Day Trip: Vienna to Bratislava
Complete guide to visiting two capitals in one day
Bratislava and Vienna are only 60 kilometers apart, making them the closest capital cities in Europe. This proximity creates a perfect opportunity for a day trip from Vienna to explore Slovakia's charming capital. With frequent bus and train connections taking just 60-90 minutes, you can easily visit Bratislava's Old Town, castle, and main attractions while returning to Vienna the same evening.
A day trip to Bratislava offers excellent value compared to staying in Vienna. You'll experience a different culture, enjoy cheaper meals and drinks, and see a lesser-known but equally historic European capital. This guide covers transport options, suggested itineraries, and practical tips to maximize your day in Bratislava.
Travel Time
60-90 minutes
Transport Cost
€5-15 one way
Distance
60 km (37 miles)
Recommended Time
6-8 hours in Bratislava
Getting There
FlixBus operates hourly services from Vienna Hauptbahnhof and Vienna Erdberg to Bratislava's main bus station (Nivy). Journey takes 60-75 minutes. Buses are modern, comfortable, and offer free WiFi.
Price: €5-8 one way
Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
First bus: 06:00 from Vienna
Last bus back: 23:00 from Bratislava
Pros: Cheap, frequent, direct to city center
Cons: Can be delayed by traffic
ÖBB trains run from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava hlavná stanica. More comfortable than buses with scenic views along the Danube. Journey takes 60-90 minutes depending on the service.
Price: €12-20 one way
Frequency: Every 1-2 hours
First train: 05:40 from Vienna
Last train back: 21:40 from Bratislava
Pros: Comfortable, reliable, scenic
Cons: More expensive, less frequent
Suggested 8-Hour Itinerary
Take the 08:00 bus from Vienna to arrive around 09:00. From Nivy bus station, it's a 15-minute walk or 5-minute tram ride to the Old Town. Store any luggage in lockers at the bus station (€2-4 per day).
Tip: Grab coffee and pastry at a local cafe before starting your tour.
Start at the Main Square (Hlavné námestie) and wander the pedestrianized streets. Key sights: Michael's Gate, St. Martin's Cathedral, Old Town Hall, Primate's Palace. Allow 2-3 hours for leisurely exploration and photos.
- • Main Square (15 min)
- • Michael's Gate & Tower (30 min, €5 entry)
- • St. Martin's Cathedral (20 min)
- • Primate's Palace (30 min, €3 entry)
Enjoy traditional Slovak cuisine at a local restaurant. Try bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) or kapustnica (cabbage soup). Expect to pay €8-15 for a full meal with drink—significantly cheaper than Vienna.
Restaurant suggestions: Slovak Pub, Modrá Hviezda, or Flagship Restaurant.
Walk uphill to Bratislava Castle (20 minutes) or take bus #203 from Hodžovo námestie. Explore the castle grounds (free) and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Danube. Museum entry is €10 if you want to see interior exhibits.
Allow 1.5-2 hours including walk up and down.
Walk down from the castle to the Danube embankment. Stroll along the river promenade toward the UFO Bridge. If time permits, take the elevator to the UFO observation deck (€10, 95m high) for stunning 360° views.
Alternative: Relax at a riverside cafe instead of UFO visit.
Head back to Old Town for last-minute souvenir shopping or coffee. Browse local crafts, Slovak wine, or traditional products. Return to Nivy bus station by 18:00 for evening buses back to Vienna.
Buses run until 23:00, giving you flexibility to stay longer if desired.
Practical Tips
- • Currency: Euro (same as Austria)
- • Lunch: €8-15 per person
- • Coffee: €2-3
- • Museum entry: €3-10
- • Total budget: €40-60 including transport
- • Cards accepted: Widely, but carry €20 cash
- • Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones)
- • Light backpack or day bag
- • Water bottle (refill at fountains)
- • Phone charger / power bank
- • Camera for photos
- • Light jacket (even in summer)
- • Passport or EU ID card
Slovak is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels. German is also understood by many locals due to proximity to Austria.
Useful phrases: Dobrý deň (Hello), Ďakujem (Thank you), Prosím (Please/You're welcome)
May-September offers the best weather for walking and outdoor sightseeing. December is magical with Christmas markets but cold. Avoid Mondays when some museums are closed.
Weekday vs Weekend: Weekdays are less crowded. Weekends have more street performers and lively atmosphere.
Is a Day Trip Worth It?
Absolutely. Bratislava offers a completely different atmosphere from Vienna—more relaxed, less touristy, and significantly cheaper. The compact Old Town means you can see major attractions in 6-8 hours without feeling rushed. It's an easy, low-stress day trip that adds cultural diversity to your Vienna visit.
However, if you have time, consider staying overnight in Bratislava. This allows you to experience the city's evening atmosphere, enjoy dinner without worrying about return transport, and explore at a more leisurely pace. Hotels are 30-50% cheaper than Vienna, making an overnight stay excellent value.
Planning the Reverse Trip?
If you're staying in Bratislava and want to visit Vienna, check out our sister site for the complete reverse guide with Vienna-specific tips, attractions, and itineraries.
Visit Travel2Vienna.com →