Danube Cycle Path Passau – Budapest
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Bike to Budapest along one of Europe's best-loved bicycle routes
Explore the picturesque paths along the winding Danube River, like the Romans, the legendary Nibelungs, and even Europe's powerful kings and emperors. You'll get to know the beauty and historical significance of this ancient military and trading route, whilst never being far away from the cool, clear waters of the river on one of Europe's most popular and beautiful cycling routes.
Pedaling off from the baroque town of Passau - the 'City of Three Rivers' - you'll cycle through the various breathtaking districts of Upper and Lower Austria, finally arriving in the Danube metropolis of iconic Vienna. You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of the verdant Danube Valley, the stunning Schlögen Bend, and the wonderful landscapes of Wachau.
The second half of the tour will see you discovering lowland forests, original villages, and magical cities. Ride to the Roman castle at Kelemantia, as well as Carnuntum, to discover relics of the past, winding your way through woodland replete with European flora and fauna. Pass through the Rye Island - a real natural paradise - and through small villages which, despite the ceaseless progression of the years, still keep their original charm.
For an inspiring bike tour from Passau to Budapest, look no further!
Highlights
- Passau, 'City of Three Rivers'
- Linz
- St. Florian Augustinian monastery
- Grein
- Abbey of Melk
- Wachau region
- Vienna, 'City of Dreams'
- The Donau-Auen National Park
- Archaeological Park Carnuntum
- Bratislava
- Mosonmagyarovar, 'Town of 17 Bridges'
- Esztergom, 'Hungarian Rome'
- The Danube Bend
- Budapest
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Munich, Vienna, and Budapest. -
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Arrive in Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers', and stroll through the stunning 'New Centre', completely redesigned to be a pedestrianized, car-free area. In the evening, you'll receive a welcome briefing and personalized bike fitting.Overnight in Passau.
Day 2: Passau – Schlögen (Danube bend) (25 miles/40 km)
Before you cycle, pay a visit to St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in the world. You may be lucky enough to hear this wonderful instrument with your very own ears (except on Sundays and public holidays)! You'll then start your cycling adventure along the Danube, riding first through Obernzell before arriving in Engelhartszell, which boasts the only Trappist monastery in Austria.Cycling through the nature reserve at Donauleiten, make your way to the stunning Schlögen Bend to the north. This natural phenomenon marks the place where granite proved too much of an opponent for the Danube, forcing it to make a turn of 180 degrees. A ferry will take you to the other side of the river once you've admired this one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Overnight in Schlögen.
Day 3: Schlögen (Danube bend) – Linz (34 miles/55 km)
Today you'll glide through the glorious green of the Eferdinger Basin, passing through the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim, and Wilhering as you journey to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz is replete with brilliant restaurants and pubs to discover. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg Mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände Park.Overnight in Linz.
Day 4: Linz – Grein/Ardagger (40 miles/65 km)
On the fourth day, you'll take a little detour away from the Danube's course towards the Augustinian monastery at St. Florian and to Enns. In Enns, the oldest town in Austria, enjoy sightseeing in the town square, home to a 60-meter town tower, or visit the archeological collection in the municipal museum of Lauriacum.Afterwards, return to the river via the beautiful baroque town of Grein. Here, take the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theater in Austria (still in use), the maritime museum, or the grand Greinburg Castle.
Overnight in Grein/Ardagger.
Day 5: Grein/Ardagger – Wachau (40 miles/65 km)
This section of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors for its strong currents, but now provides a tranquil setting for your cycle ride. In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. In Melk, make sure to look up or you'll miss the beautiful monastery that overlooks the Danube. Your accommodation is located in the heart of the Wachau valley.Overnight in Wachau valley.
Day 6: Wachau – Traismauer/Tulln (25-37 miles/40-60 km)*
Today you'll cycle through the gorgeous Wachau region, replete with charming orchards and verdant vineyards. Pass through the quaint wine towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein (home to a ruined castle), through the 1000-year-old town of Krems, and onwards into Traismauer or Tulln. Whilst in the Wachau region, we highly recommend a memorable wine tasting - we'll be pleased to organize this for you!Overnight in Traismauer/Tulln.
