Things You'll Need:
- Hungarian currency
- Computer with internet access
- Passport
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Step 1
Learn the entry requirements for your citizenship to enter Austria. U.S. citizens will require a passport and a pre-booked return ticket to enter the country. A visa will not be required for stays less than 3 months long.
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Step 2
Exchange enough cash into forints, the Hungarian currency, to cover a 2,000 forint ticket price. Hungarian train stations will probably not accept credit cards or traveler's checks.
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Step 3
Refer to the state railway's official online timetable or equivalent to pick a departure time (see Resources). Up to 20 trains leave Budapest daily for Vienna. Most trips take between 3 and 5 hours, but a couple of trains will sidewind through the country and take up to 9 hours to get to Vienna.
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Step 1
Decide what class you'd like to travel. People traveling on a budget may not mind second-class seats for a trip only 3 1/2 hours long. On some trains, first class may not be available.
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Step 2
Go to any of the 3 train stations in Budapest. There is also a Hungarian state railway central ticket office in Budapest where you can buy tickets. The central ticket office may be better equipped to accommodate inexperienced travelers.
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Step 3
Tell the ticketing agent every detail when booking your travel. Remember to book a return ticket, too.
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Step 4
Ask about discounts when you book your tickets. Hungary has discounts for student, juvenile and senior travelers.
