How to take a train journey from Wien/Vienna to Budapest

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Wien / Vienna to Budapest by train

There have never been more trains per day between the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, reflecting that it's typically a very straightforward journey.
Though an unusual feature of taking a train from Wien/Vienna to Budapest is that the evening departures are by overnight trains heading to distant destinations in eastern Europe.
Though you won't have to hop on a bed to travel by then as they also convey coaches with seats.

Routes you can take to go from Wien / Vienna to Budapest

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Looking for connections?

Journey guides for travel to Wien / Vienna Journey guides for travel from Budapest

Route Information

Station Guides

Wien Hbf/Hauptbahnhof Rail Station Guide

The beautiful main entrance at Budapest-Keleti station

Budapest Keleti Rail Station Guide

Travel Time (approx)

2hr 37min - 2hr 40 min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

1 x train per hour

Travel Information

Final Destination: Budapest-Keleti = the Railjets; various destinations - the IC/EC trains

From 07:40 daily the timetable is arranged so that there is an hourly departure, with the service alternating between Railjets (the Austrian trains) and EC / D trains (the Hungarian trains).
The Railjets typically depart in the odd hours, with the IC/EC / D trains leaving in the even hours.
Aside from the fact that the Railjets convey restaurant cars and the IC/EC /D trains don't, there is little difference in the on-board experience, the Hungarian national rail operator MAV tends to use its most modern trains on this route.

Departing from Wien/Vienna:

The Railjets call at Wien-Meidling station before going on to depart from Wien Hbf
So if your journey in Vienna is commencing in the south west corner of the city, or the area on the ring road around the Opera House - then it's likely that you'll have a faster and more convenient journey if you join the train at Wien-Meidling station.

Wien Meidling is connected to line U6 of the Vienna Metro, which serves the western side of the city centre.

If you will be travelling with a rail pass and don't want to reserve seat, then it can be a good idea to board these trains at Wien-Meidling.
Keep out of the way of the passengers who will be leaving the train at its next station call, Wien Hbf, so that when they have left the train, you'll have first pick of the available seats for the journey on to Budapest.

Arriving in Budapest:

These trains call at Budapest-Kelenfold station around 10 mins before arriving at Budapest-Keleti.

If the end point of your journey in Budapest is on Metro Line 4, or has an easy connection from Line 4, then leave the train at Kelenfold station and transfer to the Metro there.
Not only will your journey be quicker overall, the Metro transfer at Kelenfold is much easier than at Keleti station, particularly if you have luggage.

This is a direct journey

You will be travelling on one of these trains...

A side view of a Railjet train - the top tier OBB trains

ÖBB Railjet (RJ/RJX) (Austria/International) Train Guide

Hungarian (MAV) IC train at Budapest Kelenfold

IC (Hungarian) Train Guide

Journey Features

Scenic - NoNot High Speed

Good to Know

The first train of the day is the 'Wiener Walzer' EuroNight train which will be heading to Budapest from Zurich/Munchen
It has 2nd class seats in compartments

This is a particularly dull journey across a featureless landscape, so have something to read or watch with you.
The fact that the only thing which gives any interest to the train ride, is looking at the wind turbines which can be seen by the railway line, says it all.

The general guide to Hungarian rail travel Discover what's good to know about riding the trains, using the major stations, booking tickets and travelling with Eurail and InterRail passes

Take the stress out of your journey Everything planned to your specification, so sit back and relax… Try Concierge

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This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

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