It is often said of great rivers romancing the great cities that the river meanders through the middle, “splitting the gorgeous city in half”.
This oft-used phrase is not a metaphor but a literal reality of Budapest, one of the most charming cities in Europe.
For most of its history, the city had been two towns, Buda and Pest, on either side of the great Danube River.
The towns were connected in the 19th century with bridges across the Danube and thus bore Budapest.
There is barely a better place to peer into the city’s soul than the great River.
Only 10% of the Danube’s water flows through Budapest, one of the four major cities on the banks of the river, but that is enough to make a Danube River Cruise the favourite activity of most tourists.
However, there are many kinds of Danube River Cruises, and it is impossible to decide on one without an expert’s help.
This article tells you everything you must know before booking tickets to the Danube River Cruise in Budapest.
Top Danube River Cruise Tickets
# Evening Sightseeing Cruise
# Evening Sightseeing Cruise with drinks
Table of contents
- What to expect on a Danube Cruise
- Where to book tickets
- How online Danube Cruise tickets work
- Danube River Cruise ticket price
- Danube River Cruises Tickets
- Brunch Cruise on Danube River
- Danube dinner cruises in Budapest
- Danube River Cruise with Live Music
- Best Time to visit Danube River Cruise
- Danube River Cruise FAQs
What to expect on a Danube Cruise
The Danube is the second largest river in Europe, touching ten countries, including Hungary.
During this long journey, the river offers the best scenic views along its coast in the city of Budapest.
Cruising on the River Danube is a fantastic way to see the beautiful sights of Budapest from the inside out.
Hop aboard a boat, sit back, and calmly enjoy the view of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites from the shimmering waters of the river.
Admire the enormous Budapest Parliament Building, the Buda Castle on the hill, cross the magnificent Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, and circle around Margaret Island.
Let an expert guide entertain you with fascinating stories about the city and its monuments.
Relish a full-course delicious meal or kick back and enjoy the cruise with a glass of champagne in hand.
Take a day tour and watch the city’s mesmerizing monuments bathed in pristine sunlight, or take an evening tour and fall in love with the twinkling city and its floodlit, regal sights.
| Danube Cruise | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most Popular: Evening Sightseeing Cruise | 4,173 Ft (€11) |
| Romantic: Evening Cruise with drinks | 7,964 Ft (€21) |
| Live Performance: Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music | 32,245 Ft (€85) |
Where to book tickets
Tickets for Budapest Evening Cruise are available online and at the touring agency’s office.
The cruise is a popular attraction, and buying tickets in advance will save you the hassle of long queues at the ticket counter.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
Booking online also helps you get exclusive discounts and offers.
How online Danube Cruise tickets work
When you go to the Budapest Danube River Cruise online portal, you will be first asked to select a date and time slot for your visit.
You will then be asked to specify the number of people you need to book tickets for.
Once you complete the bookings, tickets will be mailed to you.
You do not need to carry printouts.
You can show the ticket on your smartphone and walk in.
If you are supposed to assemble at a starting point for your guided tour, the details will be sent to you.
Please carry a valid ID.
Danube River Cruise ticket price
For the Budapest: City Highlights Evening Cruise with Welcome Drink, a ticket for all ages costs €11 (4173 Ft).
For the Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink, an adult ticket for all ages above 15 costs €21 (8100 Ft).
Youth between ages 10 and 14 can gain access at €11 (4180 Ft).
Children under ten are not charged anything.
For Budapest: Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music, an adult ticket for all ages above 13 costs €85 (32,298 Ft).
Children between three and 12 can gain access at €65 (24,699 Ft).
Infants under three are not allowed on tour.
Danube River Cruises Tickets
As mentioned earlier, there are many kinds of cruises you must sift through before you can finalize one.
Danube Cruises come in various flavours – day cruises, evening cruises, night cruises, cruises with champagne, cruises with dinner, those with live music, etc.
We have shared below a few highly-rated Danube cruises from Budapest:
Evening Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube
These evening sightseeing boats start after 6 pm and are perfect for leisurely looking at Budapest while you glide down the River Danube.
You can admire sights like the National Parliament, Buda Castle, and the recently renovated Várkert Bazár as you sail down the river.
You can grab your seasonal cocktail and go up to the open deck for perfect views of the floodlit monuments between the Margaret Bridge and the Rákóczi Bridge.
The boat can take along 70 tourists.
Departure: DOCK 42, Northside, Budapest. (Google Maps)
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip starts
General Ticket (all ages): 4180 Ft (€11)
Evening Cruise on Danube + champagne or beer
During this 1-hour evening sightseeing cruise on the legendary blue Danube, you will sail between the Buda and Pest sides of the city.
These evening cruises start at 4.30 pm and carry on till 9 pm.
You will sail past the Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge, circle Margaret Island, and more.
Along the way, you get to sip on champagne, wine, beer, soft drink, or mineral water.
Recorded audio commentary gives you exciting insights and details about the twinkling Hungarian capital in more than 20 languages.
