Budapest: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna

While there is no shortage of things to see and do in Vienna itself, there are many nearby towns and cities just waiting to be explored. With the capital of Hungary less than 3 hours away, Budapest day trips from Vienna prove to be popular excursions all year round.

Experience a new culture in a different country when you spend the day exploring Budapest’s cuisine, architecture and famous landmarks—with a professional tour guide leading the way.

Here's what you need to know about Budapest, one of the most exciting day trips from Vienna.

How can you get to Budapest from Vienna?

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is located alongside the Danube River, roughly 250 kilometers southeast of Vienna.

From Vienna to Budapest by car

If you choose to travel from Vienna to Budapest by car, you have a few different routes to choose from, but the simplest one is via the A4 and Route 81. You can expect the drive to take you just over 3 hours, depending on traffic.

From Vienna to Budapest by train

Trains depart for Budapest-Kelenfoeld Station from Wien Hbf Station in Vienna several times a day and provide the quickest way for you to travel between the two cities, with direct train journeys lasting less than 2.5 hours.

From Vienna to Budapest by boat

As both Vienna and Budapest are located on the Danube River, it is possible to travel between the two European cities by boat. Hydrofoils once made it very easy to travel by boat, but these vessels are no longer available. However, you can still book a cruise up the Danube to visit Budapest.

Guided tour to Budapest from Vienna

Allow a professional tour guide to handle your transfers and travel arrangements with a guided tour to Budapest from Vienna—allowing you to relax and soak up the experience. Budapest day trips are typically full-day excursions, lasting around 12 hours including travel time.

What is the typical itinerary in Budapest?

While each Budapest day trip itinerary is slightly different, most excursions begin with a complimentary pickup from your hotel in Vienna. Once you have been introduced to your guide, you’ll make your way to Budapest typically by private shuttle.

Once in the Hungarian capital, you’ll be shown some of the city’s most famous sites, including the Castle District, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastian and many others.

Once you have built up an appetite, you’ll stop for a traditional Hungarian lunch (usually at your own expense). You’re also given some free time to explore the city, relax and take photos before you are taken back to Vienna.

What kinds of tours can you take to Budapest?

When booking a Budapest day trip from Vienna, you have plenty of different options to choose from, including private tours, group tours, multi-day trips and cruises!

Guided tours to Budapest from Vienna

Join a group of like-minded travelers on a fun-filled guided excursion from Vienna to Budapest. As there’ll be other people on the tour, this is the perfect opportunity to make new friends from around the world as you explore the Hungarian capital with your tour guide.

If traveling in a big group does not appeal to you, you could also look out for small-group tours, which are limited to a certain number of people.

Private tour to Budapest from Vienna

Make the most of your time in Budapest by booking a private tour that is customized to your group’s needs. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask your guide questions and spend more at the sites that pique your interest the most.

There are many different types of private tours available, and in most cases you can personalize the itinerary to suit your preferences.

Day trip to Budapest plus Bratislava from Vienna

See 3 European capitals in just one day when you book a Budapest day trip from Vienna that includes a stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Get a feel for the different cultures across these 3 countries as your guide provides you with fascinating information and commentary.  

As Bratislava is on the way to Vienna, stopping in the Slovakian capital does not add to your travel time.

Cruise to Budapest from Vienna

Treat yourself to a 4-day cruise up the Danube River and enjoy the sights and smells of the Hungarian countryside. When you reach Budapest, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city. You’ll also stop in Bratislava and Visegrad along the way.

See more of central Europe and enjoy delicious meals and live entertainment onboard the cruise ship.

What's the price for a day trip to Budapest from Vienna?

Basic guided day trips to Budapest from Vienna usually cost US$140 per person for a group excursion, with small-group tours usually costing closer to US$250 per person for a more personal experience.

Private Budapest day trips can range in price depending on the tour inclusions and the number of people on the tour, but you can expect to pay anywhere between US$250 and US$500 per person

Cruises from Vienna to Budapest typically cost around US$400 per person, but can also vary from cruise to cruise and which cabin you choose. Cruises are inclusive of all meals and guided tours.

What will you see and do in Budapest?

Budapest is a vibrant European city with many exciting things to see and do. The city is known for being one of Europe’s most peaceful and beautiful capitals, filled with breathtaking architecture around every corner.

Some of the places that you can expect to visit during your Budapest day trip include Buda Castle, the Budapest Opera House, the Hungarian Parliament Building and other local attractions.

Buda Castle

Located in Budapest’s historic castle district, Buda Castle was built in 1265 and received an updated look in 1769. Walk through the well-kept castle grounds and admire this beautiful structure, which once served as Hungary’s royal palace.

Budapest Opera House

Budapest has a long and rich history when it comes to opera, and visiting the Hungarian State Opera is a must. Even if you have not booked to watch a show, you can still visit the cafe and the souvenir shop and admire the impressive opera house from the outside.

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Budapest’s most famous attractions because of the building’s architectural beauty and massive size. The parliament building is the third largest national assembly in the world and has a visitor’s center, which displays a variety of artifacts.

Heroes’ Square

As one of Hungary’s largest public squares, Heroes’ Square is a popular landmark for both locals and visitors. The square is most famous for its Millennium Monument, which features seven important Magyar chieftains.

Fisherman’s Bastion

Located near Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a fortress that offers incredible panoramic views over the city. Known for its many intricate spires and turrets, the fortress is the perfect place to relax as you soak up the views of the Danube River.

When's the best time of year to visit Budapest?

Every season has its charm. The summer months of July and August can be crowded, but they also offer various cultural events and festivals. Winter (December to February) in Budapest can be cold, but festive decorations and thermal baths are amazing.

If you don't like too hot or too cold weather, the best time to join a day trip to Budapest from Vienna would be spring and fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Starting the tour in the morning it's ideal for exploring the city's attractions.

Are there any tours to Budapest from other cities?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities:

• Day Trips to Budapest from Bratislava

Travel tips

• If you are traveling from Austria to Hungary, make sure you have a valid passport to cross the boarder.
• It's advisable to have both Hungarian Forint and Euros on hand for your journey, as some shops may prefer cash or may not accept cards.
• English is widely spoken in Budapest's tourist areas, hotels and restaurants, so communication will not be a problem. However, learning a few basic Hungarian expressions will help and will be appreciated by the locals.
• Try traditional dishes like goulash, langos (fried dough), chimney cake, and Hungarian wines.