Budapest Attractions
The Danube River Cruise in Budapest is one of the most popular ways to explore Hungary’s capital, and it offers a unique perspective of the city’s stunning landmarks.
Dividing Budapest into Buda and Pest, the Danube River provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, and more.
There are many Danube River Cruises to choose from – sightseeing cruises, evening cruises, cruises with dinner and drinks, boats with performances, etc.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Danube River Cruises, including routes, ticket prices, timings, and must-see attractions.
Top Tickets
# Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink
# Sightseeing Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco
# Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink
# Daytime Sightseeing Boat CruiseIt’s highly recommended to book your Danube River Cruise tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
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Danube River Cruises tickets
The cheapest Danube River Cruises cost around €15, while cruises with amenities such as dinner, drinks, music etc can go up to €100. Tourists can choose from:
Daytime Sightseeing Cruise – Enjoy panoramic city views in daylight.
Brunch Cruise – Savor a delicious meal while sailing past Budapest’s landmarks.
Evening Cruise – Admire the illuminated skyline as the city lights up.
Dinner Cruise – Indulge in fine dining with live music or cultural performances.
You can board the boat 30 minutes before departure and must arrive at the dock at least 15 minutes before the cruise starts.
These cruise tickets can be canceled before 24 hours for a full refund.
Evening sightseeing cruise on the Danube
Experience Budapest’s beauty on a romantic 1-hour evening sightseeing cruise along the Danube River. Sit back, relax, and enjoy stunning city views as you glide past Budapest’s illuminated landmarks.
Timings: This cruise has different starting time slots: 6.15 pm, 7.30 pm, 8.45 pm, 10 pm.
Route: Sail down the river and marvel at Budapest’s famous monuments, such as the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Várkert Bazár.
Drinks: Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) upon arrival. Additional beverages are available for purchase at the onboard bar.
The boat: Enjoy panoramic views from the open or closed deck and capture stunning photos.
Meeting point: Meet at Dock 42, which is located about 800m (almost half of a mile) north of Margaret Bridge. Get Directions
General Ticket (all ages): €15
Book This CruiseRelated: Experience the magic of the Budapest Parliament at night
Evening cruise on Danube + champagne or beer
Immerse yourself in Budapest’s evening glow on a 1-hour Danube cruise. While sailing between Buda and Pest, you enjoy a drink of your choice—champagne, wine, beer, soft drink, or mineral water.
Audio guide: The recorded audio commentary provides fascinating insights and details about Budapest’s historic landmarks, which is available in 30 languages.
Timings: Select from different starting time slots: 7.30 pm, 8 pm, 8.20 pm, 8.45 pm, 9.20 pm, 9.40 pm, and 10 pm.
Route: During this cruise, you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge & Elisabeth Bridge and admire the massive Budapest Parliament Building and the Buda Castle on the hill.
Meeting point: Board the boat at Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, Budapest.
Get Directions
Cost of cruise
Adult ticket (15+ years): €25
Youth ticket (10 to 14 years): €18
Child ticket (up to 9 years): Free entry
Cruise with booze: Looking for a fun outing with friends? Try Danube River cruise with drinks
Daytime sightseeing cruise
Set sail on a 70-minute daytime sightseeing cruise on the Danube River and enjoy clear stunning views of Budapest’s iconic landmarks in natural daylight. Capture stunning photos as you sail through the heart of Budapest, enjoying a refreshing drink along the way.
In summer, enjoy an optional stop at Margaret Island, a lush green oasis in the Danube, with a free map guiding you through scenic walking tours and top sights.
Timings: This evening cruise has different time slots, starting from 10.15 am and running until 5 pm.
Audio guide: You’ll learn about Budapest’s main sights from the 30-language audio guide.
Route: During this cruise, you’ll see the majestic Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, the massive Budapest Parliament Building, the Buda Castle on the hill, and circle Margaret Island.
Drinks: Enjoy a complimentary special Duna Bella lemonade and choose from champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water as you relax on the cruise.
