--- title: "Prague, Vienna and Budapest by Train: 2026 Itinerary" description: "Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train: the best order, 2026 journey times and fares, nights in each city, Railjet First Class and step-free travel tips." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/prague-vienna-budapest-by-train" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/prague-castle-vltava._tR75MWe_Z27EcxT.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Prague, Vienna and Budapest by Train: Itinerary, Times and Fares [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Prague, Vienna and Budapest by Train: Itinerary, Times and Fares Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train: the best order, 2026 journey times and fares, nights in each city, Railjet First Class and step-free travel tips. By [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien), Global Manager · Published on November 8, 2026 · 7 min read ![Prague Castle above the Vltava river in spring](/_astro/prague-castle-vltava._tR75MWe_Zi3DHN.webp) Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train is the easiest three-capital trip in Europe. Direct trains link Budapest and Vienna in about 2 hours 50 minutes and Vienna and Prague in about 4 hours 15 minutes, city center to city center. Travel the three cities in a line, give each two or three nights, and you need 7 to 10 days in total. We plan this route in every season, and this is how we build it. ## The route at a glance | Leg | Typical time | Direct trains | Advance fare from (2026) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Budapest Keleti to Vienna Hauptbahnhof | about 2 h 50 | every hour, Railjet or EuroCity | ÖBB Sparschiene and MÁV advance fares, limited per train | | Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Prague hlavní nádraží | about 4 h 15 | Railjet roughly every two hours | €18.50 (about $21) in 2nd class, €30 in 1st | | Prague to Budapest, if you skip Vienna | about 6 h 50 | several a day via Brno and Bratislava, arriving at Budapest Nyugati | €30 (about $35) in 2nd class | The times come from the Austrian railway timetable for late 2026 and 2027. The fares are the lowest advance prices published by the Czech railways (České dráhy) for 2026; between Budapest and Vienna, the Austrian (ÖBB) and Hungarian (MÁV) advance fares move with demand, so we quote them for your exact train. All are limited in number and valid only on the train you book, and flexible tickets bought on the day cost much more. ## Which order: Prague first or Budapest first? Either works, because the trains run the same way in both directions. What decides it is your flights. Book an open-jaw ticket, arriving in one end and flying home from the other, so you never ride the same line twice. We compare both directions for every traveler and choose the better flight combination. When the flights cost the same, our [Budapest, Vienna and Prague by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/budapest-vienna-prague-by-train) itinerary starts in Budapest, for three reasons. A morning in the thermal baths is the best cure for jet lag we know. The shorter train ride comes first, so the first transfer day feels easy. And Prague, the most walkable of the three, makes a relaxed finale. Avoid the direct Prague to Budapest train unless you are leaving Vienna out. Nearly seven hours is a full day, and Vienna sits almost exactly halfway. ## How many days in each city | Trip length | Budapest | Vienna | Prague | Who it suits | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 7 days, 6 nights | 2 nights | 2 nights | 2 nights | A first look, tight but workable | | 8 days, 7 nights | 3 nights | 2 nights | 2 nights | Our published itinerary | | 10 days, 9 nights | 3 nights | 3 nights | 3 nights | Museums, a day trip, slower mornings | | 12 days, 11 nights | 3 nights | 3 nights | 3 nights, plus 2 in a fourth place | Český Krumlov, Salzburg or the Wachau | Our rule is never fewer than two nights anywhere. Two nights give you one full day; one night gives you none, because the train day takes the afternoon. If you have only five or six days, choose two cities, usually Vienna with Prague or Vienna with Budapest, rather than rushing all three. Our [trip length calculator](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/tools/how-many-days-in-europe) helps you test the balance. ## A day-by-day plan for 8 days This is the shape of our published itinerary, which we adjust for every traveler. - **Day 1, Budapest:** arrive, settle into a hotel in Pest, and take a dinner cruise on the Danube past the lit Parliament and the Chain Bridge. - **Day 2, Budapest:** a morning in one of the thermal baths, then the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter with a guide in the evening. - **Day 3, Etyek:** a wine day in the hills west of the city, with tastings at family wineries. - **Day 4, Vienna:** the train to Vienna with private transfers at both ends, then a highlights tour of the Ringstrasse, the imperial palaces and St. Stephen's Cathedral. - **Day 5, Vienna:** a cooking class with lunch, then a free afternoon for a museum or a coffee house. - **Day 6, Prague:** the train to Prague, then Prague Castle with a guide, timed around your arrival. - **Day 7, Prague:** a Baroque library and Czech beer, or a food tour, and a farewell dinner. - **Day 8:** transfer to the airport for your flight home. With ten days, the extra nights go to Vienna, where Schönbrunn deserves half a day of its own, and to Prague, where we add a day trip to Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov. ## Tickets and fares in 2026 Three railways sell this route: ÖBB in Austria, České dráhy in the Czech Republic and MÁV in Hungary. Their cheapest tickets follow the same logic: - **Advance fares are train-specific.** ÖBB's Sparschiene and the Czech First Minute Europe fares are valid only on the train you choose, with a limited number per train. - **Sales open up to 180 days ahead.** We book as soon as your dates are firm, especially for Friday and Sunday trains. - **Refund rules differ.** The basic ÖBB Sparschiene Europe fare cannot be refunded; the Komfort version includes a seat reservation and is refundable free of charge up to 15 days before travel. Czech First Minute tickets can be returned until midnight before the day of travel, minus a €3 fee. - **Seat reservations cost extra** on most standard fares, a few euros per seat (from €3 on ÖBB trains within Austria), and they are worth it on busy days. A rail pass rarely pays off for two train legs. Point-to-point tickets booked early cost less than any pass on this route. ## First Class or Business on the Railjet? Many trains on both legs are Railjets, the red trains of ÖBB and Czech Railways, with three classes: - **Economy:** comfortable, with a power socket shared between two seats, wifi and a restaurant car. - **First Class:** 2+1 seating with more legroom, your own power socket, and food from the restaurant served at your seat on request. - **Business Class:** a supplement on top of a First Class ticket, with leather seats, the most space and a seat reservation included. On Czech Railways Railjets, Business also comes with a refreshment voucher for the Czech part of the trip. On the Budapest line, Railjets alternate with Hungarian EuroCity trains hour by hour, and Business Class exists only on the Railjets. We book First Class for almost all our travelers: booked early, the difference with Economy is often small, and the calmer car makes a real difference with luggage. Business is worth it on the four-hour Prague leg if you want to work or simply spread out. ## Arriving at each station - **Budapest Keleti** is the grand 19th-century station on the Pest side, a short taxi ride from the hotels around the Basilica and the river. Some trains also stop at Kelenföld on the Buda side; stay on to Keleti for the center. - **Vienna Hauptbahnhof** is a modern station south of the old town, with the U1 subway line to Stephansplatz. - **Prague hlavní nádraží** sits at the top of the New Town, within walking distance of Wenceslas Square. Three countries means three currencies: the forint in Hungary, the euro in Austria and the koruna in the Czech Republic. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, so a little cash for tips is enough. All three countries are in the Schengen area, so there is no routine passport control between them. Austria has notified temporary checks at its borders with Hungary and the Czech Republic until at least March 2027, though, and police may board the train: keep your passport at hand. ## Adding a fourth stop - **Český Krumlov:** a small Bohemian town with a castle above a bend of the Vltava, best as one night between Vienna and Prague with a private driver. - **The Wachau:** the Danube wine valley west of Vienna, with Melk Abbey, as a day trip or one night. - **Salzburg and Munich:** continue west from Vienna instead of north. Munich is about four hours from Vienna by direct Railjet; our [Munich itinerary](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/munich-itinerary) explains how to spend your days there. ## Traveling with reduced mobility Railjets have wheelchair spaces, and the main stations provide boarding help with lifts and on-train wheelchairs when you book ahead. For a cross-border trip, ÖBB asks for at least 24 hours' notice through its Mobility Service Center (+43 5 1717 5), and assistance in the Czech Republic and Hungary is arranged with the partner railways, so we register it as early as possible. The old towns are harder than the trains: Prague's Lesser Town and Castle district are steep and cobbled, and Buda's Castle Hill is best reached by car. We plan these days with adapted vehicles and hotels with step-free entrances, as explained in our guide to [Europe with limited mobility](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/europe-with-limited-mobility). ## When to go May, June, September and early October are our favorite months: long days, terraces open, and comfortable weather for walking. July and August are the busiest weeks and can be hot in Budapest. From mid to late November, Christmas markets open in all three cities, with short days and cold evenings, and the trains fill on weekends. Our [Budapest, Vienna and Prague by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/budapest-vienna-prague-by-train) itinerary turns this plan into eight days with