Are you thinking about leaving Vienna for a while? These are some of the best places to visit nearby.
There are so many museums, cafes, and palaces in Vienna that you'll have no trouble staying busy for a week. But it's also one of those places in Europe where it's very easy to take a day off if you want to see something new.
In a few hours, or even less, you could be on a river cruise through vineyards, walking through an old town in another country, or looking at stunning views of the Alps.
Here's a straightforward, real-world guide to great day trips from Vienna. It includes how long things really take, what you can do when you get there, and how to keep the day relaxed instead of full to the brim.
Picking the Right Day Trip Before You Leave
Some day trips from Vienna are easy: one train, one city, and then back. Some routes are more beautiful, but they need more transfers or local transportation. In practice, if you stick to trains, Bratislava, Salzburg, Linz, and Graz are the best places to go.
If you want views, wine country, and freedom, the Wachau Valley is perfect. You can do Hallstatt and Budapest in a day, but the trips take a long time.
A private driver is a big help on country roads if you want to stop for photos, change towns, or spend more time in one place.
Bratislava, Slovakia (The Easiest Day Trip to Another Country)
Bratislava is a classic choice for a day trip that feels like a real vacation without having to travel far. ÖBB regional express trains leave about twice an hour, and the trip from Vienna takes about an hour.
What to Do in One Day
Walk around the Old Town; it's small and easy to get around. Go to Bratislava Castle to see the view.
Take a walk along the Danube promenade. Get lunch in the center and then walk around. This is a great choice for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to take a day trip that doesn't require a lot of work.
The Wachau Valley (the most beautiful classic in Vienna)
Many people think that the Wachau Valley, which has towns like Melk and Dürnstein, is the most beautiful and classic day trip from Vienna. This is the best "nature + culture" trip to take from Vienna if you can only do one.
The UNESCO World Heritage site between Melk and Krems along the Danube Valley is known for its well-preserved monasteries, castles, vineyards, and historic towns.
What Makes the Wachau Unique:
Vineyard terraces that are steep above the river. Little towns along the Danube. Ruins of castles and places with great views. Baroque architecture, with Melk Abbey as the main attraction
How to Do It
Option A: River Cruise DDSG Blue Danube runs seasonal cruises between Krems and Melk, up to four times a day in each direction.
Option B: The Countryside Route (More Flexible)
If you have a driver and don't want to plan your day around boat schedules, this is the best option.
You can put things together:
Melk Abbey
Dürnstein's old town and castle ruins
Beautiful places to look at
Seasonal stops at wineries
The Wachau is beautiful, but the best places are far apart. If you drive, you can take your time, make detours, and not have to worry about coordinating trains and buses.
Salzburg (A Day Trip to a Big City That Works)
Salzburg is a longer day trip, but it's one of the easiest "big wins" from Vienna. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes for fast trains.
What to Do in a Day
Walk through the Mirabell Gardens and take in the views of the fortress.
Check out the Old Town around Getreidegasse. Pick one main thing to do: visit a fortress, a museum, or take a long break at a café. Tip: Don't try to see it all. Choose a few things to see and then leave room to explore.
Hallstatt (Pretty, but a Long Day)
Hallstatt is beautiful, but it's not easy to get to from Vienna. The fastest trains take about 3 hours and 12 minutes to get there. This means: a lot of your day is spent on transit.
Your stay in Hallstatt will be shorter than you thought. If you're going, get up early.
Keep the visit brief
Take a walk by the lake, through the old town, and to the viewpoints. A private driver cuts down on transfers and waiting, making the day trip smoother (but longer).
Hungary's capital, Budapest
(Ambitious but Well-Liked)
It's a long day trip to Budapest, but it's worth it. It takes about 3 hours and 17 minutes to get to your destination by train, or 2 hours and 34 minutes on faster trains. If you try it:
Choose 2–3 main places, like the Parliament area, the Danube promenade, or the Buda viewpoint. Don't go to too many museums. Don't forget about the train back. Budapest is better for a relaxing trip if you stay overnight, but you can still get a good "big city hit" in one day.
When it makes sense to hire a private driver
The train is a great way to get to some day trips. Some people find it easier to do things without schedules and transfers. A day trip with a driver is best when you want to make a lot of stops in one day. You're going to the countryside or wine country. You want to be able to stop for pictures whenever you want. You want door-to-door comfort while traveling with family.
Day Trips with Kiwitaxi Chauffeur Service
Price set in advance and confirmed
Drivers with licenses and background checks
Routes and times that are flexible
Choices of vehicles, from regular cars to minibuses
Help from people 24 hours a day, seven days a week
This is especially important in places like the Wachau Valley, where the best things to see aren't right next to train stations.
Some ideas for day trips from Vienna
Simple and Low-Stress
Vienna to Bratislava and back to Vienna
Best View
Vienna to Wachau Valley (Melk and Dürnstein) and back to Vienna
Classic Rail Day
From Vienna to Salzburg and back again
Driven
Vienna - Hallstatt - Vienna
Vienna to Budapest and back
Vienna is a great city to visit at night, which is why day trips work so well here.
You can spend the day in the mountains, vineyards, or another capital city and still make it back in time for dinner and that unmistakable Vienna evening feeling.
