Last Updated on 29 February, 2024
If you’re seeking an exciting adventure during your trip to Bratislava, consider a day trip from Bratislava to Vienna. While one day may not be enough to experience everything this beautiful city has to offer, you’ll still have the opportunity to enjoy many fascinating sights and activities. Moreover, staying in Bratislava and taking a day trip to Vienna is a smart choice, as the hotels in Bratislava are much more budget-friendly than in Vienna. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make your trip even more memorable!
How to Get From Bratislava to Vienna
Travelling from Bratislava to Vienna is a breeze with various viable options. You can board a train, hop on a bus, or even embark on a boat, all of which are great choices.
By Train
There is a direct train from Bratislava to Vienna and it takes around 1hr 10mins to get from one central station to another. Bratislava’s central station is called Bratislava – Hlavná stanica, often shortened to Bratislava- Hl. st. In Vienna, you will arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hbf.) central station.
You can buy the tickets at the station as the trains are rarely full, but if you wish to get them online in advance you can do that here and you might be able to secure a cheaper fare. A basic adult fare for return tickets is €20-€36.
To get to Vienna’s old town (Inner Stadt) from Wien Hbf. station, hop on the subway from Südtiroler Platz, and ride 3 stops on the U1 red line to Stephansplatz which takes about 17mins in total. A single ticket is €2.40 and a 24-hour pass is €8. You can buy the tickets at the offices and machines at the metro and train stations. Many tobacconists (Tabak Trafik) also sell tickets – look for the blue “WL” logo outside the shops.
By Bus
When it comes to travelling from Bratislava to Vienna by bus, different bus operators depart from various Bratislava stations and arrive at various Vienna stations, including Wien Hbf. The journey is between 1hr-1hr 15mins and costs around €23 return. All bus tickets and routes can be found and booked here.
By Boat
There is a waterway link from Bratislava to Vienna that runs along the Danube river. Since 2019, Vienna’s new Twin City Liner catamaran has been in operation and runs 3 times daily. The journey takes around 1hr 15mins and costs between €50-€100 (depending on the seats and deck you select).
Regardless of the deck you choose, you will have access to WiFi and you’ll find a charging station for your phone. It’s also fully conditioned, suitable for disabled people and has a buffet on board. The company also states that a valid travel document is required, so please make sure you have it if you choose to travel from Bratislava to Vienna by boat. Check the schedule and book the tickets here.
The boat departs from Pontoon Twin City Gate in Bratislava’s old town and arrives at Schiffstation Wien City which is 5min walk to Schwedenplatz station and 1 stop Stephansplatz on a red U1 line to reach Vienna’s old town, or a 13 min walk.
Things to Do on Your Day Trip from Bratislava to Vienna
Vienna is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architectural masterpieces. Its historical significance is evident from the magnificent palaces that belonged to the Habsburg dynasty. Music lovers will be delighted to find that Vienna is also known for its love for classical music, which can be heard throughout the streets. From the grandeur of historic landmarks to the exquisite coffee served in traditional cafés, there are endless things to explore in this beautiful city. However, if you only have one day to spare on your trip from Bratislava, here are my top suggestions for getting a taste of everything.
Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum
Simply put, Kunsthistorisches Museum is an art museum. But it’s not just some art museum. It is grand, impressive, and absolutely stunning. Built in 1891 near the Imperial palace to house the extensive collections of the imperial family, it is considered the most prestigious museum in the world. If I had time for only one thing in Vienna, I’d make it this (and a café for some apple strudel – read about that below)!
- Open: Tuesday – Wednesday & Saturday- Sunday 10:00-18:00; Thursday 10:00-21:00; closed on Mondays
- Entrance fee: adult €21, senior/student €18, free for kids
- You can buy your tickets online, or at the museum
Admire Hofburg Palace
Hofburg Palace is an imperial palace and one of the biggest palace complexes in the world. Back in the days, it was the residence of the imperial family. Nowadays, it’s a place for museums, politics and events. The palace is huge and with only one day to spare and a train/bus/boat to catch in the evening you might want to admire it only from the outside, or skip the remaining things on the list (including an apple strudel). However, if you do decide to visit, here you can find a list of museums that it has.
Check Out The Gran Hall of the Austrian National Library
Probably the most beautiful library I have ever seen in my life, the Austrian National Library is also Europe’s largest Baroque library housing over 200,000 historic books. The decor is absolutely stunning with wooden shelves and an impressive colourful fresco, not to mention all the intricate detail. I must say that it gave me the Harry Potter vibes!
- Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00-18:00; closed on Mondays
- Entrance fee: adult €10, free for under 19 yrs
- You can buy your tickets online, or at the library
Grab Lunch
If this is your first time visiting Austria, lunchtime will be the perfect opportunity to sample Austrian cuisine. From the famous wiener schnitzel (thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet) and gulasch mit semmelknödel (goulash with dumplings) to käsespätzle (cheesy noodles) and Apfelstrudel (apple strudel)- it’s a promise of a delicious experience.
Here’s a list of restaurants that service traditional Austrian food:
- Zwölf Apostelkeller – a really cool beer hall in Vienna that’s hidden in an old cellar. It’s way bigger than it looks from the outside. The perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day of exploring the city.
- Griechenbeisl – the one spot that stands out for its delicious Austrian cuisine. It’s highly recommended by many people, and for a good reason! Their food is some of the best in the city.
- Figlmueller Backerstraße – a place that is advertised everywhere at the airport. You’ll find it mentioned in all the guidebooks too. And because of that, a queue to get in might be a bit long if you don’t have a booking!
- Plachutta Wollzeile – another big name for classic Austrian dishes, similar to Figlmueller, that is advertised everywhere. But again, you might want to reserve a table in advance!
- Schnitzelwirt – This restaurant is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a tasty and filling meal that won’t break the bank. They serve huge schnitzels that are as big as your face! While it might not be the fanciest restaurant in Vienna, it’s definitely one of the most authentic and satisfying places to eat.
Have Fun at Wiener Eistraum (if visiting in winter)
Wiener Eistraum stands for “Vienna Ice World” which is a place to ice skate, have a drink and food in a beautiful setting which is all lit up at night. I loved how they were serving mulled wine in actual mugs rather than disposable cups. It’s so much nicer to drink from and it’s better for the environment. They do ask you to leave a €2 deposit though to ensure that you return the mug!
- Operates between 19th January – 3rd March
- Open daily 10:00-22:00
- Ice-skating tickets: adult €9, child €6.30; book your tickets here
Grab a Sweet Treat & a Coffee
I know I’ve been going on about the apple strudel. But don’t worry, there’s no shortage of desserts in Austria. And if you’re not into sweets, you can always enjoy a cup of coffee. After all, Vienna is famous for its Viennese coffee houses. One of the most popular ones is Café Central, but the long queue discouraged me. Instead, I visited Café Leopold Hawelka, which didn’t disappoint.
This coffee house opened in 1939 and has managed to preserve its interior and decor. It was like stepping back in time. The coffee tasted amazing, and I finally got to try the apple strudel. The atmosphere was also very cosy compared to Café Central which has a more grand feel to it.
Other popular cafés in Vienna:
- Café Sacher – another famous café that is easily recognised from long queues outside. It is well-known for being the birthplace of the original Sachertorte cake.
- Café Sperl – opened in 1880 and located near Theater an der Wien opera house, it’s traditionally been home to archdukes, generals, artists, and actors. This place is also famous for having pool tables and really pretty fabric designs on their furniture.
- Café Goldegg – popular with locals, it’s a gem tucked away from the centre.
- Café Prückel – opened in 1903 and has a theatre in the basement, a favourite of students from a nearby university.
- Café Schwarzenberg – the dimly lit interior of the place adds to its charm, especially on days when the weather outside is gloomy and drab. Sitting by the window, you can enjoy the captivating views of the historic buildings in the old town.
- Café Mozart – for more than 200 years, it has been one of the most popular coffee spots in Vienna, known for its rich coffee culture and history.
Wander the Streets
Taking a day trip from Bratislava to Vienna is an absolute delight as it offers a glimpse into the rich history and breathtaking architecture of the Austrian capital. And sometimes, it’s just nice to wander the streets. You’ll be charmed by the blend of architectural styles, the grandeur of historical landmarks, and the overall elegance that characterises this European gem.
How to Get Around Vienna
Getting around Vienna is easy thanks to its great public transportation system. You have four options to choose from: a subway, a tram, a bus, and a local train. However, once you reach the old town, walking is the best and, in most cases, the only way to explore it due to much of being pedestrianised. So, arrive prepared with comfortable footwear.
Useful Tips
- Remember to take your passport or travel ID card with you, especially if you’re taking a boat as it’s their requirement. I didn’t and nobody checked (I took the train and yes, I was a little worried), but just in case they decide to!
- The currency in Austria is Euro (same as in Slovakia).
- The official language of Austria is German, but many people speak English in Vienna. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn a few basic words in German.
- Major hotels and restaurants accept card payments, but keep cash handy for bars and cafés.
Leave a Reply