Best 10-Day Central Europe Itinerary by Train: Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

Hey everyone! My partner and I are planning a 10-day trip this fall, starting in Prague, moving on to Vienna, and finishing up in Budapest, all by train. We want to strike a good balance between sightseeing and actually enjoying our vacation without feeling completely rushed. How should we split our days between these three cities, and are there any specific train routes or booking tips we should know about? Any recommendations for central hotels or must-see hidden gems along this route would also be greatly appreciated!

For a 10-day trip, the best split is usually 3 days in Prague, 3 days in Vienna, and 3 or 4 days in Budapest, leaving you 1 day for travel between them. It’s a classic route and totally doable without feeling too rushed if you pack light!

Take the EuroCity train from Prague to Vienna—it takes about 4.5 hours and offers some really pretty countryside views along the Vltava river. For booking, definitely use the official Czech Railways (CD) or Austrian Railways (OBB) websites directly instead of third-party resellers to save money.

If you want a hidden gem in Prague, skip the crowded Charles Bridge at noon and head to Vysehrad instead. It has a gorgeous historic fortress, stunning views of the river, and hardly any tourists compared to the center.

In Vienna, make sure to book your tickets for Schonbrunn Palace or the Belvedere well in advance online. For a central hotel, look around the Spittelberg area—it's charming, full of cobblestone streets, and just a short walk to the Ringstrasse.

The train ride from Vienna to Budapest is super easy and only takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on the Railjet. Grab a seat in the first-class or business compartment if you want some extra legroom and quiet time, it's usually not that much more expensive.

When you're in Budapest, don't just stick to the main Jewish Quarter ruins bars. Check out the Hospital in the Rock beneath Buda Castle for an incredible, slightly eerie piece of Cold War history.

Try to book your train tickets about 60 to 90 days in advance when the saver fares first drop. They sell out fast for the Prague-to-Vienna and Vienna-to-Budapest stretches, especially in the fall peak season.

We stayed right near the Museum Quarter in Vienna and it was the perfect base for walking everywhere. For food, make sure you try a traditional Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmuller, but get a reservation or be prepared to wait in line.

Ten days is a great amount of time for these three cities! Just make sure your hotels are within a 5-minute walk of the main metro or train stations, because dragging luggage over European cobblestones at the end of a long travel day is no fun.

In Budapest, instead of buying an expensive ticket for the central market hall, wander around the smaller neighborhood markets or take a stroll up Margaret Island for a peaceful afternoon away from the city noise.