Your driver will meet you at your address in Budapest.
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 30 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Vienna.
A car trip from Budapest to Vienna isn’t just the best way to travel between two of the most beautiful capital cities in Central Europe. The ride can be just as exciting as the cities themselves when you add fascinating sightseeing stops along the way. When you do, traveling between these cities turns into a magical journey of discovery through Hungary and Austria that will become an unforgettable part of your holiday, not just a car ride. Enhanced by a private driver with local knowledge and the possibility to personalize your journey, you can discover Central Europe at your own pace in comfort.
Rather than driving yourself, with Daytrip’s door-to-door service, your private driver will meet you directly at the pick-up location of your choosing in Budapest, ensuring a stress-free beginning to your journey, avoiding any hassle of carrying heavy luggage around and navigating through a busy city.
Budapest's fairytale-esque architecture and trendy vibe fades away to reveal calmer and more natural landscapes. While the route is primarily highway-driven, you will be treated to views of the surrounding sleepy countryside and lush green fields. Relax and enjoy the comforts of your clean and modern vehicle; climate control ensures that whatever the weather you will be comfortable and complimentary water will keep you hydrated.
With Daytrip, you can add interesting sightseeing stops to your itinerary. Whether you want to stop off and explore another magnificent city such as Gyor, Esztergom, or Bratislava, discover an enchanting historical monument such as Lichtenstein Castle, or shop ‘til you drop at the Parndorf Outlet, our handpicked recommendations offer something for everyone. If you are interested in alternative stops to those we offer on our website, feel free to use our custom route form to create the journey of your dreams! Your journey will be enhanced by your knowledgeable driver, who will offer you local tips and stories to make the most of your itinerary.
As you enter Vienna, magnificent Baroque monuments will reveal themselves at every turn. Your driver will expertly navigate the complex streets of Vienna and arrive at your chosen drop-off point, after which a city full of history and culture awaits you.
By choosing to travel by private car service from Budapest to Vienna, you're treating yourself to the most convenient, relaxing, and flexible transportation option. Not only will you get to your destination quicker and with less hassle than taking the bus or train, but you will also have the opportunity to turn your trip into part of your holiday with sightseeing stops that allow you to discover more of Central Europe.
Vienna, Austria’s capital and largest city, oozes culture and history. Exploring its historic center you’re surrounded by breathtaking architecture, awe-inspiring art, a magnificent musical history, and culinary delights.
Vienna owes its cultural charm to its status as the capital of the Habsburg Empire in the 17th Century. This established Vienna as the cultural capital of Europe, with an array of famous creatives calling it home, including artist Gustav Klimt and composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to name a few of the many creative individuals who shaped the city into the cultural and artistic center it is today.
The history of Vienna is found in its fine architecture everywhere you look. Discover three opulent palaces, an array of cultural institutions such as museums and art galleries at MuseumsQuartier, and the magnificent Vienna Opera House where you can catch a classic Mozart concert. Old meets new here, where iconic, century-old cafes, lovingly described as ‘living rooms’ of the Viennese, share the street with modern cafes and restaurants serving contemporary twists on classic Viennese recipes. While meat dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel are most popular, you can also find cuisine from around the world as well as locally made craft beer at places like the famous Naschmarkt food market.
Located on the Danube, one of Europe’s most important rivers, a stroll along the waterfront, or boat ride is a magical way to see the city’s many scenic panoramas and architectural wonders. Some will even take you farther afield into the surrounding hills filled with vineyards. This wine country makes for a great day trip where you can sip local varieties while taking in stunning views of the city.
With so much culture, history, and a never-ending array of activities to do and sites to see, it is no wonder that Vienna regularly tops liveability rankings for worldwide cities and is a top tourist destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a culturally vibrant and historically impressive city.
Traveling from Budapest to Vienna is a journey from one magnificent capital city to another. To ensure you make the most of your journey, please consider these important travel tips for your car trip:
Make sure that you choose a provider such as Daytrip, that guarantees comfortable, modern cars and professional, experienced drivers with local knowledge that speak English. This ensures that your journey will go smoothly and stress-free.
