Bratislava: Day Trips and Tours from Vienna

When staying in the beautiful city of Vienna, you have plenty of surrounding towns and cities that you could visit during your stay, and one such option is Bratislava in Slovakia—known for its charming atmosphere, Baroque architecture and world-class beer.

With the charming Slovakian capital located only an hour away, Bratislava day trips from Vienna provide the perfect way to experience a new country and culture without having to venture too far from your hotel.

Check out our visitor's guide on Bratislava, one of the most exciting day trips from Vienna.

What travel options are there to Bratislava from Vienna?

Bratislava is located just 80 kilometers east of Vienna, near the borders of Hungary and Austria, alongside the Danube River.

From Vienna to Bratislava by car

Driving from Vienna to Bratislava is relatively straightforward and should not take more than an hour, depending on traffic. All you need to do is head southeast on the A4 until you reach the A6 and then simply follow the signs to Bratislava.

From Vienna to Bratislava by train

Trains leave for Bratislava from Wien Hbf Station almost every 40 minutes. You’ll arrive at Bratislava Hlavna Station in less than an hour and the ticket price is quite affordable—making traveling by train one of the most popular ways to get to the Slovakian capital from Vienna.

From Vienna to Bratislava by ferry

Travel to Bratislava from Vienna along the Danube River when you board a ferry at Vienna Schwedenplatz. Ferries depart 3 times a day, in the morning, afternoon and evening, and the journey takes just over an hour.

Guided tour to Bratislava from Vienna

Have all your travel plans taken care of for you by a local guide when you book a guided tour from Vienna to Bratislava. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Vienna and make your way to Slovakia via bus or boat.

Most day trips to Bratislava are full-day excursions, lasting around 7 or 8 hours including travel time.

What is the typical itinerary in Bratislava?

While Bratislava day trip itineraries can vary quite significantly from tour to tour, most tour operators offer a complimentary hotel pickup service to begin the excursion. Once you have been picked up in Vienna, you’ll make your way to Bratislava by bus, shuttle or boat.

When you arrive in Bratislava, your tour guide will show you around some of the city’s most famous sites, including Michael’s Gate, Bratislava Castle and St Martin’s Cathedral. Free time is also allocated for relaxing, taking photos, etc.

As most Bratislava day trips are full-day excursions, you may have lunch and drinks at a local restaurant before heading back to Vienna, where you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation.

What kinds of tours are there to go to Bratislava?

When you book a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna, you have a few different options to choose from, including private tours, group tours and tours that include additional locations such as Devin Castle.

Guided tours to Bratislava from Vienna

Guided tours provide you with an affordable yet authentic way to experience the Slovakian capital. As there will be other travelers on the tour, you’ll also get the opportunity to meet new people as you walk through the city and experience its beauty and charm.

Guided tours usually provide you with roundtrip transfers via bus or boat…or both— making for an exciting day out. There are also small-group tours, which are limited to a certain number of people and are perfect for those who prefer a more personal experience.

Private tour to Bratislava from Vienna

Private tours provide you with roundtrip transfers between Vienna and Bratislava, usually in a private shuttle.

As you and your travel companions will be the only people on the tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to speak to your guide and ask questions about Slovakia’s culture and history.

Private tours to Bratislava can often be customized to your specific needs—allowing you to personalize the tour’s itinerary to your preferences.

Day trip to Bratislava from Vienna by bus and boat

Bus and boat tours to Bratislava from Vienna are one of the most popular types of day trips available as they allow you to see the local countryside from two different perspectives. In most cases, you’ll travel to Bratislava via bus and then get a boat back to Vienna at the end of the day.

Boat trips allow you to enjoy the tranquility of the gorgeous Danube River and relax after a busy day spent in Bratislava.

Day trip to Bratislava plus Devin Castle from Vienna

Even though Devin Castle is only a 20-minute drive from Bratislava, the attraction is not included in most Bratislava day trips. Devin Castle was built in 864 and is one of the oldest castles in Slovakia.

Make the most of your time in Slovakia by choosing a Bratislava day trip that includes a visit to Devin Castle. See the small country’s charming capital, the local countryside and a historic castle all in one visit.

What are the prices for day trips to Bratislava from Vienna?

Basic day trips to Bratislava from Vienna cost as little as US$65 per person for group tours that visit the Slovakian capital by bus. Guided tours that provide you with a boat trip back to Vienna typically cost closer to US$95 per person.

The cost of private Bratislava day trips depends on how many people are on the tour, but you can expect to pay at least US$150 per person. Private Bratislava day trips that also visit Devin Castle cost around US$750 for a tour that can accommodate up to 3 people.

What will you see and do there?

While each Bratislava day trip is different, the Slovakian capital is a small city with a limited number of landmarks, so most tours end up visiting similar landmarks including Michael’s Gate, Bratislava Castle and Grassalkovich Palace.

Michael’s Gate

Michael’s Gate is one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings in the city’s Old Town. Above the gate, sits Michael’s Tower—a gothic tower built in the 14th century but was modified in 1758. You’re able to walk up the tower and enjoy magnificent views over the city.

A statue of the archangel Michael slaying the dragon is at the very top of the tower and makes for fantastic photographs.

Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle is located on a hill above the city’s Old Town and is one of the Slovakian capital’s most impressive structures. Visiting the castle will provide you with valuable insight into central European history and royalty throughout the centuries.

The castle is also home to the Slovak National Museum, where you’ll find a collection of fascinating artifacts, including works by silversmiths and goldsmiths.

Grassalkovich Palace

The Grassalkovich Palace is Bratislava’s presidential palace, designed by Andreas Mayerhoffer in 1744. The palace boasts beautiful Baroque architectural features and a French garden, which is kept in pristine condition.

The palace grounds are the perfect place to stroll around and get a taste of Slovakian history and politics.

Old Town

Bratislava’s Old Town serves as the city’s historic center and is filled with designer boutiques, cocktail bars and charming cafes—making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch and a cup of coffee or glass of beer.

The Old Town is also home to public squares, beautiful houses and historic churches, as well as Bratislava’s most famous attractions such as Michael’s Gate and Bratislava Castle.

What is the best time of year to visit Bratislava?

The best time to visit Bratislava is spring (April to June). The weather during this time is mild and pleasant, and the city is full of flowers.

Daytime temperatures typically range between 15 and 25 degrees, making it the perfect time to stroll and explore the city. Tourist crowds are not as big as during the summer high season, making it a more relaxed visit.

Are there any tours to Bratislava from other cities in Austria?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Austria:

• Day Trips to Bratislava from Budapest

Travel tips

• Remember to carry your passport with you as you will be entering another country.
• Have euros ready as some small shops in Slovakia do not accept cards.
• The official language is Slovak, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants.
• Enjoy local Slovak cuisine, including classics such as bryndzove halušky (sheep cheese dumplings) and pirohy (stuffed pastry), along with traditional Slovak beer and wine.