Vienna to Prague - 12 Best Ways to Travel in 2024

Most people who need to travel between the two capitals opt for the Vienna to Prague train since it offers a comfortable and easy journey. Every day, there are numerous connections to choose from, either direct or with a convenient change in Breclav, on the Austrian-Czech-Slovak border, which is about an hour away from Vienna. The first direct train departs from Vienna at 7:10 in the morning, and the last train departs at 19:10. The journey time from Vienna to Prague by train is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to travel between the two capitals.

Train Tickets from Vienna to Prague
Ticket prices vary depending on when you purchase them. If you plan your trip well in advance, you can pay as little as €15 for a one-way ticket. However, if you buy tickets last minute, the cost for the Vienna to Prague train is €34. You can easily purchase tickets on the official websites of Czech Railways or Austrian Railways. It's recommended to check both websites, as the prices may differ even for the same train connection. Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets at the central train station in Vienna. Once you enter the station, the ticket office is located on the street level, on the right side. If you decide to buy the ticket just before departure, it's advisable to arrive at the train station with some extra time to spare, as you may need to wait in line at the ticket office, especially during peak hours.

In addition to the national Czech and Austrian railway carriers, you can also use the direct Vienna to Prague RegioJet train. This private company offers four daily connections between the capitals, with a travel time similar to other trains, and tickets starting at €12 if purchased in advance. If you choose this option, you can obtain tickets only through the RegioJet website, as the company does not have its own ticket office at Vienna Hauptbahnhof train station.

Train Stations in Vienna and Prague
The central train station in Vienna is conveniently located close to the city center and can be easily reached by public transport. The most convenient option is to take the U1 red metro line and alight at the "Südtiroler Platz-Hauptbahnhof" stop. Upon arrival in Prague, you can also utilize public transport to reach your final destination within the city. Trams, buses, and the red C line of the metro are available options.

The sightseeing transfer is one of the most exciting ways to travel from Vienna to Prague. Not only will you have a hassle-free journey between the two cities, but you will also have the opportunity to visit some fantastic off-the-beaten-path places along the way. The highly-rated Vienna to Prague Transfer Tour takes a full day, but it is time well spent.

Stop 1: Lednice Palace
Departing from Vienna at 9:00 in the morning, your first stop will be shortly after crossing the Austrian-Czech border at Lednice Palace. This breathtaking masterpiece has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site title as one of the best examples of English Gothic architecture in Continental Europe.

Stop 2: Mikulov Wine Region
From there, you'll take a short ride through the picturesque Mikulov Wine Region to your next destination - Znojmo. Along the way, you have the option to stop at one of the local wineries to taste the Moravian wine and learn more about the region's old wine-growing traditions.

Stop 3: Znojmo
Znojmo is one of the oldest and most picturesque places in southern Czech Republic, yet it attracts relatively few tourists. You can leisurely stroll along the cobbled winding lanes of the town. This is also where you will have your lunch break, providing an excellent opportunity to savor delicious Czech cuisine.

Stop 4: Telč
Afterward, you will head to your last stop on this sightseeing transfer from Vienna to Prague - Telč. Telč is another UNESCO-listed site on this trip, known for its beautiful large central square adorned with colorful Renaissance townhouses. Wandering around the charming Old Town of Telč feels like stepping back in time. After a day of attractions and sightseeing, you will arrive in Prague around 19:00, just in time for dinner.

The Vienna to Prague Transfer Tour starts at €85 for the group tour, but you also have the option to book it as a private tour. This is an excellent choice for curious travelers who wish to explore more than just the popular destinations during their Central European trip. Throughout your day trip from Vienna to Prague, you will learn about the region's history, culture, and customs, while witnessing its true beauty along the way. If you are traveling solo, taking the sightseeing transfer can also be a great way to meet like-minded travelers.

Alternatively, you can choose the Vienna to Prague Transfer Tour vie the UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Central Europe, filled with attractions and picturesque corners. Usually, it takes a few hours to reach Cesky Krumlov from either Vienna or Prague. By using the sightseeing transfer, you can save time if visiting this town is on your bucket list (and it should be!). The Vienna to Prague sightseeing transfer is available only as a private tour and can be customized according to your preferences.

With prices and travel times similar to trains, the Vienna to Prague bus is another popular mode of transportation between the cities. There are frequent direct connections available each day, making the trip relatively easy and comfortable. The most popular option is the Vienna to Prague Flixbus, which operates around 15 buses per day between the two capitals. You can purchase tickets on the Flixbus website. Prices start at €15 when purchased in advance and can go up to €40 on the day of departure.

An alternative to Flixbus for traveling from Vienna to Prague is the popular Czech company, Student Agency, which offers four direct connections. Tickets start at €15, and they can be purchased on the Student Agency website.

Bus Stations in Vienna and Prague
The departure points in Vienna vary depending on the company. Flixbus leaves from the bus station at Erdbergstrasse, which is a bit away from the city center but easily reachable by metro (U3 orange metro line, station "Erdberg"). Student Agency buses depart from a location right next to the central train station. Both companies arrive at the Florenc bus station in central Prague, conveniently located on the red C metro line (station "Florenc").

Vienna to Prague Airport
It is also possible to take a bus directly from Vienna Airport to Prague. There are two connections per day operated by Flixbus, with prices starting at €20 and a travel time of approximately 5 hours. Currently, there is no direct bus from Vienna to Prague Airport; you would need to travel to Prague city center first and then take a bus, taxi, or transfer to Vaclav Havel Airport.

