tidy

I am at the very beginning stages of planning a trip to Europe this May. Our thought is that we would visit Austra, Prague, and Budapest. We would have 4 weeks and could extend that time if necessary. We would probably fly into one location out of another so that we don't back track. What are some good options to travel between the three areas? If so, how long would it take us? Are these three areas a good combination? Thanks much for your input so that I can begin to plan.

bardo1

I would suggest flying into Prague, train to Salzburg, train to Vienna, train to Budapest, fly home. This plan would involve one long ride (the first one), but is the most efficient plan, IMO.

The long ride is a direct train from from Prague to Salzburg - about 6-1/2 hours and €50 one-way. Get this ticket directly from Czech Railways or be prepared to pay much more:
https://www.cd.cz/eshop/default.aspx
There are two direct trains daily. One leaves Prague at 7:14am and arrives Salzburg at 1:47 pm (6 hours 33 minutes). The other leaves Prague at 5:14pm and arrives Salzburg at 14 minutes past midnight (7 hours).

Trains from Salzburg to Vienna leave hourly, take 2 hours 40 minutes (or more, depending on which train), and cost about €50 one-way.

Trains from Vienna to Budapest leave 9 times daily, take 2 hours 45 minutes, and cost about €40 one-way (although there are some advance purchase discounts for as little as €20).

Both of the above routes are Austrian Railways: http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp


A different option altogether is Prague-Budapest-Vienna-Salzburg, but flying home from Salzburg is neither cheap nor convenient. If you added a final stop in Munich and flew home from Munich, then it is worth considering however.

tidy

This is very helpful, it gives me a starting point.Thank you for taking the time to help.

Michael

Backtracking has a bad reputation, but depending on the modes of travel, it might make sense, especially if the route is circular rather than linear. For example, one could land in Vienna, travel visit sites in Austria and the Czech Republic on the way to Prague and then go to Budapest via western Slovakia, and from Budapest back to Vienna. No backtracking there even though the point of arrival and departure in Europe is the same.

joannyc

Prague - Vienna - Budapest is a very common trip itinerary. And a good one.

Fly into Prague and out of Budapest (or vice versa depending on flight times from where you are flying).

From Prague, I'd spend a night or two in Cesky Krumlov. Beautiful little town!

From Vienna, I'd do the Melk/Durstein day trip. Gorgeous!

Have a great time!