- Must visit
Slovak National Gallery
The country’s leading art museum, recently renewed and known for Slovak and international art in a landmark riverside complex.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
44 m
Average duration
52 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
55 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Bratislava is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Bratislava will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 28 trains that leave Vienna for Bratislava on Fri, Jun 26, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 44 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
RJX19917
REX 6
REX 6
REX 6
REX 6
RJX19917
REX 6
REX 6
REX 6
REX 6Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Bratislava among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a ferry costs an average of $45.
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$25 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $52 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration 1h 18m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Vienna to Bratislava:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Bratislava costing on average $25 (€20).
A bus is $42 (€35) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Vienna to Bratislava costing on average $52 (€43).
Other travel options to Bratislava take longer:
Ferry takes on average 1h 18m.
Train takes on average 1h 20m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with ÖBB | REX, ÖBB, ÖBB | InterCity, ÖBB | S-Bahn, ÖBB | Euro City (EC), ÖBB | Regionalzug, ÖBB, ÖBB | Railjet.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Vienna to Bratislava trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
REX 6 | 3:40 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h45 | 4:25 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 4:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 5:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 5:38 AM Vienna Hbf | 1h03 | 6:41 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 6:15 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h55 | 7:10 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 6:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 7:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Vienna -> Brno) · RJ 1041 (Prague -> Bratislava) | 6:45 AM Vienna, Central Station Südtiroler Platz | 5h09 | 11:54 AM Bratislava hlavná stanica | 1 transfer | |
REX 6 | 7:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 8:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 8:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 9:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 9:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 10:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 10:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 11:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 11:45 AM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 12:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 12:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 1:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 1:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 2:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 2:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 3:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 3:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 4:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 4:15 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 5:14 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 4:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 5:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
(Vienna -> Brno) · RJ 1047 (Prague -> Bratislava) | 5:10 PM Schwechat, Flughafen Wien Busterminal | 4h37 | 9:47 PM Bratislava hlavná stanica | 1 transfer | |
REX 6 | 5:15 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 6:14 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 5:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 6:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 6:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 7:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 7:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 8:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
RJX19917 | 8:42 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h44 | 9:26 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 8:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 9:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 9:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 10:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 10:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 11:44 PM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
REX 6 | 11:45 PM Vienna Hbf | 0h59 | 12:44 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 26 | |||||
S 60 | 12:51 AM Vienna Hbf | 1h10 | 2:01 AM Bratislava-Petržalka | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
By Luke Patrick Hoogmoed
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.

A view of wind turbines from the train.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

The interior seating layout of the train.
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.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €18 |
| Food & drinks | €3.50 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 21.5 |
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.

Trains from Vienna to Bratislava run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 34 miles (55 km) distance in 41m.
Distance 34 miles (55 km) |
Average train duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 41m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Bratislava — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bratislava trip today.
The country’s leading art museum, recently renewed and known for Slovak and international art in a landmark riverside complex.
The oldest museum in the city, covering Bratislava’s history through exhibits spread across several historic buildings in the Old Town.
A highly photogenic modern art museum on a peninsula in the Danube, popular for its sculpture park and river setting.
The essential walking area for first-time visitors, filled with historic lanes, squares, and many of the city’s main sights.
The elevated area around Bratislava Castle, favored for short walks, viewpoints, and classic city panoramas.
A broad pedestrian square lined with trees and historic buildings, popular for strolling and seasonal events.
Slovakia’s best-known national dish: soft potato dumplings with sheep’s milk bryndza cheese, usually topped with bacon. It is especially associated with traditional Slovak cooking.
Small dumplings filled with bryndza cheese, often served with sour cream and fried bacon. A classic dish found in traditional Slovak restaurants.
A hearty sauerkraut soup commonly made with sausage, smoked meat, and mushrooms. It is especially popular during Christmas and festive family meals.
Established castle-area restaurant known for refined Slovak and Central European dishes, with an intimate setting and strong reputation among visitors.
A more upscale restaurant near Bratislava Castle, recognized for elegant Slovak and European cuisine with city views and formal service.
One of Bratislava’s best-known traditional restaurants, popular for Slovak classics, hearty portions, and a lively rustic atmosphere.
Moderate by European standards. Old Town dining costs more, but groceries, transit, and casual meals are reasonable.
Service is often not included. Tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up in taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Bratislava hlavná stanica, Bratislava -> Hlavné námestie, Bratislava
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna to Bratislava by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bratislava, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need