Stopping along train route between Budapest and Vienna

Gyor is on the direct rail route, exactly half way. But it is only a 2 hours and 40 minute train ride total.

When we were going from Budapest to Vienna, we stopped in Bratislava for a weekend. It's a beautiful little city on the river about 39 miles from Vienna. Our rooms were great and the food was good. They have a huge mall on a hill above the river with a row of bars and restaurants overlooking the river providing for a good afternoon.

We never realized Bratislava is one of the highest income, high tech cities in all of Europe. Even though it's so close to Vienna, we didn't hear any German being spoken the weekend.

Gyor and Sopron are both very attractive. There's more to see in Gyor (lots of small museums, most art-related), but that may not matter if you don't have much time. The Pannonhalma Abbey isn't terribly far away, but it requires taking a bus, and I don't think it would be practical in this situation.

Sopron and Bratislava are not on the train route so both would require a diversion.

Gyor makes the most sense logistically even though it is a short train ride.

Just keep in mind that your train ticket from Budapest to Vienna might not allow you to break the journey. Be mindful of the type of ticket you buy.

Gyor is the best bet. But I would make a day of it.

Arrive early and take a taxi from the train station straight to the Archabbey at Pannonhalma
Its actually a pretty drive: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2PqDtv65DRJ3PgUc6
Tourist Video: https://youtu.be/kBYsexwEbPc?feature=shared
Archabbey Website: https://foapatsagiturizmus.hu/

Then taxi back to Gyor for a very late lunch and to spend a few hours in the old section.
Tourist Video: https://youtu.be/3NiIVsCru3o?feature=shared
City Tourist Board Sights to see: https://hellogyor.hu/en/sights-categories/

Then the short walk to the train station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U7oHAyYwd3vVB7sW9

Then on to Budapest
My favorite tourist video: https://youtu.be/1nd5AtZIrTk?feature=shared

Thank you all! If we stop it will be in Gyor. And special thanks to Mr E for the great videos!

CW, I have no idea what your itenieary for Vienna and Budapest looks like. If at a minimum you dont have a solid full three days in Budapest, then skip Győr. If you have 5 full days in Budapest you might think of spending the night in Győr and arriving in Budapest early the next morning ... that opposed to arriving early evening the day prior. Not much lost in Budapest. If that works then look at the Hotel Klastrom. It is an early 18th century monastery converted to a hotel and in the historic district. https://klastrom.hu/szallodank_57.html

Thank you all so much for your advice. We have decided to eliminate a stop between Budapest and Vienna so that we have 3 full days in Budapest (One for Pest, the Parliament and a food tour; One for the Buda side and Castle area, one for Jewish quarter and Andrassy area and House of Terror ) and a good bit of a 4th day if we take a late afternoon train to Vienna. We aren't big art museum goers and my husband really doesn't want to do one of the baths, but we are very interested in 20th century history. I would really like to see somewhere smaller but after looking at Mr. E's video links, I don't think we have time for Gyor. We are looking at shifting things a bit and spending one late afternoon/evening on a wine tour to Etyek, which would give us most of that day to tour then get us a bit out of the city and include an interesting dinner- but I am open to any suggestions!

I think all are wise decisions.