Best Ways to Travel Between Prague and Vienna: Complete Guide 2025

Prague and Vienna, two iconic cities steeped in history and charm, are must-visit destinations in Central Europe. Luckily, traveling between them is easy, with various options to suit your style, schedule, and budget. As a local, I know all the best ways to get from one city to the other, whether you prefer a scenic train ride, a quick flight, or a guided tour with sightseeing stops. My guide will help you plan your journey with ease.

Guided Transfers with Sightseeing: A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Adventure

💰from €75 per person ⏳ 8–10 hours

I’ll start with my favorite option because you’re probably already familiar with the more traditional choices. Instead of spending a travel day just getting from one city to another, why not turn it into an adventure filled with unforgettable experiences?

With guided transfers, you’ll travel in a comfortable van or private car while making scenic stops along the way. Most tours include UNESCO-listed sites, charming small towns, and stunning palaces. These experience-packed transfers, run by Sidetrip, allow you to explore fascinating places you’d miss if traveling by train, bus, or plane.

Route Options: Prague ⇄ Vienna

Option 1: Three Sightseeing Stops

Kutná Hora – Visit the famous and fascinating Sedlec Ossuary, known as the “Bone Church.”
Brno or Mikulov – Explore Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city. Private tour? Opt for Mikulov, a charming wine town with a beautiful castle. Or, swap city sightseeing for a wine tasting at the renowned Jaroslav Springer winery whose wine is served in Michelin Star restaurants across Europe.
Lednice Palace – Stroll through its stunning gardens and visit the tropical greenhouse.

➡️ Details and booking here: Prague to Vienna One-Way Transfer Tour

Option 2: One Sightseeing Stop

Český Krumlov – Often considered the second most beautiful town in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov enchants visitors with medieval streets, breathtaking viewpoints, and a majestic castle complex. Stroll through its historic castle courtyards, take in panoramic views of the town, and feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. A one-stop itinerary gives you extra time to soak in the magic of this UNESCO-listed town.

➡️ Details and booking here: Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov Private Transfer Tour

Route Options: Vienna ⇄ Prague

Option 1: Three Sightseeing Stops

Lednice Palace – As mentioned above, this magnificent palace with its lush gardens and tropical greenhouse is a must-see gem of South Moravia.
Znojmo – A charming historic town in South Moravia, known for its medieval architecture, underground labyrinth, and excellent local wine culture.
Telč – A UNESCO-listed gem with a picturesque Renaissance square famous for its pastel-colored buildings and an impressive château.

➡️ Details and booking here: Vienna to Prague One-Way Transfer Tour

Option 2: One Sightseeing Stop

Český Krumlov – Just like on the Prague-to-Vienna route, Český Krumlov offers charming medieval streets, breathtaking viewpoints, and a stunning castle complex. Take a leisurely stroll through its historic castle courtyards and soak in the magical atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed town.

➡️ Details and booking here: Vienna to Prague via Cesky Krumlov Private Transfer Tour

What’s Included?

✅ Comfortable transport between Prague and Vienna (or vice versa)
✅ Guided sightseeing stops from knowledgeable guides at top destinations
✅ Small group or private options for a personalized experience

Why Choose This?

It’s perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their journey and discover hidden gems without the hassle of organizing separate tours. Private tours also include hotel to hotel service, which is just perfect for moving around Central Europe with all your luggage.

How to Book

➡️ Book your tour on Sidetrip.

This is the best way to explore Central Europe while making your trip unforgettable!

By Train: The Comfortable and Scenic Option

💰 from €18 per person if you book early ⏳ about 4 hours

Traveling by train is one of the most popular ways to go between Prague and Vienna. With a travel time of about 4 hours, direct trains operated by RegioJet, České dráhy and ÖBB offer convenience and comfort.

Personally, whenever I have the option to travel with RegioJet, I always go for it. Their trains are comfortable, and you can choose from a range of classes to suit your budget – from budget-friendly to business.

Honestly, why do I always pick RegioJet? I’m in love with their onboard menu! Breakfast, soups, hot meals, sushi, excellent beer, and wine. Everything is available at absolutely ridiculously low prices. So, forget about packing snacks.

Why Choose the Train?

✅ Comfort: Spacious seating and the ability to move around.
✅ Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Czech and Austrian countryside.
✅ Convenience: Both stations, Prague’s Hlavní nádraží, Vienna Hauptbahnhof, are centrally located.

How to Book

➡️ Book your tickets on RegioJet, České dráhy or ÖBB.

Prices vary depending on the travel class and how early you book.

Insider Tip: Reserve your seats in advance, especially during peak seasons, for the best prices and availability.

By Bus: The Budget-Friendly Choice

💰 from €11 per person if you book early ⏳ about 4 to 5 hours

For travellers looking to save money, buses are an excellent choice. The journey typically takes about 4-5 hours, and buses like FlixBus and RegioJet offer frequent services departing basically every hour.

When it comes to buses, I have to repeat myself, RegioJet is still my favorite choice. That said, FlixBus is also a great option, and I use it frequently. If you book your ticket well in advance, you can snag a ride to Vienna for as little as €11. Plus, on this route, FlixBus tends to be a bit faster.

What to Expect:

✅ Affordable tickets with fares starting as low as €11.
✅ Modern buses with amenities such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, toilet and small refreshments.
✅ Stops at convenient locations in both cities.

How to Book:

➡️ Book your tickets on FlixBus or RegioJet.

Tip: Pack a travel pillow for a more comfortable ride on longer journeys.

