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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Grand Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

7-day independent rail trip through Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

Illustration of Grand Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

Railbookers operates Grand Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, an independent 7-day, 6-night rail vacation that starts in Prague and ends in Budapest, with a stop in Vienna along the way. Travelers spend 2 nights in each city and travel between them by train, taking a Eurocity train from Prague to Vienna on day 3 and the high-speed Railjet from Vienna to Budapest on day 5. Sightseeing is self-guided, supported by a hop-on hop-off pass in Prague, a Vienna Pass with bus tour tickets in Vienna, and an included evening Danube river cruise in Budapest. The itinerary points travelers to Prague's UNESCO-listed historic center, Vienna's St Stephen's Cathedral and Schonbrunn Palace, and Budapest's Fisherman's Bastion and thermal baths. The trip suits travelers who want to see three Central European capitals by rail in a single week without joining a group tour. Prices start from $1,239 per person.

What to know before you look closer

  • 18 accommodation options span several hotel tiers across the three cities, so the exact hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • This is an independent trip with no tour guide included; sightseeing beyond the hop-on hop-off passes, Vienna Pass, and Danube cruise is self-guided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Prague

    Your Journey Begins in Prague

    Arrive in Prague today and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Take a leisurely stroll through the town and admire Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Neo-Classical architecture in the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic center, or start using your hop-on, hop-off pass.

  2. Day 2overnight: Prague

    Prague

    After breakfast this morning, discover more delights of the city! Attractions such as Prague Castle, the Mala Strana neighborhood and the Old Town are certainly must-sees. Explore the Jewish Quarter, take a scenic Vltava River cruise, or visit the Astronomical Clock Tower, the National Museum and the Wallenstein Palace.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Vienna

    Prague to Vienna

    After breakfast, head for the train station and then ride the rails from Prague to Vienna on a Eurocity train. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Head out to the Gothic St Stephen's Cathedral or treat yourself to a slice of Sachertorte at the iconic Sacher hotel.

  4. Day 4overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, start the day with a trip on the famous Ring Tram for an introduction to the city. Explore landmarks such as St Rupert's Church, Hofburg Palace and Spanish Riding Tower. Don't miss Schonbrunn Palace in the afternoon. Your Vienna Pass will ensure that you don't miss a thing!

  5. Day 5railovernight: Budapest

    Vienna to Budapest

    After breakfast, make your way to the train station for your journey south east on the high-speed Railjet route, over the border to Hungary and into Budapest. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Explore Budapest at your leisure today. Visit the Fisherman's Bastion for wonderful views over the opulent Parliament, or stroll from Heroes' Square to the sun-yellow Szechenyi Baths. In the evening, enjoy a cruise along the Danube, included in your journey, past the Chain Bridge and the Buda Castle Quarter.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Budapest

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, one of our Rail Consultants will be happy to assist you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A scenic Vltava River cruise in Prague.
  • Day 3A Eurocity train from Prague to Vienna, then a visit to the Gothic St Stephen's Cathedral.
  • Day 4A ride on Vienna's Ring Tram, followed by Hofburg Palace and Schonbrunn Palace.
  • Day 5The high-speed Railjet train from Vienna to Budapest.
  • Day 6An evening Danube river cruise past the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle Quarter.

Included

  • Train travel in first class throughout as specified in itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Prague
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Vienna
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Budapest
  • Hop-on, hop-off tour in Prague
  • Vienna Pass
  • Hop-on Hop-off bus tour in Vienna
  • Danube river Cruise with drinks in Budapest

Questions travellers ask

Is this an escorted tour or independent trip?
Independent; travelers explore Prague, Vienna, and Budapest at their own pace using included hop-on hop-off passes and a Vienna Pass.
How does the train travel work?
A Eurocity train runs from Prague to Vienna on day 3, and a high-speed Railjet train runs from Vienna to Budapest on day 5.
What's included?
First-class rail travel, 2 nights' hotel with breakfast in each city, a hop-on hop-off tour in Prague, a Vienna Pass with hop-on hop-off bus tickets, and a Danube river cruise with drinks in Budapest.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 18 accommodation options, including Hilton and Novotel properties in Prague and the InterContinental in Vienna.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $1,239 per person (USD).
How long is the trip?
7 days and 6 nights, with 2 nights in each city.

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