How to Book Train Travel From Vienna to Budapest

You may book travel from Vienna to Budapest directly from OBB, the Austrian national railway. Eurail also offers rail passes which would cover your trip between Vienna and Budapest, and allow you to travel within Hungary. Your trip from Austria to Hungary's capital takes between three to four hours by train. Read on to learn how to book train travel from Vienna to Budapest.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Learn a Bit About Budapest Before You Leave Vienna

1. Understand that Budapest is a huge and cosmopolitan city, which lies on the Danube River.

2. Plan to tour the several historic bridges which cross the Danube and tie the two sides of Budapest together.

3. Decide which of the many museums and cultural landmarks to visit. The Royal Palace, National Gallery and House of Terror are favorite destinations.

4. Know that people have inhabited the Budapest area since before the Roman Empire.

Decide Whether to Travel in Luxury or to Save Money on Your Train Ride From Vienna to Budapest

5. Check out the OBB Web site or call the call center to review the availability of Sparescheine tickets. These limited fares are offered by OBB at super discounts, and apply to travel from Austria to a bordering country such as Hungary. See the Resources section below for a link to OBB.

6. Decide to book an upgrade to a first-class compartment aboard an OBB train. First-class passengers may choose smoking or non-smoking compartments and travel in luxurious leather seats.

7. Review your travel plans for after your trip to Budapest. Eurail offers several different passes which can save you money in the long run. See the Resources section below for a link to Eurail.

8. Choose a Eurail Select Pass if you plan to continue to travel by train to other countries. The Eurail Webvsite provides information and pricing for such passes.

9. Travel in a coach seat aboard an OBB train to save money if Budapest is your final European destination.

Book Your Travel From Vienna to Budapest

10. Visit the Eurail Web site if you decided on a Eurail pass. Remember that Eurail passes are difficult to get and more expensive if you buy after you arrive in Europe. You can also book train travel from Vienna to Budapest, by calling Rail Europe at (888) 382-RAIL or by visiting the link below.

11. Try booking your trip from Vienna to Budapest in the Vienna Westbahnhof (Western Train Station).

12. Know that OBB trains bound for Budapest will depart from the Westbahnhof. Tickets may be purchased inside the station.

13. Understand that Sparescheine tickets purchased online are sent via mail.