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
- Enchanting Danube (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
- Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
- Danube Explorer 2026|2025 - 8 Days (from Budapest to Passau)
- Early Season on the Danube 2026|2025 - 8 Days (from Budapest to Passau)
- Danube Christmas Delights Budapest to Passau
- Danube Holiday Markets (2026) (Budapest to Passau, 2026)
- Danube Explorer with Sommelier Alejandro Ferris
- River & Music (Budapest - Passau)
- Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest 2026
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 Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,099
15% Off- NZ$5,184You save $915
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 Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$3,548
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,265
15% Off- NZ$3,626You save $640
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,862
50% Off- NZ$5,931You save $5,931
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,862
50% Off- NZ$5,931You save $5,931
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 Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $7,741
34% Off- NZ$5,122You save $2,618
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 Ages 16+ 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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,862
50% Off- NZ$5,931You save $5,931
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$3,490
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,935
50% Off- NZ$7,967You save $7,967
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.