Between Austria’s efficient train system, scenic countryside, and cute towns, there are countless day trips from Vienna that are easy to visit.
During my research for my Vienna guide (and after spending time traveling around Vienna myself), I came across so many incredible places locals and travelers kept recommending, from small villages to wine regions.
Whether you’re looking for nature, architecture, or a peaceful escape from the city, these day trips are the perfect way to experience more of Austria (and even a few neighboring countries) without the stress of packing up and moving hotels.
In this guide, I share the 8 best day trips from Vienna, including classics like Hallstatt and Salzburg, plus some underrated gems most tourists skip. You’ll find how to get there, what to see, and a few practical tips to make each trip easy and smooth.
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Day Trips from Vienna at a Glance
If you don’t have time to read through the full list, here’s a quick overview of the best day trips from Vienna, depending on what you’re looking for:
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For | Tour Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wachau Valley & Melk Abbey | 1.5 hours | Wine tasting, river views, historic abbey | Wachau Valley & Melk Abbey Tour |
| Hallstatt | 3 hours | Fairytale lakeside scenery, UNESCO charm | Hallstatt Tour |
| Prague | 4 hours | Medieval charm, castles, photo spots | Prague Tour |
| Salzburg | 2.5 hours | Music, culture, old-town charm | Salzburg Tour |
| Bratislava | 1 hour | Food, culture, and crossing into Slovakia | Bratislava Tour |
| Graz | 2 hours | Creative city, art, and architecture | |
| Lake Neusiedl | 1 hour | Wine, nature, and outdoor sports | |
| Budapest | 2.5 hours | Architecture, spas, Danube views | Budapest Tour |
👉 Pro tip: If you want to combine destinations, the Hallstatt + Salzburg or Vienna–Bratislava–Budapest combo tours are perfect for covering more in one day.
How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip from Vienna
One of the best things about Vienna is how easy it is to explore beyond the city. Whether you’re heading to a fairytale town like Hallstatt or crossing borders to Budapest, Austria’s transportation system makes day trips easy. Here’s everything you need to know before you go:
Getting Around
- By Train: The most convenient way to travel. Austria’s national railway (ÖBB) runs frequent, reliable trains to most nearby cities, including Salzburg, Graz, and Bratislava. You can check schedules and book tickets in advance on Omio or directly on ÖBB’s website.
- By Bus: For budget-friendly routes (especially to Hungary, Slovakia, or the Czech Republic), check FlixBus, which departs from Vienna’s Erdberg station.
- By Guided Tour: If you’d rather skip logistics altogether, guided tours are the easiest option. Platforms like GetYourGuide offer full-day trips with transport, guides, and flexible itineraries.
What to Pack for a Vienna Day Trip
You’ll be out and about all day, so a few essentials go a long way:
- Light backpack: to keep your camera, snacks, and water handy.
- Reusable water bottle: saves money and helps you stay hydrated.
- Portable charger: especially for a long day trip, as you’ll be taking a lot of photos. I love the INUI power bank, as it charges my phone up to 3 times, and it is slim.
- Travel umbrella or rain jacket: Austrian weather can change quickly. Depends on which season you’re visiting in.
- Comfortable shoes: expect plenty of walking, especially in cobblestone towns.
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Extra Tips for Your Day Trip
- Keep some cash (euros) handy, as smaller cafés and souvenir stands may not accept cards.
- If you’re visiting Hungary or the Czech Republic, you’ll need forints or koruna. You can exchange small bills once you get there.
- Always validate your train ticket before boarding local or regional trains.
- Book popular day trips (like Hallstatt or Wachau Valley) at least a week ahead, especially in summer. And if you’re going on your own, go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
8 Day Trips from Vienna
Vienna is perfectly located for exploring some of Central Europe’s most beautiful destinations. From charming Austrian towns and wine valleys to neighboring capitals just a few hours away, there’s so much you can see without ever switching hotels. Here are the best day trips from Vienna.
Wachau Valley & Melk Abbey
Best in: Spring–Fall, as vineyards are green and river cruises run daily.
The Wachau Valley is one of Austria’s most beautiful regions, with rolling vineyards, cute river towns, and Baroque architecture. The highlight? The stunning Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above the Danube River, with golden halls and amazing views that make the climb totally worth it.
You can explore the valley by train or car, but honestly, the easiest way is to join a guided tour that combines a scenic boat cruise with stops in Dürnstein and Melk Abbey. It takes all the stress out of planning.
Book this popular full-day Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, and Danube Valley tour, which includes bus transport from Vienna, a boat ride, and a guided visit to Melk Abbey.
If you visit in spring or early summer, everything is lush and green, but even in autumn, the golden vines and crisp air make it feel like a real-life painting.
Planning a longer stay in Vienna? Don’t miss my 3-Day Vienna Itinerary, it covers must-see spots, hidden cafés, and local tips to make the most of every day in Austria’s capital.
Hallstatt
Best in: Year-round. In the summer, you’ll have stunning lake views; while in the winter, the entire town is covered in snow looking magical.