Departure: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, Budapest (Google Map)
Ticket price
Adult ticket (15+ years): 8100 Ft (€21)
Youth ticket (10 to 14 years): 4,250 Ft(€11)
Child ticket (up to years): Free entry
Daytime Sightseeing Cruise
This trip is a 70-minute cruise where you see panoramic views of Budapest’s landmarks, monuments, and the city itself, bathed in sparkling daylight.
These evening cruises start at 11 am and carry on till 3.30 pm.
You also get a drink of your choice – champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water.
Recorded audio commentary gives you exciting insights and details about the twinkling Hungarian capital in more than 20 languages.
Departure: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, 1052 Budapest (Google Map)
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip starts
Ticket price
Adult ticket (15+ years): 5700 Ft (€15)
Youth ticket (10 to 14 years): 4,000 Ft (€10)
Child ticket (less than nine years): Free entry
Brunch Cruise on Danube River
During this 2.5-hour cruise, you admire Budapest and its architecture from the water, even as you enjoy a royal four-course unlimited brunch.
This cruise starts at 10.30 am daily and touches Budapest’s two historical sides, Buda and Pest.
Admire UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the banks of the Danube while feasting on a delicious spread.
You also have the option to add unlimited Prosecco to your feast.
The four menus offered onboard are Gluten Free, Lactose-free, Vegetarian, and Non-Vegetarian. You also get a glass of wine/beer/juice.
Departure: Gróf Széchényi Ship (Academia 3 dock), Antall József quay 18., 1051 Budapest (Google Map)
Ticket price
Without unlimited Prosecco:
Adult Ticket (13+ years): 13,755 Ft (€54)
Student ticket (with valid ID): 12,380 Ft (€49)
Child Ticket (6-12 years): 13,755 Ft (€33)
Infants (up to 5 years): Free Entry
With Unlimited Prosecco:
General ticket (18+ years): 32,000 Ft (€84)
Student ticket (with valid ID): 30,000 Ft (€79)
Danube dinner cruises in Budapest
There are different kinds of dinner cruises on the River Danube, which we explain below.
Candlelit Dinner Cruise on The Danube
This two-and-a-half-hour cruise starts from Central Budapest at 7 pm.
On this Danube River cruise, you get to enjoy a 4-course candlelight dinner as you listen to live music while admiring the twinkling Danube River bank in night-time Budapest.
A host and catering staff will be present to assist you onboard.
You also get to choose between a glass of champagne, wine, beer, soft drink, or mineral water.
Departure: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, 1052 Budapest (Google Map)
Ticket price
Adult ticket (13+ years): 32,300 Ft (€85)
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): 24,700 Ft (€65)
Dinner Cruise and Piano Battle Show
This enchanting evening cruise along the Danube River comes with a 3-course or 6-course dinner menu, depending on your choice and an entertaining piano battle show.
The two pianists on the restaurant boat participate in a unique piano battle show as the hostess provides commentary about the melodies they play.
This cruise starts at 7.30 pm and lasts for three hours.
You also have the option to supplement your 3-course dinner with a drinks package.
The drinks package consists of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options.
Departure: Dock 11, Jane Haining rakpart, 1052 Budapest (Google Map)
Ticket prices
3-Course Dinner:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 26,600 Ft (€70)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 25,459 Ft (€67)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
6-Course Dinner:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 31,918 Ft (€84)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 30,779 Ft (€81)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
3-Course Dinner with Windows Table:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 34,198 Ft (€90)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 33,058 Ft (€87)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 39,898 Ft (€105)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 38,758 Ft (€102)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package and Windows Table:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 47,498 Ft (€125)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 46,357 Ft (€122)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
Danube Dinner Cruise and Folk Show
This Daube Dinner cruise is a combination of three things – fantastic sights of Budapest, a yummy 3-course dinner, and a live gipsy folk show.
It starts at 7.30 pm, and you are back on the shore at 10.30 pm.
The onboard chef handles vegetarian dishes and special dietary requirements if requested.
You also have the option to supplement your 3-course dinner with a drinks package.
The drinks package consists of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options.
Departure: Budapest River Cruises, dock, next to the Elizabeth Bridge on the Pest side. (Google Map)
Ticket prices:
3-Course Dinner:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 47,498 Ft (€70)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 46,357 Ft (€67)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
3-Course Dinner with Windows Table:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 34,198 Ft (€90)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 33,058 Ft (€87)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 39,898 Ft (€105)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 38,758 Ft (€102)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package and Windows Table:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 47,498 Ft (€125)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 46,357 Ft (€122)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
Danube River Cruise with Live Music
Many tourists prefer to listen to music in peace even as they enjoy the gorgeous visuals of the Hungarian capital.
These cruises set sail at 7 pm and last for two hours.
While booking this cruise, you can supplement your sail with your choice of drink.
The options include a glass of soft drink, a selection of craft beers, a glass of Tokaji Wines, 80 ml wine tasting of seven different types, and an open bar.
