Day Trips from Vienna

Handpicked tours
Handpicked tours
Effortless planning
Effortless planning
Expert guides. Unique insights
Expert guides. Unique insights
Day trips from Vienna
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Nancy Jenkins
GB

Nancy

United Kingdom
Dec 2025

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+2 more

We loved this informative tour! Our guide was super-knowledgeable and took us straight to the chapel at Melk, advised us on the best things to see in Hallstatt and told us lots of very interesting things along the way. In Salzburg we had a different guide with a very dry sense of humour, which we enjoyed. She gave us a very good overview of what to see in Salzburg, so we could explore on our own later. We could also leave the tour in Salzburg and stay longer, which was perfect for us! I highly recommend this tour. Even though the weather was very foggy and we couldn't see much from the bus, it was very enjoyable and entertaining!
Sonal varun Jain
IN

Sonal

India
Sep 2025

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It was lovely experience!! Wish we could spend more time in the beautiful city of hallstat but over all everything was very very nice
Ang Khai Meng
CN

Ang

China
Sep 2025

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Relaxing cruise with a comfortable boat. Nice and plenty of time off to explore Dürnstein. Great to have all meals included.
Cheryl Lynne Viviers
ZA

Cheryl

South Africa
Dec 2025
Suzie was amazing. She entertained and educated us. A lovely tour. Regards. Cheryl, Michele and Mila from Cape Town South Africa.


Nestled along the Danube River, Vienna is a testament to the grandeur of imperial architecture, classical music, and rich cultural heritage. Beyond the city, you can choose from a variety of day trips from Vienna, each promising a unique facet of Austrian charm. Stop by iconic landmarks in Salzburg and Hallstatt, enjoy a boat tour from Bratislava, and soak in lush landscapes at the Wachau Valley.

Quick overview

  • Trip duration: Typically 5 to 12 hours per day trip
  • Transport options: Reliable train services, coach tours, and self-guided bus routes
  • Key destinations: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Wachau Valley, Bratislava
  • Travel style: Options available for guided tours and itineraries
  • Best seasons: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds

What to expect on a Vienna day trip

Salzburg Old town and castle, Austria
Hallstatt old town with lakeside view and church spire, Austria.
Tour guide discussing with a visitor on a bridge in Hallstatt, Austria, with lake and church in background.
Tour guide leading a group through the streets of Hallstatt.
Cable car ascending to Salzwelten with Hallstatt village and lake view, Austria.
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Seamless travel

Enjoy round-trip transfers from Vienna in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with scenic countryside views.

Balanced itinerary

Experience a well-paced mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at your own rhythm.

Expert guidance

Learn fascinating stories and local insights from professional guides throughout your journey.

Stress-free planning

Skip long queues and entrance hassles with pre-arranged tickets and organized schedules.

Optional add-ons

Upgrade your trip with wine tastings, boat rides, or castle visits for a personalized touch.

Things to know before booking day trips from Vienna

  • Choose your destination: Salzburg is perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts and music fans, Hallstatt is known for its alpine lakes and Skywalk views, Bratislava offers a quick cross-border getaway, and Wachau Valley shines with vineyards and river cruises.
  • Bus, boat or both? Most day trips include comfortable bus transfers covering more ground, but Bratislava and Wachau day trips include scenic and slow-paced cruises on the Danube. You can also choose a Bratislava day trip by bus and boat to enjoy both options.
  • Travel time varies: Day trips from Vienna range from 8-13 hours, depending on distance. Salzburg and Hallstatt tours involve longer travel (3+ hrs one way), while Bratislava and Wachau cruises are shorter and allow more time on the ground.
  • Language options: Salzburg and Bratislava day trips from Vienna give you the option to choose either an English or a German guided tour. Please select your preferred language when booking.
  • Inclusions and extras: Check what’s included in your ticket. Some tours cover only transport and a walking tour, while others include entry fees, lift tickets like the Hallstatt Skywalk, or meals. 
  • Combo tours vs. single destinations: If you have limited time in Vienna, consider combo tours like Hallstatt, Salzburg, and Melk in one itinerary. They save you from choosing just one highlight and let you see more in a single trip.

Which day trip from Vienna is best for you?

