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13 Top Day Trips from Vienna You Can Do by Train

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

One thing I love about living in Vienna is how easy it is to explore nearby places by train or bus, both in Austria and across the border. You can even do easy day trips to three different countries!

I’ve personally visited every spot on this list, and while some are already famous like Salzburg, others genuinely surprised me like Eisenstadt.

My personal favorites? Bratislava for a relaxed city day, Laxenburg for nature and castle views, Melk for its stunning library (especially in combination with a Danube river cruise), and Brno for its chill vibe (it’s so much more relaxed than Prague).

Here are some of the best day trips from Vienna by public transport, sorted by travel time to help you find the right one for your next adventure.

Day Trips Less Than 1 Hour Away

1. Laxenburg Castle Park

Aerial view from the castle tower, showing Franzensburg Castle's spires and courtyards nestled beside the park lake, with a distant mountain backdrop.
View from the tower of Franzensburg

Perfect for travelers who love castles, lakes, and peaceful nature walks

Laxenburg is home to one of Austria’s most beautiful palace parks. The park feels natural and peaceful, with wide lawns, a large lake, and the romantic Franzensburg Castle on an island. Perfect for a summer day in Vienna.

Things to Do:

  • Stroll through the vast landscape park
  • Visit Franzensburg Castle (don’t miss the rooftop tower tour!)
  • Rent a boat or relax by the lake
  • See quirky architectural features like the Gothic Bridge and the artificial grotto

How to Get There: Take bus 200 or 210 from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Laxenburg Franz-Joseph-Platz (30 min), then walk 5 min to the entrance.

👉 Read my full guide on how to visit Laxenburg Castle Park

2. Baden bei Wien

A beautifully maintained park with a colorful floral clock planted into a slope, spelling out “BADEN BEI WIEN” in flowers. Behind it stands a white Art Nouveau-style building labeled “ARENA,” surrounded by trees and white tents.

Perfect for spa lovers, architecture fans, and those curious about Beethoven

Popular with locals, Baden is a spa town with a rich imperial past. It’s a great pick if you love relaxing strolls, charming streets, or tracing Beethoven’s footsteps.

Things to Do:

  • Go for a walk / short hike in the Kurpark and look out over the city
  • Visit the Beethovenhaus
  • Enjoy a drink or coffee at Hauptplatz
  • Soak in the Römertherme thermal baths

How to Get There: Take a train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (20–30 min). From Baden Bahnhof, it’s an 11-minute walk to the city center.

👉 Read my full guide on what to do in Baden and how to get there

3. St. Pölten

The Lower Austrian state parliament building, shaped like a ship, stretches over the water with sleek, modern lines. In the foreground, pink and yellow flowers add a splash of color.

Perfect for curious explorers looking for an authentic Austrian city experience

Lower Austria’s underrated state capital surprised me with its peaceful charm. No must-sees, but still worth a visit for architecture, museums, and a relaxing vibe.

Things to Do:

  • Relax at the Flederhaus
  • Visit the former synagogue
  • Admire Art Nouveau at Stöhr-Haus
  • Swim at Viehofner See or visit a museum

How to Get There: Take a direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to St. Pölten (30 min).

👉 Read my full guide on what to do in St Pölten

4. Melk

Majestic Melk Abbey perched atop a rocky hill, its striking yellow baroque towers rising above the lush greenery and the Danube River below.

Perfect for baroque architecture and library lovers

Melk is all about its iconic baroque abbey, perched above the Danube. The library alone makes it worth the trip, and you can pair it with a scenic cruise if you have time.

Things to Do:

  • Visit Melk Abbey and its stunning library
  • Stroll through the abbey’s baroque gardens
  • Walk through the small old town

How to Get There:

  • Fastest: Train from Wien Hauptbahnhof with one change in St. Pölten (55 min)
  • Easier: Direct train from Wien Westbahnhof (1 hr)
  • Scenic: Train to Krems (1h15), then Danube river cruise to Melk (3 hrs), and return by train

👉 Read my full guide on how to visit Melk

5. Bratislava (Slovakia)

A panoramic view of Bratislava with the white-walled, red-roofed Bratislava Castle perched on a hilltop overlooking the Danube River. Below, the SNP Bridge leads into the historic old town, with St. Martin’s Cathedral and rows of terracotta-roofed buildings nestled in the valley.

Perfect for capital city charm, historic streets, river views, and a relaxed vibe

Bratislava is just across the border, and makes for a surprisingly relaxing capital city visit. The old town is compact and walkable, with beautiful river views.

