurants between the two places if you want to grab a bite to eat.   Getting Here From  Vienna :  From Vienna take the Underground Metro to Vienna’s Meidling Train Station on the Southside of town and take a local train right to Mödling.  Trains leave about 10 times an hour and the ride is only 15 minutes south of Vienna.  At the Mödling Train Station, you take either Bus 364 or 365 right to the entrance.

Hours : April-October daily 9am-5pm; November-May Weekdays 9am-3pm plus Weekends 9am-330pm.   Guided  Tours : Cost 10€; leaves every 20 minutes; lasts 45 minutes; Tour includes: the cavernous lake, rooms that the miners used as a chapel, wine cellar, and common room.   Lake Website :  ( HERE ).

3. Kreuzenstein Castle ( 27 to 60 Mins Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna Austria - Best Side Kreuzenstein Castle

About Kreuzenstein Castle :  With powerful towers, a huge drawbridge, and an impressive collection of Medieval armor, Kreuzenstein Castle is an amazing day trip from Vienna.  There has been a hilltop fort at the site of today’s fortress since long before modern Vienna was founded.  By the 1100s the fort had grown into the large Castle Grizanstein with views of the Danube River.  On a clear day, views across the Danube let you see the towers of Castle Greifenstein, Klosterneuburg Monastery from 1136, as well as Leopoldsberg which was the site of a Celtic fort dating back to 400 BC.

The famous Habsburg Royal Family owned Kreuzenstein Castle for 250 years prior to it being overrun in 1645 by the Swiss Army during the 30 Years War.  The Polish Noble family Wilczek took control of the castle ruins in 1702 but it took 172 years for the family to start rebuilding it.  The family was extremely wealthy thanks to its Silesian coal mines in Prussia. With an endless budget, Count Johann Wilczek rebuilt the fortress to serve as the family vault and renamed it Kreuzenstein Castle.

In addition to his family fortune, Johann had a lot of influence as an explorer and as the Chamberlain at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph I which gave him even more resources.  The Count had huge portions of Medieval buildings from other properties they family owned moved to the Castle which kept the new complex very authentic to Medieval times.  The huge castle complex grew to hold a priceless library, amazing works of art, and with more than 100,000 objects.  It also gained Austria’s largest private collection of weapons .

A fire in 1915 and shelling during WW2 has damaged some of the artifacts over time, but much of it is still well preserved.  In 2012 the castle was featured in the TV series World Without End which was the sequel to hit series Pillars of the Earth .  With an amazing wall, courtyards, moat, secret tunnels, and a powerful central castle with a drawbridge, Kreuzenstein Castle sure is a treat to visit.

Getting To The Castle From Vienna :  From the Wien Floridsdorf Train Station it is a quick 20-28 minutes to Leobendorf-Burg Kreuzenstein Station (5€ round-trip), but then requires a 35-minute walk over to the castle which is well marked.  It is only 27 minutes from Vienna by car to the castle parking lot.

Visiting Hours :  Daily April-October 10am-4pm; Sundays until 5pm; Closed November-March.  45 Minute guided tours at the top of every hour.   Cost : Adults 10€; Kids 5€.   Castle Website :  ( HERE ).

Rating as a Day Trip From Vienna :  10 out of 10.  If it was open year round it would easily be our top side trip from Vienna.

4. Salzburg, Austria ( 2 Hours & 20 Minutes Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Salzburg Austria

About Salzburg :  Salzburg is the home of Mozart, the beautiful Mirabell Gardens & Palace, and the location for The Sound of Music.  Located in the heart of the Alps, Salzburg is a great spot for a day trip just a few miles from Berchtesgaden.  While it does make a great day trip, we recommend 2-3 full days in Salzburg to be able to see the old town sites, Sound of Music Sites, and surrounding towns of Hallstatt & Werfen.  The top things to do in Salzburg are the  Old Town Walking Tour ,  Schonbrunn Palace , and the   Sound of Music Movie Locations Tour  which cover dozens of must-see attractions around this timeless city.

Getting To Salzburg From Vienna :  It is a very easy and direct 2 hour and 22 minute train ride to Salzburg making it a doable day trip from Vienna.  Trains leave every 25-30 minutes starting at 5:30am meaning you can leave early, nap on the train, and get to Salzburg by 8am.  There is a lot of flexibility at the last train back to Vienna leaves at 10pm.  Tickets are only 24€ each way if you buy more than a week in advance ( 2-4 weeks is better ) or it’s 54€ each way on short notice.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  9 out of 10.  If you are able to spend 2-3 days in Salzburg you will love it even more.

View Our Salzburg Section : ( HERE ).

5. Danube River Cruise To Wachau Valley :

About The Wachau Valley :  The Wachau Valley is one of the most scenic areas to travel as a day trip from Vienna.  The banks of the mighty Danube River are littered with castles, small charming villages, and some of the best vineyards in Austria.  While many visitors ( especially retired ones ) visit the area for the famous fortified Melk Abbey, we feel that it is a little overrated by itself unless you do a Danube River cruise to see the rest of the Wachau Valley with it.

6. Melk Abbey ( Melk, Austria – 50 Mins Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna Austria - Best Side Melk Abbey Danube Crusies

About Melk Abbey : Perched on a bluff above the Danube River , the fortified Melk Abbey is one of the true gems of Austria.  Not only is the Abbey one of the best Baroque buildings in Austria, but knowing the history gives you better insight into the founding of Vienna, making it an excellent side trip.  The village along with the Melk Abbey can be seen as a standalone day trip from Vienna but is even more enjoyable as part of a Danube River cruise, especially along the Wachau Valley.

The history of the abbey started when Bavaria pushed their territory East against the Hungarians ( Magyar ) and this bluff became the home to the first Margrave of Austria, Leopold I ( House Babenberg ), who built his castle here in 976.  Leopold I’s noble family line expanded the Babenberger Castle in Melk and filled it with valuable treasures and relics.  After 100 years, the  Babenberger started moving their family further East ( eventually to Vienna in 1146 ) and gave their castle to the Benedictine monks who have continually been living and working in Melk Abbey ( former castle ) since 1089.

Because the Babenbergers became the first Dukes of Austria ( 1146-1246 ), Melk Abbey was allowed to thrive.  Although it did suffer from a fire in 1297, the Abbey became an important place under Papal decree during the Council of Constance of 1414 .  Building onto the former castle over the centuries, much of the amazing Baroque-style monastery you see today was completed from 1702-1736.  The towering red-roofed yellow monastery is quite intimidating as you approach it from the village of Melk.  The yellow paint like Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is iconic of the Hapsburg family who ruled Austria from 1278-1918.

The inside of the Abbey is just as impressive as the outside with its marble floors, golden accents, and  lavishly painted ceilings .  The marble spiral staircase, gothic church, mummified displays, and grand halls are very impressive.  The Hapsburg Emperors loved to visit the Abbey and today a lavish museum is located inside their former private rooms on the property.  From the balconies at the Abbey, you will get a great view of the gardens plus the Danube River and surrounding countryside.

Our favorite room is the frescoed library packed with over 100,000 and looks like it is from Beauty and the Beast.  In 1997 fragments of the medieval hero epic from the 13th Century called the Nibelungen Saga (“ kneeble-lew-gen zaga “) were discovered in the library.  Other texts and manuscripts kept here date back to the 9th Century. The famous library was also the impression for Umberto Eco’s best-selling book Name of the Rose ( 1980 ) being set in the Melk Abbey during the 1300s.  This book inspired the 1986 movie starring Sean Connery and a 2019 mini-series of the same name.

The village of Melk’s cobblestone streets and Town Hall ( Rathaus ) from the 1500s are quite enjoyable. Melk’s oldest home is the vine-covered House at the Rock ( House at the Rock ) from the 1400s.  Just down the river from Melk Abbey is the waterfront  Schonbuhel Castle which was built in the 1100s on the site of a former Roman fortress.  The castle was controlled by the Starhemberg family starting in 1396 for over 400 years before falling into disrepair.

Getting To Melk Abbey From Vienna : While Melk Abbey is included in most Danube River Cruises, it can also be reached as a standalone day trip from Vienna by local train.  Trains leave every 20-30 miles and though the distance is only 55 miles straight half the trains take 60 minutes and the other takes 90 so check the train schedule .  The walk up the hill from the Train Station takes 10-15 minutes.   Travel Note :  If you are heading other cities further West ( like Salzburg ) after visiting Melk, you have to backtrack to either Amstetten or St.Pölten ( 20 minutes away ) to switch the national rail line.  Although it seems weird, since the National rail line goes right through town Melk doesn’t directly connect to the West.

Entrance Cost : Adults 10€; Students 5.50€; Family 20€.  Add 2€ for guided tours.  Gardens only are 4€.   Visiting Hours : May-October 9am-6pm; Rest of the year you may only enter as part of a tour.   Guided Tours : April-October 10am & 2:55pm in English; November-March 11am & 2pm in English; you can reserve ahead of time by emailing [email protected].  Tours last 1 hour and the average visit is 2 hours.   Abbey Website : ( HERE ).

Rating as a Day Trip From Vienna :  7 out of 10 by itself, but a 9 out of 10 as part of a Danube River cruise from Vienna.

7. Castle Franzensburg ( 30-60 Minutes ):

About Franzensburg Castle : The area around Franzenburg Castle ( known as Laxenburg ) almost feels like a little village.  It started being built out in 1333 when the Hapsburgs created a hunting lodge on the wooded grounds ( today called Altes Schloss ).  They the 1700s the grounds had expanded into a large English garden-style park and pleasure grounds nicknamed Laxenburg Castle Park.  Emperor Franz Joseph

Our favorite building in the castle park is the dreamy Franzenburg Castle.  Built on a small artificial island in 1801, the castle was named after Francis II who was the last Holy Roman Emperor ( until 1806, died in 1835 ).  Austria Emperor Franz Joseph I ( reign 1848-1916 ) spent many of his youthful Summers at the grounds and even spent his honeymoon with wife Sisi here in 1854.  This marriage was a big deal as it joined the Austria Hapsburgs to the Bavarian Wittelsbachs.  Sisi was beloved for her beauty but was also a great diplomat who helped her husband to secure the joining of the Austria-Hungary Empire in 1867.

The views of the castle reflecting in the lake are stunning but you can also cross the plank bridge across the water to a picture-perfect gate tower to see the inside.  We also love renting one of the electric boats in the Summer to glide around the water in relaxing silence.  In the Winter there is ice staking available on the frozen lake.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From Karlsplatz take the U1 Subway to the Hauptbahnhof Train Station ( 2 stops 3 minutes ) then take Bus 200 to Laxenburg Franz-Joseph-Platz ( 13 stops, 30 minutes ) and walk through the castle park.  Entrance Cost : The park is 1.50€, bridge to the castle is 1€, bost rental 12€.

8. Hermesvilla & Vienna Woods ( 1 Hour Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna Best Side Trips Without A Car By Train - Hermes Villa Vienna Woods

About Hermesvilla :  Hermesvilla is a stunning rural Royal getaway at the edge of the Vienna Woods.  It was built on a stretch of imperial hunting grounds by Emperor Franz Joseph as a gift to his wife Sisi.  Nicknamed the Castle of Dreams, the countryside villa was elaborately designed to try to encourage Sisi ( who was constantly traveling ) to spend more time near Vienna .

After it was completed the villa was named Hermes after a marble statue of the Greek god ( son of Zeus ) and guardian which still sits in the gardens of the estate.  Such care was taken with the grounds that the Emperor even had all the tiny molehills flattened so his wife would have smoother surfaces to ride her horse.

It was her love of travel that was ultimately Sisi’s downfall as in 1898 she was assassinated while visiting Geneva, Switzerland.  This was a sign of things to come for the royal family as they would often be targets including the murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria while visiting Sarajevo in 1914 which led to the start of WW1.

Today the grounds and surrounding area serve as a wonderful nature preserve that will leave you feeling like you are a world away from Vienna.  The Vienna Woods as it’s known is a relaxing and even majestic place to hike.

Gettings Here From Vienna : Take the U4 Subway from Karlsplatz to Ober Saint Viet ( 11 stops, 15 minutes ) then the Bus 54A or 54B to Stock Im Weg ( 8 stops, 9 minutes ) and walk up the hill ( 20 minutes ).

9. Budapest, Hungary ( 2.5 Hours Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Budapest Hungary

About Budapest :  Just a few hours by train, this mighty city on the Danube makes for a great 2 day getaway from Vienna. If needed you can cram the sights of the Pest Monuments and Castle Hill into one long day, but we highly recommend being here for 2-3 days so you can also spend time on the Jewish quarter and City Park. To see more on his city please check out our Budapest section .

Getting To Budapest From Vienna :  Train connects these two capitals’ city centers directly.  Make sure to check the schedule and take the 2 hours and 45 minutes Railjet train instead of the slow 4 hour REX one.   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  6 out of 10.  You can only get a small taste of Budapest in a 1 day, but it becomes a 10 out of 10 if you can stay a bit longer.  You really need 3-4 full days to see it all and fit in the nearby Danube Bend.

View Our Budapest Section : ( HERE ).

10. Hallstatt Village & Salt Mine ( 3.5-4 Hours Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Hallstatt Austria

About Hallstatt :  What in the world is a village almost 4 hours away doing on this top day trips from Vienna list?  Normally something 4 hours away wouldn’t count as a side trip but Hallstatt is an excellent stop on your way from Vienna to Salzburg.  We love taking a full day to explore the Village and the nearby Ice Caves.  Hallstatt is our favorite city in all of Austria and really is one you should fit in your schedule.

There was a Hallstatt before there was a Rome and it is just about as cute of an ancient alpine village as you’ll find anywhere.  Hallstatt is compact, full of history, and an absolutely beautiful lakeside village.  Just walking around the village streets can be amazing and we’ve put together a  Free Hallstatt Walking Tour  for you to follow to make sure you see all the top sights.  The main highlights include the colorful  Market Square , the creepy painted skulls of the  Bone Chapel , and a boat ride on the lake.  If you end up with the extra time we also suggest visiting the World’s oldest  Salt Mine  sitting just above the city which over 7,000 years old.

Getting To Hallstatt From Vienna :  Take the OBB train line to Attnang-Puchheim ( 2 hours & 10 minutes, has bag lockers ), switch trains and take the local REX to the Hallstatt Station ( 70 Minutes ), and lastly take a short ferry across the lake ( 15 Minutes ).   Please Note :  The Salt Mine and Ice Cave are closed in the Winter and re-open each April.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  6 out of 10 if you actually plan on returning to Vienna the same day due to the time involved.  However, if you are using Hallstatt as a stop on your way from Vienna to Salzburg it is easily a 10 out of 10.

View Our Hallstatt Section : ( HERE ).

11. Bratislava, Solvakia ( 1 Hour Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Bratislava Slovakia

About Bratislava :  We don’t have anything against Bratislava, but there just isn’t much to do here. There is a bland palace in the center of Old Town over the site of the former Bratislava Castle, but it is pretty blah.  There is one building be like in the middle of town called the Kaštieľ v Prievoze which was a mansion built for Count Eugen Čáki in 1902 and is now owned by the city.

Between Vienna and Bratislava are the ruins of Devin Castle and the former site of the large Roman camp Carnuntum which in 100AD was ten times larger then Vindobona ( Vienna ) with 50,000 troops. It is interesting to note that Vienna and Bratislava are the closest major capitals to each other in the World at just 40 miles apart.  If you are going to be nit-picky, they are really the 3rd closest, but we aren’t counting the city-state of the Vatican City being inside Rome or the shanty town capital of Brazzaville in Africa being across the river from Kinshasa as major capitals.

Getting Here From Vienna :  Trains from Vienna to Bratislava depart from Wien Sudbanhof at frequent regular intervals, arriving in  Bratislava Main Station  or Bratislava Petrzalka. Both stations are close to the downtown, easily accessible by  public transport  or  taxi .   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10. There just isn’t much to do here.

12. Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial ( 2.5 Hours Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial Austria

About Mauthausen Concentration Camp :  Memorial site of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp ( Gedenkstätte Mauthausen ) is a great taste of dark Nazi history for anyone traveling between Vienna and Salzburg who may not have the time to visit Dachau near Munich.  This site was selected due to its onsite granite quarry so the imprisoned people could serve as slave labor.

The  Stairs of Death  are known as a spot of torture where prisoners were forced to carry stones heavier than their own body weight all the way up, only to be pushed off the adjacent cliff by SS Guards to their death.  They would also line prisoners up on the top of the quarry cliff and then force them to push each other off.  Even worse than the slave labor, cliffs antics, and even gas chambers was the SS Guard who would cut off prisoners tattoos to use the skin as lamp shades.

During its time of operation, over 100,000 prisoners were killed at this death camp.  Not too far from Mauthausen under the beautiful Augustine Monastery is the creepy Saint Florian Ossuary.  In the center of the room is the free-standing tomb of Anton Bruckner, but around it is a orderly collection of the skulls/bones of 6,000 people.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From Vienna’s Westbahnhof Train Station take a local train toward Mauthausen.  You’ll have transfer trains either at St. Valentin or Linz depending on your departure time, so check the  train schedule .  Either way, you’ll get right to Mauthausen train station, just make sure to take departure that has 2 hours in total travel time as certain departures have a long layover.  From the Mauthausen train station, the Camp is either a long 5km walk or 3km cheap taxi.

Entrance Cost :  Free, not recommended for kids under 14 years old.   Visiting Hours :  May-June Daily from 9am-5:30pm. July-October Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm, Closed Mondays.  November-April  Tuesday-Sunday 9am-3:30pm, Closed Mondays.   Guided Tours :  Guide tours are available but pricey at 40€ per person. Alternative you can get the 75 minute audio tour for Free after a refundable 40€ per headset deposit.  It is easy enough to share a headset between a couple people.   Mauthausen Website : ( HERE ).

13. Capuchin Monastery Crypt ( Brno, Czech Republic – 2 Hours Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Brno Capuchin Monastery Crypt

About Brno :  Brno is of the  Capuchin Monastery  with its eerie crypt of Monks.  The Capuchin Monks would put their dead in a coffin during each funeral procession, but afterward would lay the bodies in the crypt to be able to re-use the coffin and save money.  They did this from 1400 into the 1700’s until it was outlawed and the crypt was closed.

Although they didn’t mean for it to happen, the perfect air conditions in the crypt mummified the last 24 monks they buried here which have become quite a tourist attraction.  The Monks are neatly lined up in rows, their heads rest on original brick pillows, and are so well preserved you can still see their robes and the rosaries they are holding.

Fairly close to the Capuchin Monastery is the second largest ossuary in Europe which sits beneath  St. James Church . The bones of over 50,000 people were buried here before it was sealed up in the 1700’s in favor of cemetery burials.  The ossuary lay forgotten under the church until a local historian re-discovered it in 2000.  It took them a number of years to make it safe for visitors as due to bacteria that formed when they opened it, but today it is truly awesome to visit.  The only ossuary bigger are the catacombs in Paris, France.

Some of the other highlights are the  Church Of St Peter & St Paul  ( Petroy ), which looks has large Gothic towers just like the Church of Our Lady in front of Týn in Prague, and the modest  Špilberk Castle  which offers great views of the city.  A very popular side trip if staying in Brno is the  Veveří Castle   which has been owned by royals, nobles and even served as a hunting lodge.  Many tourists take the train half way there, hike the rest and take the steamboat along the river back to Prague.

Getting Here From Vienna :  Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic and sits right on the main train route from Prague to both Budapest and Vienna.  The Trains go city center to city center and it takes about 3 hours to get to Brno from Prague.  Costs is roughly CZK 360 round trip.   Visiting The Capuchin Monastery :  February 15th-December 14th Tuesday-Sunday 9am-Noon & 1-4:30pm; Only open on Mondays May-September; Closed all of  December 15th-February 14th.  The Monastery sits on Capuchin Square near the Cabbage Market.   Visiting The St. James Church :   Tuesday- Sunday 9:30am-6pm; Closed  Mondays.  Costs is CZK 140.

15. Heiligenbrunn, Austria ( 2.5 Hours Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Heiligenbrunn Austria Village

About Heiligenbrunn :  If you want the hidden gem of Austria, the village of Heiligenbrunn is it.  Prague may be known by tourists as the most Medieval town in Europe, but Heiligenbrunn gives it a run for the money.  The town itself only has 1,000 residents, 2 hotels, no castles or fortifications, but it has a personality to boot.

Historically the village is most well known for it’s cute, thatched-roofed, hobbit style houses, but don’t underestimate the wine.  The wine, made as early as 1225 AD, was once banned for being too strong, but today it’s perfect and you’ll find grape vines growing in all sorts of places.  The Basement or Kellerviertel is an awesome straw stellar which has been preserved as a living reminder of Heliligenbrunn’s wine culture.  We highly recommend stopping by Ulrich’s Chapel as its bubbling spring is said to have curing powers, especially for the eyes.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From Vienna’s Wien Secession Bus Station ( Friedrichstraße ) take Bus G1 directly to Heligenbrunn in 2 1/2 hours.  Make sure to check the schedule as some options require a transfer to bus 1862 that will bring your total travel time up to 3 1/2 hours.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  4 out of 10 because of travel but an 8 out of 10 with a car or overnight stay.  The more we think about Heligenbrunn the cooler it is to visit a tiny village, in the middle of nowhere, stuck back in time, and off the the normal tourist track.  Staying overnight can be very relaxing.

14. Hardegg Castle ( 1 Hour 45 mins Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Burg Hardegg Castle

About Hardegg Castle :  Stunning riverside castle overlooking the Austrian-Czborderrder from a hilltop perch.  It was first built in the 1100s and has luckily stood the test of time.  It may not be as cool as the other castles around Vienna, but is still a good visit for castle lovers.  The grounds are open for the public to free roam most days but to see the private collection of arms you must arrange a tour ahead of time with requires 20 or more guests.

Getting Here From Vienna :  70 minute local train to Retz then Bus 1255 takes you right to the Castle in about 1 hour and 45 minutes total. Make sure to check the schedule as a couple times a day there is a 45 minute layover waiting for the bus. Only 90 minutes by car.

Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10.  It is actually a very interesting place, but there are cooler castles near Vienna to see first.  If there weren’t better castles nearby this one would maybe be a 7 out of 10.

16. Eggenburg Beinhaus ( 2 Hours Away ):

Top Day Trips From Vienna - Best Side Burg Eggenburg Beinhaus

About Eggenburg Beinhaus :  Crypt containing the bones of 5,800 Austrians arranged in an artistic manner. It was written about as early as 1299 AD and a majority of the current crypt was built in 1405 AD. Because the bones are so old, you can only look at the crypt through a large glass wall and can no longer walk among them, but they are impressive still.  The only downfall is the window you look through to see it is small and often dirty but after dark, you can flip a light on to see it better.

Getting Here From Vienna :  2-hour train right to Eggenburg and a 10-minute walk to the Beinhaus next to Pfarrkirche Church. Can get here by car in just 50 minutes.   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10.

17. Römerstadt Carnuntum ( 70 Minutes Away ):

About Carnuntum :  While Vienna was once the Roman fort of Vindobona ( 97-433AD ), it was the larger city of Carnuntum ( 40-395AD ) that was the regional capital on the Northen border of the Roman Empire.  It’s said that Emperor Tiberius was the first Legion group to reach the area in 6AD where he camped with as many as 40,000 troops.  In as early as 40AD Carnuntum started to become permanently fortified as a military camp and training area.

By 80-120AD Carnuntum had grown into a full city with a walled civilian suburb next near the fort.  The early city was complete with a legionary fort ( castra ), public forum, temple buildings, governor’s palace, thermal baths, two large amphitheaters, and a population of over 50,000 including troops.  Much of the growth was fueled by the city’s location on the Danube River where the East-West Limes Road ( connecting northern Roman forts ) and the North-South Amber Road trade route ( from the Baltic Sea to Rome ) met.

Carnuntum may be the most famous as the place where Emperor Septimius Severus was crowned in 193 after Commodus had been slain and that Julianus tried to claim the throne.  This is often referred to as the Year of the Five Emperors or the Ides of August.  Septimius Severus had been in line for succession to Marcus Aurelius ( 161-180, died in Vienna ) and Commodus ( 177-92 ).

As the Huns invaded as far west into the Roman region as Castra Constantias ( modern-day Budapest ), it broke down the Limes Road and Carnuntum was sacked by Germanic tribes ( Goths ) in 395AD ( abandoned by 433 ).  Luckily ruins from the Roman city have been preserved as a living museum thanks to  excavations ongoing since 1877.   Today you can visit the base of the Civilian Colosseum ( Zivilstadt ,  seated 13,000 ), the Military Colosseum ( Militärstadt,  seated 8,000 ), numerous stone foundations, a city senate ( curia ), some preserved floor mosaics, reconstructed buildings ( citizen’s house, upscale urban villa, public baths, barracks ), and ruins of the Heidentor Gate.  The four portal Heidentor Gate was built as a huge triumphal gate in 324AD by Emperor Constantius II to commemorate his victories.

Thanks to modern laser scanning, they were able to find and partially reconstruct the remains of a wooden gladiator school next to the Civilian Colosseum ( Zivilstadt ) in 2011.  They got the tip to scan in the area after finding some documents dating back to the time of Emperor Hadrian ( reign 117-138AD ) which mentioned the 40-60  person gladiator school next to the ancient civilian stadium.

A short walk away is the large Petronell Palace which was a castle built in 1660 that has been restored after sitting vacant for decades.  They often have actors dressed in Roman gear and have a big festival once a year to show what life was like here in 333AD.

Getting Here From Vienna :  From the main train station, you take the Rex bus to Bruck/Leitha Bahnhof ( 2 stops, 27 minutes ) then Bus 274 to Petronell-Carnuntum Freilichtmuseum ( 12 stops, 27 minutes ).   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  5 out of 10, a 7 if you love Roman history.

18. Marchfelderhof Restaurant ( 40 Minutes Away ):

About Marchfelderhof Restaurant :  A little tacky, but a beautiful restaurant from 1843 seemingly filled with junk.  They serve traditional Austrian food, have a funky atmosphere, and cater to large groups.

Getting Here From Vienna :  Take the S1 subway right from the heart of Vienna to the restaurant in around 40 minutes.   Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna :  4 out of 10.

Longer Side Trips From Vienna:

Munich, Germany ( 4 Hours ); Prague, Czech Republic ( 4.5 Hours ); Sedlec Ossuary Bone Church in Kutná Hora, Czech Republic ( 3.5 Hours ); Berchtesgaden, Germany ( 3.5 Hours ); Wefen, Germany ( 3.5 Hours ); Innsbruck, Austria ( 4.5 Hours ); Graz, Austria ( 2.5 Hours ).

Accessible By Night Train From Vienna:

Rome ( Italy) ; Venice ( Italy ); Amsterdam ( Netherlands ); Florence ( Italy ); Brussels ( Belgium) ; Frankfurt ( Germany ); Warszawa ( Poland ); Bucureşti ( Romania ); Zürich ( Switzerland )

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL BLOG IN VIENNA

Best day trips from vienna, austria.

Best Day Trips from Vienna

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by gregor

Vienna, Austria is an incredible destination for travelers looking to explore Central Europe. With a rich history, culture, and countless attractions to see, you may be wondering how you can fit it all in. Fortunately, there are many excellent day trips from Vienna that allow visitors to take in the sights of nearby cities and towns.

From Bratislava to Salzburg and Hallstatt to Budapest, Prague, and Ljubljana, here are the best day trips from Vienna if you’re short on time but want to get the most out of your trip!

Top Day trips from Vienna, Austria

Vienna is an optimal starting point for day trips to some of the most noteworthy capitals in Europe such as  Bratislava, Budapest, Prague , and  Ljubljana . Additionally, it serves as an incredible base to discover more of Austria. Some of the greatest day trips from Vienna include  Salzburg  and  Hallstatt .

Day Trip von Vienna to Hallstatt, Austria

A day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt, Austria is an unforgettable experience. With its picturesque scenery and quaint village atmosphere, Hallstatt is a must-see destination for travelers in Austria. The journey takes around three hours by car or two hours by train and offers stunning views of the Austrian countryside along the way. Once in Hallstatt, visitors can explore the charming streets that are lined with traditional buildings and shops, take a boat ride on the lake, or visit one of the many museums. Many restaurants also offer delicious local cuisine and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you choose to stay for just a day or longer, a day trip to Hallstatt is sure to be an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Hallstatt is another must-visit location if you’re looking to explore outside of Vienna in one day. Hallstatt is only two hours away by car or train and offers stunning views of Lake Hallstätter See along with picturesque alpine villages nestled among snow-capped mountains.

Getting to Hallstatt from Vienna

Getting to Hallstatt from Vienna can be done easily and quickly. The easiest way to get there is by car, as it only takes about 2.5 hours by car. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can take a bus or train from Vienna. Bus trips are available every day and the journey time is around 3.5 hours, while trains take slightly longer at 4 hours. Both routes take you through some of Austria’s stunning countryside, so make sure to enjoy the views along the way! Once in Hallstatt, you will be surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal-clear lakes – an unforgettable experience!

Read More:  TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HALLSTATT IN 2022, AUSTRIA

Day trip from Vienna to Salzburg, Austria

A day trip from Vienna to Salzburg, Austria is an unforgettable experience. The stunning landscape of the Austrian countryside provides a perfect backdrop for this journey. Once you arrive in Salzburg, you can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Hohensalzburg Castle and Mirabell Palace. You can also take a tour of the city’s unique architecture and visit some of its museums, galleries, and historical sites. Additionally, you can enjoy the traditional local cuisine in one of the many restaurants or cafes. Finally, make sure to take time to wander through Salzburg’s charming streets and enjoy some shopping before heading back to Vienna. This vibrant city offers something for everyone and is a great destination for a day trip from Vienna!

Salzburg is another popular day trip destination from Vienna. Located two hours away by car or train, Salzburg is home to some of the most beautiful Baroque architecture in Europe as well as world-famous Mozart sites like his birthplace house.

Getting to Salzburg from Vienna

Getting to Salzburg from Vienna is an easy and convenient journey. You can either travel by train or bus. You can take a train directly from Vienna Hauptbahnhof which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Lastly, you can take a bus which takes approximately 3 hours. All two transportation options are comfortable and provide excellent service, so it’s up to you to decide which one to choose based on your preference and budget.

Travel directly from Vienna to Salzburg by train. The journey is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes in duration. Services run every 25-30 minutes beginning from 5:30 AM and the final service back to Vienna departs at 10 PM. Prices for tickets are 25€ one way if purchased more than a week prior, rising up to 54€ each way if bought on the same day. (prices may vary)

Read More:  ONE DAY IN SALZBURG ITINERARY, WHAT TO DO IN SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – A PERFECT DAY AND TOP SIGHTS

Read More: ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE OF SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

Day Trip from Vienna to Budapest, Hungary

If you’re looking for an exciting day trip from Vienna, consider taking a journey to Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located just over 200 miles away from Vienna. It’s known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and its historical sites. You can spend the day exploring the city’s many attractions, such as the Hungarian Parliament building, Heroes Square, and Castle Hill . The Danube River runs through Budapest and offers a variety of activities like sightseeing tours or boat rides. Several restaurants throughout the city offer delicious traditional Hungarian cuisine. With so much to see and do in one day, it’s easy to see why Budapest makes an ideal day trip from Vienna!

Getting to Budapest from Vienna

Getting to Budapest from Vienna is quite easy and straightforward. The best and most convenient way to get there is by train. Vienna’s main station, the Hauptbahnhof, offers direct connections with Budapest-Keleti station. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and can be done on a variety of different trains, including EuroCity and RailJet services. Intercity buses are also available between the two cities, but they take around 5 hours to reach their destination. For those looking for a faster option, airplanes are departing from Vienna Airport to Budapest Ferihegy Airport every day. This route only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes but it usually costs more than the other options.