Experience nameDurationInclusionsMode of transportAdd-ons/UpgradesRecommended tickets

From Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey & Danube Valley Day Trip

9hrs

English or Spanish-speaking guide, visit to Melk Abbey (option based), boat trip (only in summer), visits to Krems/Dürnstein

AC vehicle

Visit to Melk Abbey

Book now

From Vienna/Salzburg: Hallstatt Day Trip by Bus

12hrs

English-speaking guide, guided tour of Hallstatt, boat ride (summer only), Ossuary visit (winter only)

Bus

Guided tour of Salzburg

Book now

From Vienna: Salzburg Day Trip by Bus

12hrs

English/Spanish-speaking guide (option based), hotel pick-up, guided city walk of Salzburg

Modern coach

Not included

Book now

From Vienna: Bratislava or Durnstein & Wachau Full Day Trip

13hrs

Breakfast, lunch & snacks strudel, dinner, cruise menu

Cruise ship

2 hrs to explore Dürnstein (option based), 4 hrs to explore Bratislava (option based)

Book now
Skip the planning stress, day trips from Vienna do it all for you!

Guided day trips handle everything—round-trip transfers, pre-arranged tickets, and expert local commentary. Skip the hassle of train changes or planning logistics and spend your time exploring.

Tour guide explaining to two tourists in Salzburg, Austria street.

Key destinations for day trips from Vienna

Salzburg

Birthplace of Mozart and backdrop to The Sound of Music, Salzburg enchants with baroque streets, fortress views, and alpine charm.

  • Highlights/key spots: Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s House, Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • Best for: Music lovers and history buffs
  • Best experience: From Vienna: Salzburg Day Trip by Bus
Vienna to Salzburg day trips

Hallstatt

A lakeside gem known for pastel houses, salt mine heritage, and the Skywalk’s breathtaking mountain panoramas.

  • Highlights/key spots: Hallstatt Lake, Market Square, Salt Mine
  • Best for: Photographers and nature lovers
  • Best experience: From Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip by Bus
Vienna to Hallstatt day trips

Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital charms with medieval lanes, colorful facades, and riverside cafés—all just an hour from Vienna.

  •  Highlights/key spots: Bratislava Castle, Old Town, Michael’s Gate
  • Best for: Urban explorers and foodies
  •  Best experience: From Vienna: Bratislava Day Trip by Bus & Boat
Vienna to Bratislava day trips

Wachau Valley

A UNESCO-listed wine region with rolling vineyards and Danube river views, perfect for a relaxing escape.

  • Highlights/key spots: Melk Abbey, Danube cruise, wine tasting
  • Best for: Culture seekers and wine enthusiasts
  • Best experience: From Vienna: Wachau, Melk Abbey & Danube Valley Day Trip
Vienna to Wachau Valley

Dürnstein

A storybook village wrapped in vineyards, known for its blue church tower and castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was held captive.

  • Highlights/key spots: Dürnstein Abbey, Castle Ruins, Wine Cellars
  • Best for: History lovers and leisure travelers
  • Best experience: Bratislava or Durnstein: Day Trip from Vienna on Danube River by Boat

Melk

Crowned by its magnificent Benedictine abbey, Melk is a spiritual and architectural highlight on the Danube.

  • Highlights/key spots: Melk Abbey, Abbey Gardens, Danube Views
  • Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and cultural travelers
  • Best experience: Wachau Valley & Melk Abbey Tour
Vienna to Melk Abbey

Alpine Peaks

Soaring mountains framing Austria’s countryside, offering stunning backdrops for photos and peaceful drives.

  • Highlights/key spots: Dachstein Range, Golling Waterfall, Postalm Plateau
  • Best for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers
  • Best experience: From Vienna: Hallstatt & Alpine Peaks Day Trip with Skywalk Lift
Vienna to Alpine Peaks

Alpine Lakes

Crystal-clear waters surrounded by forested slopes—ideal for scenic walks or relaxing by the shore.

  • Highlights/key spots: Lake Wolfgang, Lake Fuschl, Lake Hallstatt
  • Best for: Serenity seekers and photographers
  • Best experience: From Vienna: Hallstatt, Salzburg, Melk, Alps & Lakes Day Trip

Your Vienna day trip itinerary

  • Morning: Depart from Vienna in a comfortable coach or private car, passing rolling vineyards and quaint Austrian villages. Enjoy a scenic drive toward your destination, be it Salzburg’s musical streets, Hallstatt’s lakeside charm, or the vineyards of the Wachau Valley. Your guide shares fascinating stories about Austria’s culture and countryside along the way.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at your main destination and dive into its highlights, explore Melk Abbey’s baroque grandeur, wander through Hallstatt’s pastel lakeside lanes, or trace Mozart’s legacy in Salzburg. Pause for a relaxed local lunch or optional wine tasting before enjoying some free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Evening: Take in your final views, whether it’s a sunset over the Danube, mountain reflections on an alpine lake, or city lights across the river in Bratislava. Sit back and unwind on your comfortable return journey to Vienna, with transfers ensuring a smooth and worry-free end to your day.

