Kristina Vankova
Prague to Vienna is one of the most-traveled short-hop routes in Central Europe — 330 km through Moravia and Lower Austria. You have four realistic options: train, bus, car, or (rarely) short flight. This is the honest comparison for 2026.
Quick answer
- Best overall: RegioJet train (~4h, €19-39, wifi, coffee included).
- Cheapest: RegioJet or FlixBus bus (~4.5h, €15-29).
- Most comfortable: ÖBB Railjet first class (~4h, €59-89).
- Fastest door-to-door: Car (~3.5h) if you’re already renting; otherwise train wins.
- Not recommended: Flying (2 short flights, 4h+ airport time, more expensive than train).
Train
RegioJet — the best-value train
Czech private operator. Direct trains Prague hl. n. → Wien Hbf multiple times daily, 4h 5min. €19-39 depending on how early you book. Included: WiFi, coffee/tea, water, sometimes a snack. Second class is comfortable; first (“Business”) gets you a wider seat and full meal.
Book at regiojet.com — the same-day price is 2-3x the advance-purchase price.
ÖBB Railjet — the reliable premium option
Austrian federal railways. Direct Prague hl. n. → Wien Hbf, 4h 15min. €29-59 second class, €59-89 first. Uses ÖBB’s newer trains, very smooth, good on-board catering.
Book at oebb.at. Sparen (advance) fares are the cheap ones; buy 30+ days out for best prices.
Practical train tips
- Both operators run several trains per day. Aim for the 07:00-10:00 departures to arrive in Vienna in time for lunch and a full afternoon.
- Prague hl. n. has a proper station lounge for RegioJet Business ticket holders.
- Bring your own water and snacks anyway — Central European train catering is functional but not exciting.
- Passports aren’t checked (Schengen), but bring them.
Bus
RegioJet and FlixBus both run comfortable, modern coaches Prague → Vienna. 4h 30min to 5h. €12-29. Onboard: WiFi, USB charging, sometimes seatback screens (RegioJet).
Departures from Prague’s Florenc bus station (metro line B or C). Vienna arrival at Erdberg or VIB.
When to pick bus over train: if you’re on a tight budget or all the reasonable train times are sold out.
Car
~3.5 hours via D1 (Czech) → A5 (Austrian) motorway. €40-60 fuel + tolls.
Practical car tips
- You need a Czech vignette (€10 for 10 days) — buy at any petrol station.
- You need an Austrian vignette (€10 for 10 days) — buy at Czech-Austrian border petrol stations.
- Speed limits enforced by camera on both sides. Austria strict; €20-500+ fines.
- Parking in Vienna Innere Stadt is expensive (~€3.50/hour) and hard to find. Use a hotel with parking or a Park & Ride at a U-Bahn terminus.
What to see if you combine both cities
Classic itinerary: 3-4 nights Prague, direct train to Vienna, 3-4 nights Vienna. Continue to Budapest for a full week if you have time. See our Prague vs Vienna vs Budapest comparison for what makes each city different.
Gear for the trip
- Osprey Farpoint 40 travel backpack — carry-on sized, avoids checked-bag hassle.
- Anker 313 wall charger with USB-C — Central European sockets, USB-C for laptop.
- Zero Grid RFID travel wallet — cards, cash, tickets in one place.
- Lonely Planet Central Europe — covers Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava in one book.
FAQ
How long is the train from Prague to Vienna?
4 hours to 4h 15min direct. Slower connections with a change at Břeclav exist but aren’t cheaper.
Is there a night train Prague to Vienna?
Yes — ÖBB Nightjet Prague → Vienna → Zagreb runs several nights per week. Great if you want to save a hotel night.
Is Prague to Vienna train scenic?
Moderately — Bohemian and Moravian countryside, hills, small towns. Not spectacular but pleasant. Sit on the left going south for slightly better views.
Do I need a passport?
You should carry it, but as both countries are in Schengen there are no routine border checks. Random spot-checks happen occasionally.