Read More:  3 DAYS IN BUDAPEST – COMPLETE BUDAPEST ITINERARY

Day trip from Vienna to Prague, Czechia

A day trip from Vienna to Prague, Czechia is certainly worth the experience. Starting off by taking a train from Vienna to Prague, you can admire the beautiful countryside as you pass through Austria and into the Czech Republic. Once you arrive in Prague, you will be sure to be amazed by its rich history and culture. You can spend your day exploring the famous Charles Bridge, visiting Old Town Square, or admiring the views from Prague Castle . You can also enjoy some of their traditional cuisines such as goulash or local beer. A day trip from Vienna to Prague is a great way to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in just one day!

Getting to Prague from Vienna

Traveling from Vienna to Prague is a relatively easy and affordable journey. There are several options available for travelers, including taking the train, bus or even driving. The most popular option is taking the train, which takes approximately four hours and covers a distance of about 250 miles. Trains run frequently throughout the day so there is plenty of opportunity to find one that fits your schedule. Taking the bus is also an option, but it usually takes around five hours to get from Vienna to Prague. Driving yourself is another option if you have access to a car – it takes around four hours and is a great way to explore the countryside on your journey. Whichever mode of transport you choose, getting from Vienna to Prague will be an enjoyable experience.

Read More:   3 DAYS IN PRAGUE: THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia

A day trip from Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia is a great way to experience the culture and beauty of two great cities in one day. Start your day off by taking the train from Vienna to Bratislava, which only takes about an hour. Once you arrive in Bratislava, you can explore the old town with its cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and beautiful architecture. For lunch, be sure to try some traditional Slovak dishes such as ‘halušky’ (a potato-based dish) or ‘bryndzové halušky’ (a dumpling-like dish made with sheep cheese). Afterward, take a walk around the castle grounds for amazing views of the city and then head over to the Danube River for breathtaking riverbank views. The trip back to Vienna will leave you with wonderful memories of a perfect day exploring two unique countries.

Bratislava is a great first stop for travelers looking for a quick getaway from Vienna. Just an hour’s drive away from Vienna’s city center, Bratislava boasts charming streets filled with cafés and restaurants as well as plenty of historical sights like St. Martin’s Cathedral and Slavin Monument. 

Getting to Bratislava from Vienna

Getting to Bratislava from Vienna is a simple and convenient process. The two cities are only an hour apart by car, making it easy to make the journey when you have the time. Alternatively, several bus and train services run between the two cities regularly. Buses typically take around 2 hours, while trains will usually take just over an hour. Both of these services are convenient for anyone wanting to get to Bratislava from Vienna quickly and easily. For those with more time, however, it is still possible to travel between the two cities by boat or even bike if you choose!

Read More:   DAY TRIP FROM VIENNA TO BRATISLAVA – ONE-DAY ITINERARY

Day Trip from Vienna to Ljubljana, Slovenia

A day trip from Vienna to Ljubljana, Slovenia is an excellent way to experience the culture and natural beauty of this small European country. You can begin your journey in Vienna, the capital of Austria, and travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The journey takes approximately 4 hours by car or train. Along the way, you will pass through picturesque countryside and quaint villages that provide insight into traditional Slovenian life. Once you arrive in Ljubljana you can explore its ancient city center filled with Baroque architecture, beautiful squares, and cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings. Take a stroll along the banks of the river Ljubljanica or visit one of the many museums showcasing art from all over Europe. Spend some time sampling local cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants or cafes and end your day trip with a leisurely boat ride on Lake Bled before returning back to Vienna.

Getting to Ljubljana from Vienna

Traveling to Ljubljana from Vienna is easy and convenient. The two cities are connected by several transport options, including air, rail, and road links. Flying is the fastest option, with direct flights available from Vienna Airport to Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport in just under an hour. Alternatively, travelers can take the train from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof station to Ljubljana’s main railway station in as little as five hours. Those who prefer to drive have the option of taking one of the many bus services that run between Vienna and Ljubljana. The journey takes approximately eight hours by car. Whichever mode of transport you choose for your trip, getting to Ljubljana from Vienna will be a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Vienna is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Europe, and its landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for day trips. Whether you are looking to explore the picturesque countryside or the vibrant cityscapes, Vienna has something to offer for everyone. From Bratislava and Salzburg in the north to Hallstatt and Budapest in the south, there’s plenty to see and do just a short drive away from Vienna. For those looking for even more adventure, Prague and Ljubljana are only a few hours away by train or car. Here we bring you the best day trips from Vienna that will make your stay an unforgettable experience!

If you’re up for a longer journey outside of Vienna, consider heading further east towards Budapest or Prague or south towards Ljubljana. All three cities provide unique experiences ranging from fascinating historical sites to vibrant nightlife scenes and everything in between!

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trips from vienna by train

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trips from vienna by train

14 Best Day Trips from Vienna

Zi @Craving Adventure

  • March 1, 2024
  • Austria , Europe

Renowned for its rich history, grand architecture, and great vibe, Vienna is a city that attracts visitors from all over the world. From its majestic palaces and elegant opera houses to its cozy coffee shops and lively markets, Vienna has something for everyone to enjoy.

Own transport

Organized tours, public transport, where to stay in vienna, best day trips from vienna, klosterneuburg abbey, seegrotte hinterbrühl, vienna woods, eisenstadt & esterhazy palace, wachau valley, mauthausen concentration camp, bratislava, slovakia, cesky krumlov, czech republic, budapest, hungary, prague, czech republic, best time to visit vienna for day trips, planning a trip to vienna.

But what makes Vienna even more special is its strategic location, which makes it a great gateway to explore its neighboring regions. I have visited Vienna countless times, but what I like best about the city is the numerous day trip options it provides. 

In this guide, I have hand-picked the best day trips from Vienna. Whether you’re into old castles, beautiful vineyards, peaceful lakes, or charming villages, there’s an adventure waiting for you!!

trips from vienna by train

In a hurry?  Book your Vienna day tours :

These are the best day tours from Vienna that you should absolutely free up your itinerary for!

Hallstatt Day Trip With Skywalk

Danube Valley Day Trip

Vienna Woods and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl

3 Castles and Wine Tasting Tour

Best way to go on day trips from Vienna

If you’re planning a day trip from Vienna, you have various options to reach your destination. Renting a car in Vienna is pretty straightforward and will give you the most flexibility. But if you’d rather sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving, then public transport or organized tours are the way to go.

Depending on the destination you’d like to visit some transport options might be more convenient than others, so make sure to read my recommendations for the individual day trip destinations.

Renting a car will give you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. It’s perfect if you like to take things at your own pace and maybe discover some remote areas or hidden spots along the way. In Vienna, renting a car is pretty straightforward. Check Discover Cars which offers some great deals on rental cars and remember to buy the vignette before hitting the highway.

For a hassle-free experience opt for an organized tour which will help you maximize your time. . This is by far the easiest way to explore, with transportation and logistics taken care of.

Whether you’re interested in exploring historic cities, charming villages, or breathtaking natural landscapes, there are plenty of organized tours available. I have researched the best tours from Vienna for you, all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your trip.

Vienna’s extensive network of trains and buses offers a convenient way to explore which is not only super efficient but also cost-effective. Just head to one of the main stations like Wien Hauptbahnhof or Wien Mitte, hop on a train or bus, and you’re good to go. Flixbus is another great option to get around.

trips from vienna by train

When planning a trip to Vienna, the best area to stay for sightseeing is the first district (Innere Stadt). This central area is the heart of Vienna and is close to iconic landmarks like the Hofburg Palace, the State Opera, and the Albertina Museum. 

The area is also well-connected by public transportation, allowing easy access to other parts of the city. With a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to charming boutique options, the first district offers the perfect base for experiencing all that Vienna has to offer.

Hotel Sacher Wien

HISTORY & LUXURY

This famous 5-star hotel in Vienna combines timeless elegance with modern comfort and is an all-time favorite.

CHECK PRICES

Hotel Am Parkring

Located in the highest building on Ringstrasse, this hotel offers modern rooms with the best views over Vienna’s city center.

Check prices

Residence Wollzeile

CENTRAL HOME

This spacious and beautifully decorated apartment offers the comfort of home in the heart of the city center, just a stone’s throw away from St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Read next: Where to stay in Vienna

In this article, I have carefully curated a selection of the best day trips from Vienna, divided into two sections – within Austria and to neighboring countries. If you’re crossing the border make sure to check the entry requirements for your passport.

trips from vienna by train

Vienna day trips to nearby towns

A day trip from Vienna to Klosterneuburg Abbey offers a great mix of history, culture, and nature. This beautiful abbey was founded over 900 years ago and is an architectural masterpiece that houses a huge collection of art and artifacts. Plus, the abbey is surrounded by vineyards, making it a great destination for wine enthusiasts looking to try some of the region’s best wines. 

Getting to Klosterneuburg from Vienna

Train: 15-20 minutes Drive: 15 km / 30 minutes

To get to Klosterneuburg by train, you can catch regular services from Vienna’s Spittelau station towards St. Pölten. If you travel by car, simply take the B14 towards Klosterneuburg and follow signs for the abbey once you arrive in the vicinity.

Make sure to book your day ticket for Klosterneuburg Abbey in advance and bring enough time to visit the wine cellar too, it was my highlight.

Best tours of Klosterneuburg from Vienna

Explore Klosterneuburg and its surrounding vineyards on this e-bike tour and combine sightseeing with wine tastings. Or join this guided tour that explores three castles in the Danube Valley, including Klosterneuburg Abbey, and indulge in wine tastings along the way for the perfect mix of history and gastronomy. 

Book your adventure: E-Bike Wine Culture Tour Day ticket for Klosterneuburg Abbey 3 Castles and Wine Tasting Tour in Danube Valley from Vienna

trips from vienna by train

Located just a short distance from Vienna, the Hinterbrühl cave is home to one of the largest underground lakes in Europe. It originated from a former gypsum mine and has since been transformed into a fascinating underground wonderland.

Make sure to take a guided tour that lets you explore the caverns, enjoy the shimmering blue waters of the lake, and learn about the history and geology of the area.

Additionally, the surrounding Vienna Woods provide fantastic opportunities for scenic walks or outdoor adventures.

Getting to Hinterbrühl from Vienna

Train: 45 minutes Drive: 25 km / 30 minutes

Getting to Hinterbrühl is easiest by road. Take the A21 highway and follow the signs for Hinterbrühl. You can also take the train to Mödling and from there continue with a bus to Maria Enzersdorf. However, you’ll need to walk the last bit which takes roughly 15 minutes.

Best tours of Hinterbrühl from Vienna

I highly recommend this half-day trip which takes you on a journey to explore the fascinating underground caverns at Seegrotte Hinterbrühl. The highlight of the tour is a boat ride across the shimmering blue water of the underground lake. Plus, you’ll learn about the stunning rock formations and the history of the mine.

Book your adventure: Vienna Woods and Seegrotte Hinterbrühl Half Day Trip

trips from vienna by train

The Vienna Woods are the perfect day trip from Vienna for nature enthusiasts. This massive forest area, just a stone’s throw from the city, offers plenty of outdoor adventures.

Here you can go on hikes along well-marked trails, explore charming villages, and enjoy breathtaking views from stunning viewpoints. Plus, you’ll find historical sites like Mayerling and Heiligenkreuz Abbey (Abbey of the Holy Cross) adding an extra layer of culture to your experience.

Getting to Vienna Woods from Vienna

Train: 30-45 minutes Drive: 30-45 kilometers / 45 minutes

There are many options to reach the Vienna Woods by public transport, depending on which part of the Vienna Woods you want to visit. If you’d rather drive, simply head out of Vienna on the B1 or take the A21 to Alland.

Best tours of Vienna Woods from Vienna

Visit Mayerling Lodge and Heiligenkreuz Abbey, and enjoy the stunning Vienna Woods on this guided tour from Vienna. 

Or explore the vineyards around the Vienna Woods in Lower Austria on this small-group wine tour from Vienna. You’ll hike along forest trails to reach a local vineyard for an open-air wine tasting led by an expert winemaker.

Book your adventure: Vienna Woods, Mayerling and Heiligenkreuz Private Tour from Vienna Vienna Woods Wine Tour – Wines, Vines & Good Times!

trips from vienna by train

Carnuntum is a rebuilt Roman city that offers fascinating insights into the life of ancient Rome. Here you’ll explore the old streets, visit the gladiator school, see the ancient baths, and get a real feel for what life in Roman society was like back then.

Getting to Carnuntum from Vienna

Train: 1 hour 10 minutes Drive: 50 km / 50 minutes

To reach Carnuntum hop on one of the hourly trains from Vienna Rennweg to Wolfsthal and get off at Petronell-Carnuntum. From the station, it’s just a short 15-minute walk. If you’re driving from Vienna, take the A4 towards Budapest/airport, exit at Bruck/Leitha and follow B211 and signs for Carnuntum.

Best tours of Carnuntum from Vienna

There are no organized tours available from Vienna to Carnuntum, so I’d recommend you hop on a train, get your ticket for the Roman City of Carnuntum tour, and explore the Roman city on your own. Make sure to buy the small booklet offered at the entrance for 1€, it offers lots of valuable information.

Book your adventure: Roman City of Carnuntum Admission

trips from vienna by train

Eisenstadt is a charming town known for the stunning Esterhazy Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Austria’s most prestigious landmarks. 

Make sure to check out out it’s interior, the exquisite artwork, and the musical heritage of the renowned composer Joseph Haydn, who spent much of his life in Eisenstadt.

Additionally, a day trip to Eisenstadt will let you experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene, with cafes and traditional restaurants serving delicious local specialties. For authentic Austrian food, check out the restaurant Haydnbräu in the city center. 

Getting to Eisenstadt from Vienna

Train: 55 minutes Drive: 60 km / 1 hour

To get from Vienna to Eisenstadt by car, simply take the A3 highway towards Eisenstadt/Südburgenland. Follow the signs for Eisenstadt, they’ll lead you right into the heart of the town. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the hourly direct trains leaving from Vienna Meidling.

Best tours of Eisenstadt from Vienna

There aren’t any Vienna to Eisenstadt day trip tours, so I’d recommend you hop on a train and explore the Esterhazy Palace on this guided tour or learn how to make olive oil while discovering the region.

Book your adventure: Esterhazy Palace Guided Tour Pannolio Olive Experience in Eisenstadt

trips from vienna by train

Melk, a charming town by the Danube River, is famous for its stunning Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture and impressive library. 

Here you get to explore the abbey’s halls and wander through its beautiful gardens overlooking the river. The city Melk is home to narrow streets with cozy cafes and shops, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or picking up souvenirs. Make sure to stop at Cafe Mistlbacher and try their local specialty cakes, the Wachauer and Melker Torte.

Getting to Melk from Vienna

Train: 50 minutes Drive: 90 km / 1.5 hours

To get to Melk by train, hop on a train from Vienna Westbahnhof to St. Pölten where you can change to a local train to Melk. If you’re driving, simply take the A1 highway and exit at Melk.

Best tours of Melk Abbey from Vienna

Join this guided day trip to Melk Abbey and the scenic Danube Valley where you’ll visit the abbey and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube River. 

If you’re a foodie like me, make sure to join this food tour where you’ll try all the tasty specialties the region has to offer, or opt for this tour that combines visiting the Abbey with wine tasting in family-run Austrian taverns.

Book your adventure: Melk Abbey and Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna Culinary tour in Melk

trips from vienna by train

Wachau, situated along the Danube River, is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles, and renowned vineyards. 

Explore its charming villages and indulge in local delicacies like apricot treats and famous wines, or go for a hike through the beautiful landscape and enjoy nature.

I love exploring the valley by bicycle and stopping in different villages along the way to enjoy their charming vibes and delicious food. Make sure to try the valley’s famous apricots!

