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 2025
- River & Music (Budapest - Passau)
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Danube Holiday Markets (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Danube Explorer 2026|2025 - 8 Days (from Budapest to Passau)
- Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2026
- Danube Explorer with Sommelier Alejandro Ferris
- Early Season on the Danube 2026|2025 - 8 Days (from 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$3,510
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 $24,742
60% Off- NZ$9,878You save $14,863
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
60% Off- NZ$5,729
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 $915
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 $800
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,609
62% Off- NZ$5,143You save $8,466
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,817
15% Off- NZ$3,245You save $573
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,603
50% Off- NZ$7,801You save $7,801
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,615
50% Off- NZ$5,807You save $5,807
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,609
62% Off- NZ$5,143You save $8,466
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.