How to get from Prague to Vienna

Austria · Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Czech Republic · Urban & Cultural · Prague · Vienna

Prague to Vienna is one of Europe’s easiest city pairs. The fast ÖBB Railjet/RegioJet trains run all day city-center to city-center, direct buses are frequent and inexpensive, driving is straightforward via Brno, and flying only makes sense if you’re connecting onward. Below are the best routes, prices, and step-by-steps with booking and map links.

At A Glance (Prague to Vienna)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Direct Train (Prague hl.n. → Wien Hbf) ~3h55–4h15 (hourly) Comfort, city-center to city-center
🏷️ Cost: ~€19–€65 one-way (class/date) » compare trains
🚌 Direct Bus (Florenc/ÚAN → Vienna) ~4h15–4h45 Cheapest seated option
🏷️ Cost: ~€15–€35 one-way » compare buses
🚐 Private Transfer (Door-to-Door) ~3h45–4h30 (traffic) Families, lots of luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~€320–€520 per vehicle » get quotes | GYG transfers
🚘 Self-Drive (D1/D52 → A5/S1) ~3h45–4h30 Scenic stops, full flexibility
🏷️ Cost: Car ~€40–€90/day + fuel; vignettes (CZ & AT) » compare rentals
✈️ Flight (PRG → VIE) ~50m flight + 2–3h airport/transfer Connecting to onward flights
🏷️ Cost: ~€60–€180+ one-way » search flights | Trip.com fares

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest city-center to city-center: Train (comfortable, reliable, outlets, food service).
  • Cheapest: Bus—especially off-peak or booked early.
  • Most convenient door-to-door: Private transfer (ideal with kids or heavy luggage).
  • Most flexible/road-trip vibes: Self-drive via Brno with winery or castle stops.
  • Only if you’re connecting onward: Flight (airport time often erodes speed advantage).

How to Book and Practical Tips

🚆 Option #1 — Direct Train (Most Comfortable & Reliable)

City-center → city-center Hourly Seats/reservations vary

  • Overview: Frequent ÖBB Railjet and RegioJet trains run Prague hlavní nádraží (hl.n.) → Wien Hauptbahnhof direct, with Wi-Fi, power sockets and café cars on most services.
  • How to book (with price): From ~€19–€65 depending on class/date. Compare and buy on Trip.com (trains). Official sites: ÖBB, ČD, RegioJet.
  • Pros: Comfortable, fast, scenic Moravia; generous luggage. Cons: Peak services can sell out—book ahead for groups.

Step-by-step: Direct Train

  1. Get to Prague hlavní nádraží (metro C “Hlavní nádraží”, or taxi/ride-hail). If sightseeing first, drop bags with Radical Storage Prague.
  2. Buy/validate your ticket online (Trip.com/ÖBB/ČD/RegioJet) and arrive ~20–30 minutes early for platform info.
  3. Board your reserved carriage; keep passport/ID handy. Enjoy café car or bring snacks.
  4. Arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof; connect by U-Bahn/S-Bahn/taxi to your hotel (or check Vienna stays).

Getting to the main embarking points (Prague hl.n. & Wien Hbf)

  • Prague hl.n.: Central station under the park; signed metro and tram links.
  • Wien Hbf: Direct U1 subway to Innere Stadt/Stephansplatz; many hotels nearby in Wieden/Belvedere.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Direct Bus (Cheapest, Frequent)

Budget Many daily departures Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Modern coaches (RegioJet/FlixBus and others) run from Prague Florenc (ÚAN) or Hbf area stops to Vienna Erdberg, Stadion, or Hbf—often with Wi-Fi, power, and a restroom.
  • How to book (with price): From ~€15–€35 one-way. Compare times and seat types on Trip.com (buses). Official: FlixBus, RegioJet.
  • Pros: Lowest cost, dense schedule. Cons: Slower than train at peak times; some Vienna stops are outside center (easy U-Bahn in).

Step-by-step: Direct Bus

  1. Reach Prague Florenc (ÚAN) by metro B/C “Florenc” or short taxi. Consider storing bags at Radical Storage if early.
  2. Buy your e-ticket and pick a seat (Trip.com/RegioJet/FlixBus). Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure at the correct bay.
  3. Board with ID and stow large luggage underneath; keep valuables with you.
  4. Arrive in Vienna (Erdberg/Stadion/Hbf). Use U-Bahn/taxi to your hotel or walk if staying nearby.

