Budapest to Prague: A road trip to remember
From sublime architecture to stunning landscapes, a road trip from Budapest to Prague reveals hidden gems
The five to six hours’ drive from Budapest to Prague takes you across four different borders, passing through some truly remarkable towns and cities. The start of your journey will introduce you to wonders like the Hungarian art collection in Buda Castle, the warm waters of the grand Szechenyi Thermal Bath and the neoclassical Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest. While, at your journey’s end, you can enjoy the magnificent 14th-century Charles Bridge, the 600-year-old astronomical clock and St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. However, sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination, that really opens your eyes.
When you arrange local car hire, Budapest, and the rich, vibrant surrounding area, is your oyster. Picking up a hire car in Budapest gives you the opportunity to explore this diverse but remarkably accessible part of the world with ease, whether you want to take in the elegance of Vienna across the Austrian border, explore Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, or check out some lesser-known but equally magical destinations in the region. To help you make the most of your road trip from Budapest to Prague, we’ve picked out some of the best destinations along the way.
01
Gyor
Located just an hour and 20 minutes west of Budapest, the Hungarian city of Gyor is easily accessible. Known as the “City of Meetings” (due to its location being equidistant to both Budapest and Vienna), Gyor is a laid-back and colourful town.
It’s home to many Hungarian treasures, from astonishing architecture to historic artefacts and religious monuments. Gyor’s gorgeously reconstructed Old Town is well worth a wander, while the Benedictine monastery, Pannonhalma Archabbey, just south of Gyor, is also a top attraction.
02
Bratislava
Once you’ve seen enough of Gyor, hop in your rental car and head an hour’s drive north-east to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava (located two hours from Budapest if you skip Gyor). Here you’ll find an intriguing mix of the old and new—from a flying saucer hovering over the riverbank to a castle set next to both a pastel-hued old town and a modern concrete jungle.
Don’t miss out on Bratislava’s gorgeous green parks or the astonishing natural beauty just outside the city. Bratislava’s castle, art museum and Hlavne Namestie (“Central Square”) are all popular attractions.
03
Vienna
Leave Bratislava behind and take your hire car west over the Austrian border to beautiful, pristine Vienna. The Austrian capital lies just an hour from Bratislava and is a gem in this corner of Europe. The Baroque architecture, winding cobbled streets and expansive palaces are truly romantic and home to a wealth of history.
Yet this is also a vibrant modern city, with cutting-edge cuisine, music, fashion, art and entertainment. Make sure you visit the city’s two most stunning palaces, Schloss Belvedere and Schloss Schonbrunn, and their expansive gardens. Follow this with a visit to the opulent Kunsthistorisches Museum before taking a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad (giant Ferris wheel) for a charming view of the city. To extend your stay, take a look at our great deals on hotels in Vienna.
04
Brno
Lesser-known Brno is a two-hour drive north of Vienna. Rapidly growing in popularity, this Czech city is still not fully on the “tourist super-highway”, which gives it a relaxed and refreshing pace.
Home to a lively cafe culture, this is a fun city in which to let your hair down. Make sure you plan a sit-down dinner here too, as Brno is home to some of the Czech Republic’s best restaurants. It’s also much more affordable here than other more tourist-heavy cities.
05
Jihlava
To see more of the Czech Republic, drive your rental car an hour and 10 minutes from Brno to reach Jihlava. The oldest mining town in the Czech Republic, this pleasant spot features Gothic churches, medieval underground tunnels and some fantastic thermal baths, making it an ideal pit stop on your Budapest-to-Prague road trip.
Don’t miss a trip to the Gustav Mahler House—a museum showcasing the life and works of one of the world’s most famous composers.
06
Kutna Hora
To pack even more of the Czech Republic into your road trip, make a final stop at Kutna Hora, just over an hour away from Jihlava as well as from your final destination: Prague. Here you’ll find stunning architecture and historical riches that date back to the town’s past as a centre for the region’s silver mining industry.
A visually gorgeous town, this is an excellent final stop on your road trip before it culminates in Prague. Spend a few nights here to fully enjoy this beautiful place and, to prepare for your end destination, have a look at our great deals on hotels in Prague.
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