By Plane: The Fast Option?

💰 starting at €155 per person if you book early ⏳ about 55 minutes

Flying between Prague and Vienna may seem like the quickest option, with flight times of just 55 minutes. However, when factoring in airport transfers and security checks, the overall travel time is often comparable to trains or buses.

If flying is still your preference, for example, if you have a connecting flight through Vienna, why not? Austrian Airlines operates a direct route between Prague and Vienna, making it a convenient option for air travelers.

A budget-friendly flight with low-cost airlines and a layover is an option, though less practical. Unless you want to explore the layover city. Check Kiwi.com for connections from Prague to Vienna or the other way via Rome, London or even Tirana in Albania, with fares from €45.

Details to Know:

✅ Direct flights are available from Austrian Airlines.
✅ Airports: Václav Havel Airport in Prague and Vienna International Airport are both well-connected to city centers.

Booking Tips:

✅ Compare prices on Kiwi.
✅ Flights tend to be much more expensive than trains or buses, especially with last-minute bookings.

Private Transfers: The Hassle-Free Luxury Option

💰 starting at €65 per person ⏳ about 3.5 h

Private transfers provide a seamless door-to-door experience, perfect for families, groups, or travelers with extra luggage. While they cost more, they provide maximum comfort and flexibility.

Considering airport transfers and security checks wait times, a private transfer is the fastest way to travel between Prague and Vienna.

A great option is Daytrip, which offers hotel-to-hotel service at reasonable prices. You can travel directly or plan unguided stops to explore interesting sights along the way.

What You Get:

✅ Direct transport from your Prague hotel to your Vienna accommodation.
✅ Privacy, luggage assistance, and the ability to customize stops.

How to Book:

➡️ transfers from Prague to Vienna
➡️ transfers from Vienna to Prague

Renting a Car: Driving Yourself for Maximum Flexibility

💰 starting at €420 per small car ⏳ about 3.5 h + renting and returning time

If you prefer flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is a great option. The distance between Prague and Vienna is about 205 miles (330 km), and the drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.

Major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget operate in both cities, allowing for a one-way rental, though this usually comes with an additional fee. You can easily compare prices on Rentalcars.com.

Things to Consider:

• Tolls: Both the Czech Republic and Austria require an electronic vignette for highway driving. Always check if it’s included with your rental.
• Parking: City center parking in both Prague and Vienna is paid and limited. Consider park-and-ride facilities if you won’t need the car in the city.
• Cost: Rental prices start at around €30–€80 per day. Keep in mind all the extra costs. The one-way rental fee alone can be anywhere from €360 to €1,100. Then there’s insurance, extra drivers, driving abroad, child seats or boosters, plus fuel, tolls, and parking. It all adds up!
• Different traffic regulations: Driving in Europe differs from the U.S., and even Czech and Austrian rules vary. Make sure to check local regulations before setting off.

Is Renting a Car Worth It?

In my opinion, renting a car makes sense if you plan to return to your starting city or on a longer road trip across Europe. However, if you only need a simple transfer between Prague and Vienna, avoid the hassle (you’re on a holiday!) and opt for a train or private transfer instead.

Ride-Sharing: A Budget-Friendly Option for Adventurous Travelers

💰 starting at €15 per person ⏳ about 3 h 30 min

For a more budget-friendly and social way to travel, you can use BlaBlaCar, a popular ride-sharing platform. Drivers post available seats for long-distance trips, and passengers can book a ride, often at a much lower cost than trains or buses.

Pros & Cons:
✔ Affordable – Prices typically range from €15 to €23, depending on offer and demand.
✔ Direct routes – No transfers or waiting at stations.
✖ Less control – Departure times and locations depend on the driver.
✖ Availability varies – Not always possible to find a ride at your preferred time.

Rides tend to be more available a week or just a few days before departure, so it’s worth checking regularly.

BlaBlaCar is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and spontaneous way to travel while meeting locals or fellow travelers.

Comparing Your Options: What’s Best for You?

Consider your priorities, whether it’s comfort, speed, or adventure, and pick the journey that suits you best.

Transport	Cost per person from	Duration	Best For
Guided Tour	€75	8–10 hours	Sightseeing and convenience
Train	€18	4 hours	Comfort and speed
Bus	€11	4–5 hours	Budget-conscious travelers
Plane	€155	55 min (+ airport time)	Fast travel
Private Transfer	€65	3.5 hours	Luxury and convenience
Rental Car	€420	3.5 hours (+ renting time)	Flexibility and road trips
Ride Sharing	€15	3.5 hours	Budget and adventurous

Final Tips for Traveling Between Prague and Vienna

✅ Book your tickets and accommodations early for the best deals.
✅ Don’t forget travel insurance for peace of mind.
✅ Pack light and keep your passport or ID handy for cross-border journeys.

Traveling between Prague and Vienna is a breeze, with options to suit every traveler. Whether you prefer the scenic sightseeing transfer, the efficiency of a train, the affordability of a bus, or the ease of a private transfer, there’s a perfect way to connect these two amazing cities. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!

Useful Travel Resources

I want to share and recommend these travel resources that I personally use, as they can be helpful when planning your visit to Prague.

Accommodation: Booking.com has the largest selection of incredible places to stay.

Tours: Getyourguide.com has the widest selection of guided tours and experiences from various providers, conveniently sortable by rating.

Getting around: PID Lítačka mobile app lets you buy public transportation tickets and plan your journey easily.

Last article update: February 25, 2025

Author and photo: Vera Nemochovska