While your driver is not a professional tour guide, they will be willing to share with you some local tips and information about the area, turning your trip into a fascinating experience and allowing you to make the most out of your journey.
The route from Budapest to Vienna is lined with fascinating places you may wish to consider adding to your itinerary. From the stunning city of Esztergom to the historical landmark of Liechtenstein Castle, turn your transfer from a simple journey to an adventurous experience! We recommend you add these sightseeing stops to your itinerary well in advance to guarantee they would be possible, as your driver may not have time for last-minute additions on the day of your trip. If there is somewhere you would like to stop that is not listed on our website, please create your itinerary on our custom route form and you will be provided with a quote.
While the most direct ride from Budapest to Vienna is primarily highway-driven, you can tailor your trip to be more scenic. Whether you desire to drive along the serene Danube River, through a vibrant city, or through peaceful countryside roads, please let us know, and we can assist you with arranging this for an additional charge. Please note you would need to contact us in advance of your trip to ensure this would be possible.
Planning how to get from bustling Budapest to the cultural capital of Vienna is a key part of your travel experience, with many different transport options available. Choosing a private car service is ultimately the best way, being the most convenient and flexible, saving you time and energy for exploring Vienna!
The car trip from Budapest to Vienna is approximately 152 miles (245 kilometers) and takes around 2.5 hours. The journey time can vary depending on factors, such as traffic, especially during the high season. While convenient, driving a rental car in Budapest and Vienna can be difficult and expensive, especially when navigating the complex city streets and finding scarce parking spots.
Direct trains run regularly between Budapest and Vienna and take between 3-3.5 hours. Tickets cost 40 EUR (50 USD) on average. When weighing the time and cost, remember you also have to get to and from the train station, and the trains can be busy so you have to handle your luggage in a crowded and stressful environment.
There are multiple direct buses from Budapest to Vienna daily. The bus trip takes around 3 hours and tickets cost 26 EUR (29 USD) on average. There is additional travel time and cost in getting to and from the bus station, as well as the hassle of lugging your luggage around busy terminals.
Another public transportation option is to travel by airplane which takes just 45 minutes. While the quickest option at first glance, you have to consider that you should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flights, and since both airports are not in the city center, there’s additional time and cost getting to and from the airport. Flying is also more expensive, and you miss the chance to take sightseeing stops along the way and discover more of Hungary and Austria.
Using a car service with a private driver is the best way to get from Budapest to Vienna. Daytrip offers door-to-door service, so you will be picked up directly at the pick-up point of your choosing in Budapest and be dropped off at wherever you want in Vienna. You’re ensured a relaxing experience, free from worry about handling your heavy luggage, planning your trip around public transportation and navigating around a complex city. Private transfers can be scheduled at any time of the day, ensuring you have the opportunity to see all of Budapest before heading off to discover Vienna.
With private transfers, you have the benefit of being able to fully customize your trip. You can choose the type of vehicle you travel in, from traveling in style in a luxury sedan to a spacious and comfortable van. You also have the option to add sightseeing stops, turning your trip into an exciting sightseeing journey. Whether you are looking to discover another historical city such as Gyor, Esztergom, or Bratislava, or even just to stop off at a local cafe and enjoy a slice of apple strudel, with private transfers, it is possible to take advantage of the route and discover some hidden gems of Central Europe otherwise not possible with a direct bus or train.
Traveling by private car also allows you the benefit of having an experienced driver who will be able to bestow local knowledge to you about the area. The route from Budapest to Vienna, although primarily highway driven, is surrounded with luscious green fields, picturesque villages, and nearby cities perfect for a sightseeing stop, and so with your private driver, you will be able to experience the region from the eyes of a local.
While there are many transportation options to choose from, the best way is to take a private car service, where the door-to-door service, stress-free luggage handling, and customizable aspects allow you to relax and immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Central Europe.