Best time to take a day trip from Vienna

Couple overlooking Hallstatt village and lake with mountains in the background on a day trip from Vienna.
  • Weather: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities like lake cruises in Hallstatt or vineyard walks in the Wachau Valley. July and August are warmer, averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F), but can feel hot and crowded in the city. Winters (December–February) are cold, with temperatures around 0 to 5°C (32–41°F), yet Alpine tours offer snowy scenery that’s especially magical.
  • Events: Vienna and its nearby regions host plenty of seasonal highlights. Summer brings wine festivals in the Wachau Valley and open-air concerts in Salzburg. December lights up with Christmas markets in Vienna, Bratislava, and Salzburg, adding charm to winter tours. 
  • Crowds: July and August are peak months, especially for Hallstatt and Salzburg, where tours often sell out. Expect larger groups and busier attractions. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and smoother experiences, while winter sees smaller groups but requires warmer clothing and planning for shorter daylight hours.
Plan your day trip from Vienna

How to get from Vienna to Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Bratislava

Passengers enjoying views of Salzburg from an AC coach, Austria.

The easiest and most popular way to visit Salzburg is with round-trip transfers. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach or private vehicle as you pass through scenic alpine landscapes. Guided day trips include hotel or central pickups, curated itineraries, and a smooth return to Vienna.

Other ways to get there:

  • Train (ÖBB Railjet): Fast and scenic, around 2.5 to 3 hours each way, €25–€60. Ideal for independent travelers but no guide included.
  • Self-drive: Around 3–3.5 hours via A1 motorway; great for flexibility but expect parking challenges in Salzburg.
  • Bus (FlixBus/WestBus): Budget option (~4 hours, €15–€25) with fewer amenities and slower travel.
Passenger enjoying scenic view from AC coach, Hallstatt.

For a stress-free visit to Austria’s most photographed village, round-trip transfers are the best choice. Enjoy hotel pickups, guided commentary, and a pre-planned itinerary covering Hallstatt’s lakefront, salt mine, and Skywalk.

Other ways to get there:

  • Train + bus (ÖBB): Around 3.5–4 hours each way, €40–€60. Scenic but requires a transfer at Attnang-Puchheim or Bad Ischl.
  • Self-drive: Roughly 3.5–4 hours, €50–€80 per day. Offers freedom for photo stops but parking in Hallstatt is limited.
  • Group coach tours: Full-day (~12 hours round trip), budget-friendly but with a fixed schedule and limited free time.
Red and white trams on tracks in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Just an hour away, Bratislava makes for the perfect cross-border escape. The most convenient option is a guided day tour, enjoy hotel pickup, comfortable coach travel, and free time to explore the Old Town and castle before returning to Vienna.

Other ways to get there:

  • Train (ÖBB / Slovak Rail): ~1 hour each way, €10–€15. Fast and cheap but unguided.
  • Boat (Twin City Liner): 1.5–2 hours, €35–€50. Scenic Danube route, seasonal from April–October.
  • Bus (FlixBus / Slovak Lines): 1.5 hours, €6–€10. Cheapest option but may face traffic delays.

Helpful tips for Vienna day trips

  • Start early: Departing early from Vienna helps you beat crowds at popular stops like Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Bratislava.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Expect cobblestone streets, staircases in castles, and lakeside walks that require sturdy footwear.
  • Dress for the weather: Layered clothing works best; alpine mornings can be chilly while afternoons may be sunny and warm.
  • Pre-book tickets: Plan your Vienna day trip by reserving entries to attractions or opt for guided tours to skip long queues, especially during peak seasons.
  • Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, a camera, sunscreen, and a small backpack for convenience throughout the day.
  • Try local food: Don’t miss Austrian pastries, Wiener schnitzel, or regional wine and coffee at local cafés.
  • Carry some cash: Small shops, markets, or cafés in Hallstatt and Bratislava may not accept cards.
  • Souvenirs to buy: Local crafts, handcrafted ornaments, and alpine specialties make authentic keepsakes from your trip.
  • Photography tip: Morning light is ideal for lakes and castles, while late afternoon provides golden-hour shots of city streets.
  • Plan buffer time: Traffic or seasonal delays can affect return trips, so keep your evening flexible for a relaxed journey back.

Frequently asked questions about Vienna day trips

Explore cultural landmarks in Bratislava and Salzburg, and soak in the scenic beauty of the Wachau Valley on day trips from Vienna. The city’s strategic location makes it the perfect spot to plan day trips from.