Vienna to Budapest: Train or Bus?

Vienna to Budapest is one of the easiest and most popular hops in Central Europe. The railjet runs in about two and a half hours; coaches take a little longer for a little less. Both make a day trip or a one-way leg simple.

Distance	About 240 km
Fastest	railjet (about 2h40)
Cheapest	Coach
Good for	An easy day trip in either direction

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	railjet (OBB / MAV) Fast and frequent, centre to centre. Book Sparschiene fares early.	about 2h40	approx €20 to €40	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	FlixBus / RegioJet coach Cheapest, with frequent daily departures.	about 3h	approx €10 to €20	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the train from Vienna to Budapest?

About 2 hours 40 minutes on the direct railjet, with departures roughly every couple of hours.

What is the cheapest way from Vienna to Budapest?

A FlixBus or RegioJet coach, from roughly EUR 10. The railjet is faster and drops you in central Budapest.

Can you do Budapest as a day trip from Vienna?

Yes, many do. At under three hours each way by train, an early start gives you a full day in Budapest before heading back.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.