The three ways to do Berlin to Vienna
| Route | Duration | Best for | To check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Railjet via Dresden, Prague and Brno | about 8 h 20 (fastest) | those who want to see Bohemia from the window | number of daily trains (two according to a forum, unofficial) |
| ICE via southern Germany | about 8 h 30 to 9 h | those who prefer a direct German train | diversion and works in 2026 |
| With a change (Munich or Nuremberg) | longer | if direct trains are full | connections if a train is late |
Our recommendation: the Railjet via Prague. It avoids the Bavarian works, and the views of the Elbe in Saxony and then of Bohemia are worth it.
Works and diversions in 2026
According to a French-language source, the line is closed between Passau and Obertraubling from 14 June to 12 December 2026, which removes the direct ICE via Regensburg and Passau: you then go via Munich, with a change. Another source says that in spring 2026 only one direct ICE a day ran (early afternoon departure, about 8 h 35). This information is unofficial: your search result on bahn.de prevails.
Night train: to verify
We could not confirm a Berlin to Vienna night train in October 2026. Several sources mention a return of the night train via Prague, but Berlin's official page lists only Nightjet services from Switzerland, Paris and Brussels. Check the ÖBB site before counting on it.
Tickets and prices
- Indicative prices: comparison sites show advance tickets from about 30 to 70 euros depending on the date; flexible fares cost much more. These are unofficial snapshots.
- Book early: low prices are tied to one train and go fast.
- One single booking for the whole journey protects your connections if a train is late.
- Arrival: trains arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, with a direct metro to the centre.
Berlin before you leave
Most trains leave from the central station: see our guide to Berlin central station and the hotels near the station. For other international links, see Paris to Berlin by train and Berlin public transport.