Interestingly enough, Hallstatt is actually one of the most photographed spots in Austria. It is nestled between a lake and the Dachstein Alps. This tiny village looks straight out of a storybook with pastel houses and beautiful mountains in the background.
To visit Hallstatt, you have two options. One is to rent a car and drive for 1h30m. The other one is to join a guided day trip from Vienna. The reason why I don’t mention getting there by train is that it is a very long journey with multiple train connections and ferry transfers.
If you only have a day, your best bet is to join a guided day trip from Vienna that handles all the logistics for you. That way, you can sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the views.
However, if you’d rather go at your own pace (which I often do too), you can easily rent a car via KAYAK. You can also go to a local car rental place or ask your hotel.
This full-day Hallstatt tour from Vienna takes care of everything, hotel pick-ups, photo stops along the way, and free time to explore the village at your own pace. It also includes a ride to the Skywalk, but if you book when it’s under renovation, you’ll have the option to book it with a boat ride.
Once you arrive, walk around Hallstatt’s market square, visit the historic Bone House (Beinhaus), and take the funicular up to the Skywalk for panoramic views.
🚨 Quick note: The Skywalk is closed for renovation from September 2025 to June 2026.
👉 Pro tip: If you’re visiting in summer, go early or choose a small-group tour to avoid the midday crowds. And if you’re visiting in the winter, the snow and frozen lake make Hallstatt feel even more magical.
Prague
Best in: Spring and Winter. It is magical at Christmas, and lively in spring.
If you’re the type of traveler who wants to squeeze as much as possible into one trip, Prague is an ambitious but doable day trip from Vienna. The Czech capital is about four hours away each way, so it’d be a long day, but you’ll get to see the Gothic towers, cobblestone streets, and gorgeous Charles Bridge.
Even if you’ve seen pictures, nothing prepares you for the real thing. I visited Prague a long time ago and still remember how magical the city is. Especially if you’re visiting in the winter, the snow makes it even more surreal. After strolling down the bridge, explore the Old Town Square, where you’ll find the Astronomical Clock. And you should also try trdelník (chimney cake) while you’re there.
Because of the travel time, joining a guided tour from Vienna is the easiest way to experience the city without worrying about logistics or missing the highlights. You’ll travel by comfortable bus, enjoy a guided walking tour, and still get a few hours of free time to explore or grab lunch at a local café.
If I were doing Prague as a day trip, I’d book this Prague tour from Vienna, as it takes care of everything, has amazing reviews, and it takes you to all the highlights. You’ll visit the Old Town Square, the Týn Church, Franz Kafka’s birth house, the Charles Bridge, and more.
Prague is also an amazing day trip if you’re coming from German cities like Munich or Dresden.
👉 Pro tip: Bring some Czech koruna (CZK) for small purchases, and wear comfy shoes, as you’ll walk a lot. If you’re staying in Vienna for several days, you could even turn it into an overnight trip to experience the city lights along the river.
If you’re visiting Vienna during Christmas time, you’ll want to check out my Christmas in Vienna guide to see all the Christmas market locations.
Salzburg
Best in: Year-round. Great weather in summer, cozy in winter.
Salzburg is Mozart’s hometown, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also where the movie “The Sound of Music” was filmed.
If you’d like to visit on your own, the train ride from Vienna to Salzburg takes about 2.5 hours each way, so it is a totally doable day trip.
👉 Pro tip: If you’re taking the train on your own, leave Vienna early (around 7 a.m.) to avoid the crowds and make the most out of your day. Also, plan your return for after sunset.
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Once you arrive, wander the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s shopping street lined with cute pastel-colored buildings. Step inside Mozart’s Birthplace, grab coffee and cake at Café Tomaselli, and take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views over the city and Alps.
If you’re short on time but want to see the very best of Austria, consider joining this full-day Hallstatt + Salzburg tour from Vienna. You’ll visit both the fairytale lakeside village of Hallstatt and the charming streets of Salzburg in one guided trip
Bratislava
Best in: Spring–Fall. During this time, you’ll be able to visit outdoor cafés and take Danube boat rides.
How often can you say you visited another country just for the day? Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is only about an hour from Vienna, making it one of the easiest and most unique day trips you can take. Despite being so close, it has a totally different feel and feels more Eastern European.
You can reach Bratislava by train, bus, or even by boat along the Danube. If you’re going independently, take an early morning train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof and return by boat in the evening. It’s the perfect way to experience both views of the Danube.
Once you get to Bratislava, wander through Michael’s Gate, stroll the cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, and climb up to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views over the Danube River and Austria in the distance. Stop for a drink at one of the cute cafés or wine bars in the city center. Also, prices are noticeably lower than in Vienna, so it’s a great spot for a laid-back lunch or early dinner before heading back.
