Private car transfer from Vienna to Budapest

Vienna’s picturesque architecture 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 discover enchanting historical monuments such as Lichtenstein Castle, explore other cities such as Gyor, Esztergom, or Bratislava, 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 Budapest, magnificent monuments will reveal themselves at every turn. Your driver will expertly navigate the complex streets of Budapest to your chosen drop-off point, after which a city full of history and culture awaits you.

By traveling by private car service from Vienna to Budapest, 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.

Budapest’s long history and well-preserved architecture have earned its historic center, on both sides of the Danube, recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the Buda side, the woody hills are crowned by the Royal Palace, which now houses the Hungarian National Gallery. The palace was razed and rebuilt several times, and the current complex was built after World War II in a Stalinist Baroque style, which eschewed most ornamentation that could have been a reminder of the former regime. Surrounding the palace, the Castle Quarter is filled with Medieval, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings, from the Romantic Fisherman's Bastion to the Gothic Matthias Church.

Buda is connected to Pest on the other side of the river by several bridges, including the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The riverfront is dominated by the neo-Gothic Parliament building. This massive edifice, the third-largest parliament building in the world, is undoubtedly the symbol of Budapest; Hungary’s Holy Crown is even kept here. Piling on Pest’s hefty attractions, the Dohany Street Synagogue, built in the 1850s on the site of Theodor Herzl's birthplace, is one of the world’s largest synagogues with a capacity just shy of 3,000.

While Pest has plenty of sightseeing attractions, it’s more the “do” side of Budapest. A few blocks from the Dohany Street Synagogue is the New York Cafe, which has been called the world’s most beautiful for its decadent neo-Baroque decor. Dozens of thermal baths can be found around the city, with the Szechenyi Thermal Baths holding the title of the largest in Europe. After the sun sets, Budapest's famous nightlife comes alive. The Mega Clubs draw thousands, but there’s another option that’s distinctively Budapest: ruin bars.

Originally pop-ups making use of abandoned spaces, many have become permanent fixtures with their own distinctive decor and identities - from pioneering Szimpla Kert (which now has an outdoor area, plus 2 floors and 9 bars) to the hip Doboz (literally “box” because it’s in a small courtyard). And for a morning pick me up, head to the New York Cafe for a coffee and traditional Hungarian cake. Housed in the former New York Life Insurance Company headquarters, the opulent Renaissance Revival decor has earned it the title of “the world’s most beautiful cafe”.

Chat with your driver for some local tips

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.

Consider adding sightseeing stops along the way

The route from Vienna to Budapest 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, sightseeing stops turn your transfer from a simple journey to an adventurous experience! We recommend you add these sightseeing stops to your itinerary well in advance 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, you can just use Daytrip’s custom route form to tell us where you’d like to stop and for how long.

Opt for a scenic route

While the most direct ride from Vienna to Budapest 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. You just need to contact us in advance.

From Vienna to Budapest by train

There are several direct trains from Vienna to Budapest every day. The earliest departs at 6:00AM, and the last train is at 9:40 PM. The train ride takes between 2.5-3 hours and 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.

From Vienna to Budapest by bus

There are multiple direct buses from Vienna to Budapest 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.

From Vienna to Budapest flight

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 flight, 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 Austria and Hungary.

From Vienna to Budapest with Daytrip

Using a car service with a private driver is the best way to get from Vienna to Budapest. Daytrip offers door-to-door service, so you will be picked up directly at the pick-up point of your choosing in Vienna and be dropped off at wherever you want in Budapest. 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 Vienna before heading off to discover Budapest.

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 Vienna to Budapest, 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.

Learn About Hungarian Culture at the Royal Palace

Rebuilt following its destruction in World War II, the new Royal Palace alludes to the Baroque building that once stood here, but through a socialist lens that’s removed any “excessive” ornamentation. The grounds are free to roam and a good place to take in the unusual architecture, but the museums inside are well worth visiting for a look at Hungarian history and culture. The Hungarian National Gallery is dedicated to works by Hungarian artists, the National Library holds a copy of every book published in the Hungarian language, and the Budapest History Museum traces the city’s past back to prehistory.

Regale in the Parliament Building

The biggest (literally) attraction in Budapest is the neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapest’s most iconic monument is even more impressive up close. It’s worth touring the interior to see the medieval Holy Crown of Hungary and coronation regalia - it’s the only full set to have survived in Europe.

Visit the Dohany Street Synagogue

Continue your adventures in outsized architecture with a visit to the Dohany Street Synagogue. Built in the 1850s on the site of Theodor Herzl's birthplace, the beautiful example of the Moorish Revival marks the start of the old Jewish Quarter, where the Nazis created the Jewish ghetto during World War II. The guided tour is excellent for insights into the synagogue’s history and the local Jewish community. It’s 9000 HUF (around $25) to go inside, but the museum, memorial garden, and cemetery are very moving.

Get Some Retail Therapy

The big-name luxury brands can be found on Andrássy Avenue, but you definitely want to peruse Paloma to see goods made by local designers. It’s a great place to get a unique souvenir, and between the shops and the beautiful 19th-century building, you could easily spend a day here.

Soak in the Spas

If you’re ever feeling sore, tired, or want to relax, take a soak in one of the many natural spas around Budapest, fed by the world’s largest thermal cave system. The Széchenyi Baths are the most popular with locals. They’re the largest in Europe, and the neo-Renaissance main building is nice to look at while you soak. Széchenyi even has “sparties” on Saturdays with DJs and a bar. There are plenty of other options if you prefer something quieter, like the beautiful Art Nouveau Gellért Baths, or the Rudas Baths, which have been in operation since the 16th century. Regardless of where you go, bring swimwear, a towel, and a pair of flip-flops (most sell these if you don’t have them).

Revel in the Ruin Bars

After dark, Budapest nightlife is world famous (they even made a movie about it). The big clubs attract thousands, but not everyone is into that scene. However, there is one side of Budapest nightlife everyone should experience at least once: a ruin bar. Appropriately named as they originally sprung up in abandoned spaces, many have become permanent. Szimpla Kert was one of the first, and now has an outdoor area, plus 2 floors and 9 bars where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere with a beer or cocktail.