# Vienna to Prague Train — times, tickets, Railjet & RegioJet Two imperial capitals, one four-hour line. The Vienna to Prague train slips out of Wien Hauptbahnhof and runs direct to Praha hlavní nádraží in about 4 hours 13 minutes — no change of train, a choice of Railjet or RegioJet, and fares from around $35. ## The Vienna to Prague train route One line links the two capitals across the Austrian–Czech border. Almost every Vienna to Prague train runs the whole way with no change of train; a few make just a single short stop (usually Brno). It covers roughly 254 km and the same trains run the route in reverse from Prague back to Vienna. - Fastest journey: about 4 hours 13 minutes - Direct trains: more than 20 a day between the two operators - Distance: roughly 254 km, Vienna to Prague ## Who runs the Vienna to Prague train Two operators compete on the same tracks, which keeps fares low. (There is no Leo Express on this route.) ### Railjet (ÖBB & ČD) The flagship, run jointly by Austria's ÖBB and Czech Railways. Restaurant car, free WiFi and a power socket at every seat; three classes — Economy, First and Business (Business adds a wider seat with a meal at your seat). From about $43. ### RegioJet The value pick: bright yellow trains with an at-seat steward service and free drinks. On this route the booking shows three fares — Economy ($35), Economy+ ($44) and Business ($59); WiFi and a power socket at every seat. Often the cheapest way across, from about $35. ## Where the Vienna to Prague train starts and ends **Vienna (departure):** Wien Hauptbahnhof, the modern main station just south of the centre, a hub for the U1 metro, trams and the airport line. Address: Am Hauptbahnhof 1, 1100 Wien. **Prague (arrival):** Praha hlavní nádraží, the grand Art-Nouveau main station — one metro stop or a ten-minute walk from Wenceslas Square and the Old Town. Address: Wilsonova 300/8, 110 00 Praha. ## Booking the Vienna to Prague train 1. Book two to four weeks ahead — the cheapest advance fares (RegioJet from about $35, Railjet from about $43) are limited and sell first. 2. Compare both operators, not just times — Railjet and RegioJet price independently, so one is often noticeably cheaper for the same hour. 3. Consider RegioJet for the service — Economy+ and Business fares add more room, and even Economy includes the steward and free drinks. 4. Reserve a seat on busy days — Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and holidays fill up; a reserved seat is included on most fares. 5. Grab a window seat for the gentle Austrian and Moravian countryside. 6. Carry ID — you cross from Austria into Czechia, both in Schengen, so no routine checks but carry ID anyway. ## Vienna to Prague by train, bus, car or plane | Mode | Centre-to-centre time | Typical cost | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Train (direct) | ~4h 13m | from $35 | Station to station, WiFi, food, no security queue | | Bus (coach) | ~4h 10m | $15–$45 | Cheapest, similar time, less legroom over four hours | | Car | ~3h 30m | Fuel + tolls ~$45 | ~330 km by road; flexible, but Prague parking and vignettes add up | | Plane | ~3h+ door to door | varies | Rarely a convenient direct flight; two airport transfers erase any time saved | For a four-hour city-to-city trip, the Vienna to Prague train is the easy default. ## Onboard the Vienna to Prague train - Food & drink: Railjet restaurant car; RegioJet free at-seat drinks via its steward service. - WiFi on both; power at the seat on both operators. - Classes: Railjet Economy/First/Business; RegioJet Economy ($35)/Economy+ ($44)/Business ($59). - Luggage: overhead racks plus end-of-car space; no checked baggage. - Seat reservations included on most fares and tied to a specific train. ## Vienna to Prague train — frequently asked questions **How long is the Vienna to Prague train?** The fastest direct trains take about 4 hours 13 minutes between Wien Hauptbahnhof and Praha hlavní nádraží. **How much does a ticket cost?** Advance fares from about $35 (RegioJet) and about $43 (Railjet); prices rise as trains fill. **Which companies run it?** Railjet (ÖBB & ČD) and RegioJet — both direct, no change of train. No Leo Express on this route. **Do I need to change trains?** No — most are direct; a few make one stop, usually at Brno. **Which station in Prague?** Praha hlavní nádraží, the main station near the Old Town. **How often do trains run?** More than 20 direct trains a day between the two operators. **Is the train better than the bus?** For most travellers yes — more comfortable and station-to-station. **Do trains have WiFi and food?** Yes, on both operators, with WiFi and a power socket at your seat. --- Book tickets: https://highspeedtrains.com