Austria-Germany: How Close Are These Neighbors?

Austria and Germany are neighbouring countries in Central Europe. The distance between the two countries varies depending on the mode of transport used. The shortest distance, or air distance, between the two countries is 312.33 miles (502.64 kilometres) and can be covered in 0.55 hours by flight. The road distance is 423.5 miles (681.53 kilometres) and can be covered in 6 hours and 47 minutes by car.

Travel by plane, train, bus, car, or night train

Travel by Plane

Covering a distance of 450 to 550 miles, the flight time between Austria and Germany is roughly an hour and a half. Several airlines offer direct flights between the two countries, including Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and EasyJet. Vienna International Airport and Innsbruck Airport are the main gateways to Austria, while in Germany, you can fly into Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin, among other cities. Keep in mind that flight schedules and prices can vary depending on the season and demand.

Travel by Train

Taking the train is a comfortable and scenic way to travel between Austria and Germany. The two countries have excellent rail connections, with high-speed trains operating on popular routes. The journey time can vary depending on your departure and arrival points, but it typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours. For example, the train ride from Munich to Vienna takes around 4 hours, while traveling from Berlin to Innsbruck can take close to 6 hours.

You can book tickets through the national railway companies of each country, Deutsche Bahn for Germany and Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) for Austria, or use a pan-European booking platform like Omio or Trainline. Remember that ticket prices tend to be lower when booked in advance, and there may be discounts for certain traveler categories like students or seniors.

Travel by Bus

Long-distance bus travel between Austria and Germany is often the most budget-friendly option, with tickets starting as low as €15. The journey time can be longer than other modes of transport, typically ranging from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the route. Several private bus companies operate in this region, including FlixBus and Eurolines. Buses generally depart from major cities and offer various onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats.

Travel by Car

Driving yourself gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and make stops along the way. The distance by road between major cities in Austria and Germany can range from 300 to 600 miles, depending on your specific route. For example, the drive from Munich to Salzburg can take around 2 hours, while traveling from Berlin to Vienna is a longer journey of about 9 hours.

When planning your road trip, consider using toll calculators to estimate any road tolls you may encounter, especially on Austrian highways. Additionally, ensure you familiarize yourself with local driving laws and regulations, including speed limits and any required equipment, such as a safety vest or warning triangle.

Travel by Night Train

Taking the night train allows you to save on accommodation costs and make the most of your time during the day. The journey by night train typically takes around 8 to 10 hours. While there are no direct night train connections between all cities, you can find routes like Vienna to Berlin or Innsbruck to Düsseldorf. These trains often offer various sleeping arrangements, from regular seats to private sleeper cabins, allowing you to arrive rested and ready to explore.

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The distance is 312-320 miles

The distance between Austria and Germany is approximately 312-320 miles. This is the distance "as the crow flies" or the air distance, and it takes about an hour to cover by plane. The road distance between the two countries is much longer, at 423.5-424 miles, and it takes about 6 hours and 47 minutes to drive.

There are several ways to travel from Austria to Germany, including by plane, train, bus, night train, rideshare, or car. The fastest way to get from Austria to Germany is to fly and then take the train, which takes about 3 hours and 43 minutes. The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by rideshare, which costs $34 and takes about 8 hours and 42 minutes.

If you are travelling by train, you can take the Railjet service from Wien Hbf station in Austria to Berlin Ostkreuz station in Germany. This journey takes about 8 hours and 34 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus, such as the FlixBus service, which costs $50-75 and takes about 9 hours.

The distance between Vienna, Austria, and Berlin, Germany, can also be calculated using maps and online tools. These tools provide the distance in miles and kilometres, along with the path between the two locations as the crow flies and the route by land transport.

No direct train

If you're looking to travel between Austria and Germany by train, it's important to know that there is no direct train for this route. However, that doesn't mean you can't travel between the two countries by rail; you will just need to make some changes along the way.

