It may be Austria’s second largest city, but Graz is actually a relatively small city and it can definitely be done in a day. So if you’re spending a few days in the Austrian capital, I highly recommend venturing further afield and taking a day trip from Vienna to Graz.
When my sister and I visited Austria, we decided to rent a car in Vienna because we wanted to continue on to Ljubljana and Lake Bled afterwards.
But don’t worry if you don’t have plans to visit other nearby places, or if you’re not interested in driving yourself. Luckily, my sister prefers to drive, and I prefer to be in charge of the playlist and snacks, so it worked out really well for us.
The two cities are well connected, which means you have other options to make the journey depending on your personal travel preference. You can hop on a direct train from Vienna, take a bus, even fly (not recommended), or do what we did and drive through the Austrian countryside.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to plan your Vienna to Graz day trip, including the different transport options, how to book tickets, and what to see once you arrive.
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Vienna to Graz Day Trip Overview
Where is Graz?
Graz is in the south of Austria, close to the Slovenian border, and is the capital of the state of Styria.
It sits on the Mur River and is Austria’s second-largest city after Vienna. Despite that, it’s still quite manageable to explore on foot, particularly in the historic centre.
The Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its mix of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Many of the main sights are clustered within a relatively compact area around Hauptplatz (the main square) and the Schlossberg hill.
Graz is also a major university city, with a few large universities and a student population of around 60,000. This explains the number of cafés, bakeries, and outdoor terraces you’ll spot throughout the centre.
Distance from Vienna
Graz is located around 200 km (125 miles) south of Vienna.
Because the two cities are so well connected by rail and motorway links, Graz is one of the easiest major cities to reach from Vienna in a single day.
Typical Travel Time Each Way
Travel time between Vienna and Graz is very doable, which is why it works well as a day trip.
Typical journey times are:
- Train: about 2 hours 30 minutes
- Driving: around 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes
- Bus: roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours
The train is usually my go to for day trips, and because Austrian rail connections are efficient and frequent, if you leave Vienna early in the morning, you can easily have a full day exploring Graz before heading back in the evening.
Driving is slightly faster and gives you a bit more flexibility with timings.
Need to book a trip?
These are my go-to sites for booking trips:
Best Time to Visit Graz
Graz is a year-round destination for sure, but some seasons are definitely better suited to a day trip than others.
Spring and early autumn are arguably the best times to visit. We visited in April and the weather was mild – even surprisingly warm! So it was comfortable for walking around the old town and climbing up to Schlossberg.
Summer is also lovely, but bear in mind that Graz tends to be slightly warmer than Vienna due to its southern location.
Winter may be quieter due to the coldness, but it’s still worth the visit, especially in December when the Graz Christmas markets take over the old town squares.
How to Take a Day Trip from Vienna to Graz
Ok, let’s get into the nitty gritty of planning your day trip. That’s why you’re here after all! Here’s how to get from Vienna to Graz:
Option 1: By Train
Given the choice, I’ll always choose a train journey. Or be a passenger in a car. What can I say, I like to look out the windows! Plus I feel you get a lot more countryside views from the train.
Anyway, taking the train from Vienna to Graz is the most popular way of doing this day trip.
Direct trains run frequently between Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Train Station) and Graz Hauptbahnhof (Graz Central Station) throughout the day. The journey usually takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Trains are operated mainly by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) or occasionally by Railjet services.
I tend to check schedules and book train tickets on the Rail Europe website. If you already have an Interrail or Eurail ticket, you can just buy a seat reservation (without an actual ticket). I like this option as I’m a planner and hate fumbling around a train for a seat during busy times.
Once you arrive at Graz Hauptbahnhof, the historic centre of Hauptplatz is about 15 minutes away by tram. Or you can walk it in 20-25 minutes.
Option 2: By Bus
Another option is to travel by bus. While this tends to be a little slower than the train, it’s usually the cheaper choice – you can get a one way ticket from €11.
Journey times are usually around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the service. I like to check bus schedules and fares on the Omio website.
Why I Use Airalo eSIM When Travelling
I’ve started using Airalo on most of my trips now, mainly because it removes the hassle of sorting out data when I arrive in a new city.
