Cruises on Danube in Budapest

The Danube river, which flows from west to east for less than 3000 km, has its source in Bavaria and empties into the Black Sea. The river is navigable for almost its entire length, and organizing cruises on the Danube is a real business.

The Danube passes through numerous cities, such as Linz and Vienna in Austria, Bratislava in Slovakia, Vidin in Bulgaria and of course Budapest in Hungary.

There is a wide choice of itineraries on the Danube; some can be shorter or longer and some others flow through different countries. Some Danube cruises flow along the Rhino river through the Meno-Danube navigation canal.

Visiting Budapest on a cruise

Those who have planned to visit only Budapest and do not want to take a long tour on the Danube can still experience a short river cruise, maybe for one night or for one day.

The duration of the cruises varies according to the itinerary; some last only one hour, covering the main sights and attractions along the Danube; some last a couple of hours, offering the opportunity to stop on Margaret Island, while evening cruises last longer, including dining and entertainment services onboard.

Some examples of Danube cruises available in Budapest:

• Hungarian wine tasting cruises 
• Romantic dinner cruises with a special friend
• Touristic hop-on-hop-off più cruises, stopping at the main sights and attractions along the river
• Party and celebration cruises, on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Easter

By checking the official websites it is possible to have a wider view of all the available choices and to book the tickets for the selected tour.

Best-selling Danube cruise

Of all the Danube cruises you can take in Budapest, the one below is the best-selling as well as the cheapest. A drink is also included for you to enjoy on the way.

Recommended Danube Cruises

However, if you want to combine the cruise with a live music show on board or perhaps a romantic dinner, choose one of the following: they all have good reviews, book the one you prefer.

Budapest New Year’s Eve Cruise

Cruising the Danube is certainly one of the top experiences to have in Budapest at any time of the year, but on New Year’s Eve it is an absolute must! Admiring the fireworks on New Year’s Eve that light up the city directly from the river is a magical spectacle; some also include dinner and/or unlimited drinks, choose the one that suits you best!

Multi-day cruises

It is possible to choose to visit Budapest on a cruise stopover.

Several operators offer Danube cruises, including AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Saga Cruises, Scenic Tours, Titan, Uniworld, and Viking River Cruises. Cruise ferries feature comfortable cabins, onboard spa services, excellent restaurants as well as deck pool and chairs.

Danube Cruising using public transportation

Another way to enjoy the panoramic view of Budapest is by using public transporation. Budapest Transport Company (BKV) operates between Boráros tér and Rómaifürdő, stopping at Petőfi tér, Batthyány tér and Margaret Island. Since 2012, BKV offers a new ferry serving connecting Kopaszi-GAT and Rómaifürdő.

Mahart, Legenda Ltd. and EURAMA are the major companies operating navigation along the Danube in Budapest. The first two focus more on offering day or evening tours; EURAMA, on the other hand, typically offers hop-on-hop-off cruises.

Book a Danube cruise online

Absolutely not to be missed during a holiday in Budapest, the Danube cruise is one of the activities that all tourists to the Hungarian capital indulge in: book it online to get the best price and a guaranteed seat, without queuing up at the ticket offices.