Meeting point: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, 1052 Budapest. Get Directions
Cost of Cruise
Adult ticket (15+ years): €20
Youth ticket (10 to 14 years): €14
Child ticket (up to 9 years): Free entry
Nighttime cruise: Planning for a romantic date with your special one? A night cruise on Danube is the perfect choice
Brunch cruise on the Danube River
Set sail on a 2.5-hour brunch cruise along the Danube, where you can admire Budapest’s historic landmarks while enjoying a delicious four-course buffet. Choose from Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, Vegetarian, or Non-Vegetarian menus, and for the ultimate experience, upgrade to unlimited Prosecco.
Timings: This cruise starts at 11 am daily during summer and is available only on Saturdays.
Route: As you feast, catch a glimpse of the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building and other iconic sights of Budapest.
Brunch: Enjoy a tasty selection of scrambled eggs, sunny-side-up eggs, and Eggs Benedict, along with creamy spreads, fresh fruits, and cold cuts. Try rich Chicken Liver Pâté, different cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a variety of pastries. Add some jam, honey, or pink hummus for extra flavor. Enjoy a welcome drink of wine, beer, or juice.
Meeting point: Meet at Budapest, Széchenyi rkp. 2, 1054 Hungary. Get Directions
Ticket cost (without unlimited Prosecco)
Adult (13+ years): €54
Student (13 to 26 years, with ID): €49
Child (6 to 12 years): €39
Infant (up to 5 years): Free Entry
Ticket cost (with unlimited Prosecco)
Adult (13+ years): €84
Student (13 to 26 years, with ID): €79
Child (6 to 12 years): €39
Infant (up to 5 years): Free Entry
Related: Explore the beauty inside the Budapest Parliament
Candlelit dinner cruise on the Danube
Dinner cruises on the River Danube offer a unique way to see the stunning cityscapes of Budapest, even as you relish a delectable Hungarian cuisine.
On this cruise, you indulge in a romantic 2.5-hour candlelit dinner cruise, where fine dining, live music, and breathtaking night views create an unforgettable experience.
Timings: This evening cruise departs at 7.45 pm.
Route: Sail along the Danube River, passing some of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, including the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building, the glowing bridges of Budapest, Buda Castle and Margaret Island, the Statue of Liberty and Citadella on Gellért Hill.
Live music: Dine to the sound of beautiful live music performed by local Hungarian artists.
Dinner: Savor a 4-course dinner (starter, soup, main course, and dessert) while enjoying the twinkling city lights of Budapest. A host and catering staff will be present to assist you onboard.
Adults: 4-course catered dinner
Children: 3-course catered dinner
Drinks: Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink (champagne, wine, beer, soft drink, or mineral water).
Meeting point: Board your cruise at Dock 7. Get Directions
Cost of cruise
Adult ticket (13+ years): €110
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): €84
Note: If you want to enjoy your dinner with other live entertainment, you can choose Dinner with Piano Battle Show for a thrilling duo of two pianists or Dinner with Operetta & Folk Show featuring musicians, folklore dancers, and operetta performances.
Danube cruise with live music & drinks
Many tourists enjoy peaceful live salon music while taking in Budapest’s stunning views.
Three talented musicians from the award-winning Rajkó Folk Ensemble perform, featuring the traditional cimbalom, which blends beautifully with string instruments to create a uniquely Hungarian and unforgettable experience on board.
Join this 2-hour night cruise and sip on your favorite drinks as you sail along the Danube River.
Timings: These cruises depart at 7 pm and 10 pm.
Route: Cruise under all six main bridges of Budapest and admire historically and culturally significant landmarks along the way.
Drinks: Choose your preferred drink option while booking this cruise:
- A glass of soft drink
- A selection of craft beers
- A glass of Tokaji Wines
- 80 ml wine tasting of seven different types
- An open bar
The boat: Relax in the air-conditioned cabin while enjoying your drink, then head to the open-air upper deck for breathtaking night views of Budapest.
Meeting point: Széchényi boat, Antall József quay 18, 1051 Budapest. Get Directions
You have five different cruise options to choose: Cruise with 1 Drink, Cruise with Tokaji, Cruise with Cocktails, Cruise with Bottomless Prosecco, and Cruise with Open Bar. Select the cruise that suits you best.