Getting to Wachau from Vienna

Train: 1.5 to 2 hours Drive: 100 km / 1.5 to 2 hours

To get to Wachau by car, take the A1 highway towards Linz/Salzburg and follow signs for Wachau. If you prefer public transport, you can hop on a train to Melk and from there take a train to St. Lorenz/Wachau. However, this is quite the journey and I’d recommend traveling by car or opting for an organized tour.

Best tours of Wachau from Vienna

The best way to experience the Wachau region is this small-group tour with wine tasting . You will visit charming villages where you’ll indulge in local delicacies and taste the region’s best wines at traditional wineries. 

If you’re a nature enthusiast, then don’t miss this private hiking tour through the Wachau Valley which takes you through the beautiful landscape and past castle ruins.

Book your adventure: Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna 4-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour ‘In the footsteps of king Lionheart’ Wachau for Adventurers Wine tasting on traditional wooden boats in Wachau Valley

trips from vienna by train

Mauthausen Concentration Camp is a former Nazi concentration camp and a reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. Here, you will get insights into the realities of the Holocaust and learn about the camp’s history and significance in the context of the Holocaust.

I’m not a fan of history, but visiting the Mauthausen Concentration Camp was a truly grounding experience and my most memorable day trip from Vienna.

Getting to Mauthausen from Vienna

Train: 2.5 hours Drive: 170 km / 2-2.5 hours

Reaching the Mauthausen Memorial by public transport is a bit tricky, you’ll need to take a train to Linz first and then change to a train to Mauthausen followed by a 25-minute walk to the Memorial. Driving, on the other hand, is very straightforward, simply take the A1 highway direction Salzburg, exit at St. Valentine, and follow signs for Mauthausen.

Best tours of Mauthausen from Vienna

By far the best way to experience the camp is with this tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp . You’ll explore the camp grounds, visit the memorial, and learn about the camp’s cruel history.

Book your adventure: Mauthausen Concentration Camp Day Trip from Vienna

trips from vienna by train

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and boasts a well-preserved old town, vibrant arts scene, and culinary delights. Here you get to explore the iconic Clock Tower, the medieval Graz Cathedral, and the Kunsthaus Graz. Plus, the city’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals make it a popular destination for a day trip.

When you get hungry, head over to Der Steirer, my favorite restaurant in Graz. They serve super delicious traditional Austrian food and have the best Backhendl in the city.

Getting to Graz from Vienna

Train: 2.5 hours Drive: 200 km / 2-3 hours

To reach Graz by train, simply catch one of the hourly direct trains from Vienna Meidling to Graz Hauptbahnhof. If you prefer driving, then take E59 and exit at Graz.

Best tours of Graz from Vienna

There are no organized tours from Vienna to Graz, so I’d recommend hopping on a train to get there. Then join this Old Town walking tour to discover the highlights of Graz. 

If you are looking for a different perspective, check out this flight over Graz offering breathtaking views of the city and its major attractions.

Book your adventure: Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour Private Bike Tour of Graz Top Attractions with Guide Sightseeing flight over Graz

trips from vienna by train

A day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt is a must-do for everyone visiting the Austrian capital. The charming lakeside village Hallstatt is renowned for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. You can explore its narrow streets, visit the iconic Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views, or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt. 

With its unique setting located between mountains and the lake, Hallstatt is one of the most scenic day trips from Vienna.

My favorite thing to do at Hallstatt is grabbing take-away coffee and pastries from Cafe Maislinger and finding a nice spot at the lake to sit and enjoy the treats while soaking up the beautiful landscape. 

Getting to Hallstatt from Vienna

Train: 3.5 to 4.5 hours Drive: 290 kilometers / 3.5-4 hours

To reach Hallstatt by train, take the train to Attnang-Puchheim and then change to a regional train bound for Hallstatt. To drive from Vienna to Hallstatt simply head onto A1 direction Salzburg, exit at Regau and follow B145 to Hallstatt.

Whether you travel by train or car, make sure to join this private walking tour once in Hallstatt. It offers insights into the village’s history, culture, and must-see landmarks.

Best tours of Hallstatt from Vienna

For a hassle-free experience join this guided Vienna to Hallstatt day trip . It includes a visit to the Hallstatt Skywalk which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Plus, you’ll have plenty of free time to try some Austrian specialties over lunch and explore the village and its narrow streets.

Book your adventure: Gems of Hallstatt – Private Walking Tour Hallstatt Day Trip from Vienna With Skywalk

trips from vienna by train

It’s no surprise my hometown Salzburg is my favorite city in Austria and I highly recommend taking a day trip from Vienna to visit its charming old town, see the beautiful Baroque architecture and experience the picturesque Alpine landscape.

Explore the city’s narrow cobblestone streets and iconic landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace. Make sure to take a coffee break at one of the city’s traditional cafes like Tomaselli to enjoy the specialties Verlängerter and Sachertorte while soaking up the city’s charm. 

Plus, as the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of “The Sound of Music”, Salzburg is the perfect day trip from Vienna for music lovers.

Read next: Salzburg Itinerary

Getting to Salzburg from Vienna

Train: 2.5 hours Drive: 300 km / 3-4 hours

There are direct trains from Vienna’s main stations to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. If you’re driving from Vienna, take the A1 towards Salzburg and follow signs towards Salzburg until you reach the Mozart city.

Best tours of Salzburg from Vienna

There are many organized day trips to Salzburg from Vienna available. This small-group day trip is great and will let you experience all of Salzburg’s main attractions. It takes you to Mozart’s birthplace and the famous Mirabell Palace and Gardens as well as the stunning Salzburg Cathedral. You’ll also have plenty of free time to explore the old town on your own. 

If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, make sure to join the original Sound of Music Tour . For foodies, I’d recommend this fun cooking class where you’ll learn how to make my favorite Austrian dessert, authentic apple strudel.

Book your adventure: Salzburg Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna Salzburg Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour Original Sound of Music Tour Salzburg With Schnitzel and Noodle Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg in Salzburg Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg

trips from vienna by train

Day trips from Vienna to neighboring countries

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, offers a charming mix of history, culture, and modernity. Its historic center is characterized by medieval architecture and cobblestone streets and is easily explored on foot.

The iconic Bratislava Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and was my highlight of Bratislava. Here you’ll get to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Danube River and the surrounding landscapes. Other must-see landmarks of Bratislava include the St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, and the lively Old Town Hall Square. 

If you’re looking for a day trip option from Vienna that’s quick and easy to reach by public transport, Bratislava is your city!

Getting to Bratislava from Vienna

Train: 50 minutes Drive: 70 km / 1 hour

To travel to Bratislava from Vienna by train, you can take direct trains from Vienna’s Westbahnhof station to Bratislava’s main railway station, Hlavná stanica. Driving to Bratislava is straightforward as well, simply follow highway A4 until you reach the city.

Best tours of Bratislava from Vienna

There are many different tours from Vienna to Bratislava available, but this day trip is my favorite. It combines your visit to Bratislava with a catamaran cruise on the Danube back to Vienna. 

If you want more flexibility in exploring Bratislava I recommend renting a car or taking public transport. Make sure to explore the city on a walking tour before you experience the original beer bike tour or indulge in Slovakian specialties on this traditional food tour .

Book your adventure: Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube Private Bratislava Grand City Tour Bratislava: 2- Hour Private Walking Tour Bratislava by speedboat Original Bratislava Beer Bike Tours – All-you-can-drink Bratislava Traditional Food Tour

trips from vienna by train

Cesky Krumlov is a charming medieval town situated in the countryside of the Czech Republic. 

With its stunning castle, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful riverside setting, Cesky Krumlov makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Here you’ll find artisan shops, cozy cafes, and traditional Czech restaurants where you can experience the local culture and ambiance. Check out the restaurant Svejk, I loved my lunch here on my trip to Cesky Krumlov.

Getting to Cesky Krumlov from Vienna

Train: 4 – 5 hours Drive: 200 km / 3 hours

To reach Cesky Krumlov by train, you can take a direct train from Vienna’s Westbahnhof station to Ceske Budejovice, then transfer to a connecting train to Cesky Krumlov. If you’re opting to drive, then take the A1 and A7 highways to Freistadt and follow B310 into the Czech Republic.

Best tours of Cesky Krumlov from Vienna

Cesky Krumlov offers a lot to do and see. Various small-group tours including guided tours of the town’s highlights are available from Vienna. 

If you are looking for a different sightseeing experience, make sure to check out the wooden raft river cruise or opt for an evening tour of Cesky Krumlov’s Old Town.

Book your adventure: Cesky Krumlov Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area Český Krumlov: Wooden Raft River Cruise

trips from vienna by train

Budapest is the lively capital of Hungary and offers a huge range of attractions. From its stunning architecture and rich history to its relaxing thermal baths and delicious cuisine, Budapest has something for everyone. 

Here you’ll get to explore iconic landmarks like the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Parliament Building, and indulge in traditional Hungarian dishes. I stopped for dinner at the restaurant Menza Étterem és Kávéház and loved the restaurant and their super delicious goulash. 

Read next: Budapest Itinerary

Getting to Budapest from Vienna

Train: 2.5 hours Drive: 250 km / 2.5-3 hours

To reach Budapest by train, you can take direct trains from Vienna’s central stations to Budapest’s main railway stations, Keleti or Nyugati. If you prefer to drive, the A4 and M1 highways connect Vienna and Budapest, offering a straightforward route with the opportunity to explore charming towns and landscapes along the way.

Best tours of Budapest from Vienna

For an organized day trip from Vienna to Budapest I recommend this guided tour taking you all of the city’s top sights. You’ll see Fisherman’s Bastion, the Hungarian Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. But Budapest has so much more than sightseeing to offer.

Enjoy a relaxing day at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Spa , known for its healing waters and stunning architecture, or explore caves and tunnels beneath the city’s surface on this caving experience .

Book your adventure: Budapest Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna Half-day Wine Tasting Tour in Etyek Wine Country near Budapest Budapest Culinary & Wine Walk Széchenyi Thermal Spa Full-Day Tickets / Thermal BeerSpa + Széchenyi ticket (skip the line) Budapest ️Highlights️ Live Guided Segway Tour Adventure Caving Experience in Budapest

trips from vienna by train

Prague is often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires” thanks to its many cathedrals and churches. Explore its stunning medieval old town, beautiful castle, and charming cobblestone streets, to soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.

Here, you’ll get to visit iconic landmarks like the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square. The city’s vibrant cultural and art scene gives it a lively atmosphere. Make sure to take a stroll along the Vltava River, it was one of my highlights.

Getting to Prague from Vienna

Train: 4 hours Drive: 330 km / 3 – 4 hours

From Vienna take a direct train to Prague’s main railway station, Praha hlavní nádraží. If you rather drive, you can get to Prague by following A22 and D3.

Best tours of Prague from Vienna

Prag has a lot to offer. For a guided day trip from Vienna to Prague, I recommend this small group tour taking you to all of Prag’s main attractions including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. If you’re a foodie, make sure to join this amazing food tour where you’ll learn about the the city’s culinary traditions and sample authentic Czech dishes.

Book your adventure: Prague Small-Group Day Trip from Vienna Best of Prague Walking tour and Cruise with Authentic Czech Lunch Prague Foodie Tour Pubs of Prague Historic Tour with Drinks Included

trips from vienna by train

The best time to visit Vienna for day trips is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these months, the region enjoys mild weather, making it perfect for exploringthe surroundings. 

Additionally, these months are generally less crowded than the peak summer season, allowing for a more relaxed experience at Vienna’s top attractions and surrounding destinations.

Vienna is a must-visit city filled with historic architecture, rich culture, and classical music scene. The city’s imperial palaces, famous art galleries, and lively neighborhoods offer a unique blend of past and present.

For insights on must-visit attractions and tips to make the most of your experience in the Austrian capital, make sure to check the articles below!

Vienna: Vienna itinerary Where to stay in Vienna Vienna in winter

Salzburg: Salzburg Itinerary Where to stay in Salzburg Salzburg in winter

Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and I’ve learned that the hard way!

Now I always get insured before we leave and  Travel Insurance Masters  is my go-to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations  here.

Zi @Craving Adventure

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Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

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Travel Tyrol

Austria travel blog, 9 unforgettable day trips from vienna, getting there and what to see.

[Updated February 2021]

Its proximity to Eastern Europe makes Vienna the perfect base for day trips to great European capitals such as Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, and Ljubljana. But if it’s more of Austria you want to see without switching hotels, some of the best day trips from Vienna are to beautiful Austrian destinations like Salzburg, Hallstatt, and the Wachau Valley.

trips from vienna by train

Since there are seemingly endless options for day trips from Vienna, I asked fellow travel bloggers who really took the trip to write about their experience. This way, you can be certain it’s doable. In addition, I researched all the possible transport options to help you with your planning.

Day Trips from Bratislava to Vienna

By Alex Waltner from Swedish Nomad

Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, is just one hour away by train from the Austrian capital. This is a great day trip if you’re staying a couple of days extra in Vienna and want to see something different.

You can easily see the best of Bratislava in 12 hours. Some of the top spots include the Bratislava castle , Michael’s Gate, St. Martin’s Cathedral , old town, UFO bridge (for a city view), the presidential palace, street art , and the blue church.

Make sure to stop at one of the cozy cafes and restaurants in the old town and try some local food. From the train station, it’s easy to get to the central parts of Bratislava. Most of the sightseeing spots are located within walking distance.

trips from vienna by train

There is no need to buy or reserve train tickets in advance for your day trip from Vienna to Bratislava unless you travel during the high season. Trains rarely get full as there are frequent ones daily.

To make the most out of the day, make sure to take one of the earliest trains available. Usually, you can hop on a Vienna to Bratislava train after 6 or 8 o’clock in the morning. Then you have the whole day to explore the Slovakian capital . It truly is one of the best day trips from Vienna.

How to Get From Vienna to Bratislava

<strong>vienna to bratislava train</strong>.

The quickest Vienna to Bratislava train takes only 59 minutes. You can buy ordinary rail tickets or opt for the special Bratislava Ticket for €16.  It includes the return journey on regional trains between Vienna and Bratislava as well as public transport in Bratislava on the day when you first validated your ticket.

The stations to remember for a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava by train are Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna main station), Bratislava Hlavná stanica (Bratislava Central Station), and Bratislava-Petržalka, which is across the river from the old town.

Boat Trip From Vienna to Bratislava

Not as cheap as the train, but hey, you get to cruise on the Danube on a day trip from Vienna to Bratislava by boat.

Twin City Liner makes the journey from Vienna to Bratislava 3 x daily. A one-way ticket costs between €30 and €35, depending on the season. Check here for up-to-date times and prices for these Vienna boat trips to Bratislava.

<strong>By Bus to Bratislava From Vienna</strong>

With tickets starting from €4,99, this is the cheapest option to travel from Vienna to Bratislava if you’re on a tight budget. Both FlixBus and Eurolines travel between the 2 cities. You can compare times and prices here . 

<strong>Vienna to Bratislava by Car</strong>

Driving from Vienna to Bratislava takes just over an hour. There are 2 possible routes , one of 80 km and the other around 68 km. Once there, the best option is to park in one of the underground parking garages. Read this before you park in the street.

Day Tours From Vienna to Bratislava

If you’d rather leave the transport arrangements to somebody else, there are quite a few organised tours and private transfers from Vienna to Bratislava.

Day Trips from Vienna to Hallstatt

By Cazzy Magennis from Dream Big, Travel Far

Hallstatt is one of the most iconic and picturesque places in all Austria, and it makes for one of the best day trips from Vienna. Most things to do in Hallstatt can be completed in one day, so that’s why lots of people prefer a day trip there.

There are lots of great ways to get from Vienna to Hallstatt. You can opt to rent a car as there are plenty of parking lots in Hallstatt. It would take you around 3 hours to get there.

Or, you can get the train which would take around 4 hours as you must switch trains. Or finally, you could join a guided Hallstatt tour from Vienna. On my trip, we opted to drive to Hallstatt as the roads in Austria are excellent and the views are wonderful.

Visiting Hallstatt on a day trip.

Hallstatt is a beautiful place to visit in every season, but we visited in winter and enjoyed walking around the town, shopping for souvenirs, taking pictures by the lake, drinking hot chocolate in one of the cafes overlooking the lake, and much more.

