Vienna Travel Forum

I've checked all the recent entries on this subject, but still have a question: I need to travel to Budapest on May,5 and back on May,11 and am wondering what transport should I go for - train or coach? I guess the price is almost the same (under 50 euros, I hope?), but I need a reliable and fast service (I'll need to catch a plane from Vienna on May 11 afternoon so I can't arrive late from Budapest)
Also, should I book the tickets in advance or I could just buy them when I arrive in Vienna? I'm a bit worried that they may be sold out as it'll be tourist season already. Would there be any difference in price depending on where and when I buy the tickets, i.e. cheaper tickets are online, while the ones from the train station are pricier?
Any tips, links and other help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

May is quite a high season in Vienna, when it comes to tourism, but for ordinary train-service it is not.
May 5th is a monday and for that day it should be possible to simply go to the station, buy a ticket and go to Budapest.
May 11th is a completely different situation: It is "Pfingsten" / White Sunday and also Monday 12th is a holiday, so for that date it makes sense to book in advance, but it should be good enough to book on may 5th for the 11th, make sure you also reserve a seat for the 11th!
On each train there are a few tickets for 29 euros one way, those are sold out fast and wont work for you, but maybe you are lucky.
"Sparschiene" is the ticket you have to ask for, if you like to get such a ticket for 29 euros.
the ordinray price should be around 50,-
buying the ticket Budapest-Vienna in Budapest is a lot cheaper...

Hi , Go by train and you can purchase your tickets when you arrive in Vienna, do not leave it to the day you are travelling.
We took the train, Vienna to Bratislava and purchased the tickets on the day we travelled, however to be sure purchase when you arrive.

You will enjoy Budapest, a wonderful city.

Good Luck
Mike

Thank you all for the replies. I think it is indeed enough to buy the tickets once I arrive in Vienna, on 27 April - that should be advance enough to get them without any problems. Not sure there'll still be the cheap 29 euro tickets left, but I'll be happy to get any tickets, really :)