The distance from Prague to Vienna is 333 km. The ÖBB Railjet train and RegioJet bus are both excellent options, with similar journey times. The train is more comfortable with a restaurant car and more legroom; the bus is cheaper and includes free hot drinks on RegioJet. Book ÖBB 'Sparschiene' fares from €15, or grab a RegioJet seat from €10. Brno, the capital of Moravia, is a worthy stop roughly midway — its underground catacombs, vibrant café scene, and Špilberk Castle are underrated gems.
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train | 4h–4h 15m | €15–€60 | Most travelers — comfortable and reasonably priced |
| 🚌 Bus | 4h–4h 30m | €10–€22 | Budget travelers — the bus is almost as fast as the train and much cheaper |
| 🚗 Drive | 3h 30m–4h | €40–€55 (fuel + Czech vignette + Austrian vignette) | Groups or those continuing a Central European road trip |
The best option depends on your priorities — read the detailed breakdown below.
Duration: 4h–4h 15m | Cost: €15–€60
Duration: 4h–4h 30m | Cost: €10–€22
Duration: 3h 30m–4h | Cost: €40–€55 (fuel + Czech vignette + Austrian vignette)
The ÖBB Railjet train and RegioJet bus are both excellent options, with similar journey times. The train is more comfortable with a restaurant car and more legroom; the bus is cheaper and includes free hot drinks on RegioJet. Book ÖBB 'Sparschiene' fares from €15, or grab a RegioJet seat from €10. Brno, the capital of Moravia, is a worthy stop roughly midway — its underground catacombs, vibrant café scene, and Špilberk Castle are underrated gems.
Prague and Vienna are two of Central Europe's most magnificent cities, both former Habsburg capitals with extraordinary architectural heritage. Prague's Gothic and Baroque spires contrast with Vienna's imperial grandeur, and traveling between them takes you through Moravia — the Czech Republic's wine-producing region and a landscape of gentle hills, vineyards, and castles.
The competition between RegioJet (a Czech private rail/bus company) and ÖBB (Austrian Railways) has been a boon for travelers on this route. RegioJet's bright yellow buses and trains offer remarkably good service at budget prices, including free hot drinks, entertainment systems, and even a steward in first class. ÖBB's Railjet counters with speed and the comfort of a proper railway dining car.
Brno, the Czech Republic's second city, sits almost exactly between Prague and Vienna. It's often overlooked by tourists but has a fascinating underground ossuary (the second-largest in Europe after Paris), excellent craft beer bars, and the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat — a masterpiece of modernist architecture that's worth the side trip alone.
ÖBB Railjet is more comfortable (proper train with restaurant car). RegioJet is cheaper and includes free drinks. Both take about 4 hours. Choose based on budget and comfort preference.
Yes. Czech e-vignette (~€12 for 10 days at edalnice.cz) and Austrian Vignette (~€9.90 for 10 days at asfinag.at). Buy both online before your trip.
Absolutely. Brno has the second-largest ossuary in Europe, Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO), excellent Czech craft beer, Špilberk Castle, and a youthful energy from its large student population. It deserves at least half a day.
Czech Koruna (CZK). ATMs are widely available but avoid currency exchange booths in tourist areas — they often have terrible rates. Vienna uses the Euro (EUR).
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
Free download. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.