The area around Hallstatt offers great hikes, unique viewing platforms and the chance to explore amazing ice caves. Arrive as early as possible to ensure you get to do as much as possible on your Hallstatt day trip from Vienna!

How to Get From Vienna to Hallstatt

<strong>vienna to hallstatt train</strong>.

This is one of the longer day trips from Vienna, with the fastest and easiest train connection taking 3 h 29 minutes.

To allow for enough time to enjoy Hallstatt to the fullest, I really recommend taking the 05:55 train (yes, that early!) with Salzburg as the final destination. It requires one change at Attnang-Puchheim (before Salzburg). This way, you’ll be in Hallstatt by 09:24 – well before the crowds arriving from other destinations.

A good train for the return journey is the 16:32 from Hallstatt to Vienna via Attnang-Puchheim. It will get you back to the Austrian capital shortly after 20:00. Standard tickets for the Vienna to Hallstatt train cost €54,60 but you can get if for as little as €19,00 with the Sparschiene saver ticket if you book in advance. You can check and compare prices here .

<strong>Vienna to Hallstatt Bus</strong>

There is no direct bus from Vienna to Hallstatt. If you’re dependent on cheap public transport, the train is your best option.

<strong>Hallstatt Tour From Vienna</strong>

Two guided bus or shuttle tours depart from Vienna to Hallstatt. Both cost €110. This one travels through the scenic Salzkammergut lake region . It stops in Gmunden before continuing to Hallstatt. Here, a boat ride and trip to the Hallstatt skywalk is included in the tour price.\

The second Hallstatt tour from Vienna stops at Admont Abbey before continuing through the Salzkammergut to Hallstatt. It includes the entrance to the Abbey and a guided walking tour of Hallstatt.

Day Trip to Salzburg From Vienna

By James from Where You’re Between

Despite the distance between the two cities, a Vienna to Salzburg day trip by train can easily be done. The journey from Vienna to Salzburg takes about 2,5 hours . That means you’ll need an early start and a fairly late return train to make the most of the day in Salzburg.

If you catch one of the first trains of the morning from Vienna, you can be in Salzburg in time for a spot of breakfast. A late evening return train will have you back in Vienna by around 10.30pm. This will give you almost a whole day to explore the centre of Salzburg. Then there’s also the added bonus of passing through the spectacular Austrian countryside between Vienna and Salzburg.

A trip to Salzburg is one of the easiest day trips from Vienna by train.

Recognised as a World Heritage Site , the historic centre of Salzburg is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It possesses a breath-taking blend of ornate cathedrals and churches and majestic baroque architecture .

The vast Hohensalzburg Fortress dominates Salzburg’s beautiful skyline and offers jaw-dropping views of the city, as well as of the Alps, the edge of which is just a few miles away.

At the heart of the city is the magnificent Salzburg Cathedral, where the city’s most famous son, Mozart , was baptised. Mozart’s former home is now a museum dedicated to the life of the musical prodigy.

24 hours may not be enough to see all that Salzburg has to offer but it makes for one of the best day trips from Vienna.

How To Get From Vienna to Salzburg

<strong>vienna to salzburg train</strong>.

The fastest Vienna to Salzburg train takes 2 h 22 min on the Railjet Xpress which leaves the Vienna main station every hour on the half-hour.

This means if you take the 6:30 train from Vienna, you’ll be in Salzburg just before 09:00. That makes it one of the easiest day trips from Vienna by train. Both the ÖBB and Westbahn run trains between Vienna and Salzburg.

ÖBB Sparschiene saver tickets start at €19, while a standard Westbahn ticket costs €25,99 and a last-minute ÖBB ticket will set you back €55,60.   You can compare prices and get train tickets from Vienna to Salzburg here .  

<strong>Vienna to Salzburg Bus</strong>

Eurolines operate buses from Vienna to Salzburg. However, the trip from Vienna to Salzburg is much faster and more convenient by train. There also isn’t much of a price difference.

<strong>Vienna to Salzburg by Car</strong>

The shortest driving distance from Vienna to Salzburg is just under 300 km. The route via the A1 motorway goes passed St Pölten and Linz.

<strong>Vienna to Salzburg Tour</strong>

There are a number of options for a Salzburg day tour from Vienna. Some go straight to Salzburg and include The Sound of Music filming locations, while others stop in the Salzkammergut Lake District on the way.

Here’s a great description of a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg including both the movie locations and a stop in St Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang. Prices start at just over €100.

Day Trips From Vienna to Budapest

By Ann Marie of Eco Conscious Traveller

Budapest is simply one of my favourite cities ever and what’s great about it is that it only takes a few hours to get there from Vienna. It actually blew my mind when I took the early Vienna to Budapest bus to learn that two such awesome cities were so close together.

On my 6:00 bus I met a few Hungarian girls who had just spent the night in Vienna partying, had got the bus the night before and had stayed up all night to take the bus back early the next morning – hardcore! If those girls can take the bus for just one night’s party, then it’s more than feasible to have a more chilled day trip to Budapest.

Budapest is one of the great European capitals you can visit on a day trip from Vienna.

Budapest is such an incredible city. Everything about it feels so magical as you take in the sights of the river and the architectural masterpiece that is the Hungarian Parliament .

Of course, you could spend a few days here if you really want to see it all. But if time is limited a Vienna to Budapest day trip is definitely possible. However, you should plan in advance what you want to do.

You could head to one of Budapest’s famous baths , such as Szechenyi or Gellert, or visit the beautiful Buda Castle . Hungarian food is delicious. Goulash – a Hungarian stew – is a must-try! I was also pleasantly surprised by the many vegan restaurants in Budapest .

The bus takes approximately 3 hours , meaning you’ll have to take the earliest option there and take the latest back to make the most of your day trip from Vienna. All in all, it’s well worth visiting this magical city with day tours from Vienna.

How To Get From Vienna to Budapest

<strong>vienna to budapest train</strong>.

There are direct trains from Vienna to Budapest every hour. The total journey time is 2 h 37 min. Not bad for a day trip from one European capital to another. The saver ticket price starts at €19, while a standard, flexible ticket costs €40,20. The Vienna to Budapest train departs and arrives at the main train station of both cities.

<strong>Vienna to Budapest Bu</strong>s

Getting the bus from Vienna to Budapest is easy and cheap. FlixBus travels to the Hungarian capital several times daily. You’ll spend just over 3 hours on the bus. Vienna to Budapest bus ticket prices start at under €10.

Day Trip From Vienna to Graz

By Corinne Vail of Reflections Enroute

Travellers looking for interesting day trips from Vienna should consider taking the 2.5-hour train ride to Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage City of Design .

Graz is a small city focused on interweaving the past and the future in art and design. This surprisingly gorgeous city boasts two World Heritage sites. One of these, the historic centre , is a fairytale destination of stunningly decorated medieval and baroque-style buildings.

Schloss Eggenberg , the other World Heritage site in Graz, is a little further from the centre but also a must-see for lovers of Baroque architecture and art.

Graz on a day trip from Vienna,

Among the things to do in Graz , is the river walk . Basically, it’s an outdoor gallery of street art, and if you’re lucky you might spot an urban surfer catching a wave in the middle of the Mur River.

Just across the street is the futuristic Kunsthaus , which seems to have been plopped down into the middle of its neighborhood by some alien race. Yet, it somehow manages to blend in as a natural part of the city.

Back on the river walk, you can walk across a bridge to a café on the Murinsel (Mur Island) built right in the middle of the river. It’s a destination in its own right. The island was built by American artist, Vitto Acconci, and is a perfect spot to sip a cappuccino as the river tumbles along merrily around you.

Whatever you get up to, you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy your time in the vibrant, youthful city of Graz on a one-day trip from Vienna.

Read more: 6 free things to do in Graz if you’re on a tight budget.

How to Get From Vienna to Graz

<strong>vienna to graz train</strong>.

Regular direct trains from Vienna to Graz run every hour during the day. The journey with the Railjet 559 from the main train station in Vienna takes 2 h 35 mins. A standard Vienna to Graz train ticket costs around €40, while you can get a Sparschiene saver ticket for as little as €9 if you book well in advance.

Vienna to Graz Bus

FlixBus travels between Vienna and Graz, with tickets also starting at €9. However, the Vienna to Graz bus takes about 30 minutes longer than the train. It’s an extra hour out of your day if you want to pack as much as possible into your one-day trip from Vienna to Graz.

Vienna to Brno Day Trip

By Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Since Brno is not in Austria, you might not immediately think of it as a day trip destination from Vienna. But it’s only  1.5 hours  away by train, and, as the second largest city in the  Czech Republic ,  Brno offers lots of things to do .

The most popular sites include  Špilberk Castle , which sits high on a hill overlooking the city, and the  Cabbage Market  (Zelný Trh), which has been operating as a fruit and vegetable market since the 13th-century.

Seeing the ossuary in St James Church makes a Vienna to Brno day trip worthwhile.

Brno also has several unusual, and even  macabre , attractions. One of these is the ossuary underneath St. James’ Church. It’s the second  largest ossuary  in Europe and contains the mortal remains of more than 50,000 people. The  skulls and bones  are arranged in decorative patterns, and it’s a haunting, thought-provoking place of reflection.

Other unusual sites in Brno include the  10-Z Fallout Shelter , which is a nuclear bunker built during the Communist era. It could house up to 600 people and was intended to protect political elites in the event of a nuclear attack.

Brno is a compact city and is easily explored on foot. You’ll be able to get a good feel for the city and see many of its main sights on a  one-day trip from Vienna . It sees far fewer visitors than Prague and offers a more authentic  Czech experience .

The journey from Vienna to Brno is  130 km long  and takes about an hour and a half each way by train. Trains leave once per hour from Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof throughout the day. Traveling by bus is not advised, as it takes much longer and is only slightly cheaper.

How to Get From Vienna to Brno

<strong>vienna to brno train</strong>.

As Wendy stated, getting from Vienna to Brno is  easiest by train . Both the ÖBB Railjet and EuroCity cover this route. However, the EuroCity requires a change in Breclav. Saver tickets start at an amazing €7 for the 1 h 25-minute journey. Compare prices and availability of the Vienna to Brno train here .

<strong>Vienna to Brno Bus</strong>

If for some reason, you prefer travelling by bus, FlixBus covers the route. Tickets start from €4,99.

Day Trip From Vienna to Mikulov

By Liz of Little Holidays

An hour’s drive north of Vienna is the Czech Republic’s luscious  wine region ,  South Moravia . In the middle of the rolling fields and vineyards, we headed to  Mikulov , a castle town that’s an excellent base for hiking adventures and lots of great wine.

Mikulov has the distinctive beauty of a Czech castle town: rows of  red terracotta roofs , meandering cobblestoned streets, and an impressive  13th-century castle  set against the gorgeous backdrop of rolling hills and the outline of a distant mountain range. It’s a normally  sleepy town  and one of the more relaxing day trips from Vienna.

One of the best day trips from Vienna is to take the train to the Czech castle town of Mikulov.

You can spend the day walking around the small town, hiking up the  Holy Hill , and exploring the castle. If you want to be more active on this trip, you can also bring along a bike. Mikulov has plenty of  bike trails  that run through vineyards and rows of wine cellars, and hiking trails that bring you through castle ruins, old chapels, and  stunning viewpoints .

From Mikulov, the  Lednice-Valtice  cultural landscape is a short 15-minute drive away. Both towns have well-preserved chateaux and gardens, as well as plenty of restaurants serving traditional Czech and Moravian dishes.

From Vienna, it’s best to visit Mikulov and its neighboring towns by  driving . However, you can also reach Mikulov by train – the international train from  Vienna to Breclav  takes 1 hour, while the local train from Breclav to Mikulov takes less than half an hour.

Mikulov is beautiful year-round, but to fully appreciate the town, plan to go when it’s warm enough to walk around comfortably. September is a great time to visit if you love  wine and festivals  as this is when the towns celebrate the harvest. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, venture out into the vineyards and forest trails, and bring home a bottle of wine!

How to Get From Vienna to Mikulov

<strong>vienna to mikulov train</strong>.

If you’re dependent on public transport, the train from Vienna to Mikulov na Morave takes just under 2 hours. It requires one change in Breclav. Saver tickets can be picked up for as little as €9.

<strong>Vienna to Mikulov by Car</strong>

Driving the just under 90 km from Vienna to Mikulov via the A5 motorway will take you about an hour and six minutes.

Vienna to Eckartsau on the Danube

By Pashmina from The Gone Goat

In the summer of 2018, I  cycled from Vienna to Budapest along the Danube river.  The trip took me to Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest alongside castles and wooded parks and the majestic Danube bend.

The highlights include visiting the  lovely castle  in a green village called  Eckartsau , nestled in the middle of the Danube wetlands. It’s only 43 km from Vienna and can be easily visited on a day trip.

Eckartsau on the Danube is a great day trip from Vienna.

Eckartsau Castle has an  enchanting park  featuring locally grown veggies and delicacies. It will whet your appetite to just walk through the forests on your cycling break, allowing you to understand the history of this landscape circling back to the 19th century. At the same time, you’ll get some insight into the lives of the people living in the town.

Eckartsau Castle gives you a peek into the miniature masterpieces of  Viennese baroque . The magnificent garden of the  Palais  provides ample cover to savour decadent cupcakes and Viennese food.

The bicycle ride from Vienna may take you a couple of hours. The alternative if you don’t have a car is to take the bus from Vienna to Eckartsau.

How to Get from Vienna to Eckartsau

<strong>vienna to eckartsau bus</strong>.

The bus ride from Vienna to Eckartsau takes about an hour. There are different options, starting in Vienna. The fastest, direct bus leaves once an hour from Wien Aspernstrasse.

<strong>Vienna to Eckartsau by Car</strong>

Driving to Eckartsau is easy via the L5. It will take you about 50 minutes to travel the 43 km.

Vienna to Ljubljana day trip

By Leo from Safarinomad

When planning day trips from Vienna do not forget to include the  capital of Slovenia ,  Ljubljana .

Ljubljana, a city you can easily see in one day, has a population of about 280,000. At the same time it is a lively city and big enough to offer everything you expect large capitals to have. It is also called  European green city   as it boasts nature in the heart of the city centre and other urban green areas.

Ljbuljana is not close to Vienna, but worth a day trip if you have time.

The city center is marked by the work of the world-renowned  architect Jože Plečnik . Visit some of his famous works, such as the  Triple Bridge  in the city center, the National and University Library building and the Ljubljanica river embankments and bridges.

The  Central Market , which is also the art of Plečnik, is not only worth a visit but also good for shopping as the food here is fresh from local farmers.

Prešeren square  is the heart of the historic city centre and also where locals usually meet. There is a monument to the poet France Prešeren and the Franciscan church.

Additionally, do not miss the Dragon Bridge – a symbol of Ljubljana, Metelkova alternative culture center, the Ljubljana castle, and Tivoli park – a popular and relaxing spot among locals.

Along the  Ljubljanica river , there are numerous charming coffee bars and restaurants where you can take a rest and enjoy some traditional local dishes.

The fastest and easiest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by road. The driving distance is about 390 km and it will take you around 4 hours.

How to Get   From Vienna to Ljubljana

<strong>vienna to ljubljana by car</strong>.

Ljubljana is the furthest day trip destination from Vienna on this list. It’s also the only one where travelling by car is easier than taking the train. Here are directions for the 392 km journey via Graz.

<strong>Vienna to Ljubljana Bus</strong>

GoOpti covers this route from €50 for the 5-hour journey.

All these day trips from Vienna can easily be done with kids. Just take things along to keep them busy on the trains or buses. And if you’re back, here is a great list of  things to do with kids in Vienna . Also, returning from a long day trip may mean you’ll arrive back in Vienna very hungry. This is where you’ll find the  best schnitzel in Vienna  to take care of the hunger.

*Disclosure*

Having fun in Austria, and then writing about it is hard work 😆 . That’s why some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use any of them to make a purchase. It’s totally cool if you don’t. I love to help anyway. If you do, it will help us discover another part of Austria to write about.

