Train schedules - Budapest

Hi Maria, The train ride between Budapest and Vienna is about 3 hours (same as the Orangeways Bus, which can be less expensive). You can check schedules on the Austria rail website or the Hungarian rail website: http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp (Austria) http://elvira.mav-start.hu/elvira.dll (Hungary) A few years ago there used to be a Vienna Excursion Ticket offered for round-trip travel originating in Budapest to Vienna. It was around €25/person but I'm not sure if it is still offered. If it is, it was a great value. Edited to ask: I understood your question to mean you wanted to do a day or possibly overnight trip to Vienna from Budapest, but maybe I misunderstood?

Here is something to consider. A morning train from Budapest to Gyor. This is the same route as to Vienna and Gyor is at almost exactly the midpoint of the trip. See the Archabbey at Pannonhalma (puts Melk to shame) and visit the old center of Gyor and spend a night at the hotel Klastrom; a former early 18th century Cloister. The next morning get back on the morning train to Vienna. Spend a night in Vienna and take a late train the following day. You have a car right? You do realize you are staying a solid 30 minutes outside of the center of Budapest if traffic is good? Taxi into Pest will run you between 3,500 and 4,000 ft depending on traffic. That's 10 to 13 euros. Your train to Vienna and back will be 25 to 35 euro each way.

The direct train between Budapest (Keleti) and Eger is 1h50m.

Thanks Angela and James for the replies. We are still planning things out and are open for suggestions. We realize the hotel is not at the center of Budapest but we will make it work (time share). My husband will be there for two weeks (working) and staying in the city so he might have the afternoons to explore.

Maria; Since you are a fellow Texan here are some additional ideas. You might consider an overnight in Eger and visit the wineries and enjoy a really lovely town. Easy train ride of about 3 hours. Angela, my memory was that it was longer. But that's why we have this wonderful community. 2 hours it is!! While we are at it on our two trips to Eger over the years we stayed both times at the Hotel Senator Ház. We were warned that the owner who would check us in was a grouchy old man, but the hotel as excellent. The gentleman that checked us in was indeed grouchy which only made us laugh and the hotel was excellent and in an excellent location. I hope the old guy is still around as it gave a lot of character to the place. With only a week I think you might want to limit the traveling to two of the three places (Gyor, Vienna Eger). Do some research and pick what looks most interesting to you. A day trip to Szentendre is also a good half day possibility; also look at Vac for half a day. But you want four full days in Budapest if you can. Write and I can give you the particulars on any of these.