Cost of cruise (adult)
Cruise with 1 Drink: €21
Cruise with Tokaji: €29
Cruise with Cocktails: €37
Cruise with Bottomless Prosecco: €52
Cruise with Open Bar: €65
Related: Discover the must-see attractions on the Danube River cruise
What to expect on the Danube River Cruise
Insider Tip: The Danube River Cruise is one of Budapest’s most popular attractions, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring through fall) and around holidays. Cruises can fill up quickly, so booking in advance ensures you get a spot on the day and time that best suits your itinerary.
Sightseeing Cruise or Dinner Cruise?
Are you confused about whether to take a Sightseeing Cruise or a Dinner Cruise?
A sightseeing cruise might be better if your main goal is to see and learn about Budapest’s landmarks.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience on the Danube, a dinner cruise would be more suitable.
| Aspect | Sightseeing Cruise | Dinner Cruise |
| City views | Offers stunning daytime views of landmarks | See illuminated landmarks at night |
| Availability | Operates throughout the day | Limited time slots |
| Duration | 60 to 90 minutes | Two to three hours |
| Cost | Cheaper – €15 approximately | Expensive – €85 approximately |
| Atmosphere | Crowded & less personal | Romantic & relaxed ambience |
| Experience | Purely sightseeing, no activity | Includes shows & performances |
Budapest River Cruise timings
Daytime cruises on the Danube River usually start at 10.15 am, with the final departure at 5 pm.
Evening cruises commence around 6.15 pm, concluding with the last cruise at 10 pm.
Danube brunch cruises begin at 11 am for those interested in a midday meal.
Meanwhile, dinner cruises along the Danube usually set sail at 7.30 pm.
Best time to take the Danube River Cruise
The best time for a Danube River cruise in Budapest is during the fall, specifically in September and October.
This period offers pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and stable river levels, enhancing the overall experience.
From April to December, Budapest’s breathtaking views from the Danube attract thousands of tourists.
From January through early March, the temperatures along the Danube drop significantly, making it a less favorable time for cruising.
Despite the colder weather, Christmas remains a popular time for a Danube cruise.
The enchanting Christmas markets along the riverbanks create a festive and magical atmosphere, drawing many to the experience.
How long does the cruise take
Most Budapest River cruises last either 60 or 90 minutes.
However, if your cruise includes additional activities such as dinner, music, or folk performances, the duration can extend to about three hours.
Route of sightseeing cruise on the Danube
The Danube River offers a picturesque cruise route that showcases some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Here’s a route that a Budapest river cruise might take –
FAQs about river cruises in Budapest
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Danube River Cruise in Budapest:
Are Danube River cruise tickets timed?
Danube River sightseeing cruises have specific departure times, which you must select when booking your tickets. The duration varies based on the cruise type, usually lasting one to three hours.
Are Danube River cruises suitable for families with children?
Most of the sightseeing and dinner cruises over river Danube are family-friendly and welcome kids. However, booze cruises and party boat cruises have age limits.
What is the cheapest month to go for the Danube River Cruise?
The cheapest time to book a cruise is mid-January to early February when prices drop after the holiday season. Valentine’s Day can cause a slight price increase, but fares tend to decrease again by the end of February.
What is the Danube River, and where does it flow?
The Danube River is one of Europe’s major rivers, passing through several European nations, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, eventually emptying into the Black Sea.
Is the Danube River disability friendly?
Unfortunately, most Danube River cruises cannot accommodate people with mobility issues. However, a few cruises are wheelchair accessible, and you should check the tour’s booking page for more information.
Can I go on a Danube River Cruise in winter?
From late November to December, the Christmas fever grips, and Danube cruises continue despite the cold. However, in the slow months of January, February, and early March, navigation can be more challenging, and many cruise operators take away their boats for repair and maintenance, leaving visitors with fewer options.
Does the Danube River Cruise make you seasick?
River cruise boats don’t rock and sway like the boats in the ocean. If you’re still concerned, you can pack Dramamine or OTC seasickness medications as a precaution.