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Anda

Your post came right on time for me, as I’m getting ready for a 3 week trip to Austria in May. I appreciate that you were posting distances from Vienna to all these beautiful towns around. I think I will probably end up by spending a couple of days in each one of them, rather than using Vienna as a base. Good to know that I can go to Bratislava by boat. I’d love that.

vanessa

So many options! I like the idea of a Vienna to Bratislava bus and boat tour, especially with an additional walking tour. I’d much rather leave the driving to someone else, so I can lazily gaze at the passing landscape and take photos. Excellent tips on Vienna, thank you!

Kathleen

So many amazing choices of day trips from Vienna! I would love to take any one or maybe even all of these trips. I think I will need to plan a rather long trip to Vienna. The Ossuary under St. James’ Church is quite creepy, but probably very interesting too. I really love all the castles and red roof tops in the various towns. What a great post!

Suruchi Mittal

There are multiple options for day trips from Vienna. So, the place sounds like a perfect base but at some places like Hallstatt and Salzburg, we might prefer spending a longer time. I really liked the way you have compiled this post and this is going to be super helpful for the travelers.

Rosemary

Vienna sounds like the perfect place to base oneself and explore the region. I will actually be visiting Brno later this year and since I’ve never been to Austria, this gives me the idea of taking the reverse trip given the short 1.5h train trip between the two. So many great options. This will come in handy for trip planning!!

sherianne

I’m hoping to do this trip this fall and Hallstatt is high on my list. I haven’t heard much about Graz but it looks like a city I would really like

Tami Wilcox

I’m impressed that you can get to all those cities within a day’s trip distance from Vienna. I suppose that makes Vienna a good hub for exploring. Your photos are beautiful, by the way! Now if only I had a week or two in Vienna so I could check out all of these fun day trips!

nicole

I have done Vienna to Bratslava. At only an hour and 16 euros its well worth the trip. I’ve also done Salzburg too. So many good day trips.

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7 of the best day trips from Vienna

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Is Vienna worth visiting? Absolutely.  Whilst there are plenty of Vienna tourist attractions to fill your time in this beautiful city, it’s also a great base from which you can explore a number of other popular European destinations.

I’m a big advocate of staying longer in each destination rather than moving locations (and hotels) each day. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on seeing other places, though. When you visit Vienna it is easy to include cities like Bratislava, Budapest and Prague on a day excursion.

If you prefer to spend your days e njoying the breathtaking Vienna scenery as well as visiting the Vienna countryside,  no problem. Excursions to the Danube Valley and Hallstatt are two of the most popular Vienna day trips. 

View of Prague

Below you’ll find details about some of the best day trips from Vienna, Austria for both independent travellers and those who prefer to take an organized tour.

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

Where to stay in Vienna: For a comfortable base for your stay in Vienna I highly recommend the BW Premier Kaiserhof Hotel. I have stayed at the hotel on two occasions and loved it. Click here for current prices and availability . 

TIP:   You don’t have to stay in Austria on your one day trip from Vienna as there are several other countries near Vienna. By train, car or bus, it’s easy to reach destinations including Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany – but you do need to carry your passport with you.

What's in this Article

Summary of Day Tours from Viena

Day tours from vienna, vienna to bratislava day trip.

The capital of Slovakia is a fascinating city with a rich history and with the two cities being so close together travel from Vienna to Bratislava is easy. An excursion to Bratislava is one of the best day tours from Vienna, not only because of the proximity of the two cities but also because of the variety of travel options available.

Bratislava’s Old Town is packed with attractive pastel coloured buildings, interesting statues, cobbled streets and sidewalk cafes. The city may not be as elegant as Vienna but it definitely has its own charm.

Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Danube, Bratislava Castle makes an impressive sight. It’s well worth the walk from the historical centre of town for the views over Bratislava.

With its location right on the Danube River, Bratislava is a popular stop for European river cruises but there are also regular catamaran services that transport passengers from Vienna to Bratislava and vice versa.

Bratislava Old Town Slovakia

How to get from Vienna to Bratislava

Train –  Train trips from Vienna, Austria to Bratislava take 1 hour, making it one of the easiest day trips from Vienna by train.  Start your day trip from Vienna to Bratislava by train at Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof (main railway station). Trains depart twice per hour.

Car – If you have your own wheels, road trips from Vienna to Bratislava (80 km) will take you just under an hour.

Catamaran – A fun way to travel between Vienna and Bratislava (or vice versa) is aboard the Twin City Liner catamaran . The 75-minute journey along the Danube gives you a real appreciation of the importance of river transport. Five services operate in each direction daily.

Organised tour/excursion – There are numerous options for travellers who prefer to take an organized day trip from Vienna to Bratislava:

  • Vienna to Bratislava 7 hour tour by bus and boat   Click here to check prices
  • Discover Bratislava on a full day trip from Vienna (bus both ways)  Click here to check prices

Further reading: A day tour to Bratislava from Vienna

Vienna to Budapest day trip

Another of the most popular day trips out of Vienna is an excursion to Budapest. Famous for its Turkish baths and impressive Parliament building (the largest in Europe), Budapest is a mixture of its Germanic, Jewish, Habsburg and Balkan heritage.

Most day visitors to Budapest will head straight for popular sights like Castle Hill, Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Square and the Opera House.

If you prefer to just immerse yourself in the city’s culture for a day, you can easily while away the hours soaking in a thermal bath or sipping coffee at one of the many Viennese coffee houses.

Budapest Hungary

How to get from Vienna to Budapest

Train – Train trips from Vienna , Austria to Budapest take about 2.5 hours.  Trains depart at least times per day from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station).

Car – Allow around 2.5 hours to travel the 243 kilometres from Vienna to Budapest by car.

Organised tour/excursion – A popular way to reach Budapest from Vienna is on a full day tour by bus to Gyor and Budapest. Click here to check prices . 

Day excursions from Vienna to Prague

It will take a little longer to reach Prague but the city makes a fascinating one day trip from Vienna.

Visitors have flocked to Prague for centuries and today it remains as popular as ever. With just one day (or part of a day) to spend in Prague, you’ll want to see Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and the Astronomical Clock.

Allow time to wander around the Old Town, admire the architecture and sit at an outdoor cafe for a drink whilst you watch the world go by. 

Transport options from Vienna to Prague

Train –  Train trips from Vienna to Prague take around 4 hours and  depart at least ten times per day from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station).

Car – Driving the 328 kilometres from Vienna to Prague should take around 3.5 hours.

Organised tour/excursion – Another option is to join a guided Prague day trip from Vienna by bus. Click here for current prices

Further reading: How to spend 48 hours in Prague

Day trips from Vienna to Salzburg

One of the prettiest small cities in Europe, in my opinion, it’s well worth allowing time in your itinerary for a Vienna to Salzburg day trip.

For a small city, there’s so much to see including the beautiful Mirabell Palace and gardens, the medieval Hohensalzburg fortress and Mozart’s birthplace and residence.

Spend your time wandering the car-free Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), browse the shops on Getreidegasse with their ornate signs, or enjoy a horse and carriage ride.

If you plan to visit Austria in December, Salzburg makes one of the best day trips from Vienna in winter.  The Christmas markets will be in full swing and with the streets dusted with snow, the city of Salzburg is even prettier than usual.

Salzburg Austria

Transport options for a day trip from Vienna to Salzburg

Train – Vienna to Salzburg trains run at least three times per hour with the journey taking just 2.5 hours. Trains depart from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station).

Car – The road trip from Vienna to Salzburg will take you around three hours (it’s a distance of 300 km) if you don’t stop en-route.

Organised tour/excursion – There are numerous organized Vienna to Salzburg tours to choose from including:

  • Salzburg day trip from Vienna   Click here for current prices
  • Salzburg full day trip from Vienna  Click here to check prices

Further reading: 24 hours in Salzburg

Day trips from Vienna to Danube Valley

Regarded as the prettiest stretch of the Danube River in Austria, the area from Krems to Melk is known as the Danube Valley or Wachau Valley and is a popular day trip from Vienna.

Krems and Durnstein are pretty riverside towns but most folks head straight for the town of Melk with its imposing but stunning abbey perched above the Danube.

Allow at least a couple of hours to visit Stift Abbey and the gardens, and then wander down into the town for a bite to eat or a drink at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants. You get magnificent views of the Abbey from below, too.

Regardless of how you travel to the Danube Valley from Vienna, you’ll see plenty of stunning scenery. This is a popular wine-growing region and terraced vines dot the countryside as do ruined castles.

Stift Abbey Melk Austria

How to get from Vienna to Melk

Train –  Vienna train trips to Melk take around 1 hour.  Trains depart twice each hour from either Vienna Hauptbahnhof and hourly from Vienna Westbahnhof.

Car –  With Melk located just 89 kilometres from the Austrian capital, the drive should take you around an hour, making this one of the best daytrips from Vienna.

Cruise – Why not travel part of the way to Melk on a Danube cruise? Trains from Vienna to Krems run multiple times per day (journey time 1 hour) where you can then join a river cruise from Krems to Melk. Two services operate per day from April to October (cruise duration 2 hours 50 minutes.

Organised day tour/excursion – When it comes to choosing day trips from Vienna to Danube Valley there are some great options with multiple transport options:

  • Wachau and Danube Valley by bus and boat from Vienna   Click here to check prices
  • Small group premium winery tour to Wachau Valley (includes tastings of local wine, schnapps and produce)  Click here to check current prices

Further reading: Magnificent Melk Abbey

Vienna to Hallstatt day trip

You’ve probably seen photos of the fairytale-like village of Hallstatt on social media or in travel brochures and marveled at its beauty. Well let me tell you – it’s just as gorgeous in real life!

For a perfect change up from a city visit, a Hallstatt day trip from Vienna is the answer.

Situated in the Salzkammergut lakes region of Austria, the scenery in this part of the world is breathtaking, and Hallstatt is no exception.

Although there aren’t many ‘big’ attractions in Hallstatt, that’s part of the appeal. It’s just a picturesque village built on the shores of a crystal clear lake with a huge mountain behind it.

Stunning scenery and fresh air are the attractions in Hallstatt.  Including a one day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt on your itinerary, in my opinion, is a must.

Hallstatt Austria

Transport options for a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt

Train – The fastest train service from Vienna to Hallstatt takes just under 3 hours 20 minutes and departs every two hours from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station).

Car –  If you have your own car, it’s an easy day trip to Hallstatt from Vienna with the 290 kilometre drive taking just over two hours

Organised tour/excursion – Two popular day trips from Vienna to Hallstatt are:

  • Vienna Alpine Panoramic tour to Hallstatt   Click here for prices
  • Full day tour to Salzkammergut and Hallstatt from Vienna (includes a visit to Traunsee)  Click here for prices

Further reading: Visiting Hallstatt, Austria: Things to See and Do

Vienna to Ljubljana day trip

When considering which  Vienna to Slovenia day trip to include in your itinerary, Ljubljana is probably not a destination that initially comes to mind. It is, however, one well worth including. 

The Slovenian capital has a population of less than 300,000 and is compact enough to see in one day.

Must-see sights include Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge and the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation but do allow time to stroll around the streets and squares of the Old Town.

The café and bar scene is big in Ljubljana and there are plenty of inviting places to sit and enjoy some refreshments whilst you take in the friendly, casual atmosphere.

Ljubljana

How to get from Vienna to Ljubljana

Train – There are no direct train services from Vienna to Ljubljana so the journey takes around 7 hours and includes two changes en-route.

Car – This fastest way to travel from Vienna to Ljubljana is by road, although the journey will still take you around 3 hours 40 minutes. (It’s around 380 kilometres.)

Organised tour/excursion – For a hassle-free day out, why not enjoy an organized excursion to both Ljubljana and Lake Bled? You’ll get the benefit of visiting two of Slovenia’s most beautiful destinations while someone else does the driving.  Click here for prices

Further reading: Ljubljana, the small city that’s big on charm  

I hope this list of Vienna day trip options has helped you to choose the one that’s right for you.   Which one do you think is the best day trip from Vienna?

Planning to spend more time in Austria? Read all my Austria travel articles here and check out my 3-week self-drive tour of Austria on this link .

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Day trips from Vienna 350

Carolyn's love affair with Europe started on her first visit over 30 years ago and it continues, just as strong, today. She visits Europe annually and enjoys writing about her discoveries and sharing her tips with fellow travellers.

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15 easy day trips to take from vienna, austria.

  • Post published: July 12, 2022
  • Post category: Austria
  • Post author: Charu Goyal

trips from vienna by train

Known for its splendid baroque palaces, remarkable music heritage, magical Christmas markets, and much more, the Austrian capital city of Vienna has heaps to offer to travellers. Being located close to the border of numerous nearby countries at the Danube, it is also a convenient base to explore more of Austria and Eastern Europe.

Vienna is home to accessible train and bus stations that have great connectivity to the rest of Austria, as well as the neighbouring countries of Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Whether you would like to amble around the storybook village of Hallstatt for a few hours or admire the orange topped roofs of Cesky Krumlov, the opportunities for unforgettable day trips from Vienna are nearly endless.

To bring you the best places, I asked other professional travel writers to recommend a destination they have personally visited and loved. In this article, you will find ideas for 15 best day trips from Vienna that are less than 3 and half hours away, along with how to get there. I hope it inspires you to spend more time in Vienna and explore its surrounding area to the fullest. There really is so much to see!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of those links, I may get a small commission. Thank you for your continued support!

Table of Contents

1. Salzburg

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by me

Salzburg is one of the most charming cities in Austria. Home to an otherworldly fortress, glistening lakes, romantic bridges, and a quaint Old Town, it is a popular day trip from Vienna for those who do not have time to stay any longer. The journey takes around two and a half hours one-way, but the Alpine scenery of the city is reason alone to make the trip!

Start your day in Salzburg by wandering around the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Altstadt , and admire its unique design and setting. Most of the famous landmarks of the city such as the Salzburg Cathedral , Mozart’s Birthplace , St. Peter’s Monastery , and the incredible Hohensalzburg Fortress are located in this area. You can easily get to all of them by foot. Just make sure to buy the Salzburg Card which includes free admission to these sights as well as other places and all public transport in the city.

When visiting the Hohensalzburg Fortress, take the funicular up the hill as the climb is quite steep. But for the way back, make sure you walk down as the views are stunning and there are many picture opportunities throughout. There are also numerous hiking trails near the fortress that offer a great view if you like to be more active. 

Salzburg is also widely known for The Sound of Music. This classic film was set in the city and you can find many iconic sights from it in Salzburg. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are the most impressive, but other places like Nonnberg Abbey , Schloss Leopoldskron , and Schloss Hellbrunn are worth checking out too. This Sound of Music tour is perfect if you would like to see the filming locations for yourself. 

Getting to Salzburg from Vienna: Salzburg can be easily reached by train, bus or car from Vienna. There are multiple trains and buses connecting the two cities per hour. The Railjet express going directly from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg takes less than two hours, while the regional trains take around two and a half. You can also rent a car in Vienna and drive the distance, the journey typically takes around three hours. 

Currency: Euro

2. Hallstatt

trips from vienna by train

Another must-see Austrian destination to visit is the picturesque village of Hallstatt. Located in the Salzkammergut region of the country, it is not only an amazing day trip from Vienna, but one of the most magical places to see in Austria . Every corner in Hallstatt feels straight out of an alpine fairy-tale!

One of the best things to do when in Hallstatt is to stroll around Marktplatz , the main square, and explore the quaint alleys around it on foot. The lakeside promenade housing hotels, cafes, bakeries, souvenir shops, and unbelievable viewpoints, in particular, make it a treat for walking around. There are also many hiking trails offering breath-taking scenery to embark upon if you like. 

Next, take the funicular up to the Salzwelten Hallstatt, which is the oldest salt mine in the world and learn about its 7000-year-old history. Hallstatt Skywalk , the viewing platform located right outside the funicular station at the top offering unbeatable views of Hallstatt village, Hallstätter See, and the gigantic Dachstein mountains around, is also worth-visiting. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even skip the funicular and hike up there. 