Getting to the main embarking points (Prague Florenc & Vienna Erdberg/Hbf)

  • Florenc (ÚAN): Large terminal with cafés, ATMs, ticket counters; well-signed platforms.
  • Vienna Erdberg/Hbf: Erdberg links to U3; Wien Hbf links to U1/S-Bahn—both quick to center.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door, Easiest with Luggage)

Meet-and-greet Direct hotel pickup Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver collects you at your Prague address (or PRG airport) and drops you at your Vienna hotel. Great for groups, kids, or bulky gear.
  • How to book (with price): ~€320–€520 per vehicle, depending on size/date. Check quotes on GetTransfer or browse options on GetYourGuide.
  • Pros: No stations, door-to-door comfort, child seats on request. Cons: Pricey vs. train/bus; traffic variability.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request a quote with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count on GetTransfer (or compare on GetYourGuide).
  2. Confirm inclusions (road tolls, border rules, waiting time) and vehicle size.
  3. Meet your driver at the hotel lobby/PRG arrivals; share your live location if needed.
  4. Arrive at your Vienna hotel; settle payment/tip per booking terms.

Getting to the main embarking points (Your Hotel / PRG → Vienna Hotel)

  • Prague pickup: Any hotel/apartment or PRG airport. For short city hops, local ride-hailing also works.
  • Vienna drop: Anywhere in the city; central districts may have one-way streets—drivers know access points.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Flexible Road Trip via Brno)

Full flexibility Easy motorway Vignettes needed

  • Overview: Drive D1 from Prague toward Brno, then D52/A5/S1 into Vienna. Consider stops in Lednice–Valtice area or at a Mikulov winery.
  • How to book (with price): Cars from ~€40–€90/day. Compare airport/downtown pickup on Booking.com Car Rental (Prague) or Trip.com Car Hire. Official: CZ e-vignette eDalnice; AT vignette ASFINAG.
  • Pros: Door-to-door, countryside detours. Cons: Vignette costs; parking rules in Vienna—check your hotel.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car (airport or city). Verify insurance, cross-border permission, and that you have valid CZ/AT vignettes (buy online if needed).
  2. Set navigation: Prague → Brno → Vienna. Plan fuel/coffee stops every 2–3 hours.
  3. Follow D1 → D52 to the CZ/AT border, continue A5/S1 toward Vienna, then local streets to your hotel.
  4. Park where permitted (hotel garage/park-and-ride). Many central districts are controlled—check signage.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Route via Brno)

  • Pickup/return: Prague Airport (PRG) and main-city depots have the broadest hours; Vienna returns are easy if doing one-way (fees may apply).
  • Suggested waypoint: Brno (old town lunch stop), Mikulov (views), or Lednice chateau gardens.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #5 — Flight (Only If You’re Connecting Onward)

Fast in air Best for onward connections Airport time adds up

  • Overview: Nonstop PRG→VIE flights are ~50 minutes, but door-to-door can rival the train once check-in/security and transfers are included.
  • How to book (with price): From ~€60–€180+ each way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Official airports: PRG, VIE.
  • Pros: Useful for tight connections or mileage collectors. Cons: Less green, often not faster overall than the train.

Step-by-step: Flight

  1. Ride to Prague Airport (PRG) by bus 119+metro A, Airport Express, or taxi/ride-hail.
  2. Check in online; arrive ~2 hours before departure. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  3. Land at Vienna Airport (VIE); continue by City Airport Train/S-Bahn/bus or taxi to the center/hotel.
  4. If arriving very early, store bags via Radical Storage Vienna and explore until check-in.

Getting to the main embarking points (PRG & VIE)

  • PRG: Easy access from Prague 6 and center; frequent buses to the metro.
  • VIE: Rail links run every few minutes; taxis/ride-hail at arrivals.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Prague to Vienna)

Train or bus—which is better?
Train is usually quicker city-center to city-center and more comfortable; buses can be cheaper and still quite fast.

Do I need seat reservations on the train?
Some tickets include a seat; otherwise a reservation is recommended on popular departures, especially in summer/weekends.

Are there night trains?
Not typically on this short route; late evening services exist, but true sleepers are uncommon. Consider a late train or early morning service.

Can I break the journey?
Yes—Brno makes a great lunch stop by train (with a later connection) or on the drive via D1/D52.

Is driving in Vienna difficult?
Central districts have controlled parking and one-way streets. Book a hotel with parking or use a park-and-ride.

What if I’m traveling with bikes?
Check bike carriage rules when booking trains; for arrival mobility, see BikesBooking for scooters/mopeds.

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