Vienna to Bratislava train with ÖBB | REX

From Vienna to Bratislava by Train: The Two Closest Capitals in Europe

Introduction

Heading from Vienna to Bratislava by train is one of the easiest international journeys you can take in Central Europe. It’s short, direct, and gives you just enough time to enjoy the ride without needing to plan your whole day around it. I took this trip late in the morning and will walk you through what it’s like, with a few pointers to help you plan your own.

Route Overview

This route takes you from Vienna Hbf to Bratislava Petrzalka, running roughly 80 kilometers across the Austria–Slovakia border. Fun fact: Vienna and Bratislava are the two closest capitals in Europe! The ride takes an hour, and there are several trains per day. I took the 11:45 departure, which was smooth and perfectly timed to arrive just before lunch.

If you're looking for the best way to get from Vienna to Bratislava, the train is a strong option. It’s cheaper than a taxi, less stressful than renting a car, and definitely more comfortable than the bus.

Transportation Experience

I booked my ticket ahead of time, and it cost me €20. The train is operated by ÖBB and doesn’t offer different seating classes, but you honestly don’t need them for such a short ride. The seat layout was four seats facing each other, and there was enough legroom for me to sit comfortably. There wasn’t anyone sitting next to or opposite me, so that helped.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Vienna Hauptbahnhof is massive. If you haven’t been there before, give yourself some extra time. It’s packed with shops, food spots, and plenty of places to grab a coffee. I had about 20 minutes before departure, so I picked up a quick espresso and watched the busy platforms fill up.

Bratislava Petrzalka, on the other hand, is a different story. It’s small, functional, and doesn’t have much going on. The station is on the outskirts of the city, and I didn’t hang around long. I took a taxi from there to the center, which was quick and easy.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains from Vienna to Bratislava run regularly, and the 11:45 departure worked perfectly for me. Everything was on time and stress-free. If you're planning around lunch or a same-day return, you’ve got plenty of options throughout the day.

Onboard Experience & Services

There’s not much in the way of luxury here. That means no catering, no first class, and no Wi-Fi. But for a one-hour ride, that’s not really a problem. The train was clean and quiet, with absolutely no complaints whatsoever.

On ÖBB regional trains between Vienna and Bratislava, luggage is included in the ticket price. Passengers can bring as much as they can carry and safely stow in the train's overhead racks or luggage areas. While there are no enforced measurements, ÖBB recommends that standard bags stay within 70×50×30 cm and that heavier or larger items like bikes or instruments remain under 30 kg and be properly secured.

Though Austria and Slovakia are both in the Schengen Area and routine passport checks are not standard, it is important to carry a valid passport or national ID. Border agents may conduct spot checks, and failure to present documentation can lead to fines or denial of entry, especially for non-EU citizens. The views are simple but calming. The one detail that stood out to me? A long stretch of wind turbines on the right side of the train. You’ll pass dozens of them spinning slowly in the distance, a quiet highlight on an otherwise flat route.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

My ticket was €18, booked in advance. This was a fair price, I’d say, for Austrian standards. I also bought a coffee at Vienna Hbf for €3.50 before boarding. That’s about all I spent on this route.

Budget breakdown at a glance:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Get to Vienna Hbf early – It’s big, and you’ll want time to find your platform.
• Grab a coffee or snack before boarding – There's nothing on the train.
• Sit on the right side – Catch the best view of the windmills.
• Don’t expect much from Bratislava Petrzalka – Just get a taxi or bus to the center.
• Keep your ticket handy – It may be checked mid-journey.

Conclusion

If you want a comfortable way to hop between Vienna and Bratislava, this ÖBB train route delivers. It’s straightforward, reliable, and surprisingly peaceful for a border crossing. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

About the Author: Luke Patrick Hoogmoed

• Job Title: Solo traveler and Instagram content creator

• Bio: Luke Patrick Hoogmoed is a solo traveler and Instagram content creator from the Netherlands with a passion for train travel and Eastern Europe.