The distance between Austria and Germany is approximately 230 miles, and the road distance is 423.5 miles. So, if you're planning to travel by train, be prepared for a journey that will likely involve transfers and can take several hours.

One option is to take a train from Vienna, Austria, to Berlin, Germany. This journey includes transfers and takes around 9 hours and 54 minutes. The train departs from Stephansplatz in Vienna and arrives at S+U Alexanderplatz Bhf in Berlin, with stops at Wien Mitte, Wien Hbf, and S Ostkreuz Bhf along the way. The cost of this journey ranges from $95 to $170.

Another option is to travel between Vienna and Berlin using a combination of trains and other transportation methods. For example, you could take a train from Vienna to Munich, Germany, and then fly from Munich to Berlin. This option can be faster, with a total travel time of around 3 hours and 43 minutes, but it is also more expensive, costing between $170 and $550.

When planning your trip, it's important to consider your budget, the amount of time you want to spend travelling, and your preferred mode of transportation. Booking in advance can often save you money, and it's worth checking the websites of different train operators and travel agents to find the best deals. Additionally, if you're travelling with children, keep in mind that kids up to a certain age may travel for free or at a discounted rate on many routes.

In summary, while there is no direct train between Austria and Germany, there are several travel options available that involve taking trains with transfers or combining train journeys with other modes of transportation.

8h 42m and $34 by rideshare

Ridesharing is a great option for travelling between Austria and Germany. It is a flexible, affordable, and relatively quick way to get from one country to the other. The distance between the two countries is approximately 312 to 313 miles, and the road distance is around 420 miles.

Ridesharing allows you to travel between Austria and Germany in a more cost-effective way than flying or taking the train. The average price of a rideshare is $34, which is significantly cheaper than other travel options. For example, flying between the two countries can cost up to $410, and taking the train can cost up to $190.

In addition to being budget-friendly, ridesharing is also a convenient option. The average duration of a rideshare trip between Austria and Germany is 8 hours and 42 minutes, which is comparable to other travel options. While flying is faster, taking a rideshare saves you from the hassle of airport procedures and waiting times.

Ridesharing is also a good choice if you want to avoid the complexities of public transport or the challenges of driving in a foreign country. You can easily find rideshare options online, and there are often multiple trips available, so you can choose one that suits your schedule.

When ridesharing, it's important to be aware of the regulations and requirements for driving in Austria and Germany. For example, if you're driving on the highways in Austria, you'll need to purchase a "vignette", which is a toll sticker that usually costs around €8 for 10 days. This can usually be purchased at convenience stores, gas stations, or border crossings.

In terms of specific ridesharing options, there are a few popular routes between major cities in Austria and Germany. For example, you can find rideshares from Vienna, Austria, to Berlin, Germany, or from Munich, Germany, to Vienna. These rideshares often depart from easily accessible locations, such as central bus stations or main train stations.

Overall, ridesharing is a fantastic option for travelling between Austria and Germany. It offers a balance of affordability, convenience, and flexibility, making it a great choice for those seeking a cost-effective and straightforward way to get from one country to the other.

Vienna, Austria to Berlin, Germany

The distance between Vienna, Austria, and Berlin, Germany is approximately 421 to 424 miles by road and around 326 miles "as the crow flies" (in a straight line).

There are several ways to travel between the two cities. One option is to drive, which takes approximately 6 hours and 47 minutes to cover the 421.1-mile distance. Alternatively, you can take a train, which takes around 8 to 9 hours and costs between $95 and $170. The train departs from Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station) and arrives at Berlin Ostkreuz or Berlin Ostbahnhof stations in Berlin. Another option is to take a bus, which costs $50 to $80 and takes about 10 hours. Finally, you can fly between the two cities, with the fastest option being a flight to Munich followed by a train, which takes approximately 3 hours and 43 minutes and costs between $170 and $550.

The distance between Austria and Germany is about 313 to 315 miles by air and about 423 to 424 miles by road.

Frequently asked questions