7 top day trips from Vienna by train

Even though I lived not far from Austria for half of my life (it’s not a few hours drive from south of Poland where I am from to Vienna), this year was the first time I travelled to this European country. I even travelled there twice! First, I spend 10 days travelling around Austria by public transportation only. A few weeks later, I spent 5 days in Vienna. I managed to see a few beautiful places that make great day trips from Vienna by train. There are so many charming towns reachable by trains or buses from the capital, so if you want to know what to see near Vienna, keep on reading.

As I travelled around Austria by trains and buses, I must say that it is super easy to discover this country solely by public transportation. And there are so many beautiful places that a month would not be enough.

In this little guide, you’ll find out 7 best day trips from Vienna by train (and maybe by bus and boat if you like).

Austrian trains are excellent with great connections and high comfort, but they are also very popular. Lots of locals use trains on daily basis and since Austria is a very popular destination, I highly recommend that you book your train ticket in advance.

Best day trips from Vienna by train

As I already mentioned earlier, Austria is one of the best countries to explore by trains. It this comprehensive guide on 7 best day trips by train from Vienna, I selected places that I believe are really worth visiting. Some of these trips may take a full day of travelling, but all are doable.

Explore train connections here.

1. Salzburg

Why you should visit Salzburg?

Salzburg is known as the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music. I spent a couple of days in Salzburg and must say that it was one of my favourite cities in Austria. Salzburg is a must-visit location for music lovers or whoever wants to learn some history. You’ll also find there a lot of Baroque architecture. If you have the time, make sure to buy a ticket to a marionette theatre, they have quite a few great plays including The Sound of Music. I loved it, especially the end where it was shown to the public where the actors moving the marionettes are.

Best things to do in Salzburg:

Hohensalzburg Fortress: One of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, offering spectacular views of the city. But be prepared for climbing some steps…don’t worry though, it’s worth all the effort.
Join a Sound of Music tour. It is an amazing tour if you love the famous musical as it takes you to all the best location the film was shot. You will easily see how popular it is by witnessing all the poses from the film by gisrls and pretty dresses trying to recreate the famous scenes.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens: Famous for its baroque architecture and the iconic scenes from The Sound of Music. It is such a lovely place to visit and its gardens are truly breathtaking. Attending a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace is such a memorable experience that you shouldn’t miss (check out this one with over 2000 5-star reviews).
Mozart’s Birthplace: A museum dedicated to the life of one of the world’s greatest composers.
Salzburg Cathedral: A stunning baroque masterpiece located in the heart of the city.
Christmas Advent concert with dinner is a one of a kind experience. Check it out if you are travelling in December.

How to get there:

Salzburg is approximately 2.5 hours by train from Vienna, with frequent direct services departing from Wien Hauptbahnhof. Trains run by the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) or Westbahn are reliable and comfortable.

What you can expect to pay: Prices start from €19.90 (one-way) with the ÖBB Railjet.

2. Graz

Why Visit?

Graz is Austria’s second-largest city. It’s a great place to learn some history and visit a well-preserved medieval architecture. Known for its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Graz has an elegant charm and a youthful energy, thanks to its large student population and is a fairly short train ride away from Vienna.

Best things to do in Graz:

Schlossberg: A hill in the center of the city offering fantastic views and home to the iconic clock tower.
Graz Old Town: Wander through the narrow, medieval streets lined with Renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, and cute shops. Join a walking tour will give you a chance to see a lot of hidden corners.
Kunsthaus Graz: A contemporary art museum located in a futuristic blob-like building known as the “Friendly Alien.”
Murinsel: An artificial island on the Mur River has an amphitheater and café with unique architecture.

How to get there:

Graz is around 2.5 hours by train from Vienna, with regular direct trains departing from Wien Hauptbahnhof.

What you can expect to pay: Return fares start at around €29.80, depending on the timing and booking.

3. Bratislava, Slovakia

Why Visit?

Located just across the border from Austria, Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and it quickly gives you such a contrast to Vienna. With its medieval old town, impressive castle, and vibrant café culture, Bratislava makes for an interesting easy day trip. I actually really liked Bratislava, but it’s true that it is very calm and quiet. In one of Instagram reels (cannot remember which one to link it here), I saw the rankings of the most boring capitals in Europe and Bratislava won this infamous contest. I don’t think it’s boring, but rather calm.

Best things to do in Bratislava:

Bratislava Castle: Stands above the city, which means that you will have excellent, panoramic views of the Danube River and the surrounding area.
Old Town (Staré Mesto): Wander through the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, historic churches, and charming cafés.
Michael’s Gate: One of the oldest standing medieval gates, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Slovak National Theatre: A stunning building that hosts ballets, operas, and classical music performances.

How to get there:

Bratislava is only 1 hour by train from Vienna. Direct trains run frequently between Wien Hauptbahnhof and Bratislava Hlavná Stanica, making it one of the easiest and quickest day trips. You have also a lovely option of a one day tour by bus and boat from Vienna to Bratislava. Another option, and the coolest I’d say, is taking a high speed catamaran that takes you from central Vienna to the centre of Bratislava in 75 minutes.

