Vienna, yes, easily, and it’s a genuinely popular pairing. Budapest, less so as a day trip; the distance makes it an overnight destination rather than a there-and-back excursion.
Prague to Vienna #
Around 4 hours by direct train, with RegioJet and ČD both running the route several times daily. This is comfortable enough to do as a long day trip, though an overnight makes far better use of the journey. FlixBus and RegioJet also run coaches at 4 to 5 hours, usually cheaper but more exposed to traffic delays.
Book a few days ahead for better fares on either mode; neither typically sells out outside peak holiday periods.
Prague to Budapest #
About 7 hours by direct train, or up to 8 by bus. That’s too long for a day trip in any meaningful sense, you’d spend 14 to 16 hours in transit for a few hours in the city. Treat Budapest as a two-or-three-night destination in its own right, or as the third leg of a Prague, Vienna, Budapest circuit rather than an excursion from Prague.
Flying is worth considering for this leg specifically; budget carriers connect the two cities in about an hour, and once airport transfers are factored in it still beats the train substantially.
The Schengen Detail Worth Knowing #
Both Austria and Hungary are Schengen members, as is the Czech Republic, so there are no border checks and no separate visa requirements. The important consequence for non-EU visitors: your 90-day visa-free allowance covers the entire Schengen Area collectively, not each country separately. A week in Czechia plus a few days in Vienna and Budapest all draw from the same allowance. The visa and entry requirements guide covers how to track this.
Practical Note #
If Vienna is on your itinerary, consider arriving in Prague and departing from Vienna (or the reverse) rather than backtracking, both have well-connected international airports and the train between them is straightforward.
Related: Plan: Visa and Entry Requirements | Getting Around Czech Republic | Plan Your Trip
