Vienna is the historic capital of Austria and is located some 960km from Amsterdam. Vienna is known as Wien (in German) and Wenen (in Dutch).
Let’s look at the options for travel between Amsterdam and Vienna by train, air and bus.
1. Amsterdam-Vienna by Train
The Amsterdam to Vienna trip can be done by rail during the day using ICE International trains with a single change in Germany. Or take the direct NightJet service overnight. The trips can be easily booked via the NS International site with prices starting as low as €30 one-way.
The journey will take around 11-12 hours during the day and 14 hours by night.
By DAY: ICE International is jointly operated by DB (German Railways) and NS (Dutch Railways) and runs 6x daily between Amsterdam and Frankfurt (Main) using modern ICE3 trains. DB runs an ICE train service up to 7x daily between Frankfurt and Vienna using similar ICE-T trains.
The following are examples of morning departures from Amsterdam and Vienna.
Take the morning 0808 ICE International train from Amsterdam Central to Frankfurt Flughafen (Airport), which arrives at 1149. Then connect onto the 1201 ICE service to Vienna which arrives at 1845. Do note the somewhat tight transfer time at Frankfurt airport in this case.
Vienna to Amsterdam: Take the 0902 ICE train from Vienna which arrives at Frankfurt Flughafen (Airport) at 1556. Then connect onto the afternoon ICE International departing Frankfurt Airport at 1642, arriving in Amsterdam at 2029.
By booking well in advance you can find one-way fares of €50 (2nd class) and €80 (1st class).
2nd class fares do not include a reserved seat on the ICE. You can reserve a seat for €4 per person for each one-way trip. It is not obligatory to make a seat reservation, however it can be worthwhile if the train is busy. Seats are in a 2-2 configuration.
1st class fares include seat reservation as standard, with seating in a 1-2 configuration. Those with a full-flex 1st class ticket can access the DB lounges.
The ICE trains have a Bordbistro restaurant-bar carriage serving hot meals at extra charge. 1st class passengers can order and get served at their seats.
By NIGHT: It is also possible to do the trip by comfortable sleeper train. Austrian Railways ÖBB operates a NightJet nightly train service both ways between Amsterdam and Vienna.
The Amsterdam-departing train runs via Utrecht, Arnhem, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Frankfurt. It continues to Nuremberg where the train splits into a Munich-bound section (via Augsburg) and a Vienna-bound section via Linz.
The train departs Amsterdam at 1930 and arrives in Vienna at 0919 the next day. From Vienna the nightly train departs at 2013 and arrives the following morning in Amsterdam at 0958. Total journey time is around 14 hours.
One-way tickets prices for NightJet range as follows: €30-€109 for a 2nd class seat; €60-€139 for a couchette bunk (4-6 people); €90-€169 for a sleeper cabin for 1, 2 or 3 people.
How to book online: Amsterdam-Vienna tickets can be booked at the NS International site. By booking online you avoid any booking fees charged at the international service desks at stations.
2. Amsterdam-Vienna by Air
Flights between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Vienna International Airport (VIE) take just under 2 hours. This is the quickest way to travel between the 2 cities although travel by train is certainly a more relaxed affair.
Dutch airline KLM (Skyteam) currently flies the Amsterdam-Vienna route up to 4x daily using Boeing 737s or KLM Cityhopper-branded Embraer 190 aircraft. Prices also start at around €150 return not including checked luggage.
Austrian Airlines (Star Alliance) has up to 4x daily non-stop flights between Amsterdam and Vienna using Airbus A320 aircraft or Embraer 190s. Return sale fares start from around €150 not including checked luggage.
Austria and the Netherlands are both members of the Schengen Zone so it is (normally) not necessary to go through passport control when travelling between Amsterdam and Vienna.
3. Amsterdam-Vienna by Coach
German coach company Flixbus runs up to 3x daily direct services between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Vienna Erdberg. Journey times are around 17 hours – there are also longer trip options which require a connection. Direct singles start from €30.
Amsterdam Resources
Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.
The Iamsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your Iamsterdam City Card online here
Vienna Resources
In Vienna you can book your hotel with Booking.com here. For a selection of tours and attractions in Vienna book with GetYourGuide here
This article was originally published in 2011 and has been continuously updated since then. Last update 13 June 2022.
