From Prague to Vienna: bus, train, car or plane
Prague and Vienna are close to each other. You can easily travel between them in one day by bus or train, while a car gives you freedom and extra costs. The choice depends on your budget and how much time you have.
We looked at four ways to get from Prague to Vienna and compared them by price, speed, and convenience. Below you'll find time estimates, how to get to the city, and the honest catch of each option.
In practice this means: a cheap bus, a predictable train, a nearly useless plane, and a car for a group. Buy tickets in advance, prices go up on weekends.
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Ways to get from Prague to Vienna
💡 In short:
- Cheapest: bus.
- Most predictable: train to Wien Hauptbahnhof.
- For a car you need vignettes for Czechia and Austria.
- Prague-Vienna train schedule: 09/2026, checked on the official České dráhy website.
All four options really fit into one day, but the difference in price and comfort is noticeable. Below we break down each option separately.
Option | Price | Convenience | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
Bus | lowest | basic, no extra formalities | if saving money matters |
Train | medium | high, seats and tables | if time and comfort matter |
Plane | high | trip to the airport | almost never on this route |
Car | depends on fuel | full freedom along the way | if you're traveling with a group |
Bus from Prague to Vienna
The bus remains the cheapest way to get to Vienna. RegioJet and FlixBus operate on this route, with departures both early in the morning and late in the evening. Departure is usually from the Florenc or Na Knížecí bus station.
Buy tickets online in advance: on the day of travel prices are higher, and seats on popular departures sell out. Check schedules and prices with the carrier, and choose your seat there too.
© Elekes Andor · CC BY-SAPhoto: Elekes Andor, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsWi-Fi, outlets, and a toilet are not available on every bus, check this when buying. You can see the Czech and Austrian countryside from the window.
- Who it's for: if you count every euro and don't mind four hours in a seat.
- Not for: if you're short on time and don't want to depend on traffic.
- The catch: the bus sits in the same traffic jams as a car.
Plane and Vienna airport
The plane almost always loses to ground transport on this route. Austrian flies directly between Prague and Vienna, but getting to the airport eats up more time than the flight itself.
If you do fly, plan for a full day of travel. From Vienna airport to the center, the fastest option is the City Airport Train to Wien Mitte station; a taxi during rush hour costs more and takes longer. Keep the airport schedule handy on the official website.
© Hansueli Krapf This file was uploaded with Commonist . · CC BY-SAPhoto: Hansueli Krapf This file was uploaded with Commonist ., CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsFlight prices depend on the date, and it's easier to compare them online. Keep baggage in mind: with low-cost carriers it's paid separately and often eats up the entire ticket savings. Compare flight prices.
- Not for: if you just need to get from Prague to Vienna.
- The catch: getting to the airport makes the trip more expensive and longer than the train.
Train from Prague to Vienna
The train is the most predictable way to get from Prague to Vienna. Direct services connect Praha hlavní nádraží and Wien Hauptbahnhof, and the journey takes about four hours (according to České dráhy).
České dráhy, RegioJet, and ÖBB services run from morning until late evening, several times a day. The ticket depends on class and date: a seat is cheaper, a compartment and business class cost more. Check the schedule and buy in advance, as weekend seats sell out quickly.
© Eweht · CC BY-SAPhoto: Eweht, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsBook a compartment in advance, otherwise only a seat will be left. On board there are power outlets and luggage space, but free Wi-Fi doesn't work in all cars.
The train arrives right in the city center. From the station you can walk to the historic streets or take the metro for a few minutes. Check train schedules and prices.
- Who it's for: those who value time and comfort.
- Not for: if the lowest ticket price matters most.
- The catch: a train ticket costs more than a bus ticket, and prices rise around holidays.
By car via the D1 and D52 highways
A car gives you complete freedom over the route and stops. From Prague to Vienna, take the Czech D1 highway to Brno and the D52 to Mikulov, then the Austrian A5 and highway 7, about 330 km in total on the map. The route is easy to view on Google Maps.
© RomanM82 · CC BY-SAPhoto: RomanM82, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsWithout stops, you'll spend about four hours. Austrian motorways require a vignette, and the Czech Republic uses an electronic vignette. Buy both online in advance and check the conditions on ASFINAG and edalnice.
If you don't have your own car, it's only worth renting one for a group: the rental cost is split among everyone, and a full tank pays off with several passengers. Compare car rental prices.
- Who it's for: families and groups who want to travel at their own pace.
- Not for: solo travelers on a budget.
- The catch: fuel, vignettes, and parking in Vienna make the trip more expensive than the bus.
Prague to Vienna route on the map
Below is an interactive route map. Zoom in to see stops and detours along the way.
From Prague to Vienna
Places on the map
- Prague Starting point, bus, train, car or plane to Vienna
- Vienna End point of the route, about four hours travel
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How long does the trip from Prague to Vienna take?
By bus and train you'll spend about four hours on the road, by car roughly the same without traffic. A flight, including the trip to the airport, will take almost the whole day. Check the carrier's schedule for exact times before you travel.
Which is cheaper, bus or train?
The bus is usually cheaper: RegioJet and FlixBus operate on this route, and tickets booked early cost less than the train. The train is more expensive, but it arrives in the center and doesn't sit in traffic. Compare prices for your specific date on the carriers' websites.
Do I need a vignette for driving?
Yes. Czechia and Austria require a vignette for driving on highways. In Czechia it's electronic; for Austria, buy a sticker or digital vignette from ASFINAG. Buy it before entering a toll section, otherwise you'll get a fine.
Are there direct trains from Prague to Vienna?
Yes, direct trains between the two capitals run several times a day, and some services go without transfers. Schedules change by season, so check the České dráhy or ÖBB website before buying a ticket.
Can I take a night bus or train?
Late evening departures are available for both buses and trains. The trip is short, so a night on the road won't replace a hotel. On the train, book your seat in advance; on the bus, pick a seat closer to the middle of the cabin.
In short: what to book
In short, based on your priorities. If you're watching your budget, take the bus. If you don't want to depend on traffic, choose the train. If you're traveling with a group, a car will work out cheaper.
Tickets for weekends and holidays sell out several days in advance, so book early. Book a Prague-Vienna train.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.