Once back down in Marktplatz, head to the Aussichtspunkt viewpoint to admire Hallstatt from another perspective and take the postcard perfect shot of the village. On your way back, stop at the 18 th century Evangelical Church and take a closer look at this Neo-Gothic cathedral by the lake. Some other spots to not miss in Hallstatt are Five Fingers Viewing Platform , Dachstein Ice Caves , and The Bone House and Cemetery .

Getting to Hallstatt from Vienna: From Vienna, Hallstatt can be reached via train in around three and a half hours. You can take the OBB train line to Attnang-Puchheim and then switch once to hop on the local REX to reach Hallstatt Station. The station in Hallstatt is located across the lake, so you will need to take a short ferry to go on the other side. Tickets for the ferry can be bought on arrival. You can also rent a car and drive to Hallstatt directly, just try to reach early as parking can be an issue later in the day.

3. Budapest

trips from vienna by train

Although Budapest is the capital city of Austria’s neighbouring country of Hungary, it is one of the easiest day trips from Vienna. Located at a distance of 240 kilometres from the Austrian capital, it is a beautiful city that can be conveniently reached in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

Begin your time in Budapest by admiring the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in Europe. Spanning along the River Danube, it was the first bridge to link the two sides of the city, Buda and Pest seamlessly. Next, from the Buda side of the bridge, take the historic Castle Hill Funicular, which will drop you in the heart of Budapest’s Castle District.

Being the oldest locale housing some of the most visited sites and attractions in Budapest, Castle District is an unmissable area on any trip to the city. Some prominent landmarks you can’t miss whilst there include Buda Castle , Fisherman’s Bastion , Mattias Church and the Hungarian National Gallery . If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to also pay a visit to Ruszwurm – a centuries old pastry shop serving homemade Hungarian delicacies. 

After being on foot for the majority of the day, end your time in Budapest with a relaxing visit to the city’s most sought-after experience, thermal baths. There are various ones to choose from, however the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most known and visited. Home to multiple indoor and outdoor pools, it is the city’s largest and possibly most picturesque bath complex. Just purchase your tickets online as the queues can be really long at arrival.

Getting to Budapest from Vienna: Frequent direct trains and buses depart from Vienna to Budapest every day and take around 3 hours to reach. You can also rent a car and drive yourself, the journey typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, this guided tour from Vienna to Budapest comes with transport for a hassle-free day trip. 

Currency: Hungarian Forint

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Kami from Kami and the rest of the world

Located halfway between Vienna and Budapest (120 km away from each city), Gyor in Hungary is one of the easiest yet overlooked day trips from the capital of Austria. It is one of the oldest cities in the region and is known as the pearl of Baroque architecture – you will quickly understand why when walking around the place.

The Old Town of Gyor is small, which makes it perfect for wandering around and enjoying the atmosphere of the city centre with all its winding lanes. There are numerous buildings with the “monument” title, the most impressive ones being the two main churches of Gyor- Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady and Saint Ignatius Benedictine Church (it’s worth stepping inside to see the beautiful interior of both). 

Once done strolling around the Old Town, if you would like to relax over a cup of coffee and people-watch, there are plenty of cafes with outdoor sitting areas serving homemade Hungarian delicacies. For street food lovers, make sure to try freshly made Lángos – a deep-fried Hungarian flatbread that is similar to a pizza. You will find many vendors selling it on Baross Gábor street in the city. 

Some other places to check out in Gyor are Gyor Town Hall , Gyor Synagogue , Bishop Lookout Tower , and Szechenyi Square . With so much to do and see, Gyor truly is a Central European hidden gem that is impossible not to fall for. 

Getting to Gyor from Vienna: There are frequent trains between Vienna and Gyor (once per hour for most of the day) with a journey time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. In Gyor, the city centre with most of the attractions is located around 10 minutes walking from the train station. If you would like to have your vehicle with you, you can also drive from Vienna to Gyor. 

5. Bratislava

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Lyubomira from Bulgarian On The Go

Located unbelievably close to the Austrian capital, Bratislava is probably the easiest and most popular day trip from Vienna. An interesting fact is that it is the only capital in the world located on the border of three countries – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. 

The city is rather compact and spending one day in Bratislava is the perfect time to see its highlights. Among the most interesting sites are the Bratislava Castle , the Old Town Hall , the picturesque Blue Church , Michael’s Gate , and the UFO Observation Deck .

The best and fastest way to get to know Bratislava is by taking a free walking tour, where a local guide will take you to the main attractions and share a lot about the history and culture, as well as some interesting facts. When walking around the city centre, you will come across different statues that have been put all around. Keep an eye out because some of them might surprise you.

A visit to Bratislava wouldn’t be complete without a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Some good options are Slovak Pub and Urban Bistro . And don’t worry about changing money – just like in Austria, Slovakia’s currency is Euro, which makes everything much easier.

Getting to Bratislava from Vienna: You can reach Bratislava in just one hour by either car, bus, train or ferry from Vienna. There are many frequent public transport options between the two cities, but renting a car is also a great choice if you would like more flexibility.

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Joanna from The World In My Pocket 

Mikulov is one of the most beautiful towns in the South Moravia region of the Czech Republic. Located just after the Austria – Czech Republic border, you can actually see the Mikulov Castle whilst you are still in Austria. 

Mikulov is a compact small town with a beautiful castle which has a gorgeous garden. You can visit the grounds of the castle free of charge. There are also temporary exhibitions inside the castle worth visiting, such as the one dedicated to the history of wine in the Czech Republic. 

South Moravia is Czech Republic’s largest wine producer , with over 96% of the production coming from there. Make sure to taste the local wine in Mikulov, as well as visit one of the local vineyards for a tasting. Another thing you must try when there is any of the native dishes cooked with the local Palava wine. This grape variety was created in Moravia and goes really well with spicy food, desserts, cheese and more.

For a panoramic view of the town, you can climb the Holy Hill just before sunset. The hike up takes only around 20 minutes. Along the way you will stumble upon different statues depicting the path of the cross, culminating with the chapel of St. Sebastian at the top. On the other side of the hill, you can even see some beautiful vineyards and tree orchards. 

Getting to Mikulov from Vienna: The journey from Vienna to Mikulov takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car and two hours by train . The trains from Vienna leave from the main train station in the city, but to reach Mikulov you will have to change at Breclav. Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour to Mikulov from Vienna and have them take care of the transportation.

Currency: Czech Koruna

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Melissa from Parenthood And Passports  

Brno is one of the easiest and best day trips from Vienna. Located just across the Austrian border in Czech Republic, it is the second largest city in the country. Whether you plan to explore the city or the scenic surrounding area known as Morovia, there are many incredible things to do in Brno that make it worth visiting.

Brno is home to St. James Ossuary , the second largest ossuary in Europe which was only discovered in the 2000s and opened to the public in 2012. Besides that, the city itself is a charming place to visit. The historic city centre features cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and lively plazas filled with cascading flower baskets and vendors selling homemade goods and fresh produce, making it wonderful to amble around. 

Perched upon Petrov Hill overlooking Old Town Brno, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is another top attraction in the city. Also known as Petrov Cathedral, this beautiful landmark dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most unique cathedrals to visit in Europe. 

Unlike most churches, the church bell at Petrov Cathedral tolls at 11am rather than noon. The reason for this dates back to the Thirty Years War, when the city escaped a siege as the attackers promised to retreat if they did not capture the city by the time the church bells rang at noon. Those defending the city rang the bell one hour early, possibly saving it from being conquered. 

Getting to Brno from Vienna: There are several direct trains and buses between Vienna and Brno. The fastest train takes around 1 hour and a half to reach there and the bus takes around 30 minutes more. You can also rent a car in Vienna and drive to Brno yourself. Otherwise, guided tours between the two cities are a great choice if you don’t want to worry about transport. 

Currency: Czech Koruna, but some places also accept small Euro bills. 

8. Cesky Krumlov

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Vidyut from Triplyzer

Cesky Krumlov is a charming little town located in the Southern Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. It is a picturesque destination that is a treat to walk around and explore in a day’s time.

There are plenty of things to do in Cesky Krumlov to keep you busy for a day. The first thing you will notice when you reach there is the maze of cobblestone streets. As you take a stroll, you will discover art galleries, lively bars, cute cafes, and small eateries serving local delicacies. This guided walking tour takes you to the best spots!

Across the river Vltava, sitting on a small hill is the majestic 13th century Cesky Krumlov Castle . For a small fee, you can tour the interiors. The highlight of the tour includes the Rosenberg Ballroom, the Baroque theatre, and the Royal Apartments.

But if you are on a strict budget, you can still explore the grounds and walk over to the Cloak Bridge for free. From the bridge, you will get sweeping views of the Old Town dotted with red brick roofs. Spread over 27 acres, the lovely castle gardens are also free of charge for visitors.

Another interesting way to explore the town is by a boat ride on the Vltava River , a relaxed option to take in the historical sights and end your day in the Czech Republic.

Getting to Cesky Krumlov from Vienna: Cesky Krumlov is located just over 200 km from Vienna and it takes around 3 hours to get there by car. To truly experience this atmospheric city, consider staying for the night. 

9. Ljubljana

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Rebecca from Be Blissful Travel

Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, is a scenic three and a half hours from Vienna. It is a small yet charming city that is ideal for a day trip. 

One place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Ljubljana is its old town streets, where many attractions, including the main square await travellers who venture off into exploration. The city centre is a captivating place for those who love charm and discovery. There are several bridges to explore, as well as streets filled with small shops and cafes that will satisfy your every need!

Also, make sure to check out the views from Ljubljana Castle , which are known to be stunning. To reach this incredible site, walk any of the available paths or take a scenic funicular ride up, before returning down again safely at your own pace. There are also guided tours and exhibitions of the castle, providing an opportunity to learn more about its history if you are interested.

Lastly, grab a local lunch and go for a stroll in the renowned Tivoli City Park before heading back to Austria.

Getting to Ljubljana from Vienna: The fastest way to get to Ljubljana from Vienna is by car, but several trains also run daily between the two cities. If you are driving there, make sure to park your car in the outskirts of the city as many streets in the city centre are car-free and parking can be hard to find. You can easily get to Ljubljana via public transport and explore the area on foot too.

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Cosette from KarsTravels

Ptuj is a city in the East of Slovenia, close to the border with Austria, Croatia and Hungary. It is the oldest recorded city of Slovenia, known for its history dating back to the Stone Age. If you are looking for places that are great to explore in a day, Ptuj is a perfect choice as you can see the entire city in a day if you want.

Begin your trip in Ptuj by visiting Ptujski Grad , the castle that dominates the town. Built in the 11 th century, it is an iconic and prominent landmark of the city. If you like visiting museums, the Museum of Regional History housing an exhibition on the Ptuj carnival with the “Kurenti” masks is also located there. Though the grand views of the Drava River and the red-roofed houses of Ptuj’s Old Town are enough reason to go!

Next, stroll around the old town of Ptuj and spend some time admiring its beautiful medieval buildings and Roman monuments. Along with being the oldest city, Ptuj is also a city surrounded with vineyards, and is home to the oldest wine cellars of Slovenia . Make sure to try some Slovenian wines while you are there.

If you have more time, you can make your way to Terme Ptuj – a spa resort with a water park to recharge your batteries and end the day on a relaxing note. 

Getting to Ptuj from Vienna: From Vienna, it takes around 3 hours to reach Ptuj by car. Although several trains, buses, and flights are available between the two cities, the journey is the fastest when driving. You can rent a car and take the B227, A23, E59, and 454 to reach Ptuj on toll roads. 

trips from vienna by train

Recommeded by Martina from Places of Juma

Another great place to visit on a day trip from Vienna is Graz in the state of Styria. Considered one of the most important cities in Austria, it is a destination with lots of interesting sights as well as gorgeous buildings that are just perfect to visit on a day trip.

There are so many amazing things to do in Graz ! Highly impressive is the city’s historic Old Town with numerous attractions, museums and shopping opportunities. An absolute highlight and the landmark of the old town is Schlossberg with its clock tower, which stands high above Graz. You can have the best view of the city from up there and get some great pictures. 

In any case, you should also take a look at the main square, where several colourful buildings conjure up a particularly pretty backdrop. The small alleys leading to the square are also beautiful, housing noble boutiques and fabulous restaurants. The city centre of Graz is truly Instagrammable!

The museums in Graz are also worth visiting, especially Zeughaus , Joanneumsviertel and the futuristic Kunsthaus an der Mur . If visiting more than one, you can even consider getting the Museums-Card that will allow you to visit all the important museums in Graz for only 12 Euros.

Getting to Graz from Vienna: This romantic city is located in Styria and is only about 2 hours away from the Austrian capital, Vienna. The best ways to reach Graz is by car, bus or even more conveniently by train , which connects Graz with Vienna directly. You can also take a guided tour to Graz with transport included.

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Bea from Our Wanders

Sopron is a Hungarian city by the Austrian border, and it’s one of those adorable towns that is still mostly known and loved by locals and visitors from the neighbouring countries. 

As small as Sopron is, it’s an exciting and pretty place to visit for a short trip. You can stroll the cobbled streets of its pastel-coloured Old Town , marvel at the mixture of Roman ruins, medieval, renaissance and baroque structures, sit in the lovely cafes and pubs, and taste the local red wines from the vineyards of Sopron Hill. A day trip from Vienna is enough to experience the best of this enchanting city!

Beginning from the Main Square, you can get lost on the narrow, cobblestone streets and old squares of the old town. Sopron dates back to Roman times when it was known as the walled city of Scarbantia, and you can see the ruins of those walls near the old town’s Main Square even today. The city’s iconic Firewatch Tower and stunning baroque palaces are also located there.

The 58 meters tall Firewatch tower is the symbol of Sopron. Standing on Roman foundations, it blends several architectural styles, and you can climb it for a bird’s eye perspective of Sopron. Other than taking numerous panoramas, make sure to count the church towers from up there too, there are surprisingly many.

Lastly, if you are an art lover, don’t miss Painters’ Alley (Festőköz in Hungarian), a romantic street that inspired many painters. This in-depth guide about Sopron has many more such recommendations.

Getting to Sopron from Vienna: Sopron is only 75 km from the Austrian capital, which is about an hour drive on the A2, followed by the A3 highway that exits directly onto Sopron. If you don’t have a car, choose the direct train from Vienna to Sopron that leaves every hour. The journey will take about 2 hours.

13. Eisenstadt

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Martina from Places of Juma

Eisenstadt in Austria is another beautiful place for an unforgettable day trip from Vienna. This city is the political and cultural centre of the province of Burgenland and is located near the romantic Lake Neusiedl. 

During your day trip, you can expect an ingenious mixture of long history and tradition as there are often cultural events and concerts taking place in Eisenstadt. Also, the modern aspects have their charm too. Don’t forget to take a walk through the city centre and admire the many romantic sights that are there to see in the city.

The pedestrian zone with its many boutiques and cafes is really beautiful, as is the gorgeous castle park with its old trees and lakes, and the parliament building. The entire city centre of Eisenstadt is peppered with lovely details and there are numerous highlights to photograph.

A must on any day trip from Vienna to Eisenstadt is a visit to the Esterházy Castle . Its history dates back to a fortified Gothic castle from the 13th century. For more than 40 years, the world-famous composer Joseph Haydn was inspired by the special atmosphere of Esterházy Castle to write his extraordinary music. The Haydn Hall , named after the composer, is still one of the acoustically best and most beautiful concert halls in the world!

The castle park itself is another highlight in Eisenstadt. Spend some time there to enjoy the scenic botanical garden, small lakes and even a public swimming pool. Some sights to not miss are the Gloriette (the former hunting lodge of the Esterházys), Haydn House and Haydn Church , where Haydn’s mausoleum and Stations of the Cross are located. 

How to get there: It is easy to get to Eisenstadt from Vienna. You can either take a car, bus or train. There are several direct buses and trains available between the two cities daily and the journey typically takes less than an hour. Otherwise, you can get a rental car or take a guided tour.   

