Is it easy to get the train from Vienna to Budapest? I read that there are different stops for each location -- does anyone know the main, most direct routes? thanks.

The trains for Budapest leave from Vienna's Westnahnhof. The direct trains without changes arrive at Budapest's Keleti Pu. The best trains are the EC and IC ones. You can check the schedule at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

In a development about a year ago, two trains a day now leave Budapest Deli, the 0940 and the 1310. This takes 20 minutes off their journey time.<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR>

A few important considerations on the connection from Vienna to Budapest include these particulars:<BR><BR>Note the station in Budapest at which you arrive. There are two now.<BR><BR>Also note your departure station in Vienna. Some trains leave from the West station (Westbahnhof), others leave from the South station (S&uuml;dbahnhof). <BR><BR>Note also your departure time and the travel time. The travel time can vary <BR>from 2 hours 28 minutes to 4 hours 23 minutes. <BR><BR>The best travel time with 0 changes is 2:33 and it leave from the South Bahnhof at 7:15. <BR><BR>If you are returning to Vienna, the best travel time is 2:31, leaving Keleti at 18:55.<BR>No changes on this connection.<BR><BR>

Just took the train last week. Yes there are stops but not many and you are only there for a few moments. My guess is there were 6-8 stops with the max of 2 minutes each. There were plenty of seats as many people get off outside of Vienna. And yes, more people get on at Gyor for the ride into BudaPest.