Durnstein within the vineyards of the Wachau wine region, Austria. Photo via Flickr:jay8085

Komarno in the Slovak Republic at the confluence of the Danube and Váh Rivers. Photo via Flickr:Janos Korom Dr.
4.7/5 (3 ratings)

Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest Bike Tour

Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Bike Tours

Cycle through four beautiful and culturally rich countries

  • The Danube Bike Path from Passau to Budapest follows, for the most part, the beautiful Blue Danube River providing views of wonderful landscapes. Rolling hills, forests, meadows, picturesque villages, and impressive sights from the Roman and Nibelungen times will be your backdrop.

    The art and culture encountered are the legacy to ancient history.

    Highlights:

    • 3 river city Passau
    • Bratislava
    • Historical theatre Grein
    • Romantic Wachau Valley
    • Danube metropolis Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest
    • Abbey Melk
    • The Danube Auen National Park
    • Archaeological Park Carnuntum
    • Basilica in Esztergom
    • Danube Bend
    • Arabian National Stud Farm

    Want to see more bike tours in Hungary or all of our Danube bike tours?

  • 2020

     Cat ADinners includedCat BDinners included
    Season 1 $ 2289 £ 1192 $ 2,058 € 1384 $ 2376 kr 14886 $ 1,565 $ 544 £ 283 $ 489 € 329 $ 565 kr 3539 $ 372 $ 1809 £ 942 $ 1,627 € 1094 $ 1878 kr 11767 $ 1,237 $ 412 £ 214 $ 370 € 249 $ 427 kr 2678 $ 282
    Season 2 $ 2537 £ 1321 $ 2,281 € 1534 $ 2633 kr 16499 $ 1,735 $ 544 £ 283 $ 489 € 329 $ 565 kr 3539 $ 372 $ 2041 £ 1063 $ 1,835 € 1234 $ 2118 kr 13272 $ 1,395 $ 412 £ 214 $ 370 € 249 $ 427 kr 2678 $ 282
    Season 3 $ 2719 £ 1416 $ 2,445 € 1644 $ 2822 kr 17682 $ 1,859 $ 544 £ 283 $ 489 € 329 $ 565 kr 3539 $ 372 $ 2256 £ 1175 $ 2,028 € 1364 $ 2342 kr 14671 $ 1,542 $ 412 £ 214 $ 370 € 249 $ 427 kr 2678 $ 282
    Single supplement $ 728 £ 379 $ 654 € 440 $ 755 kr 4732 $ 498   $ 612 £ 319 $ 550 € 370 $ 635 kr 3980 $ 418  
    Electric Bike $ 281 £ 146 $ 253 € 170 $ 292 kr 1828 $ 192   $ 281 £ 146 $ 253 € 170 $ 292 kr 1828 $ 192  

    Season 1: October 3 to October 10, 2020 
    Season 2: April 12 - April 24 + September 19 - October 2, 2020
    Season 3: April 25 - September 18, 2020

    Due to the following events in Budapest,  hotel availability here may be problematic and will incur a surcharge.

    UEFA:
    Tour starts: June 12 through June 14 and June 19 through June 21: and the following extra nights, June 12 - June 29:
    Supplement, per person/per night: $ 46 £ 24 $ 42 € 28 $ 48 kr 301 $ 32 Single supplement per night: $ 91 £ 47 $ 82 € 55 $ 94 kr 592 $ 62 NEK Pope visit:
    Tour starts: September 11 - September 13 and the following extra nights, September 17 - September 19:
    Supplement per person/per night: $ 46 £ 24 $ 42 € 28 $ 48 kr 301 $ 32 Single supplement: $ 91 £ 47 $ 82 € 55 $ 94 kr 592 $ 62

