We have a tour ending October 16, 2015 in Zagreb. We wish to visit Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. What is the preferred option to get between the cities? (train, bus, plane, car or other)
We have driven on previous trips, but as this trip involves bigger cities, which I would prefer not to drive in I am looking for other options.
We would like to avoid transfers while traveling between cities.
I would choose train. Zagreb-Budapest has the fewest schedules choices, but still two perfectly good, direct trains per day.
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
Train tickets are cheap in the region. See approximate 2nd-class prices on the maps at
http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/croatia-rail-passes and
http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/hungary-rail-passes, but don't infer that you have to connect at each point show. It's the train schedules that tell you where to connect, if at all.
I think you will find Bratislava a hidden gem. Traveled there by train and was pleasantly surprised by its old town. I took a train from Vienna but I know the options exist from Budapest. Train was great...no complaints.
Go to www.seat61.com for all you need to know about train and ferry travel in Europe. Trains in Europe are your friend.
We went from Budapest to Bratislava by train in April--quiet, slow, somewhat hot.
Then we took the bus from Bratislava to Vienna (39 miles.)
I'm thinking the Vienna to Prague train was about 3-3 1/2 hours.