Arriving in Vienna you will discover a city brimming with culture, creativity, and history. Take a walk through the city’s bountiful Baroque streets and you will be inspired by the breathtaking architecture and diverse array of activities and sites to discover.
Start at Stephansplatz, located in the heart of the city where you will find the magnificent Stephansdom (St. Stephan’s Cathedral) with its Gothic architecture towering proudly over the city. Here you can take the elevator (or climb its 343 steps if you are feeling energetic!) to the top for awe-inspiring views.
Stepping back onto the iconic Stephansplatz, spend some time here exploring the plentiful shops, restaurants, and cafes of Vienna’s historic center. Vienna is famous for its coffeehouse culture which is included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visit one of the many opulent cafes to taste the legendary Sacher Torte, an indulgent chocolate cake filled with apricot jam.
Foodies will find an abundance of other culinary delights to discover here, including the famous Wiener schnitzel, a breaded and fried veal cutlet that is a hearty meal, or the comforting Apple Strudel, a sweet pastry filled with apples that is the perfect snack after some sightseeing.
History buffs will be enthralled by the many museums to explore, nowhere more so than The MuseumsQuartier, which is one of the largest districts for art and culture in the world! Just a few steps away you will find Kunsthistorisches Museum, the legendary national history museum which houses one of the largest collections of artifacts in the country. Venture to the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn palace and marvel at the Baroque interior, its surrounding flower-filled garden, and the oldest zoo in the world, Tiergarten Zoo, one of only 27 zoos in the world where you can see the endangered giant panda.
While Vienna as a city is a masterpiece in itself, there are many art collections to discover, including the Belvedere Palace, which exhibits the world’s largest Gustav Klimt collection, including Klimt’s most famous painting, ‘The Kiss’, as well as paintings by Van Gogh and Monet.
For scenic views, being situated on the tranquil Danube River offers the opportunity to take a charming boat tour, where you can admire the city from a different perspective. Arguably the best views can be seen from the Donauturm Tower, standing an impressive 588 feet (170 meters) high. Most picturesque at sunset, enjoy a unique dining experience at the rotating restaurant while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Esztergom sits on the bank of the River Danube on the border with Slovakia and is the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary The cradle of Hungary
The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey built in 996 is one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cultural and historic delight
Situated half-way between Vienna and the Hungarian capital, Gyor is the richest town in terms of historic buildings outside of Budapest. A historic Hungarian treasure-trove
Today’s exciting and dynamic capital of Slovakia is steeped in the history and influence of the Romans, the Celts, and the Slavs and is well-known for its role in Jewish history A city that feels like a town
Over 100 designer labels discounted up to 70% await in one of Austria's best and biggest designer outlets, the McArthurGlen Parndorf. Shop ‘til you drop!
Constructed by the Liechtenstein dynasty’s founder around 1130, the castle passed into the hands of other nobility and was only reacquired by the dynasty in 1807. Ancestral seat of Liechtenstein Princes
“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“We needed a ride from Budapest to Vienna. It was a last-minute booking and Daytrip was amazing. Very responsive and delivered what they promised. Our Driver, Pavol, was great. He picked us up at our hotel in Budapest and dropped us off at the hotel in Vienna - it was a smooth trip. I would recommend Daytrip to everyone.”
558alenac
Oct 29, 2023“My Family and In used Daytrip from Vienna to Budapest with a stop along the way. The driver was very puntual and profesional in his attitude. He had water for all of us, the car was clean, smelled neutral, and all seat belts worked properly.”
carlosfG1163LV
Aug 14, 2023“I went with Jana from Budapest to Vienna, she was wonderful, very helpful, on time, courteous and gave me tips on places to see in Vienna. Dropped at the door of my hotel, much easier than navigating a strange city alone with a suitcase. I would use my day trip again.”
Inspire25862870475
Aug 10, 2023All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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