    extra options

    2020

    Extra nightsTwin/doubleSingle
    Passau, 4* Cat. A $ 112 £ 59 $ 101 € 68 $ 117 kr 731 $ 77 $ 162 £ 84 $ 146 € 98 $ 168 kr 1054 $ 111
    Passau, 3* Cat. B $ 94 £ 49 $ 85 € 57 $ 98 kr 613 $ 64 $ 132 £ 69 $ 119 € 80 $ 137 kr 860 $ 90
    Vienna, 4*, possible before, after or during your tour.
    (Only with arrival on Saturday or Sunday)    		 $ 112 £ 59 $ 101 € 68 $ 117 kr 731 $ 77 $ 162 £ 84 $ 146 € 98 $ 168 kr 1054 $ 111
    Budapest, 3*, Cat. A $ 106 £ 55 $ 95 € 64 $ 110 kr 688 $ 72 $ 192 £ 100 $ 173 € 116 $ 199 kr 1248 $ 131
    Budapest, 4*, Cat. B $ 86 £ 45 $ 77 € 52 $ 89 kr 559 $ 59 $ 146 £ 76 $ 131 € 88 $ 151 kr 946 $ 100

    Additional supplement for Budapest:
    June 12 - June 29 and September 17 - September 19:  $ 46 £ 24 $ 42 € 28 $ 48 kr 301 $ 32 Single: $ 91 £ 47 $ 82 € 55 $ 94 kr 592 $ 62

    Electric bike: $ 281 £ 146 $ 253 € 170 $ 292 kr 1828 $ 192

    Additional options (must be reserved at time of booking):

    Helmet purchase: $ 48 £ 25 $ 43 € 29 $ 50 kr 312 $ 33 Train ticket: Vienna - Passau: $ 73 £ 38 $ 65 € 44 $ 76 kr 473 $ 50 Bus ticket: Budapest - Vienna: pending
    Transfer: Munich airport - Passau: $ 114 £ 59 $ 103 € 69 $ 118 kr 742 $ 78 Supplement for transfer from Munich city center or Munich train station, 1 - 8 ppl., shared cost: $ 66 £ 34 $ 59 € 40 $ 69 kr 430 $ 45

     

    please note

    If you are bringing your bike, tour discount applies however, there may be a supplement incurred for any transfers.

    Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

    Information to read before you book.

    We recommend purchasing bike trip insurance.

    Please see our FAQ.

  • Travel

    There are a couple of options as far as arrival and departure airports.

    • You can arrive to Munich Airport (MUC) which is well connected to the city center and beyond by public transportation, taxis, and transfer services and depart from Budapest (BUD).
    • If you prefer to arrive and depart from the same airport, you can arrive and depart from Vienna International Airport (VIE)

    Local Travel

    Arrival to Munich:
    Public transportation:
    To access a train to Passau, your point of embarkation, you first take a bus to Freising train station (approximately €3). It’s also possible to take a taxi from the airport to Freising Station (approximately €27). From Freising, continue by train to Passau. The train ride is approx. 2–2½ hr. (depending on connections) and costs €30 to €45 depending on type of train. If your travel plans include spending some time in Munich before your tour you can access a train to Munich city center directly at the airport at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. You can then take a train from Munich to Passau.
    Private transfers:
    Transfers are available for a supplement from the airport or Munich City Center to Passau. See pricing.
    Departure from Budapest:
    Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD), formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, is about 10 miles from the city center. Both terminals at the airport are accessible via public transport. Buses run between Kőbánya-Kispest metro station in the city and the airport. The bus ride from the metro station to Terminal 2 takes about 30 minutes.
    Arrival to Vienna:
    From Vienna Airport, you can take a train to Passau. There are a few direct departures or many departures with transfers involved. We can assist you with reserving a ticket. See pricing.
    Departure from Vienna:
    At the end of your tour, from Budapest’s main train station, Budapest-Keleti, you can take a train to Vienna. Travel time is just under 3 hours. The airport is outside the city limits, about 20 km (12.5 miles) from the city center. The CAT train line is the dedicated train link between Vienna and the airport. It leaves from Wien Mitte and delivers you to the airport (and vice versa) in 16 minutes, with no stops en route.
    You can also request a bus ticket from us. See pricing.

    Climate

    Please check local condition before your arrival and keep in mind that you will be experiencing an epic tour, visiting four countries, from Passau, through the Wachau Valley, into Bratislava and all the way to Budapest. Not only will you have rural cycling all along the river, but you will be visiting some larger cities in which the temperature always varies from the countryside. The narrow Wachau Valley, in the middle of your excursion, is situated between two high forest plateaus. Here the Danube River Gorge is advantageously protected from the north and the west resulting in a microclimate that is otherwise found only much farther south. This has resulted in the development of unique flora and fauna. This unique climate and landscape combined with the soils is why wine cultivation is so successful. A good website to visit to research average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and other weather-related facts is weatherbase.com.

    Recommended

    Do note:
    In Slovakia, wearing a helmet is required by law outside the city limits.
    In Hungary, wearing a safety vest is required by law at night and during times of low visibility outside limits of cities/villages.
    In Austria, wearing a helmet is mandatory for children under 12 years of age.

    Remarks

    Electric bikes, children’s bikes, and special equipment for children on request.

    TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

    Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.

    *Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.

Tour Dates

2020

Season 1: October 3 to October 10, 2020 (only Sunday arrival is possible)
Season 2: April 12 - April 24 + September 19 - October 2, 2020
Season 3: April 25 - September 18, 2020

Season 1 arrivals are only possible on Sundays
Season 2 and 3: Arrival every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

Due to the following events in Budapest,  hotel availability in Budapest may be problematic and will incur a surcharge.

Formula I Grand Prix: 
No bookings for tour starts July 24 up to and including July 26 
UEFA:  
Tour starts: June 12 through June 14 and June 19 through June 21 and Extra Nights: June 12 through June 29. A supplement will apply. See pricing.
NEK pope visit:
Tour starts: September 11 through the 13 and Extra Nights: September 17 through September 19. A supplement will apply. See pricing.

Skill Level

The tour is mostly flat with some slight hills along the way. The Austrian section of the trip follows well-maintained cycle paths, while the Hungarian section follows country roads. The average distance is 30 miles per day (48 km). As always, when entering and exiting towns and cities, traffic will be encountered so good control and balance of your bicycle is necessary.

Where You’ll Stay

Category A: mostly 4-star or very good 3-star hotels
Category B: quaint inns, 3-star hotels and pensions. In Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, 4-star hotels

What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 13 nights in the selected category
  • Hybrid touring bike rental of the brand KTM with step-through aluminum frame, 21 speeds, Ortlieb pannier, handle bar bag, bike lock, mudguards, odometer, gel saddles, repair kit
  • Daily breakfast
  • Daily luggage transfer, 2 pieces of luggage per person (max. total weight of 30 kg per person)
  • Welcome drink at the arrival hotel in Passau
  • 1 bottle of high-quality wine in the Wachau Valley (per room)
  • A tasting of regional products
  • 1 train ride from Krems – Tulln (incl. bike)
  • 1 train ride from Mosonmagyarovar – Györ (incl. bike)
  • 1 ship or train ride, depending on season from Szentendre – Budapest
  • Service-hotline (also accessible on weekends)
  • Route book, maps, and information (one packet per room)
  • GPS tracks are available on request

What’s Not Included

  • Travel to and from Passau
  • Meals other than those mentioned in included
  • Dinner option offered (Cat. A: 13 dinners, Cat B: 12 dinners, Vienna, breakfast only). See pricing.
  • Helmet (available for purchase)
  • Local tax payable on spot (approx.€1 - 2.50/person/night) valid for Passau - Vienna portion
  • Bicycle Protection
  • Travel Insurance

Extra Stay

You can book an extra night in Vienna before, during, or after your tour! This will provide you more time to explore the City of Music.

Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest Map

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillEasy–Moderate
Length14 days
From€1094 Rates
Tour Reviews

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Day-To-Day Itinerary

Danube Bike Path - Passau to Budapest Map

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Passau - Schlögener Loop, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 3: Schlögener Loop - Linz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Linz - Strudengau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Strudengau - Nibelungengau, 31 mi (50 km)
Day 6: Nibelungengau - Krems/Surroundings, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Krems/surroundings - Vienna, 25 mi. (40 km) + train from Krems - Tulin
Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch Altenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg - Bratislava, 20 mi. (32 km) 
Day 10: Bratislava - Szigetköz - Györ, 28 mi. (45 km) + train from Mosonmagyarovar - Györ
Day 11: Györ - Komarno/surroundings, 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 12: Komarno/surroundings - Danube Bend Region, 32 mi. (52 km) 
Day 13: Danube Bend Region - Budapest, 38 mi. (62 km) + Cruise 
Day 14: Budapest 

All distances are approximate. Itinerary is subject to change due to conditions on the path, roadwork, or other circumstances.

Day 1: Passau
Once you arrive, become acquainted with the "City of Three Rivers". Nothing is on the agenda aside from arriving. Take time to stroll through the majestic old part of town or even enjoy a river boat cruise. The bike handover is between 4 pm and 7 pm. You will be provided with a bus ticket for you to go to the bike shop for pick-up. For late arrivals, it will be arranged for the next morning. 

Day 2: Passau - Schlögener Loop, 25 mi. (41 km)
The first leg of the tour travels through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. Enjoy a visit to Austria's only Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell. Here you can sample delicious liqueurs made right in the convent. Afterward, continue the impressive journey towards Schlögener Loop where the river makes a complete 180-degree bend. 

Day 3: Schlögener Loop - Linz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Enjoy the special experience of riding through the Eferdinger basin towards Linz, as you cycle past small ferries lining the riverbanks. Enjoy a summer evening stroll through the enchanting old part of town in the capital of Upper Austria. 

Day 4: Linz - Strudengau, 37 mi. (60 km)
An excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worth the visit. Today's journey will take you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland. Passing by, enjoy views of the Celtic village, Mitterkirchen, the majestic church of Baumgartenberg, and the romantic castle of Clam. At the end of today, the route leads through the gorgeous Baroque city of Grein, Austria's oldest theatre awaits. 

Day 5: Strudengau - Nibelungengau, 31 mi (50 km)
Cycle through the fascinating landscapes of tall and densely wooded rock formations lining both sides of the Danube. High above lies the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl, while the marvelous Benedictine monastery of Melk greets you from a distance. 

Day 6: Nibelungengau - Krems / surroundings, 31 mi (50 km)
A highlight of this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau. This landscape is filled with terraced vineyards, apricot groves, castles, palaces, and monasteries. Should you choose, there is the opportunity to take a break and relax on a short boat excursion. Cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weißenkirchen, and Dürnstein on the way to Krems. Awaiting in these charming villages are quaint, alluring taverns ready to present Austrian hospitality at its best. 

Day 7: Krems - Vienna, 25 mi. (40 km) + train from Krems - Tulln
Departing by train from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Region you will be transferred to Tulln. From Tulln, the cycling begins through the Vienna Woods and passes through "The Gates of Vienna". On your way to "The City of Music" don't forget to stop in and visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg.  In Vienna, at hotel reception, you will be provided with more tour documents for the second leg of your journey.

Day 8: Vienna - Bad Deutsch Altenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Not far from Vienna lies an untouched alluvial landscape and Nature Reserve with stunning and diverse Fauna and Flora. Get away from the city and enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet, interrupted only by the twittering of birds. Here lie the footprints of ancient Romans, left from their days of relaxing in the warm water of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. The Archaeological Park of Carnuntum awaits to take you on a journey through the past. 

Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg - Bratislava, 20 mi. (32 km) 
Cycle on towards Europe's youngest capital, Bratislava. Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian mountains, the Slovak capital is sure to enchant with its mixture of a sleepy old town and modern buildings. 

Day 10: Bratislava - Szigetköz - Györ, 28 mi. (45 km) + train from Mosonmagyarovar - Györ
On your way to the Baroque-style old town of Györ, cycle through the landscape of the Szigetköz. Here you will find an idyllic paradise for birds and fish alike. Amidst this wild and untouched paradise lie more than 500 islands, which house quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. A short train ride to the beautiful town of Györ is the capstone of the day. 

Day 11: Györ - Komarno / surroundings,  35 mi. (57 km)​
World-famous for its Arabian horse breeding, the National Stud of Babolna will not disappoint. During your visit to the Stud Museum you can catch a glimpse of some secret Hungarian horse breeding techniques and methods. After visiting the stallions, cycle through the lush rolling hills into the village of Komarom. Here you will find your accommodations for the evening in the favorite village of renowned King Matthias. 

Day 12: Komarno - Danube Bend Region, 32 mi. (52 km) 
Today you cycle down small, lightly traveled roads next to the banks of the Slovakian Danube. Traveling through quaint and quintessential towns and past the Roman fort of Kelemantia your ride will bring you to the "Town of Kings and Bishops", Esztergom. Esztergom is also known as the "Hungarian Rome" or "Royal City". The Basilica of Esztergom, the largest cathedral in Hungary, and the rest of the town will prove to be a highlight and glamorous part of the tour. 

Day 13: Danube Bend Region - Budapest, 36 mi. (62 km) + Cruise
Amidst the hilly landscape, the Danube river divides to create the Szentendre-Island. On the island, you will get to cycle through traditional Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its numerous handicraft boutiques and the Open-Air Museum of Skanzen. You will take a boat ride into the city of Budapest, where you will discover some of the city's most famous attractions. 

Day 14: Budapest 
Enjoy today in the metropolis Budapest. An optional bus departure to Vienna is daily (every 2 hours) at 11:30 AM. Arrival in Vienna is at 2:30 PM where you will then transfer to a train for Passau (advance reservation required, surcharge applies).  We recommend taking an extra night in Vienna to enjoy the wonderful city and to prevent stress during transfers. 

Train ticket Vienna-Passau is also available on request.

Finally, be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064

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Tour Reviews

  • Phil C. 4 months ago     Verified Reviewer

    My trip from Passau to Budapest was what I hoped it would be. The original information and directions were excellent. However there was almost no communication with Rad+Riesen once the trip started. This was not really a problem except for one day when my hotel was changed without notifying me until I arrived at the wrong hotel. Luggage transfer was smooth and breakfasts were good. Generally a very positive experience with a bit of adventure. The trip from Passau to Vienna was smoother than from Vienna to Budapest in all aspects, but both were memorable and enjoyable.

     Reply

  • William G. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

    This was a great trip. The bike trail, signage and printed guide was very good on the section from Passau to Vienna. If we were lost it was due to our own failure to read carefully. The section from Vienna to Budapest was not as clear. There was more road riding, confusing or absent signage, and detours due to construction projects. There were also several stretches where the ‘path’ was gravel/sand or old Roman road. We do not regret doing both legs, but learned that most people do only the first segment and we can understand why they make this choice. Luggage transfer was seamless and all of our hotels provided secure, inside bike parking. We also had great weather, which made the ride much easier.

     Reply

  • Marion M. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

    The city maps could be better! We met 2 couples from Australia and teamed up and rode as a group! Great experience. However, on the last day on the boat trip to Budapest, the boat loaded a group of 19 bikes in addition to all the ones on the scheduled trip. When we got to Budapest only 1 in our group were able to unload, before the boat headed to the other shore. That left 5 of us on the wrong side. The last day did not end as planned. There were way too many bikes on the ship!

     Reply

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