three 5-star hotels and private transfers at every station. For longer combinations, see our [Europe in 14 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/europe/14-days) routes, and our [Europe by train guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/guides/europe-by-train) covers booking, passes and luggage. More rail itineraries are on our [train trips](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/trips/train) page. Tell us your dates and [one of our travel designers](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip) will set the order, book the trains and send a priced custom version of this route within 48 hours. More guides: [Itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/itineraries) ## Contents Written by ### [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) Global Manager · Switzerland Grew up between the French and Swiss Alps; designs our scenic train and mountain itineraries and has strong opinions about hotels. [More about Valentine](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) ## Related destinations - [Cross Border](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/europe) ![Valentine Julien on a balcony above Place de la Concorde, the Eiffel Tower behind her](/_astro/valentine-julien.PQuFC4Sf_27JrFv.webp)**Valentine Julien**Global Manager Your trip, planned by Valentine - Priced itinerary within 48 hours - Free, no commitment - Trains, hotels and guides: we book it all [or call +1 607 354 8869](tel:+16073548869) ## Trips for this guide - [![The Hungarian Parliament on the Danube in Budapest at sunset](/_astro/budapest-parliament-sunset.CcnJla4F_15DUIu.webp)**Budapest, Vienna & Prague by Train in 8 Days**Price on request · 8 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/budapest-vienna-prague-by-train) - [![Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament by the Thames in London](/_astro/london-westminster-big-ben.D_i6G_Zj_1oTBN3.webp)**London, Amsterdam & Bruges by Train in 10 Days**Price on request · 10 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/london-amsterdam-bruges-by-train) - [![From Switzerland to Italy : medieval towns, outdoor fun and italian riviera](/_astro/01M5J4124QMGRZKA4DGVWAAVSG.CZhi2FDY_ZKyIQy.webp)**Switzerland to Italy by Train: Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como in 14 Days**From €5,499 · 14 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/from-switzerland-to-italy-medieval-towns-outdoor-fun-and-italian-riviera) ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the train from Vienna to Prague? Direct Railjet trains take about 4 hours 15 minutes from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Prague hlavní nádraží, running roughly every two hours via Brno, with other connections in between that need a change. Advance fares from Czech Railways start at €18.50 in 2nd class and €30 in 1st class in 2026, valid only on the train you book. ### Is it better to start in Prague or Budapest? The trains are the same in both directions, so let flight prices decide and book an open-jaw ticket, arriving in one city and leaving from the other. When flights cost the same, we start in Budapest: the thermal baths help with jet lag, the shorter train ride comes first, and walkable Prague makes a relaxed last stop. ### How many days do you need for Prague, Vienna and Budapest? Seven days is the minimum, with two nights in each city. Eight days lets you add a third night in Budapest, as in our published itinerary, and ten days gives each capital three nights with room for a day trip. With fewer than six days, choose two of the three cities rather than rushing all of them. ### Should I book Railjet tickets in advance? Yes, if you want the low fares. ÖBB and Czech Railways release train-specific advance tickets up to 180 days ahead, from €18.50 between Vienna and Prague in 2026, and they sell out on busy days. Flexible tickets are always available but cost much more, especially on the day of travel. ### Is First Class worth it on the Railjet? For most of our travelers, yes. Railjet First Class has 2+1 seating, more legroom, a power socket at every seat and food served at your seat on request, often for little more than Economy when booked early. Business Class, a supplement on top of First, adds leather seats and an included seat reservation. ## Plan this trip Be inspired by our European itineraries, then let our local travel designers tailor your journey to your interests, preferences and pace. [All itinerary ideas](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![The Hungarian Parliament on the Danube in Budapest at sunset](/_astro/budapest-parliament-sunset.CcnJla4F_jo8r5.webp) 8 days / 7 nights ### [Budapest, Vienna & Prague by Train in 8 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/budapest-vienna-prague-by-train) Three capitals of Central Europe linked by train: a Danube dinner cruise and thermal baths in Budapest, a cooking class in Vienna, Prague Castle and a Baroque library. Three 5-star hotels and time to explore. **Price on request** ![Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament by the Thames in London](/_astro/london-westminster-big-ben.D_i6G_Zj_CDOvD.webp) 10 days / 9 nights ### [London, Amsterdam & Bruges by Train in 10 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/london-amsterdam-bruges-by-train) Three cities by rail: afternoon tea and Borough Market in London, the Eurostar to Amsterdam for canals, bikes and Van Gogh, then Bruges for beer, chocolate and a day in Ghent. Three nights in each city. **Price on request** ![From Switzerland to Italy : medieval towns, outdoor fun and italian riviera](/_astro/01M5J4124QMGRZKA4DGVWAAVSG.CZhi2FDY_Z1wOw8X.webp) 14 days / 13 nights ### [Switzerland to Italy by Train: Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como in 14 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/from-switzerland-to-italy-medieval-towns-outdoor-fun-and-italian-riviera) Thirteen nights from Zurich to Milan by train: Rhine Falls, kayaking on Lake Brienz, the Schilthorn, a via ferrata, Rigi, Lugano, Lake Como and the Borromean Islands. Central 3-star hotels; an active trip with full days. From **€5,499** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Gornergrat](/_astro/01M5J4124NRYSTNRRTNV7PE0J3.CX_BdyRm_EnXjX.webp) Cross Border ### [Private Tour vs Group Tour in Europe: An Honest Comparison With Real Prices](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/why-tailor-made-travel-is-better-than-group-tours-in-europe) Private tailor-made trip or escorted group tour in Europe? Real prices, what each includes, who should choose which, and the hidden costs on both sides. ![Lavaux](/_astro/01M5J4124NY4C9KPA7XMMMF47R.B6tA9Lv8_tjsRe.webp) Cross Border ### [What Happens When You Give Europe the Time It Deserves](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/what-happens-when-you-give-europe-the-time-it-deserves) Two weeks in Europe is a visit. A month is a beginning. The travelers who stay longest are the ones who understand Europe best, and miss it most when they leave. ![Brussels, Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](/_astro/01M5J4124F6C61DWR7ZVEYZMCK.BCdKG92D_ZbhPSj.webp) Cross Border ### [Why Multi-Country Itineraries Are the New Way to Experience Europe](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/why-multi-country-itineraries-are-the-new-way-to-experience-europe) Europe is not a single destination. It is a mosaic of languages, flavors, landscapes, and histories, and the best way to experience it is to move through several of them in one journey. Tailor-made by local experts ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 8 travel designers, local experts across Europe, reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8869](tel:+16073548869) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. Free and without obligation. ## Contact Plan a tailor-made trip in Europe with Mobee International: https://tally.so/r/nWplRv — e-mail contact@mobeeinternational.com — phone +33 4 26 30 36 82 (Europe) or +1 607 354 8869 (US). ## Données structurées ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "TravelAgency", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization", "name": "Mobee International", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "logo": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/images/brand/mobee-international.png", "description": "Mobee International is a Destination Management Company (DMC) founded in France: tailor-made trips across Europe, with France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany as specialties, designed by local travel experts living in the destinations for travelers, travel agencies and tour operators.", "telephone": "+33426303682", "email": "contact@mobeeinternational.com", "areaServed": [ "Europe", "US", "CA", "MX", "FR", "CH", "IT", "DE", "BE" ], "knowsLanguage": "en", "legalName": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.kimkim.com/o/mobee-international", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobee-international", "https://www.instagram.com/mobeeinternational/", "https://www.youtube.com/@MobeeInternational", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mobeeinternational.com" ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+16073548869", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+33426303682", "areaServed": "FR", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "French", "Spanish" ] } ], "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" } } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#website", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "name": "Mobee International", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Prague, Vienna and Budapest by Train: Itinerary, Times and Fares", "description": "Prague, Vienna and Budapest by train: the best order, 2026 journey times and fares, nights in each city, Railjet First Class and step-free travel tips.", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/prague-vienna-budapest-by-train", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Valentine Julien", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien#person", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-11-08T00:00:00.000Z", "dateModified": "2026-11-08T00:00:00.000Z", "image": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/prague-castle-vltava._tR75MWe_Z27EcxT.jpg", "inLanguage": "en" } ] } ```