Vienna to Budapest Train Times: 2h40, from €10

The fastest way from Vienna to Budapest is the railjet, a direct train of about 2 hours 40 minutes, and as quick as 2h20 on the fastest services, running nearly every hour from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Budapest-Keleti. Coaches take around 3 hours for a little less, and the hop is far too short to fly. The railjet and EuroCity trains are a joint OBB and MAV service with integrated ticketing, comfortable enough to make a spontaneous day trip easy. Here is how the times and fares compare.

Coming from Prague first? Read our Prague to Vienna train guide. Stringing several train legs together? Read our Eurail Pass Calculator: pass vs individual tickets.

Fastest	Railjet, about 2h40 (as quick as 2h20)
Frequency	Nearly hourly, direct
Cheapest	RegioJet train or a FlixBus coach
Route	Vienna Hbf to Budapest-Keleti, about 270 km via Gyor

Mode	Departures/day	First-last departure	Fastest	Typical fare	Top operators
Train	9.8	06:40-19:08	2h 20m	USD 14-46	MAV, RegioJet
Bus	24	01:25-23:45	2h 50m	USD 14-23	FlixBus
Flight	9.7	06:00-21:40	45m	USD 164-539	Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines
Prices checked September 7, 2026 from 1970 scheduled departures.

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	railjet / EuroCity (OBB / MAV) Direct and nearly hourly, Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Budapest-Keleti, as quick as 2h20 on the fastest RJX. Book Sparschiene fares early.	about 2h40	approx €20 to €40	No	Check on 12Go →
Train	RegioJet (a few daily) A handful of cheaper direct trains each day, often the lowest train fare when the times suit.	about 2h45	approx €10 to €25	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	FlixBus coach Cheapest overall, with frequent daily departures.	about 3 hours	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, and as quick as 2h20 on the fastest RJX services. Trains run nearly every hour from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Budapest-Keleti.

What is the Vienna to Budapest train time?

The railjet and EuroCity trains cover Vienna to Budapest in roughly 2h30 to 2h40 centre to centre, with the fastest direct services around 2h20.

Is there a direct train from Vienna to Budapest?

Yes. Railjet and EuroCity trains run direct several times a day with no change, a joint OBB and MAV service, plus a few cheaper direct RegioJet trains.

What is the best way to get from Vienna to Budapest?

The railjet is the best all-round option: direct, nearly hourly, and about 2h40 centre to centre. RegioJet trains and FlixBus coaches are cheaper if you are counting every euro, with the bus taking around 3 hours.

Can you visit Budapest from Vienna as a day trip?

Easily. At about 2h40 each way with near-hourly departures, Vienna to Budapest is a popular day trip, though staying overnight lets you see far more of the city.

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.