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In a nutshell: Travel from Frankfurt to Vienna by daytime ICE and Railjet in around 7 hours from €29, or take the overnight Nightjet sleeper and wake up in Vienna – two great options for one of Europe’s most rewarding city pairs.
The journey from Frankfurt to Vienna by train is a classic European rail connection linking two of the continent’s most culturally rich capitals. Whether you’re visiting for the art, the coffee houses or the imperial architecture, the train is a comfortable alternative to flying – especially when you factor in airport time and transfers on both ends.
Route Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf → Vienna Hauptbahnhof |
| Distance | approx. 640 km |
| Daytime journey | approx. 7 hours (ICE + Railjet) |
| Overnight journey | approx. 10 hours (Nightjet sleeper) |
| Cheapest fare | from €29 (daytime Sparpreis) |
| Transfer required | Daytime: yes (Munich); Nightjet: direct |
| Vienna arrival station | Vienna Hauptbahnhof |
How to Get from Frankfurt to Vienna by Train
Option 1 – Daytime (ICE + ÖBB Railjet): Take the ICE from Frankfurt to Munich (~3 hrs), then transfer to the ÖBB Railjet to Vienna (~4 hrs). Total: around 7 hours. Connection in Munich is well-timed (20–40 minutes). Book a single through-ticket Frankfurt–Vienna via DB or ÖBB.
Option 2 – Nightjet (Overnight Sleeper): The ÖBB Nightjet departs Frankfurt around 20–22h and arrives in Vienna early morning. Options: couchette (cheapest), sleeping car or private cabin. Great for saving a hotel night. Couchettes from ~€39; sleeping car from ~€79.
Journey Times and Connections
The fastest daytime connection takes around 6 hours 55 minutes. Several daytime departures from Frankfurt, mainly morning and early afternoon. The Nightjet runs once daily. A popular combo: Friday evening Nightjet (arrive Saturday morning fresh), return Sunday evening by day train.
Getting the Best Price
Sparpreis Europa fares for Frankfurt–Vienna start at €29 for the daytime journey. Nightjet couchettes from ~€39. Tips:
- Book early: Saver fares sell out quickly – especially Nightjet sleeper cabins. Book up to 6 months ahead.
- Nightjet as hotel substitute: Couchette + travel vs. day ticket + hotel – the Nightjet often wins on cost.
- BahnCard: Gives 25–50% off on the German-operated portion.
- Interrail: Valid on Railjet and Nightjet with mandatory reservation (extra fee).
Book your Frankfurt–Vienna train ticket
Highlights in Vienna
Vienna is one of Europe’s most elegant cities. The Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace (UNESCO World Heritage) bring the Habsburg imperial era to life. The Kunsthistorisches Museum and Belvedere (home to Klimt’s “The Kiss”) rank among the world’s finest art museums. The Naschmarkt is Vienna’s legendary open-air market. No visit is complete without a traditional Viennese coffee house (Café Central or Café Landtmann) over a Melange and Apfelstrudel.
FAQ – Frankfurt to Vienna by Train
How long does the train from Frankfurt to Vienna take?
The daytime route (ICE + Railjet) takes approximately 7 hours. The Nightjet sleeper takes around 10 hours overnight.
Is there a direct train from Frankfurt to Vienna?
The Nightjet runs as a direct overnight service. Daytime trains require a transfer, typically in Munich.
What is the cheapest train from Frankfurt to Vienna?
Daytime Sparpreis Europa fares start at €29. Nightjet couchette berths start around €39.
Where does the train arrive in Vienna?
All long-distance trains arrive at Vienna Hauptbahnhof, directly connected to the U-Bahn network (line U1).
Can I take the Nightjet with an Interrail pass?
Yes – Interrail is valid on Nightjet, but a reservation is mandatory (typically €10–35 depending on accommodation class).
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Conclusion
Whether you choose the comfortable daytime connection or the overnight Nightjet, travelling from Frankfurt to Vienna by train is a rewarding experience. Starting from €29, it’s affordable, sustainable and takes you right into the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities.