River Cruises from Budapest to Passau
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10 best River cruises from Budapest to Passau
Compiled by
MelissaBudapest travel expert at TourRadar
- Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
- Danube Explorer with Sommelier Alejandro Ferris
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Danube Holiday Markets (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Danube Christmas Delights Budapest to Passau
- Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2026
- Danube Explorer 2025
- Melodies of the Danube 2026
- Danube Waltz Budapest to Passau
The voyage starts at Budapest's riverfront near Parliament, sailing through Bratislava and Vienna en route to Passau's Three Rivers confluence. The itinerary features Dürnstein's blue abbey and Melk's Baroque monastery, closing with a festive Bavarian evening at Veste Oberhaus fortress.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- NZ$3,497
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,883
62% Off- NZ$5,246You save $8,636
An elegant 8-day sailing from Budapest to Passau aboard S.S. Maria Theresa crosses 4 countries. Highlights include Bratislava Castle, Vienna's Art History Museum, and Dürnstein's wine estates. The baroque library at Melk Abbey precedes the final stop at Passau's Three Rivers confluence.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,099
15% Off- NZ$5,184You save $914
The festive route from Budapest's Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market to Passau's 70 holiday stalls unfolds aboard S.S. Maria Theresa. This eight-day cruise visits Bratislava's modern holiday market, Vienna's Art History Museum, and UNESCO-listed Melk Abbey, with a final transfer to Munich Airport.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,999
10% Off- NZ$7,199You save $799
The 315-nautical-mile route from Budapest's Chain Bridge to Passau's Three Rivers confluence spans eight days. This Viking cruise features Vörösmarty Square markets, Bratislava Castle, Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, and ends at Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest pipe organ.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $7,015
37% Off- NZ$4,423You save $2,592
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,802
15% Off- NZ$3,232You save $570
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,917
50% Off- NZ$7,959You save $7,958
An 8-day river cruise from Budapest to Passau aboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship showcases UNESCO Heritage sites. The route winds through the Hungarian Grand Market, Bratislava Castle, Vienna's Ringstrasse, and the celebrated Wachau Valley wine region, culminating in Bavaria's countryside at Passau.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,561
62% Off- NZ$5,585You save $8,975
Sailing from Budapest's Castle District to Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral, this luxury river cruise spans 8 days. The route includes Bratislava's Coronation City, Vienna's Opera House, and wraps up with special Oktoberfest celebrations in Vilshofen.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
62% Off- NZ$6,101
Danube Waltz Budapest to Passau
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The cruise from Budapest to Passau was beautiful. Viking made the river cruise very enjoyable with great food.”
Ian, traveled in August
This 8-day Danube cruise connects Budapest's thermal baths to Passau's St. Stephen's Cathedral. Passengers visit Bratislava's medieval Town Hall, Vienna's Hofburg Palace, and the 900-year-old Göttweig Abbey, finishing with Europe's largest church organ concert in Passau's baroque cathedral.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $6,043
43% Off- NZ$3,451You save $2,592
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Budapest to Passau
What is the average distance covered on a river cruise from Budapest to Passau?
The journey from Budapest to Passau stretches about 425 kilometers (264 miles) along the Danube River. You'll travel through four different countries - Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. The route follows the Danube as it winds through the beautiful Wachau Valley, stopping at historic cities along the way. Ships like the Emerald Dawn and Viking Longships take you to ports including Bratislava, Vienna, and Melk.
What are the most common stops between Budapest and Passau?
When you cruise from Budapest to Passau, you'll visit some really interesting places. Most trips stop in Bratislava, where you can explore its Gothic architecture and castle. In Vienna, you'll see grand imperial palaces and museums. The route includes Melk with its impressive abbey, and Linz where old meets new. Many travelers love visiting the small town of Dürnstein with its blue medieval abbey, and Weissenkirchen in the wine country. Some trips also offer day trips to Salzburg or Český Krumlov.
What is the average price range for a Budapest to Passau river cruise?
For a river cruise between Budapest and Passau, expect to pay between 2,189 USD and 9,490 USD per person, with most 8-day cruises costing around 4,500 USD. Your ticket covers quite a bit - you get a room on ships like the S.S. Maria Theresa or Emerald Dawn, all your meals onboard, guided tours, and local entertainment. If you go for the pricier options, you might get extra perks like a personal butler or special access to cultural sites.
What are the average tour lengths for river cruises from Budapest to Passau?
Most river cruises between Budapest and Passau run for 8 days. This gives you enough time to see everything from Vienna's famous Ringstrasse to Bratislava's old town center and the beautiful Wachau Valley (it's so special it's a UNESCO World Heritage site). You'll spend 7 nights on the water, with the ship serving as your floating hotel. Ships like the S.S. Maria Theresa dock overnight in key spots, so you can really explore places like Budapest's Fisherman's Bastion and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace.