Captivating train journey across central Europe
Want to take an unforgettable journey through central Europe's vibrant and historic cities? Discover this adventurous and sustainable itinerary through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia and experience the vibrant life in some of central Europe's most beautiful cities. Travelling by train has many advantages: you travel quickly, easily, enjoy beautiful views en route and arrive in the heart of the city well-rested. In addition, you contribute to a better environment by saving a considerable amount of CO2.
Depart from a station near you and discover the adventurous train journey along the charming central European cities of Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Salzburg and Innsbruck. We recommend the best hotspots for each city on the route!
Rail holiday through Europe
| Route | Travel time | Transfers | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utrecht - Vienna | 13.16 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Vienna - Budapest | hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Budapest - Bratislava | 2.53 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Bratislava - Salzburg | 3.44 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Salzburg - Innsbruck | 1.48 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Innsbruck - Utrecht | 13.33 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
Vienna
Vienna is known for the many palaces that populate the Austrian capital. Schönbrunn Palace, which can be compared to the Palace of Versailles in size and beauty, is especially worth a visit. Wander through its courteous gardens and admire all the splendour in its many rooms. But did you know that Vienna also has plenty of trendy hotspots? Drink coffee in a hip coffee house or enjoy a beer in a lively beer garden in the trendy Leopoldstadt district. The beating heart of this historically typical Jewish district is the lively Karmelitermarkt, where you can eat and drink and find lots of lovely shops. Discover Vienna by train and disembark in the heart of the city well-rested. From € 35 you will travel from Utrecht to Vienna in 13.16 hours direct connection with the overnight train.
Budapest
Budapest is immediately associated with the Hungarian capital's many bathhouses. From luxurious spas like Széchenyi to smaller bath houses, this is where you can enjoy a wonderful day in a spa during your city break. In summer, you can enjoy a pleasant city beach on the Danube, Budapest's lifeline that divides the city into two parts: Buda and Pest. In addition, Budapest is a paradise for lovers of markets with food, souvenirs and vintage finds. The most famous market is the Great Market Hall, a huge covered market that is definitely worth a visit. But you can also spend hours wandering past market stalls at smaller markets such as the Ecseri Piac flea market and the Szimpla Sunday Farmer's Market.
Bratislava
Want an adventure in a charming little capital with a beautiful historic city centre, many museums and lively cafés? Then discover the Slovak capital Bratislava! The historic centre is dominated by Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the 18th-century city full of bustling cafés and restaurants. Culture buffs will enjoy the many museums, such as the Slovak National Museum, the Transport Museum or the Bratislava City Gallery. For great antique and souvenir shops, head to the atmospheric Panska shopping street, located in the heart of the city. From here, stroll along the banks of the Danube and settle down for a delicious dinner overlooking the water.
Salzburg
Salzburg is Austria's fourth-largest city and known for its Baroque architecture. Wandering through the romantic streets of Salzburg is a tourist attraction in itself: as the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the hilltop castle Hohensalzburg and enjoy fantastic views over the city. Discover the best shops in the lively shopping street Getreidegasse, and immerse yourself in the past of the Austrian prodigy and visit the home where Mozart was born. Feeling thirsty? Drink coffee in a typical Austrian café or enjoy a beer and local dishes such as Wienerschnitzel or Schweinebraten with sauerkraut in a lively Biergarten.
Innsbruck
Hidden behind Tyrol's snow-capped peaks lies the medieval town of Innsbruck. The Austrian city is best known for winter sports, but it is also a great place to be in summer. Stroll along the banks of the Inn and admire a skyline of brightly coloured houses that stand out against an impressive mountain range. In summer, you can even take a refreshing plunge in the crystal-clear water here!
Innsbruck has a friendly and compact city centre where you can do everything on foot. Stroll through the scenic medieval streets and visit the Hofburg, the former imperial palace. Then settle down for a delicious drink on a sunny terrace.
Why travel around Europe by train?
Travelling by train is adventurous, comfortable and fast. While travelling to your holiday destination, you can read a book in a comfortable seat, enjoy beautiful views and get off in the heart of the city. So, you can start exploring a European city well-rested. Not to mention, it is more sustainable than the car and plane.
Below you can discover how much more sustainable each particular train journey is.
Discover the CO2 savings of this train journey
| Destination | Number km train | Number km car | CO2 train | CO2 car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | 1013 | 1113 | 61 kilo | 193 kilo |
| Budapest | 245 | 243 | 15 kilo | 42 kilo |
| Bratislava | 194 | 201 | 12 kilo | 35 kilo |
| Salzburg | 372 | 381 | 22 kilo | 66 kilo |
| Innsbruck | 193 | 187 | 12 kilo | 32 kilo |
| Utrecht | 1237 | 894 | 74 kilo | 155 kilo |
| Total | 200 kilo | 500 kilo |
The numbers are based on a trip for 2 people and come from Milieu Centraal.
What does this saving mean exactly?
*You will save 300 kilos of CO2, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 400 warm water showers.*
Tips for cheap train tickets
Want to discover Central Europe's vibrant and historic cities with an adventurous train journey? Book tickets easily and quickly via NS International. All train tickets can be booked separately, so you can easily compile your own trip.
- Book as early as possible, so you have the best chance of getting tickets for the best prices.
- Often, travelling in the evening is cheaper.
- Make a reservation from the station around the corner from you.
Read more about cheap train tickets
Interrail or Eurail: all your European train tickets in 1 pass
The Interrail or Eurail Pass is a train ticket that allows you to travel on almost all trains in Europe. It gives you access to 40 rail and ferry companies in 33 countries.
Explore our other best train tours through Europe
Want to ake an unforgettable trip around northern Europe's most enjoyable cities? Then choose to travel by train. You will enjoy green views along the way and disembark in the most beautiful cities of Germany and Denmark.
Read all information about train travel for northern Europe
On your train journey through southern Europe, you will also pass through mountainous areas and enjoy stunning views. An adventurous train journey will take you past the beautiful cities of Paris, Bordeaux, Valence, Milan and Zurich. Read all about train travel for southern Europe
* Showering is calculated by Milieu Centraal at an average of 8 minutes and 42 seconds. In addition, how 'green' the electricity the trains run on varies per European country. Here, Milieu Centraal uses average figures for CO2 emissions of all high-speed trains in Europe. The car is a medium-sized petrol car.
Train trip northern Europe
Embark on an unforgettable train journey past Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Aarhus, Copenhagen and Bremen. We recommend the best hotspots for each stop.
Train trip southern Europe
Taking a trip past the most beautiful cities of southern Europe? Take the train to discover France, northern Italy and Switzerland.
Along Hanseatic cities by train
Discover the magical history of Europe's Hanseatic cities by train!
Travel around Denmark
Discover Denmark by train, past picturesque towns, nature and Danish charm.
Discover the iron legacy of Gustave Eiffel
Discover Gustave Eiffel’s iconic structures by train, from the Eiffel Tower to stunning viaducts.