Exploring Austria And Bratislava By Train And Foot

Travelling between Vienna and Bratislava is simple and fast, and there are several ways to do it. The two European capitals are only around 50 miles apart, so flying is not an option. You can, however, take a train, bus, car, boat, or bicycle.

The train from Vienna to Bratislava is the most popular option and takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes. Trains depart hourly for most of the day and tickets cost between 10 and 16 euros.

Travel by train from Vienna to Bratislava

There are several ways to travel from Vienna to Bratislava, but one of the most popular options is by train. The two cities are only around 50-55 miles apart, so the train is a quick and convenient choice.

Tickets

You can buy your train tickets online or over the counter at the station before you depart. Tickets range from $12.11 to $40 depending on seat class and when you buy them. You can also get weekly and monthly tickets for the Vienna-Bratislava route if you're a frequent traveller.

Timetables

Trains run regularly throughout the day, with around 13 trains travelling from Vienna to Bratislava every day of the week. Direct trains run throughout the day, with services running between 5:16 a.m. and 8:42 p.m. The journey takes just over an hour on average, with the fastest journey time being 1 hour and 9 minutes.

Train Operators

All trains to Bratislava from Vienna are operated by ÖBB, and you can also travel in style with RegioJet trains, which offer six types of travel classes with different levels of comfort.

Stations

In Vienna, the central station is called Wien Hauptbahnhof, and in Bratislava, the central station is called Bratislava - Hlavná Stanica, often shortened to Bratislava-Hl. st. There are also two other stations in Bratislava: Bratislava Petrzalka and Bratislava Hlavna Stanica (Main Central Train Station).

Onboard Services

Onboard services vary depending on the train operator and travel class. Generally, all trains are equipped with comfortable seats, and some have additional amenities like folding tables, footrests, free newspapers, and WiFi. Food and drinks are usually available for purchase, and some trains even offer at-seat dining.

Luggage

You can take your luggage on board for free, but it must be stored in the designated luggage racks above or below your seat or in the provided areas for hand luggage. The maximum dimensions for luggage are 90 x 60 x 40 cm, but this can be exceeded for items like skis, snowboards, musical instruments, wheelchairs, or strollers.

Connections

If you need to connect to other forms of transportation upon arrival, Bratislava's central train station, "Hlavná Stanica," is one of the most important transport hubs in the city. From here, you can easily connect to the city centre by bus or trolleybus.

Travel by bus from Vienna to Bratislava

If you're looking to travel by bus from Vienna to Bratislava, there are several companies that can get you there, including FlixBus, Slovak Lines Express, RegioJet, BlaBlaCar Bus, and more. The bus route covers a distance of around 47 to 55 kilometres, and the journey can take as little as 40 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the number of stops and the traffic conditions.

Bus Stations

When travelling from Vienna to Bratislava by bus, you can depart from several bus stations in Vienna, including:

• Vienna Erdberg (Busterminal VIB)
• Vienna Central Station
• Vienna West Station (Felberstraße)
• Vienna Matzleinsdorferplatz (Triester Straße)
• Karlsplatz

In Bratislava, you can arrive at various bus stations, such as:

• Bratislava (bus station Mlynské Nivy)
• Bratislava AS Nivy
• Bratislava (Most SNP)
• Bratislava (Einsteinova)
• Bratislava Central Station

Tickets and Costs

Bus tickets for this route can be purchased online, on mobile apps, or at the bus stations. The price of tickets varies depending on the company and the date of purchase. On average, tickets cost around $7 to $8, but they can be as cheap as $4 to $5 if bought in advance. There are also weekly and monthly tickets available for commuters and students who frequently travel between Vienna and Bratislava.

Onboard Services

The buses on this route often provide various amenities to make your journey more comfortable. For example, FlixBus buses are equipped with large and comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Some buses may also offer onboard entertainment, snacks, and drinks to make your trip more enjoyable.

Travel by car from Vienna to Bratislava

The car journey from Vienna to Bratislava is short and sweet, taking around 50 minutes to an hour. As you leave Vienna, you'll swap the dense urban area for sprawling fields, with fairytale castles and charming villages perched on rolling hills in the distance.

The road trip is a burst of energy, with the fast-paced city life continuing as you speed along the A4 highway. You'll be covering a distance of around 50 miles, crossing over the Slovakian border to reach your destination.

Travel Tips

• The route offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities, such as Devin Castle and Schloss Hof, but remember that many establishments along the way only accept cash.
• Both Slovakia and Austria are part of the eurozone, so you can use euro currency en route and when you cross the border.
• Consider packing a bag with essentials like a reusable water bottle, snacks, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, a guidebook, and a portable charger.
• Book tickets for your desired timeframe in advance, as they can sell out quickly due to the popularity of these destinations.
• Change your website location to Austria to find the best offers.

