Two questions: If I am getting to BUD around midnight, what are my best options - sleep at the airport, hotels near airport, or try to find something in Pest? Second, how is overnight train from BUD or Wien to Venice? Any recommendations? Thanks.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8308 posts
You're out of luck about easy train trips to Venice from Budapest or Vienna. The Alps is a physical barrier north of Venice, and it's a long way between these cities. Vienna-Venice is about 375 miles on ground. Budapest-Venice is almost 440 miles driving. You'd have to catch a train, then take a bus and take another train to get to Venice from Vienna. And there are not any budget European airlines between those cities to Venice.
You can catch cheap flights down to Rome on Wizz Air from Budapest and Niki Airlines from Vienna if you happen to be visiting there. Then you could work your way back north to Venice by a fast train.
Posted by
Chicago/Rural WI
811 posts
I believe there is actually a direct night train from Vienna to Venice (don't know about one from Budapest). You will find schedules and information on the Austrian Rail website: http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp You asked how it is, and I have not taken that route on an overnight train (Vienna to Venice). I have, however, taken an overnight train before and I would not do it again. The quality of sleep for me was poor and I woke up feeling very similar to a jet-lagged state. The rest of that day was very, very long and I kind of feel like I lost a day of the trip due to being tired and sluggish. Regarding your first question, are you staying in Budapest for a few days after you arrive or is it only a one-night stopover on your way elsewhere?
Posted by
OP
concord, CALIFORNIA, United States
51 posts
Thanks. Yes, the plan is to sightsee Budapest for 1-2 days. If I do decide to take train, then one of those days would be travel to Vienna (then I might as well spend a few hours sightseeing there as well.)
Posted by
San Francisco
14809 posts
Hi, On the second question...For that distance I would take the Railjet train from either Budapest or Vienna to Munich (day), then change to the CNL night train to Venice. Either break it up, ie., stay in Munich a day or two near Munich Hauptbahnhof (main train station), or take the CNL that night after your arriving in Munich. It can be done directly but then I would suggest timing it right so that you have ca. 1.5 to 2 hrs layover at Munich Hbf. before boarding the CNL. That's my preference.