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Danube River Cruise in Budapest – tickets, prices, timings, departures

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The famous saying about rivers dividing cities in half is a reality in Budapest, a charming European city.

Historically, it consisted of two towns, Buda and Pest, on opposite sides of the Danube River.

The 19th-century construction of bridges united them into Budapest.

To truly understand the city’s essence, gazing upon the Danube is essential.

While only 10% of the Danube’s water flows through Budapest, it remains a favorite tourist activity, with numerous types of Danube River Cruises that may require expert guidance to choose from.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Danube River Cruise in Budapest.

What to expect on a Danube Cruise

The Danube, Europe’s second-largest river, flows through ten countries, including Hungary.

In Budapest, it offers the most breathtaking scenic views along its banks.

Cruising on the Danube provides an immersive way to appreciate the beauty of Budapest.

Relax on a boat and take in the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the majestic Budapest Parliament Building, Buda Castle on the hill, iconic Chain Bridge, and Elisabeth Bridge, all while circling around Margaret Island.

Knowledgeable guides share captivating stories about the city and its landmarks, and you can savor a delectable meal or unwind with a glass of champagne.

Whether you choose a daytime tour with pristine sunlight or an evening tour with the city’s dazzling lights, Budapest’s monuments will leave you enchanted.

Danube CruiseCost
Most Popular: Evening Sightseeing Cruise4,173 Ft (€11)
Romantic: Evening Cruise with drinks7,964 Ft (€21)
Live Performance: Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music32,245 Ft (€85)

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Where to book tickets 

Tickets for the 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 e-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 (£9).

For the Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink, an adult ticket for all ages above 15 costs €21 (£18).

Youths between 10 and 14 can gain access at €11 (£9).

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 (£73).

Children between three and 12 can gain access at €65 (£56).

Infants under three are not allowed on tour. 


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Danube River Cruises Tickets

As mentioned earlier, you must sift through many kinds of cruises before you can finalize one. 

Danube Cruises offer a wide range of options, including day cruises, evening cruises, night cruises, champagne cruises, dinner cruises, and even those featuring live music.

Here are a few highly-rated Danube cruises from Budapest:

Evening Sightseeing Cruise on the Danube

These evening sightseeing boats typically commence their journeys after 6 pm, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy Budapest’s scenery leisurely as you glide along the River Danube.

As you sail down the river, you can admire sights like the National Parliament, Buda Castle, and the recently renovated Várkert Bazár.

You can grab your seasonal cocktail and go up to the open deck for perfect views of the floodlit monuments between the Margaret and the Rákóczi bridges.

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): €11 (£9)

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 can sip champagne, wine, beer, soft drink, or mineral water.

Recorded audio commentary gives you exciting insights and details about the twinkling Hungarian capital in over 20 languages.

Departure: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, Budapest (Google Map)

Ticket price

Adult ticket (15+ years): €21 (£18)
Youth ticket (10 to 14 years): €11 (£9)
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 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 over 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): €15 (£13)
Youth ticket (10 to 14 years): €10 (£9)
Child ticket (less than nine years): Free entry


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Brunch Cruise on the 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): €54 (£46)
Student ticket (with valid ID): €49 (£42)

Child Ticket (6-12 years): €33 (£28)
Infants (up to 5 years): Free Entry

With Unlimited Prosecco:

General ticket (18+ years): €84 (£71)
Student ticket (with valid ID): €79 (£67)


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Danube dinner cruises in Budapest

There are a variety of dinner cruises on the River Danube:

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 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 can also 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): €85 (£72)
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): €65 (£55)

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): €70 (£60)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €67 (£57)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

6-Course Dinner:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €84 (£69)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €81 (£69)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

3-Course Dinner with Windows Table:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €90 (£77)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €87 (£74)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €105 (£89)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €102 (£87)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package and Window Table:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €125 (£106)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €122 (£104)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

Danube Dinner Cruise and Folk Show

This Daube Dinner cruise combines the fantastic sights of Budapest, a yummy 3-course dinner, and a live gypsy folk show. 

It starts at 7.30 pm, and you return to 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 Maps)

Ticket prices:

3-Course Dinner:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €70 (£60)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €67 (£57)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

3-Course Dinner with Windows Table:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €90 (£77)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €87 (£74)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €105 (£89)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €102 (£87)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

3-Course Dinner with Drinks Package and Window Table:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €125 (£106)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €122 (£104)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry


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Danube River Cruise with Live Music

Dinner cruise with Live Music on Danube River
Image: Klook.com

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): €17 (£14)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €15 (£13)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

Student (With ID): €15 (£13)

Cruise with five local craft beers:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €45 (£38)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €42 (£36)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

Student (With ID): €42 (£36)

Cruise with Wine Tasting/Open Bar:

Adult ticket (11+ years): €48 (£41)
Child ticket (4 to 10 years): €45 (£38)
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free Entry

Student (With ID): €45 (£38)


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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 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.

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 Take the 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.

The city looks so stunning from the Danube that thousands of cruises filled with tourists sail the river from April to December. 

The temperatures along the Danube River drop significantly from January through early March, making it the wrong time for a cruise. 

For many, Christmas is a wonderful time for a Danube Cruise, especially due to the enchanting Christmas markets along 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: 


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FAQs about the Danube River Cruise in Budapest

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Danube River Cruise in Budapest:

Can I purchase Danube Cruise tickets online?

You can buy Seine Cruise tickets online at the cruise booking page.

Buying them in advance saves time (you don’t wait in the ticketing counter lines) and money (online tickets are cheaper!). 

Do I need advance tickets for a cruise on the River Danube?

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.

Do I buy the Sightseeing Cruise or the Danube Dinner Cruise?

If money is not an issue, or if you are on a romantic holiday, we highly recommend a Danube Dinner Cruise.

However, we recommend the regular Sightseeing Cruise if you are on a budget or a big group. 

Are Budapest’s River Cruise tickets timed?

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 departure.

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

Are Danube River cruises in Budapest suitable for families with children?

Many family-friendly Danube River cruises in Budapest often include kid-friendly activities. It’s wise to check with the cruise operator beforehand, as some voyages may have age limits.

Where does the Danube River cruise go?

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.

Is the Danube River disability friendly?

Unfortunately, most of the Danube River cruises cannot 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.

Is Wi-Fi available on Danube River cruise ships in Budapest?

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.

How long is the Danube River cruise?

A sightseeing Danube cruise lasts for an hour.

If you book a Lunch or Dinner Cruise, depending on the tour operator, the departure time, etc., the duration can be anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours.

Can I do the Danube River Cruise in winter?

The answer is both yes and no. From late November to December, the
Christmas fever grips, and Danube cruises continue despite the cold.

You must dress up appropriately since it gets frigid on the water in winter.
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.

Should I do the Danube Cruise from Budapest at night or day?

If you can afford it and 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, going on a sightseeing cruise during the day is better because you can get a better view of the city.

Can seasick people go on the Danube River Cruise?

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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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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