Danube Cruises from Budapest
4.5 stars on(8,440 reviews)- Choose from 100+ Budapest tours
- 22 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Danube river cruises from Budapest
Compiled by
MelissaBudapest travel expert at TourRadar
- Delightful Danube Budapest → Munich (2025)
- Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) 2025
- Danube Dreams (Westbound) 2025
- Delightful Danube & Prague (2025) (Prague to Budapest, 2025)
- Along the river Danube, Budapest and the Balkan peninsula (from Budapest to Oltenita)
- Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)
- Christmas time on the Danube 2025|2026 - 5 Days (from Budapest to Vienna)
- Danube in Depth with Prague 2025 - 13 Days (from Budapest to Prague)
- Danube in Depth 2025 - 10 Days (from Budapest to Nuremberg)
- Highlights of the Danube Budapest → Munich (2025)
The voyage launches in Budapest near Parliament Building, stretching 820km along the Danube through Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Stops include Melk Abbey, medieval Dürnstein, and Nuremberg before transferring to Munich Airport.
Duration 9 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds River Danube Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$3,345
The route from Budapest's Parliament Building takes you through Bratislava's Old Town to Vienna's Imperial Palace. The ship navigates Wachau Valley to medieval Linz, follows Schlögen Oxbow to Passau, before concluding in Prague's historic center.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships Avalon IlluminationAvalon PassionAvalon Visionary River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$7,470+$346 upfront costs
The 8-day voyage from Budapest near Heroes' Square heads west through the Schlögen Oxbow to Vilshofen. Visitors tour Bratislava's St. Martin's Cathedral, Vienna's Habsburg Palace, and Dürnstein's castle ruins across 4 countries, with guided excursions in medieval towns like Passau and Melk.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon ExpressionAvalon IlluminationAvalon ImpressionAvalon PassionAvalon Visionary River Danube Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$6,433+$346 upfront costs
A scenic 480-mile voyage from Budapest near the Chain Bridge follows the Danube through the Wachau Valley and Schlögener Schlinge. The route features Vienna's Belvedere Palace before reaching Nuremberg, with transport to Prague's Art Deco Imperial Hotel.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Beatrice River Danube Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $9,199
20% Off- NZ$7,359You save $1,840
Along the river Danube, Budapest and the Balkan peninsula (from Budapest to Oltenita)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The room had plenty of room for two woman sharing the room with lots of cupboards and shelving to put things.”
Judy, traveled in May
A 9-day adventure launches in Budapest, spanning 5 countries along the Danube. The route passes through the Iron Gates gorge between Serbia and Romania, traverses the Danube-Black Sea Canal to Constanta, and ends in Oltenita. Notable stops include Osijek, Novi Sad, Belgrade, and Ruse.
Duration 9 days Destinations Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Vivaldi River Danube Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$6,273
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ships Amadeus ImperialAmadeus CaraAmadeus RivaAmadeus Nova River Danube Operator Lueftner Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$3,493
The 5-day nautical adventure starts near Budapest's Váci Utca, heading upstream to Bratislava's historic port and Vienna's Ringstrasse district. Emerald Dawn covers approximately 250 kilometers through 3 countries along the Danube.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria Age Range up to 90 year olds Ship Emerald Dawn River Danube Operator Emerald Cruises From $8,398
70% Off- NZ$2,549You save $5,849
A 13-day adventure from Budapest's Varkert Bazar stretches across 4 countries along the Danube. Highlights include Bratislava Castle, Vienna's Palais Liechtenstein, before concluding in Prague. The trip combines 9 nights aboard a luxury ship with comfortable coach transfer to Prague.
Duration 13 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Amber River Danube Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,685
21% Off- NZ$7,685You save $2,000
The nine-night cruise from Budapest's Varkert Bazar winds through Slovakia and Austria to Nuremberg's Imperial Castle. The luxury Scenic Space-Ships visit 9 cities across 4 countries, with notable stops at Schonbrunn Palace, Gottweig Abbey, and medieval Regensburg.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Amber River Danube Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,825
13% Off- NZ$6,825You save $1,000
Your floating home, Travelmarvel Capella, departs Budapest to cruise 387 miles along the Danube through Bratislava, Vienna, and Melk before reaching Passau with transfer to Munich. Features stops at historic riverside towns.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Travelmarvel Capella River Danube Operator APT From
13% Off- NZ$5,929
What our customers ask about Danube Cruises from Budapest
What are the most popular stopping points after departing Budapest?
The Danube river cruise route from Budapest naturally flows through Bratislava and Vienna before reaching smaller towns in the Wachau Valley. These smaller stops include Dürnstein and Melk where the historic Benedictine Abbey stands as a key attraction. In Vienna the Schönbrunn Palace draws visitors year-round. The ships conveniently dock in central locations allowing easy access to explore each city. A TourRadar traveler on the AmaWaterways cruise noted: "The progression from Budapest through Bratislava to Vienna offered a perfect blend of history and culture."
What's included in the accommodation when starting in Budapest?
River cruise packages from Budapest typically start with 1-2 nights at city hotels like the InterContinental or Marriott before moving to the river ship. The vessels come equipped with panoramic windows or balconies sun decks lounges and fitness areas. Some ships offer distinct features - Scenic Space-Ships provide butler service and a Salt Therapy Lounge while AmaWaterways includes Entertainment-On-Demand systems and twin balconies in most rooms. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The cabin was spacious and well-appointed with stunning views of the Danube."
What's the typical price range for Danube cruises starting in Budapest?
Expect to pay between USD 4000 and USD 13000 per person for a Danube cruise from Budapest. The price varies based on cruise line season and cabin selection. For reference Emerald Cruises offers an 8-day Danube Explorer starting at USD 7590 while Scenic's 10-day Danube in Depth begins at USD 11990. These prices cover accommodation meals most excursions and onboard activities. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "While not inexpensive, the all-inclusive nature of the cruise made it excellent value for money."
What's the best time of year to start a Danube cruise from Budapest?
The Danube cruise season runs strongest from April through October with peak activity from June to September when weather conditions are most reliable. December brings special Christmas Market cruises. Spring offers mild temperatures and smaller crowds while summer provides extended daylight hours. Fall attracts visitors with autumn colors and wine harvest activities. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "September was perfect - comfortable temperatures and stunning views of Budapest's Parliament building at sunset."
How accessible are the cruise ships and excursions from Budapest's port?
Cruise ships dock near Budapest's Chain Bridge placing passengers within walking distance of main attractions. Most cruise lines arrange airport transfers taking about 30 minutes and provide luggage assistance. The ships come equipped with elevators and accessible rooms though some shore excursions require walking on uneven ground. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The ship's location in Budapest was perfect - we could walk to all major attractions and the embarkation process was smooth."
What kind of cultural experiences are offered at the start of the cruise in Budapest?
Budapest departures often begin with local cultural activities such as folk performances wine tastings and visits to the city's thermal baths. Many cruises offer hands-on experiences at the Great Market Hall or Hungarian cooking workshops. Emerald Cruises for example starts with a Hungarian folk show on embarkation evening. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The welcome folklore show in Budapest was a fantastic introduction to Hungarian culture and set the perfect mood for our Danube journey."