20 best day trips from Vienna, Austria by train

Vienna is a place where schnitzels are practically a food group, operas are the soundtrack of life, and palaces are as common as coffeehouses. You can hardly get enough of this city, but sometimes a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered.

Whether you’re itching for a medieval abbey visit, a soak in some thermal springs, or just want to say you’ve casually crossed into Slovakia for lunch, Vienna makes for the perfect jumping-off point.

Here are 20 day trips from Vienna that are sure to make your friends jealous:

Schönbrunn Palace near Vienna, Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, Shascene

Schönbrunn Palace

How to get there: Hop on the U4 to Schönbrunn, and in just 20 minutes, you’ll be strutting around the gardens like you own the place.
Why go: Besides the fact that Schönbrunn is the closest synonym of “extravagance”, you can also geek out over its role in The Regime, the HBO show starring Kate Winslet. Yep, it’s a filming location — cue the Instagram stories.

Klosterneuburg Abbey

How to get there: Take the S-Bahn (S40 train) to Klosterneuburg — about a 20-minute ride away. Fun fact: locals often shorten Klosterneuburg, a charming town in Lower Austria’s Tulln District, to “Kloburg”.
Why go: If you like your wine with a side of history, Klosterneuburg Abbey is the place to be — it’s Austria’s oldest winery, after all! Think of it as a spiritual detox.

What’s the difference between the S-Bahn and U-Bahn in Vienna?

The S-Bahn is a suburban train network that goes beyond Vienna’s city limits. It is run by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The U-Bahn, on the other hand, is the city’s metro system and stays within Vienna. So, think of the S-Bahn for trips out of town, and the U-Bahn for getting around the city. By the way, an S-Bahn ticket also works on the U-Bahn and all other public transport in Vienna.

Exterior of Melk Abbey in Melk, Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, Vladislav Zolotov

Melk

How to get there: Hop on a train to Melk, and you’ll be there in just 43 minutes.
Why go: Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel here. Its ridiculously ornate library would make Belle from Beauty and the Beast weak in the knees.

The Roman ruins of Carnuntum

How to get there: Catch a train from Vienna Rennweg to Petronell-Carnuntum (about 45 minutes), then stretch those legs with a 15-minute walk.
Why go: Because who wouldn’t want to wander around ancient Roman ruins pretending you’re a Gladiator?

Baden bei Wien

How to get there: The regional REX train from Vienna Meidling will have you in Baden b.Wien station in under 30 minutes.
Why go: Natural thermal springs, spa treatments, and you in a robe. Need we say more?

Vineyards in Wachau Valley in Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, rusm

Wachau Valley

How to get there: Catch a train to Krems an der Donau — around 1 hour and 5 minutes of scenic views.
Why go: Vineyards, river views, and charming towns like Melk and Dürnstein make Wachau the Pinterest board of day trips.

Eisenstadt

How to get there: Hop on a train, and you’ll be in Eisenstadt in about 55 minutes.
Why go: Haydn fans, this one’s for you — Eisenstadt was the composer’s home, and his presence is still felt in every note and cranny of this town.

Vienna Woods

How to get there: For Trail No. 1, hop on tram D from the Ring to Nussdorf (about 30 minutes). For Trail No. 4, take tram 49 to Rettichgasse (about 30 minutes). Alternatively, take the train from Vienna Mitte to Liesing, then catch a bus towards Giessbuehl, Hinterbruehl, or Sparbach.
Why go: Whether you’re trekking through the heart of the woods or exploring the peaceful southern edges, Vienna Woods is the perfect nature escape with fresh air and endless trails.

Michael's Gate in Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia. Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61

Bratislava, Slovakia

How to get there: A quick 1 hour and 9-minute train ride and voilà — you’re in another country.
Why go: Because saying you had lunch in Slovakia and were back for dinner in Vienna sounds way cooler than just ordering takeout.

Seegrotte

How to get there: Take the S-Bahn to Meidling, then hop on a bus to Seegrotte (a little over half an hour in total).
Why go: Explore Europe’s largest underground lake. It’s like something out of a James Bond movie, only less dangerous and more Instagrammable.

Linz

How to get there: Board a train, and in 1 hour and 8 minutes, you’re in Linz.
Why go: Linz is all about modern art, steelworks, and a riverside vibe that’s the perfect counterpoint to Vienna’s old-school grandeur.

Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary. Image Credit: Getty Images, Tanatat pongphibool ,thailand

Budapest, Hungary

How to get there: Hop on a train, and in 2 hours and 20 minutes, you’re in Budapest.
Why go: It’s Budapest! Thermal baths, ruin pubs, and a chance to pretend you’re in a Wes Anderson film.

Semmering, Austrian Alps

How to get there: Semmering Bahnhof is just about a 1 hour and 15 minute-train ride away.
Why go: Hit the Alps for some crisp mountain air and breathtaking views. It’s a ski resort in winter and a hiker’s paradise in summer.

Mauthausen Memorial

How to get there: Train to St. Valentin, then another train to Mauthausen — about 1 hour and 15 minutes total.
Why go: A somber but important visit. This memorial site is a powerful reminder of history’s darkest chapters.

Uhrturm clock tower in Graz, Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, bluejayphoto

Graz

How to get there: Graz is 2 hours and 28 minutes from Vienna.
Why go: Austria’s second-largest city is a quirky mix of Renaissance charm and modern art. Plus, its culinary scene is off the charts.

Salzburg

How to get there: The train ride from Vienna to Salzburg takes 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Why go: The hills are alive with The Sound of Music (and so are Salzburg’s cobblestone streets).

Bad Ischl

How to get there: The train will get you to Bad Ischl in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Why go: A spa town fit for an emperor — literally. Franz Joseph I had his summer residence here, and after a visit, you’ll see why.

Hallstatt Village in the Salzkammergut region in Austria. Image Credit: Getty Images, Jackyenjoyphotography

Salzkammergut

How to get there: Take a direct train from Vienna to Vöcklabruck (from 1 hour 44 minutes), then transfer to a train heading for Kammer-Schörfling Bahnhof (about 15 minutes). From there, catch a local bus (like Postbus line 562) to Nußdorf/Attersee Ortsmitte, making the total travel time around 3–4 hours, depending on connections.
Why go: This region of lakes and Alpine ranges near Salzburg make the ultimate backdrop for your “I need a vacation” photos.

Klagenfurt am Wörthersee

How to get there: Klagenfurt is a 3h 48m train ride from Vienna.
Why go: This southern city by Lake Wörthersee is all about summer vibes and chilled-out lake days.

Hallstatt

How to get there: Hallstatt is a bit of a trek — between 3 and 4 hours — but so worth it.
Why go: Because Hallstatt looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale, and honestly, that’s reason enough.

Booking a train ride is now easier than deciding between a Sachertorte (chocolate cake) and an apple strudel — just download the Trainline app and hit the tracks. Day trips from Vienna have never been so sweet!

Hallstatt Village in Austria. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, YUBO

Vienna’s best day trips: 20 getaways worth a train ride