Train tickets
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Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
The Interrail Global Pass is valid for traveling from London to Vienna, offering flexibility to travel across multiple countries, including the UK and Austria, but it cannot be used for domestic travel within the UK by UK residents. UK residents can't use the Interrail Global Pass for the UK portion of the trip. The Interrail One Country Pass is not applicable for travel from London to Vienna as it only allows travel within a single country and London to Vienna requires travel through multiple countries. The Eurail Pass is valid for non-EU residents for international travel, including from London to Vienna, but as with the Interrail Pass, UK residents cannot use it for domestic travel within the UK.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Vienna by train, you will find the city's public transportation efficient and convenient. The Wiener Linien operates the public transport network, which consists of the U-Bahn (metro), trams, and buses. The U-Bahn has five lines, labeled from U1 to U6 (U5 is under construction), connecting most parts of the city. The trams, known locally as Straßenbahn, offer an extensive network and are a scenic way to travel above ground. Tickets for the U-Bahn can also be used on trams and buses, and these can be purchased at machines in the stations, via a smartphone app or at kiosks.
Taxis are readily available, and you can either hail one on the street, find them at designated taxi stands, or book via phone or taxi apps like Taxi 40100. Ridesharing services such as Uber also operate in Vienna, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis, although prices might vary depending on demand and route.
Keep in mind that Vienna's public transportation system is integrated, which means tickets are valid across all modes of transport, facilitating seamless travel throughout the city. Plan to use a travel card or a Vienna City Card for unlimited travel if you are staying for several days, as it generally offers better value.
Onward connections
Vienna, as a major European rail hub, offers numerous domestic and international train connections. Domestically, key connections include Vienna to Salzburg, a journey that typically takes about 2.5 hours with frequent Railjet services offered by ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways. This route is popular for both business and leisure travelers due to its speed and comfort. Another common domestic route is from Vienna to Graz, taking approximately 2.5 hours, providing an essential link to the Styrian capital with regular Railjet and regional train services.
Internationally, Vienna is well-connected to several European cities. One of the most popular routes is Vienna to Budapest, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. These services are frequently run by both ÖBB and Hungarian Railways (MÁV), offering comfortable and efficient travel between the two capitals. Vienna to Prague is another notable route, taking roughly 4 hours, with several trains operated daily by both ÖBB and Czech Railways (ČD).
Travelers can also reach Germany efficiently with the Vienna to Munich connection, typically taking around 4 hours, featuring regular Railjet services. Additionally, Vienna to Zurich offers a scenic trip through the Austrian and Swiss Alps, usually taking about 8 hours, with direct connections available daily.
These connections make Vienna a strategic point for exploring Austria and neighboring countries by train, taking advantage of Europe's extensive and efficient rail network.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Vienna is generally during the late spring and early fall, specifically from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city. Prices for accommodations and travel tend to be more reasonable than during the high summer season. In spring, you can enjoy blooming parks and gardens, while fall presents beautiful autumn colors in the city's many green spaces. Both seasons offer a variety of cultural activities, with spring featuring the Vienna Festival in May, showcasing music, theatre, and dance performances, and fall having the Vienna Wine Hiking Day in late September. Arriving by train during these times offers scenic views of the Austrian countryside and a relatively less crowded travel experience compared to the peak summer months. Summer in Vienna, though vibrant with events like the Film Festival at Rathausplatz, can be quite crowded and more expensive. Winter time, especially around December, offers enchanting Christmas markets, but the weather is typically cold, and some outdoor attractions may be less enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from London to Vienna?
According to EveryRail, prices are dynamic. Ticket prices vary by demand. Time of booking impacts cost. Booking early can mean lower prices. Seasonal changes affect prices. Peak travel times increase prices. Discounts sometimes apply. Train class chosen influences cost. Route type also affects ticket prices.
What trains run from London to Vienna?
There are no direct trains operated by SNCF from London to Vienna. Flixbus operates bus services from London to Vienna.
How long does the train from London to Vienna take?
According to EveryRail, the train from London to Vienna takes 7–9 hours.
When is the best time to travel from London to Vienna?
Consider traveling during weekdays. Avoid peak holiday seasons. Crowds are smaller then. Ticket prices are usually lower. Demand is typically less intense. Early mornings offer more availability. Late evenings may have discounts. Off-peak travel can be more relaxed. Reservation flexibility is higher outside rush times.
What’s the best route or train to take from London to Vienna?
No direct train services operate on this route. Flixbus runs direct bus services from London to Vienna.
What rail passes can I use to travel from London to Vienna?
According to EveryRail, no rail pass covers the route from London in Great Britain to Vienna in France.