Budapest to Prague: A road trip to remember

“The five to six hours’ drive from Budapest to Prague takes you across four different borders, passing through some truly remarkable towns and cities. While the start and end points of your journey will introduce you to wonders like the Hungarian art collection in Buda Castle, the warm waters of the grand Széchenyi thermal bath and the neoclassical Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest – as well as the 14th-century Charles Bridge, the 600-year-old astronomical clock and St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague – 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 en route. Simply arrange a rental car with Expedia and hit the road to explore this amazing corner of the globe:

1. Győr
——–

Located just an hour and 20 minutes west of Budapest, the Hungarian city of Győr is easily accessible when you hire a car in Budapest. Known as the ‘City of Meetings’ (due to its location being equidistant to both Budapest and Vienna), Győr is a laid-back and colourful town, and home to many Hungarian treasures, from astonishing architecture to historic artefacts and religious monuments. Győr’s gorgeously reconstructed Old Town is well worth a wander, while the Benedictine Church, Pannonhalma Abbey and local zoo are also top attractions.

2. Bratislava
————–

Once you’ve seen enough of Győr, 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 Győr). Here you’ll find an intriguing mix of the old and the 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 green parks or the astonishing natural beauty just outside the city. Bratislava’s castle, art museum and Hlavné Námestie (‘Central Square’) are all popular attractions.

3. 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 gorgeous palaces, Schloss Belvedere and Schloss Schönbrunn, then check out the Kunstmuseum before taking a ride on the Riesenrad Ferris wheel for a charming view of the city. Have a look at our great deals on hotels in Vienna.

4. Brno
——–

Lesser-known Brno is a two-hour drive north from Vienna in your Budapest hire car. Rapidly growing in popularity, the Czech city is still not fully on the ‘tourist superhighway’, which gives it a refreshing pace. Home to a lively cafe culture and a great club scene, 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.

5. 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, underground tunnels and some very pleasant thermal baths, making it a fun pit stop on your Budapest-to-Prague road trip.

6. Kutná Hora
————–

To pack even more of the Czech Republic into your road trip, make a final stop at Kutná Hora, just over an hour away from Jihlava as well as 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 spot, this is an excellent final stop on your road trip before it finally culminates in Prague. Spend a few nights to enjoy fully this beautiful place, and have a look at our great deals on hotels in Prague.”