Alternative Transport Options

If you're not driving, there are several other ways to get from Vienna to Bratislava:

• By train: This is a popular option for locals and tourists. OBB, the Austrian national train provider, offers clean and comfortable seating with modern amenities like wifi and toilets. A direct train can take just under an hour, while an indirect service can take up to 1.5 hours. Tickets start at €18 for adults.
• By bus: This is the cheapest option, favoured by backpackers and budget travellers. Flixbus is the most popular company, with seats available for as little as €4.50 in the off-season.
• By ferry: If scenery is your priority, a ferry ride along the Danube River is a unique and lavish experience. Twin City Liner offers a direct service that takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, with tickets priced at around €40.
• By rideshare: This is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities, with fares starting at $3-€4.

Travel by boat from Vienna to Bratislava

There is a direct connection between Vienna and Bratislava by boat on the River Danube. Two companies operate on this route using high-speed boats, with the journey time varying due to different routes. The boats generally do not operate between October and March.

Twin City Liner

Twin City Liner is an Austrian company based in Vienna. It operates a year-round service, with one trip a day in winter and autumn heading in the Vienna-Bratislava-Vienna direction. From March to October, there are multiple services on the route with up to five departures per day in the high season. The departure point is the Twin City Liner jetty at Schwedenplatz.

LOD

LOD is a Slovakian company based in Bratislava. They operate hydrofoil services from Bratislava to Vienna daily in July and August, five days a week in June and September, and twice a week at the beginning and end of the summer season. The departure point in Vienna is the Schiffstation Reichsbrücke.

Tickets and Prices

The prices for a one-way ticket vary depending on the date and seat. Children aged 2-12 get half the normal tariff, while children under 2 travel for free. There are also discounts for students, seniors over 60, and handicapped passengers.

Timetables

For specific timetables, please check the official operator websites: The Twin City Liner and Slovak Boats and Ports. During the off-peak season (March to April and September to October), boats operate on a limited schedule, while during the peak season, boats operate regularly with several departures per day.

Sightseeing Packages

There are also sightseeing packages available that include a return boat ticket, a sightseeing tour by vehicle, and lunch. These typically cost around €130 per person.

Alternative Travel Options

If you are specifically interested in walking or train travel between Vienna and Bratislava, please note that the cities are quite close, approximately 34-55 km apart, so walking is not recommended. However, there are direct trains from Vienna to Bratislava that take around 1 hour.

Travel by bicycle from Vienna to Bratislava

The 55km (34-mile) journey from Vienna to Bratislava is a popular route for cyclists. The route is mostly flat, with some hilly sections, and is well-marked. It's important to note that the route can be busy with cars, pedestrians, trams, and other cyclists, especially in Vienna, so it's crucial to stay alert and keep your wits about you.

Planning your trip

When planning your trip, it's advisable to choose spring or autumn for your travel dates, as the summer months can be extremely hot and dry. The ideal duration for this trip is three days, allowing you to cover the distance comfortably and giving you time to explore Bratislava.

What to pack

• Calorie-rich foods and fruits: Sandwiches, snacks, and grapes are great options for energy and hydration.
• Water and other liquids: Carry at least 2 litres of water, as cafes and water pumps can be scarce outside Vienna.
• Sunscreen: SPF 50 sunscreen, a cap, and sunglasses are crucial for protection from the sun.
• Lightweight and quick-dry clothing: Avoid denim and consider cycling shorts to prevent rashes.
• A lightweight wind jacket: For cooler mornings and evenings.
• Chain lock: To secure your bike when stopping.

Where to rent a bicycle

If you don't have your own bicycle, you can easily rent one in Vienna. Hybrid bikes with gears and suspension forks are recommended for comfort. Here are some options for bicycle rental in Vienna:

• Https://www.fahrrad-ski.at/
• BikeBratislava: They offer good-quality bikes and deliver them to your hotel.

The route

The route from Vienna to Bratislava is well-marked and mostly flat, with some hilly sections as you approach Bratislava. Here are some key points along the route:

• Vienna: Navigate through the busy city streets and cross the Danube River to reach the "new" Vienna, with its high-rise buildings.
• Donau-Auen National Park: Enjoy the scenery and wildlife as you cycle through this protected wetland area.
• Hainburg an der Donau: Stop for lunch in this town, which features the Wienertor Gate, a medieval gate built with King Richard the Lionheart's ransom money.
• The Austria-Slovakia border: Pass through the former Iron Curtain border, now marked only by a symbolic blue gate.
• Bratislava: Cross the Danube into the old part of the city and explore the charming old town with its medieval streets, unique architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Where to stay in Bratislava

If you're looking for budget accommodation in Bratislava, consider the Urban Elephants hostel, which offers comfortable beds and vegan meals at a reasonable price.

Returning to Vienna

The return trip to Vienna can be made by train, which costs around 14 EUR for a one-way ticket, including your bike.

Frequently asked questions