If you are a fan of flying or have extra miles to spare, you have the option to take a direct Vienna to Prague flight. There are three daily flights available in the late morning, afternoon, and evening, with a flight time of approximately 50 minutes. All flights are operated by Austrian Airlines, and prices start at €130 for a one-way ticket when purchased well in advance. You can conveniently purchase the ticket directly on the Austrian Airlines website.

However, considering the short distance of only 300 km between the capitals, taking a flight from Vienna to Prague may not be the most practical alternative compared to other modes of transportation. This is especially true when you factor in the time required to travel to and from the airports and the waiting time in security lines. Nevertheless, if you prefer to travel by plane, it is possible to fly from one city to another.

If you are traveling on a tight schedule and wish to avoid navigating busy train stations, you have the option of choosing a private transfer from Vienna to Prague. This is a slightly more expensive option, with prices starting at around €300 per car, but it allows you to plan the trip according to your specific needs. If you share the transfer with friends or family, the price per person can be reduced.

Another possibility is to opt for a private version of the sightseeing transfer from Vienna to Prague, where your trip can be tailor-made to include visits to beautiful places along the way such as Lednice Palace, the Mikulov Wine Region, Znojmo, and Telc.

If you are an avid cyclist, you have the option to travel from Vienna to Prague by cycling the route. It is recommended to allocate at least five days for this journey, as it covers a distance of approximately 400 km and includes 4590 meters of ascent. However, you can also take detours to explore more scenic routes or visit interesting places along the way.

The Vienna to Prague cycle route is part of the Greenways trail, which is one of the oldest and most popular bike trails in Central Europe. This trail provides a well-established infrastructure, making the biking experience from Vienna to Prague more convenient. Alternatively, you can consider joining an organized Vienna to Prague bike tour, as numerous companies offer this option. By choosing a guided tour, you can alleviate concerns regarding the practical aspects of the trip.

This option is slightly more expensive due to the additional cost of returning the car to a different location. However, renting a car can be a good choice if you desire complete control over your Vienna to Prague road trip. The distance between the cities is less than 300 km, so you can drive it in approximately 4 hours.

However, you can also take the whole day to travel and make stops at interesting places along the way, as there are many options to choose from. If you are considering a Vienna to Prague road trip, it is worth considering the sightseeing transfer instead. With the sightseeing transfer, you can also visit some of the highlights of the Czech Republic, and the overall cost of such a trip will be significantly lower.

If you're up for a walking adventure and have some free time, you can embark on a journey from Vienna to Prague on foot. While this might seem like an unconventional idea, it can be appealing to certain travelers. All you need are comfortable shoes, a positive mindset, and a cheerful demeanor. It's also beneficial to be in good physical shape, as parts of the journey can be hilly.

Walking from Vienna to Prague allows you to truly experience the authentic essence of both Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as discover some off-the-beaten-path destinations along the way. It's important to note that this journey typically takes at least two weeks, but the duration ultimately depends on the specific places you choose to visit and the amount of time you spend in each location.

A popular option for last-minute travel in Europe is car sharing. There are websites that connect drivers with passengers, where you can search for available rides. The most popular car sharing platform is BlaBlaCar. Once you sign up, you can browse through the available offers and connect with a driver. After arranging the details, you're ready to go.

The standard price for a Vienna to Prague car-sharing trip is around €15, although the driver has the discretion to set their own price. It's best to check for car-sharing offers shortly before your departure, as rides often appear in the system at the last minute, even on the day of travel. It's important to note that car sharing may not always be the most convenient option, as sometimes you may need to travel to a specific location to meet your driver, which can make your journey longer and slightly more complicated.

Adventurous travelers may consider hitchhiking from Vienna to Prague. This is a well-traveled route, and hitchhiking from Austria to the Czech Republic is generally safe. However, it's important to be aware that you may need to split the trip into two parts, with a stop in Brno. If you're fortunate, you might find a driver willing to take you all the way to Prague. The recommended spot for hitchhiking from Vienna towards the Czech Republic is the Stammersdorf suburb, which is easily accessible by tram.

When visiting the capital of Austria, if you have an extra day in your itinerary, you can consider taking a day trip from Vienna to Prague. It will be a long journey, taking at least 12 hours round trip, but it offers the opportunity to explore spectacular monuments and beautiful architecture. You can walk across the famous Charles Bridge, visit Hradcany Castle, admire the renowned Astronomical Clock, and indulge in traditional Czech cuisine like svíčková na smetaně. These are just a few of the attractions you can experience on your Vienna to Prague tour. For your day trip, you can choose between an organized tour or public transport.

If Prague is your next destination after Vienna, you can make the most of your journey between the cities by exploring some amazing places along the way. The sightseeing transfer we discussed earlier is the best and easiest way to do this. You will be picked up from central Vienna and dropped off in central Prague, with stops at Lednice Palace, Mikulov Wine Region, Znojmo, and Telc in between. This allows you to enjoy the beauty and history of these locations during your transfer.

This is a luxurious option for traveling from Vienna to Prague. If you're willing to splurge, you can charter a plane for this trip. The flying time by private jet from Vienna to Prague is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, when factoring in the additional time required for getting to and from the airport, the overall journey time is comparable to other alternatives from Vienna to Prague. Nevertheless, it's an option worth considering if you prioritize comfort and a touch of luxury.