14. Vienna Woods

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Kenny from Knycx Journeying   

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Vienna, it can take at least a week for first-timers to experience all the music, art, history, and culture that the capital of Austria has to offer. But, if you are looking for a short getaway from the city centre and its crowds, then Vienna Woods is a wonderful choice to be amidst nature. 

Located about 50 kilometres away from Vienna’s city centre, Vienna Woods is a city known for its wine gardens, vineyards, walking trails, and picturesque villages . When visiting, start your day with a wine tour in a vineyard and have a sip or two of some world-class liquor. For something more active, you can also go kayaking on the Danube or take a scenic walk through the magnificent historic forest, which was once a hunting ground of the Viennese royalty. 

Next, grab lunch in the town centre and spend some time ambling around the area. Vienna Woods is home to plenty of historic sites including the Mayerling Hunting Lodge and Heiligenkreuz Abbey – one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in the world.

Getting to Vienna Woods from Vienna : There are a number of train and bus routes that connect Vienna to Vienna Woods within an hour. But if you would like to have more freedom, you can also consider renting a car and exploring the area on your own. Alternatively, this guided tour is also a great option to see the highlights.

15. Wachau Valley

trips from vienna by train

Recommended by Roxanne from Faraway Lands

Only an hour out of Vienna by train, the Wachau Valley makes for a perfect day trip from the city. Located on the banks of the Danube River, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can expect to get a small peek of Austria’s castles, sweeping landscapes, charming villages and towns when there. While the scenery is stunning, what the region is really known for is its wine. 

The terraced vineyards in the Wachau Valley have views of the hills and river and are known for their dry white wines. Visiting a few of them makes for a very pleasant day. There are also a number of lovely towns to explore, out of which Melk and Dürnstein are two of the prettiest. Melk has a fascinating abbey to visit, while above Dürnstein sits the ruins of a famous castle where King Richard of England was once imprisoned. 

If you’re travelling by a car or bike, you can stop by some of the smaller towns too – Spitz is near the wineries and is very charming.

Getting to Wachau Valley from Vienna: From Vienna, take the train to either Melk or Krems . Dedicate a couple of hours to seeing the town, then you can spend the rest of the day exploring the valley, either by bike, car or bus. If you want to visit the wineries, cycling is a great option and there are also cycling tours which leave from Vienna. For a different view of your surroundings, you can also take the ferry between Krems and Melk and enjoy the lovely perspective.

Final Thoughts

trips from vienna by train

I hope this post about the best day trips from Vienna gave you inspiration to check out some nearby places while there. In case you have any questions or a suggestion to add, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to me via email or Instagram DM . I always love hearing from you! 

Happy travelling,  Charu xx

Want to keep reading? You may like “ The 13 best places to visit in Austria ” and “ The ultimate Hallstatt, Austria Guide ” too.

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Are you afraid of flying? Visit these destinations by car or train

L et's face it, nobody likes turbulence. Even though we know that aeroplanes are the safest form of transport in the world, few people feel deeply relaxed while travelling by plane . And since we don't want you to miss out on seeing the world just because you want to avoid aeroplanes, here are some solutions to increase your range of trips without taking your feet off the ground.

Cinque Terre

Vienna, austria, spain: tapas, siesta and flamenco, morocco: couscous, carpets and markets, copenhagen: dark bread, bicycles and canals, train journeys: bit by bit.

Who doesn't love a good train journey ? Europe is right next door and you can explore it from one end to the other from the comfort of a train carriage. The railways throughout Europe offer you the chance to visit 33 countries and spend your holidays collecting stamps from new places you've discovered. 

There are many ways to buy an interrail pass and spend days and days crossing borders and collecting memories. 

Baguettes and wine from the Bordeaux region are irresistable. The most visited country in the world is obviously on our list of destinations to visit without having to fly, the TGV is very fast and in fact it's not that far away! A train journey from Lisbon to Nice in the south of France takes little more than a day and is well worth it.

The romance of Nice leaves no-one indifferent and the Cote d'Azur area, known as the French Riviera, is worthy of special attention. From Montpellier to Nice there are trains that stop at every station and give you the chance to explore this rich and unique area. Not to mention the trip to Italy , which is right next door, where you can have a real pizza for lunch or start with spaghetti Bolognese. 

Since we've entered the country of the Roman Empire , it's definitely a must to go to the beaches of the Cinque Terre (five lands). A group of five century-old villas located on the Italian Riviera. Colourful houses cover the hillside and make the landscape rustic and original. You'll find granite churches by the sea, hilltop viewpoints and trails to explore on foot.

And don't forget, you can't go to Italy without trying pesto (originally from the Liguria region), it's a must! You have a train that will take you to each of the five lands and on which you can transfer and catch another to a major Italian city  (Pisa, Florence, Turin... the Italian sky is the limit). It's a trip worth taking and you can feel the Italian energy, which overflows with joy and enthusiasm.

Ah, Austrian culture... an undoubtedly culturally rich country. Vienna, its capital, has an extensive artistic and intellectual legacy and is a great choice of holiday destination . And the good news: you can go by train!

The journey from Portugal to Austria takes no less than 42 hours. You have to change trains eight times, but that actually makes the journey a lot more fun. You go to one destination and end up meeting many others along the way, something that doesn't happen when you fly.

The best night out in Europe! If you're looking for fun, Budapest is the holiday destination for you. Spa during the day, party at night. Budapest has the benefit of being a city that is close to other capitals, such as Vienna and Bratislava .

While you're there, you can always catch a bus and extend the journey to the two neighbouring countries. The Buda and Pest areas have a whole host of special places to visit, from the bridges that run along the Danube, the famous Margaret Island in the middle and the parliament by the river.

Travelling by car: on the roads of Portugal and beyond

Car journeys have a lot to offer and are a great option for visiting incredible destinations. You have all the freedom in the world to change your route whenever you want, go at your own pace and bring as much luggage as you need (without carrying the whole house on your back) and add memories along the way. Here are some destinations you can explore by car:

Seville, Malaga, Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona... our siblings have beautiful cities and the whole of Spain is on the list of possible holiday destinations you can visit by car. You can make Seville your first stop for some great tapas, head south to Malaga for a dip in the Alboran Sea , continue on to Madrid and visit the Rastro market , then a siesta in Zaragoza and finish the route in Barcelona for a stroll along Las Ramblas and a visit to the Sagrada Familia. 

It's a 13-hour drive from Lisbon to Fez. On the way you'll pass through Tangier and Rabat and get to know and feel the real Moroccan culture. Taste the couscous , be invaded by the smells and spices of the old Islamic world, get lost in the huge markets full of things, carpets and materials of all colours, the medinas and the seven gilded doors of the Royal Palace of Fez that are worthy of a postcard. Morocco has so much to offer and it's so close.

It's a little further, yes, (almost 3000 kilometres from Lisbon to Copenhagen and a 30-hour direct journey) but nothing is impossible when travelling by car. To get to Copenhagen you have to take the ferry , which connects part of Germany and Denmark, and once the boat trip is over it's just a short hop to Copenhagen. You can try the typical Scandinavian  dark bread - delicious, explore the canal and old Nyhavn harbour and visit Rosenborg Castle, among the thousand and one other things the capital has to offer.

Take a trip to Malmo , Sweden, which is less than an hour's drive from the centre of Copenhagen. Another country for the collection and more experiences waiting for you.

Overland travel has never been easier and there are no more excuses for those who are afraid of high-flying transport to stay at home during the holidays. 

 Are you afraid of flying? Visit these destinations by car or train

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  1. 6 Quick & Easy Day Trips from Vienna by Train

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  2. Trains To Vienna: From 7 Destinations in 2 to 14 Hours 🚄

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  3. 12+ Easy Day Trips From Vienna [Trains, Tours + Boats]

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  4. 3 Amazingly Beautiful Scenic Train Routes in Austria

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COMMENTS

  1. 12 city trips that are easy-to-reach from Vienna by train that you

    Linz - City trips from Vienna by train. Linz, Austria. Where: Linz, Upper Austria. How to get there: from Wien HBF, or Wien WBF to Linz HBF (1h 14min) Obvious reasons why you should travel there: to check out the rich cultural scene, take the steep Pöstlingberg tram up the Pöstlingberg for the great view over the city, the stunning old town.

  2. 10 day trips from Vienna

    10 outstanding day trips from Vienna. NOV 12, 2021. We make booking train tickets simple. Go contactless with digital tickets on your phone. Compare ticket prices from hundreds of train companies. Check live train times. Book tickets. + More. Day trips from Vienna come in all shapes and sizes.

  3. 6 Quick & Easy Day Trips from Vienna by Train

    Average Day Trips From Vienna By Train. These destinations were good and engaging at the time of my visit, but I doubt I would be excited enough to go there again. They were good, but there are better day trips from Vienna by train waiting to be explored. Roman Town of Carnuntum. Located: 43km east of Vienna. Excavation site of a former Roman city.

  4. The Best Day Trips from Vienna in 2022 (train-friendly)

    Launches May 4, 2020, to Dresden & Berlin. See dazzling Prague, hip Dresden and gritty Berlin on just one train trip. The ÖBB and Cesky drahy together serve the Czech capital Prague extensively - five times a day from Graz, ten times a day from Vienna. Beginning on May 4, 2020, the same trains will go on to the Dresden, the baroque jewel of ...

  5. 16 Top-Rated Day Trips from Vienna

    Less than an hour from Vienna by train, Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, is an affordable, fun, and easy day out. Old abuts new in this vibrant city, where 18th-century buildings line the streets of the old town, and Soviet-era architecture sits not far beyond. If you're looking for relatively cheap trips from Vienna, this is a great option.

  6. The 10 best day trips from Vienna

    Fringing the capital from the northwest to the southeast, this 45km (28-mile) swath of forested hills was immortalized in Tales from the Vienna Woods, Johann Strauss Jr's 1868 concert waltz. There are 11 walks to choose from, all easy day trips from the city, but the best lead travelers into the forest. You'll need about three hours to complete ...

  7. Trains from Vienna to other European cities

    Day 1, travel from Vienna to Hamburg, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:13, arriving Hamburg Hbf 19:51 (times may vary). Fares start at €37.90 in 2nd class or €69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead. Book this train at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

  8. 15 Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria

    Train: Hop on a direct train from Vienna's Hauptbahnhof (main station), an 8-minute taxi (or 15-minute subway) from the best area to stay in Vienna, Innere Stadt. The train ride takes about an hour. Tour: Wachau, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valleys Tour (includes romantic boat trip on the Danube in summer)

  9. 12 Easy Day Trips From Vienna: Trains, Tours & Boats

    12. Rogners Bad Blumau. Wellness day-trippers from Vienna can head Rogners Bad Blumau, one of Europe's most unique hot springs spas. Designed by the renowned Austrian architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Rogners Bad Blumau is located in the Austrian state of Styria.

  10. 12 Stunning Day Trips from Vienna

    It is a popular day-trip destination for travellers and has to be included in your Europe trip itinerary. Hallstatt is situated about 288 km away from Vienna. You can get to Hallstatt from Vienna either by car or by train. It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Hallstatt by car and a little over 4 hours to reach by train.

  11. The 10 Best Day Trips From Vienna, Austria

    Abt-Berthold-Dietmayr-Straße 1, 3390 Melk, Austria. Phone +43 2752 5550. Web Visit website. The Wachau Valley is a remarkable network of green forests, storybook castles, medieval abbeys, pristine riverbanks, idyllic vineyards, and cute little towns. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular getaways from Vienna.

  12. The Best Weekend Trips from Vienna by Train

    Hallstatt is not just a pretty postcard town; it's a small slice of Austrian charm that's one of the best weekend trips form Vienna by train. Linz. Continuing our journey of weekend trips from Vienna, let's venture to the enchanting city of Linz. A comfortable train ride of about 1.5 hours from Vienna will transport you to this unique ...

  13. The 16 Coolest Day Trips From Vienna, Austria

    The trip takes only around an hour by train, starting from the main train station in Vienna Wien Hauptbahnhof to the main train station in Győr with the NT 347 BUCURESTI NORD. There are many things you can do in Győr, for example, visiting the City town hall which is on the way from the train station.

  14. 15 Best Day Trips from Vienna

    Here are the 15 best and most sought-after day trips to take from the city of Vienna. 1. Prague. Just under 300 km away from Vienna is the fairytale city of Prague, full of evocative architecture, towers and spires reaching up to the sky and a fascinating amount to see and do if you're willing to undertake the journey.

  15. Day Trips From Vienna Austria: Where To Spend A Gorgeous Day

    Essentially, you can embark on a self-guided tour by rental car, train or bus, or book a guided day trip from Vienna to Budapest. Duration of trip: 12 hours. 3. Vienna Prague Day Trip. Day trips from Vienna. Prague is probably the farthest capital from Vienna that you can reasonably visit within a day trip.

  16. 14 Best Day Trips from Vienna

    Bojnice Castle. The stunning Bojnice Castle in Slovakia is definitely one of the most underrated day trips from Vienna. Being one of the best places to see in Slovakia, this castle is a 2 hour and 50-minute drive from Vienna (258 km) and is considered the most beautiful castle in Central Europe. Once you're there, it's not hard to see why.

  17. Top Day Trips From Vienna:

    Getting To Budapest From Vienna: Train connects these two capitals' city centers directly. Make sure to check the schedule and take the 2 hours and 45 minutes Railjet train instead of the slow 4 hour REX one. Rating as a Side Trip From Vienna: 6 out of 10. You can only get a small taste of Budapest in a 1 day, but it becomes a 10 out of 10 if ...

  18. Best Day trips from Vienna, Austria

    Getting to Salzburg from Vienna. Getting to Salzburg from Vienna is an easy and convenient journey. You can either travel by train or bus. You can take a train directly from Vienna Hauptbahnhof which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Lastly, you can take a bus which takes approximately 3 hours.

  19. 14 Best Day Trips From Vienna

    Getting to Bratislava from Vienna. Train: 50 minutes Drive: 70 km / 1 hour. To travel to Bratislava from Vienna by train, you can take direct trains from Vienna's Westbahnhof station to Bratislava's main railway station, Hlavná stanica. Driving to Bratislava is straightforward as well, simply follow highway A4 until you reach the city.

  20. 9 Unforgettable Day Trips from Vienna

    The total journey time is 2 h 37 min. Not bad for a day trip from one European capital to another. The saver ticket price starts at €19, while a standard, flexible ticket costs €40,20. The Vienna to Budapest train departs and arrives at the main train station of both cities.

  21. 7 of the best day trips from Vienna

    Train - Train trips from Vienna, Austria to Budapest take about 2.5 hours. Trains depart at least times per day from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station). Car - Allow around 2.5 hours to travel the 243 kilometres from Vienna to Budapest by car. Organised tour/excursion - A popular way to reach Budapest from Vienna is on a full day tour by ...

  22. 15 Easy Day Trips To Take From Vienna, Austria

    Getting to Ptuj from Vienna: From Vienna, it takes around 3 hours to reach Ptuj by car. Although several trains, buses, and flights are available between the two cities, the journey is the fastest when driving. You can rent a car and take the B227, A23, E59, and 454 to reach Ptuj on toll roads. Currency: Euro.

  23. London to Vienna train tickets from £61.12

    The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from London to Vienna are £61.12. If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around £145, while the price is around £140 if you book 7 days in advance. Booking on the day of travel is likely to be more expensive, so it's worth booking ahead of time if you can, or check our special offers and ...

  24. Are you afraid of flying? Visit these destinations by car or train

    Train journeys: bit by bit . Nice; Cinque Terre; Vienna, Austria; Budapest; Travelling by car: on the roads of Portugal and beyond . Spain: tapas, siesta and flamenco

  25. Vienna to Györ train tickets from US$16.00

    The Vienna to Györ train travel takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes, no matter when you leave. What are the Vienna to Györ train times and schedule? If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Györ leaving Vienna at around 06:40 and the last train leaving at around 21:40.