Want to make the most of your day without worrying about trains or ferry schedules? Join this guided Bratislava day trip from Vienna, which includes comfortable round-trip transport, a city walking tour, and plenty of free time to explore cafés, shops, and viewpoints at your own pace.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious and want to check off three countries in one trip, there’s also a Vienna–Bratislava–Budapest guided day tour that takes you to the highlights of all three in a single day. Perfect for those who are short on time and want to see everything they can.
Budapest
Best in: Spring–Fall. It is warm enough to stroll around in the city. It is also magical during Christmas time.
If you’re looking to cross another European capital off your list, Budapest makes for an unforgettable day trip from Vienna. It is one of my favorite cities; it is simply beautiful, and there is so much to do. If you can swing it, I recommend visiting for at least three days. And it is the perfect destination to add after your trip to Vienna.
It’s about 2.5 hours away by train, which means you can have breakfast in Austria and dinner overlooking the Danube in Hungary, how cool is that?
From the neo-Gothic Parliament Building to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle, Budapest is one of those cities that completely surprises you. On the Pest side, you’ll find cafés, thermal baths, and plenty of energy, while the Buda side offers amazing views and a slower, more romantic feel.
The best way to make the most of your visit is to join a guided Budapest day tour from Vienna, so you can hit all the major highlights without having to navigate trains or metros. However, visiting on your own is also totally doable.
This Budapest tour from Vienna covers all the essentials, including the Fisherman’s Bastion, Hungarian Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and more.
👉 Pro tip: Bring euros and a credit card, but note that Hungary uses the forint, so small purchases are often easier in local currency. And if you have time, pop into the Széchenyi Thermal Bath for a quick soak; it’s one of Budapest’s most iconic experiences.
Graz
Best in: Year-round. Graz has mild winters, and arts events all year.
If Vienna is Austria’s elegant capital, then Graz is its effortlessly cool younger sibling. Graz is known for its creative energy, architecture, and Mediterranean-style old town. It’s also a UNESCO City of Design, which makes it the perfect destination if you love art, coffee culture, and a slower-paced vibe.
If you’re into good food (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), Graz won’t disappoint. The city is surrounded by farmland and vineyards, making it Austria’s Culinary Capital. You’ll find everything from cozy wine taverns to modern farm-to-table spots serving local specialties.
Graz isn’t as popular a day trip as Hallstatt or Salzburg, which means there really aren’t that many guided tours that I could find. However, it is really easy and doable to visit on your own.
The train from Vienna to Graz takes just over two hours, making it an easy day trip. Once you arrive, start your morning wandering the Hauptplatz (main square) before heading up to the Schlossberg hill for amazing views of the red rooftops and the city’s famous Clock Tower.
Don’t miss a walk across the Murinsel, a futuristic floating platform on the river that perfectly captures Graz’s blend of old and new. From there, explore the Kunsthaus Graz, a contemporary art museum nicknamed the “Friendly Alien” for its blob-like shape.
If it’s your first time in Vienna, start with my Vienna Travel Guide for everything you need to know, from where to stay and what to eat to the best museums, palaces, and photo spots.
Lake Neusiedl
Best in: Spring–Summer. It is ideal for cycling, wine tastings, and sunsets.
If you want a day trip that includes more nature, then you’ll love Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See). This lake along the Austrian–Hungarian border is the perfect peaceful escape from the big city. Think bike rides, wine tasting, and beautiful sunsets over the water.
It’s a favorite weekend getaway for locals, especially in summer when the lakeside towns buzz with outdoor cafés and sailboats. You can spend the day cycling through the vineyards, stopping at wineries in Rust or Mörbisch, or taking a ferry across the lake to explore the Hungarian side.
The area is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage region, thanks to its unique landscape and birdlife, so don’t forget your camera if you’re into photography or nature walks.
The easiest way to visit is by car. Trains also run from Vienna to towns like Neusiedl am See, where you can rent a bike and explore at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vienna Day Trips
Ideally, spend at least 3–4 days in Vienna. Two to explore the city itself and one or two for nearby day trips. Check out my Vienna Guide for things to add to your Vienna itinerary.
The Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey tour is the classic choice, followed by Hallstatt and Bratislava. These are all scenic, easy to reach, and offer very different experiences.
Yes, but it’s a long day! The best way is through a guided tour that handles transport so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about connections.
Absolutely — especially destinations like Salzburg, Bratislava, and Graz, which look magical with Christmas lights and markets. Just dress warmly and plan around shorter daylight hours.
Bratislava — it’s only about an hour away by train or bus and feels like a completely different world.
The most convenient option is GetYourGuide — they offer flexible cancellation, verified guides, and curated itineraries for all the destinations listed above. Plus, most of the time you can cancel the trip if things change and get a full refund.
Vienna is incredible on its own, but what makes it truly special is how easy it is to explore beyond it. Whether you’re cruising down the Danube through the Wachau Valley, exploring the pastel streets of Hallstatt, or hopping over to Bratislava, there are multiple options to fit what you’re looking for.
Before you go, make sure to check out my Vienna Guide for more ideas on how to make the most of your trip, and don’t forget to save this guide on Pinterest for later!