Departure: Széchényi boat, Antall József quay 18, 1051 Budapest. (Google Maps)
Ticket price:
Cruise with one drink (Sparkling wine or soft drink):
Adult ticket (11+ years): 6,459 Ft (€17)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 5,700 Ft (€15)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
Student (With ID): 5,700 Ft (€15)
Cruise with five local craft beers:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 17,100 Ft (€45)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 15,959 Ft (€42)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
Student (With ID): 15,959 Ft (€42)
Cruise with Wine Tasting/Open Bar:
Adult ticket (11+ years): 18,239 Ft (€48)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): 17,100 Ft (€45)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry
Student (With ID): 17,100 Ft (€45)
How to reach
Budapest Danube River Cruises depart from several locations along the river, and the precise site depends on the cruise operator and the kind of cruise you select.
Once you book a tour, the meeting point and directions to reach it will be sent to you in your mail.
The usual departure points are Vigadó Square and Batthyány Square.
By Bus
Széchenyi István Tér bus stop and the Ferenciek Tere bus stop are, respectively, four and five minutes away from Vigadó Square.
Batthyány Tér M+H bus stop and Fazekas Utca bus stop are, respectively, three and six minutes away from Batthyány Square.
By Train
Eötvös Tér light rail station is a two-minute walk away from Vigadó Square.
Batthyány Tér M+H subway station is a four-minute walk away from Batthyány Square.
By Car
Put your starting point here to navigate to the Vigadó Square.
Put your starting point here to navigate to Batthyány Square.
Timings
The daytime Danube river cruises usually begin at 10.30 am, and the last cruise is scheduled at 3.30 pm at the latest.
The evening Danube river cruises begin at around 4.30 pm, and the last cruise is scheduled at 9 pm at the latest..
The Danube brunch cruises usually begin at 11.30 am.
The Danube dinner cruises usually begin at 7-7.30 pm.
Best Time to visit Danube River Cruise
The best time to go on a Danube River cruise in Budapest is during the fall months of September and October because of pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and consistent river levels.
But having said that, you must also know that the city looks so stunning from the Danube that thousands of cruises filled with tourists sail the river from April to December.
From January through early March, the temperatures along the Danube River drop significantly, making it the wrong time for a cruise.
Some people feel Christmas is a great time for a Danube Cruise because of the Christmas markets of the Danube River.
How long does the Tour take
The Danube River cruise takes at least 90 minutes to complete.
If your tour includes activities such as dinner, music, or folk performances, the tour time can stretch to 3 hours.
Danube River Cruise FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Danube River Cruise.
FAQs about Danube River Cruise in Budapest
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Danube River Cruise in Budapest:
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
Many family-friendly Danube River cruises in Budapest often include kid-friendly activities. It’s wise to check with the cruise operator in advance as some voyages may have age limits.
The longer cruises (which last for 2 to 7 days at times) cross many countries while on the Danube’s waters.
However, the Danube river cruises in Budapest sail between the Buda and the Pest regions and get back to the Dock from where you started.
Unfortunately, most of the Danube River cruises are unable to provide accommodation to people with mobility issues.
However, a few cruises are wheelchair accessible, and it is best to check the tour’s booking page for more information.
Yes, you can buy Seine Cruise tickets online at the cruise booking page.
When you buy them in advance, you save yourself time (you don’t wait in the ticketing counter lines) and money (online tickets are cheaper!).
Even though it is not a must to buy Danube River Cruise tickets in advance, we recommend you buy them before you visit the dock.
If you already have the tickets when you reach the boarding point, you can avoid standing in line at the ticketing counter.
Online tickets also tend to be cheaper.
The availability of Wi-Fi on cruise ships varies. Wi-Fi may be available on certain cruises, although it may cost extra. The cruise liner and the particular ship can impact the Wi-Fi’s quality and accessibility.
If money is not an issue, or if you are on a romantic holiday, we highly recommend a Danube Dinner Cruise.
However, if you are on a budget or if you are a big group, we recommend the regular Sightseeing Cruise.
No, the Danube River cruise tickets in Budapest are not timed.
However, the boats have a set time for sailing, which you must choose while booking your tickets.
You are expected to be at the departure point at least half an hour before the departure time.
A sightseeing Danube cruise lasts for an hour.
If you book a Lunch or Dinner Cruise, depending on the tour operator, the time of departure, etc., the duration can be anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours.
The answer is both yes and no. From late November to December, the
Christmas fever grips, and Danube cruises continue despite the cold.
Since it gets frigid on the water in winter, you must dress up appropriately.
However, in the slow months of January, February, and early March, most cruise operators take away their boats for repair and maintenance, leaving visitors with fewer options.
If you can afford it and if you have the time, you must go on the sightseeing cruise during the day and the Danube Dinner Cruise at night.
If you can’t do both, it is better to do the Sightseeing cruise during the day because you can then get a better view of the City.
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.
Sources
# Budapestrivercruise.com
# Budapest-river-cruises.com
# Silver-line.hu
# Tripadvisor.in
The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.
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