It’s a digital SIM card, meaning I don’t need to insert anything into my phone (unlike local SIMs). I just need to install the eSIM before I travel and as soon as I land, I’ve got data.
Here’s what I generally use it for:
• Google Maps
• Checking train and bus times
• Booking activities or looking up opening times
It’s not at all complicated to set up. You buy a data plan in the app, follow a few steps to install it, and then switch it on when you arrive.
Option 3: Driving from Vienna to Graz
Driving from Vienna to Graz takes between 2 and 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic and how directionally challenged you are.
The most direct route follows the A2 Süd Autobahn, which connects Vienna with southern Austria and continues toward Slovenia and Italy.
Like I said, my sister and I rented a car in Vienna so we could continue our trip down to Slovenia. Stopping in Graz along the way was a no-brainer. Although we only planned on staying a couple of hours, we ended up staying most of the day.
Parking is available in underground garages around the old town, including garages near Hauptplatz and Jakominiplatz. From there, most of the main sights are within easy walking distance.
Option 4: Flying from Vienna to Graz
Yes, you can actually fly from Vienna to Graz, but honestly you’d save time and save money by doing public transport or driving. So I’m not even going to give you the details!
What to See and Do on a Day Trip to Graz
Graz is a super walkable city, and most of the main sights sit within or close to the Old Town. You can pretty comfortably see quite a lot in a single day, especially if you start early.
Here are some of the main things worth seeing while you’re there. If you want more details, check out my full one day Graz itinerary.
- Schlossberg and the Clock Tower (Uhrturm)
This is the hill you’ll notice rising directly above the old town. You can walk up, take the funicular, or use the glass lift. At the top you’ll find the famous clock tower and one of the best views over Graz. And the absolute best part – you can take a slide all the way to the bottom! - Hauptplatz (Main Square)
The main square in the historic centre, surrounded by colourful buildings and cafés. The Graz Town Hall (Rathaus) dominates one side of the square. - Murinsel
A floating steel island in the middle of the Mur River, built back when Graz was the European Capital of Culture in 2003. It connects both sides of the river and contains a café and small amphitheatre. - Graz Cathedral (Dom St. Ägidius)
A 15th-century cathedral built during the reign of Emperor Frederick III. Inside you’ll find Gothic architecture and historic frescoes. - Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II
One of the most important Mannerist buildings in Austria, right beside the cathedral. The turquoise dome makes it easy to spot. - Grazer Doppelwendeltreppe
A really cool Gothic double staircase inside the Burg complex where two spiral staircases interlock. - Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg)
A large Baroque palace on the edge of the city, known for its symmetrical design and landscaped gardens. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Graz’s old town.
Is a Day Trip from Vienna to Graz Worth It?
A day trip from Vienna to Graz is absolutely worth it and very doable, and if you start early you can see many of the main sights in a single day.
The historic centre is fairly compact, and most of the highlights such as Hauptplatz, Schlossberg, the Clock Tower and Graz Cathedral are all within walking distance of each other.
That said, if you have the time, staying overnight might allow you to experience Graz at a slightly slower pace. The city has a strong café culture, a lively student population, and a very good food scene, particularly if you’re interested in Styrian cuisine and local wines. So you’ll find that evening is when many of the squares and outdoor terraces come to life.
If you’re travelling around southern Austria or heading toward Slovenia, staying overnight in Graz can also break up the journey nicely.
If you do decide to stay, here are some highly rated picks in the city centre:
Luxury
- Schlossberghotel – A stylish art hotel near the base of the Schlossberg hill and within easy walking distance of the old town and the Schlossberg funicular.
Mid-range
- Aiola Living Boutique Hotel Graz – A design-focused boutique hotel in the centre of Graz, with individually designed rooms and many of the city’s cafés, restaurants, and sights right on the doorstep.
Budget
- CHRIZZ Rooms – A smaller, modern accommodation option that offers simple, comfortable rooms and an easy base for exploring the city.
Check out other hotels in Graz below.
If your schedule is tight, a day trip works perfectly well. But if you prefer slower travel or want to enjoy Graz in the evening once the day-trippers have left, spending a night here is a smart choice.
So there you have it. I hope you enjoy planning your Vienna to Graz day trip. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to shoot me an email (you’ll find details on my Contact page).
