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(Last Updated On: 06/08/2021)

So you’ve finally done it. You’ve put in for your vacation at work, bought your plane tickets, and headed over to Hungary for a well-deserved holiday. And while that’s all well and good – after all, Budapest is a beautiful city – don’t sell yourself short by only sticking around the capital. Europe is a well-connected continent with thousands of options for train travel, and this includes Hungary. So once you’ve seen the Szechenyi Thermal Baths and enjoyed a pint at the Beer Spa, head out of town on one of these 3 best Budapest day trips by train.

 

1. Debrecen, Hungary

The second largest city in Hungary and also known as the Capital of the Great Hungarian Plain, this bustling town is home to 200,000 people. Historic and beautiful, Debrecen is just 2 hours and 15 minutes from Budapest by train. Its vicinity makes this an excellent candidate for Budapest day trips by train.

The Great Church in Debrecen is the city’s focal point, and functions as a symbol of Protestantism in Hungary. There are also numerous museums for you to visit, such as the Deri Museum, which houses some of the most historic pieces in all of Hungary. 

Don’t forget to try out some of the local food and wine, as well. If you’re a true sommelier, you may opt for “Bikaver”, a locally produced wine that translates to “bull’s blood”. It’s produced in Hungary, in the famous ‘Valley of Beautiful Women’ region. Yum!

If you’re a fan of the thermal baths, Debrecen also has you covered. In a departure from tradition, the Aquaticum Spa is more like an indoor water park. Featuring a high domed ceiling and colorful water slides, these thermal baths are fun for the whole family. 

Debrecen, Hungary Monument

 

2. Best Budapest Day Trips By Train: Vienna, Austria

For this next entry of Budapest day trips by train, we’re leaving Hungary entirely and heading to Austria, Hungary’s western neighbor. The capital of Austria, Vienna is a gorgeous city and home to over 2 million residents. Like much of Hungary, Vienna also lies along the Danube. Unlike the small town, however, Vienna is packed full of different neighborhoods, museums, attractions, and varieties of food.

Known as a hub of culture and art, it also sports a thriving coffee scene and you’ll find hundreds of cafes along its winding streets. Vienna is also home to Schonbrunn, the summer residence of the Hapsburgs and one of many grand buildings throughout the city. 

If you’re traveling in the winter, Vienna is a must-stop for its Christmas markets. These fantastical markets are nothing short of magical with twinkling fairy lights, hot mulled wine, and warm comfort food.

Although the journey is long for a day trip from Budapest via train, there are fast options available with nonstop options. Even better, you’ll get to check another European country off your bucket list

Budapest to Vienna Trains

Munich to Vienna Trains

Graz to Vienna Trains

Prague to Vienna Trains

 

Vienna is a must Budapest day trips by train

 

3. Best Budapest Day Trips By Train: Wiener Neustadt, Austria

Finally, we’ve come to our last entry, a mid-sized town located south of Vienna. Yes, that’s right, we’ve added another Austrian day trip to this list. Why’s that? Well because Wiener Neustadt (aside from having a humorous name), is a bustling city of nearly 50,000 people, and it’s got it all in terms of things to do. 

Located just 30km from Vienna and very near the Hungarian-Austrian border is the perfect Budapest day trip by train, this town’s history is rife with battles for control from various empires. Despite these battles- or perhaps because of them – Wiener Neustadt evolved into an important military training ground with the construction of the Maria Theresa Military Academy in the 1700s. 

Leaving the past behind, today Wiener Neustadt is home to many various activities, including plenty of outdoor hiking and parks. You can visit Myra Falls for some fabulous hiking, or head to Gesaeuse National Park to take in the fresh air. 

The city also has many monuments, museums, and galleries dedicated to illustrating the city’s history. If this all sounds like too much for you – don’t worry. After a full day of activities head to the Linsberg Asia Therme Spa for a chance to cool down (or warm-up!) and relax.

Budapest to Wiener Neustadt

Salzburg to Vienna Trains

Vienna to Wiener Neustadt

Prague to Wiener Neustadt

 

 

Bonus Topic: Prague

The Czech capital is a bit too far for Budapest day trips by train but this city is not to be missed. That is if you love history, architecture, food, and drinks. While it’s almost 8 hours by train from Budapest, if you’re heading this way it’s a good idea to travel via Vienna (you know, that awesome city we mentioned above). 

Generally inexpensive and full of old buildings, a well-preserved medieval square, and the world’s oldest operating Astronomical Clock, Prague is a must-do on your European vacation. Take it slow here and enjoy strolling across the Charles Bridge, completed in 1402. Or even better, put on your finest royal uniform and head to Vysehrad for the day to check out the ancient ruins of the former castle. 

Nuremberg to Prague Trains

Munich to Prague Trains

Berlin to Prague Trains

Vienna to Prague Trains

 

Prague is a long Budapest day trips by train

 

Bottom Line

Budapest day trips by train and Budapest is a wonderful city to visit. From its beautiful boulevards to its famous thermal baths, the city is not one to miss. But do yourself a favor and head out every once in a while to explore some of the more local magic for yourself. Whether you’re sipping some bull’s blood wine or skipping off to a new country altogether, see the sights on your vacation.

One of the best ways to do Budapest day trips by train – enjoy the convenience and safety of traveling by train and use Save A Train!

 

 

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