Things to Do:

  • Wander the old town and climb to Bratislava Castle
  • Walk along the Danube
  • Discover hidden courtyards and street art
  • Enjoy affordable cafes and Slovak cuisine

How to Get There: Direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (59 min), or take the scenic boat ride from Schwedenplatz (1h15).

Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours Away

6. Linz

A woman standing inside a large yellow “Linz” sign installation in the city’s main square, with colorful historic buildings and the Holy Trinity Column in the background.

Perfect for modern art, riverside views, and off-the-beaten-path cities

Linz offers a refreshing mix of contemporary culture, historic charm, and laid-back summer vibes.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the impressive cathedral (Austria’s largest church and it’s free to enter!)
  • Stroll through Herrenstraße and explore indie shops
  • Grab a vegan Linzertorte from Konditorei Jindrak
  • Relax at the Donaulände park or sip a drink at the Sandburg beach bar
  • Visit one of the city’s excellent modern art museums or the futuristic Ars Electronica Center

How to Get There: Trains from Wien Hauptbahnhof take about 1.5 hours. Trains from Wien Westbahnhof take around 1 hour 15 minutes.

👉 Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Linz Austria

7. Eisenstadt

Wide view of the grand Haydnsaal concert hall in Esterházy Palace, adorned with vivid ceiling frescoes and ornate baroque walls under elegant lighting.

Perfect for travelers interested in imperial history, classical music, and relaxed palace gardens.

Eisenstadt is small but elegant, home to the grand Esterházy Palace and tied closely to composer Joseph Haydn.

Things to Do:

  • Tour Esterházy Palace & the stunning Haydnsaal
  • Wander through Schlosspark, and see the Orangery and Leopoldinentempel
  • Visit the quirky Bergkirche (one of the most unique churches in Austria!)

How to Get There: Just over 1 hour by train or bus from Wien Hauptbahnhof.

👉 Read my full guide on how to do a day trip to Eisenstadt

8. Schloss Hof Estate

Expansive front view of Schloss Hof palace, with a manicured garden in the foreground and bright yellow and white baroque architecture.

Perfect for visitors who enjoy baroque palaces and expansive formal gardens

This grand estate features elaborate fountains, themed gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere, plus cute surprises like ground squirrels. It reminded me a lot of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna minus the crowds.

Things to Do:

  • Stroll the formal baroque gardens
  • Explore the palace’s opulent rooms & small chapel
  • Tip: Skip Schloss Niederweiden, it’s included in the ticket but not worth it

How to Get There:

  • Option 1: Train toward Marchegg, get off at Schönfeld-Lassee Bahnhof, and change to the bus 540 to Schloßhof Prinz-Eugen-Straße (total ~1 h 40 min)
  • Option 2: U2 metro to Hausfeldstraße, get the bus 540 direct to Schloßhof Prinz-Eugen-Straße (total ~1 h 30 min)

👉 Read my full Schloss Hof guide

9. Brno (Czech Republic)

A scenic view of Brno’s colorful old town seen from the arcade of the Old Town Hall. The green twin spires of St. Thomas Church rise above the pastel buildings, with Špilberk Castle visible on the distant hill.

Perfect for those seeking a vibrant, youthful city with surprising underground attractions.

Brno is the Czech Republic’s second biggest city but has a much more laid-back vibe than Prague, ideal for a sunny day trip full of charm and chill.

Things to Do:

  • Visit Villa Tugendhat (book ahead!)
  • Climb the Old Town Hall tower for fantastic views (I loved this!)
  • Admire the astronomical clock on Náměstí Svobody
  • Discover Brno’s underground attractions like Europe’s second largest ossuary
  • Enjoy excellent cafés and Czech beer

How to Get There: Direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (~1 h 30 min); some options take ~2 h with a change.

👉 Read my full guide on what to do in Brno

10. Győr (Hungary)

The grand town hall of Győr stands in elegant Neo-Baroque style with two ornate towers and a domed central pavilion, set behind well-manicured gardens and a column monument under a vibrant blue sky.
Hungary, Town hall of city Gyor

Perfect for: a low-key cross-border city trip with a charming old town

Győr is a relaxed Hungarian town between Vienna and Budapest, making it a great spot if you’re curious about Hungary but don’t want to travel that far. It has a lovely old town with baroque buildings, cute cafes, and fewer crowds than other cities.

Things to Do:

  • Wander through the historic old town
  • Visit the Bishop’s Castle and Tower
  • Walk along the Rába and Danube rivers

How to Get There: Direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (1 hr 15 min)

👉 Read my full guide on what to do in Györ

Day Trips Less Than 3 Hours Away

11. Salzburg

A scenic view of Salzburg’s Old Town framed by leafy tree branches, with pastel-colored buildings, church domes, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress rising above the city under a bright blue sky.

Perfect for music lovers, Sound of Music fans, and those wanting a classic Austrian city trip

Salzburg is one of Austria’s most iconic cities, home to Mozart, the Sound of Music, and breathtaking Alpine views. It’s packed with charm and culture, from fortress views to elegant squares.

Things to Do:

  • Visit Mozart’s birthplace
  • Walk through the Mirabell Gardens
  • Explore Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • Stroll along the Salzach River

How to Get There: Direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (2 h 30 min)

Note: It’s doable as a day trip, but I recommend staying overnight for a more relaxed visit, and it also makes a day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt much easier.

👉 Read my full Salzburg day trip guide

12. Graz

Tina with a backpack admires the panoramic view of Graz from the Schlossberg, with the iconic clock tower (Uhrturm) visible in the background, framed by clear skies and a sweeping cityscape.
Graz is an amazing city!

Perfect for relaxed city vibes, students, and design lovers.

I lived in Graz for 13 years, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. It has a youthful energy thanks to its large student population, and a unique mix of Renaissance courtyards, modern architecture, and laid-back cafes.

Things to Do:

How to Get There: Direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (2 h 40 min)

👉 Read my full Graz guide

13. Budapest (Hungary)

The majestic Hungarian Parliament Building stretches along the Danube River, glowing in the golden hour light. Its symmetrical neo-Gothic design is topped with spires and a central dome, reflecting beautifully in the water below.

Perfect for grand architecture, spa lovers, and vegan foodies.

Out of all the day trips from Vienna, Budapest feels most like a proper city break. It’s big, beautiful, and packed with things to do. I always find something new to discover. Plus, it has the best vegan food scene of any destination on this list.

Things to Do:

  • Relax at a thermal bath (Széchenyi is the most famous, but Rudas is my favorite)
  • Stroll along the Danube and admire the Parliament building
  • Walk up to Fisherman’s Bastion for panoramic views
  • Explore the Jewish Quarter and ruin bars

How to Get There: Direct train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (2 h 40 min)

👉 Read my full guide on what to do in Budapest

Day Trip More Than 3 Hours Away

14. Hallstatt

This is a beautiful image of Hallstatt, one of Austria's most iconic and picturesque villages. The village sits by a pristine lake, surrounded by towering mountains. Hallstatt is known for its charming Alpine architecture, with the distinctive spire of the Evangelical Church standing out in the centre of the town. The serene lake, along with the lush greenery and snow-capped peaks in the background, makes this spot one of Austria's most famous travel destinations.

Perfect for: ticking off a bucket list destination

Hallstatt is famous for its postcard-perfect lakeside setting and pastel houses clinging to the cliffs. It’s incredibly picturesque, but also incredibly crowded. Honestly, I don’t recommend doing it as a day trip from Vienna.

Things to Do:

  • Take iconic photos from the viewing platform and village viewpoints
  • Visit the salt mine and Skywalk
  • (Optional) Take a short boat ride across the lake

How to Get There: Getting to Hallstatt takes about 4 hours one way by public transport and includes multiple changes (typically train + bus + ferry). If you’re really set on visiting, I recommend joining a guided day tour, it’s much more convenient.

Final Thoughts: Exploring Austria

With so many incredible spots just a short ride from Vienna, day trips are one of the easiest ways to explore more of Austria, and even a few neighboring countries.

If you’re staying in Vienna for a while, I really recommend picking one or two destinations to explore. It’s a great way to see different sides of Austrian (and Central European) culture, without needing a car.

And if you’re planning a longer adventure through Austria, stay tuned! I’m currently working on a full Austrian itinerary to help you plan the perfect route.

Read more about Vienna:

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A colorful Pinterest-style collage titled “13 Best Day Trips from Vienna, Austria” featuring four scenic destinations: the Uhrturm clock tower in Graz with blooming flower beds, rose gardens and fountains in Baden, the Salzburg skyline with its hilltop fortress, and the yellow baroque façade of Melk Abbey with its ornate formal gardens. The bottom lists AustrianVeganderlust.com.
13 Amazing Day Trips from Vienna by Train

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.