How to get from Vienna to Budapest
Traveling between Vienna and Budapest is a breeze with frequent and efficient train and bus services, or the flexibility of driving.
214 km apart as the crow flies.
| Option | Duration | Typical price | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlyAustrian Airlines, Ryanair · Vienna International Airport (VIE) → Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)Generally not recommended for this short distance due to airport transit and processing time often outweighing flight time savings. | 3 h 20 – 4 h 40 | €80–€250per person | 3-4 daily direct flights |
| TrainÖBB, RegioJet, MÁV · Wien Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) → Budapest Keleti Railway Station or Budapest-KelenfoeldThe most comfortable and often fastest city-center to city-center option, with frequent departures and scenic views. | 3 h – 4 h | €15–€70per person | Roughly hourly throughout the day |
| BusFlixBus, RegioJet, BlaBlaCar Bus · Vienna Central Station Südtiroler Platz or Vienna Erdberg (VIB) → Budapest Népliget Autóbusz-Pályaudvar or Budapest Kelenföld VasútállomásA very affordable and frequent option, often with comfortable amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets. | 3 h 20 – 5 h | €10–€35per person | Multiple departures per hour during peak times, 40-80+ daily trips. |
| DriveIdeal for flexibility, larger groups, or those wanting to explore sights along the way. | 3 h 30 – 4 h 10 | €55–€65per car | On demand |
| Transfer or taxiMr.Shuttle, Daytrip, TheEuroRoadTrip.euFor ultimate convenience and door-to-door service, especially for groups or those with lots of luggage. | 3 h – 3 h 40 | €219–€350per car | On demand |
Watch out · Fly
The flight is only 55 minutes, but getting to and from airports, plus security, takes a significant amount of time.
Watch out · Train
Booking in advance is highly recommended for the best fares, as flexible tickets can be significantly more expensive.
Watch out · Bus
Bus stations are sometimes located slightly outside the absolute city center, requiring additional local transit time.
Watch out · Drive
Vignettes (digital toll stickers) are mandatory for using motorways in both Austria and Hungary; fines for non-compliance are substantial.
Watch out · Transfer or taxi
This is a significantly more expensive option, priced per vehicle rather than per person.
Typical figures for this route, not live fares. · Updated September 4, 2026