What you can expect to pay: Return tickets start from €16 for train and €34 one-way for the high speed catamaran.

4. Krems an der Donau

Why Visit?

Krems is a charming town located at the gateway to the Wachau Valley. Known for its wine production and historic old town, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip filled with wine tasting and sightseeing. You could even stay there for longer for a relaxing couple of days.

Highlights:

Old Town Krems: Wander through the medieval streets, visit the 15th-century Steiner Tor, and explore the Gozzoburg Castle.
Wine tasting: Krems is located in one of Austria’s best wine regions, with many vineyards offering tastings of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Kunsthalle Krems: A contemporary art museum inside a beautiful historic building.

How to get there:

Krems is about 1 hour by train from Vienna. Take a train from Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof for a scenic ride through the Austrian countryside.

What you can expect to pay: Return tickets start at around €18, depending on the time of booking.

5. Hallstatt

Why Visit?

Hallstatt, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in the world. I am sure you’ve seen on the Internet its stunning lakeside location and UNESCO-recognized salt mines. Picture this: a small village with a crystal lake and mountains in the backdrop. This small Alpine village feels like stepping into a postcard.

Best things to do in Hallstatt:

Hallstatt Lake: Perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat ride, with breathtaking views of the village and surrounding mountains.
Hallstatt Salt Mine: One of the world’s oldest salt mines, offering fascinating underground tours and a historic insight into the region’s economy.
Skywalk Hallstatt: A panoramic viewing platform that offers incredible views of Hallstatt and its surroundings.
Bone Chapel (Charnel House): A unique cultural site with skulls and bones artistically displayed as a part of local tradition.

How to get There:

Although Hallstatt is further from Vienna, it’s possible to visit on a day trip. Take a train from Vienna to Hallstatt (about 3 hours 15 minutes), with one or two transfers along the way. Alternatively, you can take a combination of train and boat for a more scenic arrival.

How much you can expect to pay: Return tickets start at around €60-70. This includes a combination of train and boat trips, depending on your route.

6. Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey

Why visit Wachau Valley?

One of the best day trips from Vienna by train is the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval castles. The star attraction is Melk Abbey.

Highlights of Wachau Valley:

Melk Abbey: A magnificent Baroque building with an impressive library (but wait, it’s not a regular library you can think of- this one is really special), beautiful frescoes, and a serene garden.
Cruise the Danube: In the warmer months, take a boat cruise along the Danube River for breathtaking views of the Wachau Valley’s castles and vineyards.
Wine tasting: The Wachau Valley is famous for its white wines, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Many local wineries offer tastings and tours. Just imagine how beautiful a bike tour through Wachau valley would be. I cannot imagine a better way to explore this place.
Dürnstein castle ruins: The ruins of this medieval castle offer one of the best views in the valley.

How to get there:

Take a train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Melk, which takes about 1 hour. You can combine the train trip with a scenic boat ride along the Danube from Krems to Melk during the summer.

What you can expect to pay: Return tickets for Vienna to Melk, the main gateway to Wachau Valley, start from around €18-25.

7. Innsbruck

Why visit?

Innsbruck is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps. This stunning alpine city in Tyrol is known for its winter sports, imperial history, and beautiful mountain views. I loved my strolls there along a river and beautiful old town. Don’t forget to try Tyrolean cuisine while in Innsbruck that you might not find elsewhere. Some of the traditional dishes include Kasspatzln, Tiroler Gröstl or Speckknödel.

Whether you’re drawn by the skiing, the rich culture, or the breathtaking landscapes, Innsbruck is a perfect destination for a day trip from Vienna or a city break. In winter, it transforms into a hub for snow lovers, so make sure that you book your accommodation well in advance.

Best things to do in Innsbruck:

Nordkette Cable Car: Take the cable car up to the Nordkette mountain range for unparalleled views of the city and the surrounding Alps. It’s a must for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl): A stunning symbol of Innsbruck, this ornate golden balcony was built for Emperor Maximilian I and is a striking example of the city’s imperial history.
Hofburg Imperial Palace: Once the residence of the Habsburgs, this grand palace offers insight into Austria’s royal past.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds: Located just outside Innsbruck, this dazzling museum and art installation dedicated to Swarovski crystals is a truly unique experience.

How to get there:

Innsbruck is about 4 hours by train from Vienna, making it a longer but highly rewarding day trip. Direct trains depart regularly from Wien Hauptbahnhof. If you’re up for a scenic journey through Austria’s Alps, the trip itself is a highlight. But make sure that you book your train ticket in advance with a reserved seat, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. I bought it on a day and had to stand for a couple of hours-it wasn’t too bad, but Austrian trains are too nice not to enjoy all the comfort and landscapes.

What you can expect to pay: Return tickets start at around €39.80 but can go up depending on booking time.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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