*distance depends on hotel location
Day 7: Traismauer/Tulln – Vienna (37-25 miles/60-40 km)*
Today your bike tour involves a leisurely trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna, the 'City of Dreams'. Sip on a sublime cup of coffee and enjoy a slice of traditional 'Sachertorte' in one of the numerous coffee houses, or take a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage ('Fiaker'). Stroll along Vienna's famous shopping street (Mariahilfer Straße), visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, and consider a cycling day tour of the city.Overnight in Vienna.
*distance depends on hotel location on Day 6.
Day 8: Vienna – Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg (31 miles/50 km)
Your bike trip guides you through the National Park at Donau-Auen. Here, you'll get the chance to discover the diversity of the flora and fauna populating the manifold types of landscape within this area. Pedal onwards past the Orth Castle, through the village of Eckertsau, and finally reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg.Overnight in Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg.
Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg – Bratislava (22 miles/35 km)
From Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg you can ride along the Römerweg (Roman bike trail) on an excursion to Carnuntum. This archeological site is regarded as one of the most significant in Austria! Afterwards, cycle to the border with Slovakia to discover the brilliant beauty of its capital, Bratislava. Today's shorter distance allows for plenty of time to visit the Old Town and soak up its grand architectural splendor.Overnight in Bratislava.
Day 10: Bratislava – Mosonmagyaróvár – Györ (25 miles/40 km + train ride)
Today you'll cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before passing over the Hungarian border into Rajká. Within the first few kilometers, you'll be greeted by the charm of traditional Hungarian villages and agricultural landscapes.Your route will guide you through the so-called 'Szigetköz', a small Rye island, created by 'side arms' of the Danube. Moving onwards into Mosonmagyaróvár, make the most of the 'Town of 17 Bridges' with a walking tour through its charming streets before boarding the train to Györ, home to a breathtaking historic center.
Overnight in Györ.
Day 11: Györ – Komárom (25 miles/40 km)
Bike towards Bábolna, a well-cultivated town with a beautiful inner center and the local 'National Stud', known well beyond the borders - racehorses are bred within this splendid inner courtyard. The final part of today's route leads you back to the Danube, where you'll reach the divided town of Komárom/Komárno. Tonight, enjoying a rejuvenating session in the spa.Overnight in Komárom.
Day 12: Komárom – Esztergom/Visegrád (35 miles/55 km + trip by boat or train)
Today's route runs near the riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. During the course of the ride, you'll pedal past charming villages set against a verdant backdrop of beautiful vineyards. Sporty bikers can choose the route over Tata, which features inclines that require a basic level of fitness.Those interested in history should plan to take in the Roman castle at Kelemantia. However, the absolute highlight of the day is your overnight location: Esztergom, also known as 'Hungarian Rome'. Esztergom's basilica is the largest church in the country! Take time out for a comprehensive visit before boarding the riverboat that takes you to Visegrád. Along the way, amazing views will win you over as the beautiful landscape of the so-called 'Donauknie' pass by.
Overnight in Esztergom/Visegrád.
Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the next day from Szentendre to Budapest. The distances remain the same for both instances. You will receive detailed information with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the boat ride isn't possible in Apr, Sep, or Oct, or on Mondays; during these periods/days you will receive a train ticket instead.Day 13: Esztergom/Visegrád – Budapest (40 miles/65 km)
Behold breathtaking Budapest, city of riverside resplendence, where you can feast your eyes on the phenomenal Royal Palace. On the way, peer up at the commanding visage of Visegrád Castle and take a look at the Open Air Museum. Bike into the baroque Old Town of Szentendre from the 'Donauknie', arguably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail. Upon arriving in breathtaking Budapest, make the most of this unmissable destination on a walk or cycling day tour through the city.Overnight in Budapest.
Day 14: Individual departure or extension
The capital of Hungary boasts countless sightseeing opportunities. If you'd like to stay longer, we'd be pleased to book extra nights for you, and would recommend our selection of cycling day tours around the city. -
Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Category A: Primarily 4-star hotels
Passau: Hotel Passauer Wolf
Schlögen: River Resort Donauschlinge Schlögen, rooms with balcony
Linz: COURTYARD by Marriott
Grein: Wellness Hotel Aumühle
Wachau: Hotel Kirchenwirt Weißenkirchen
Tulln: Best Western Hotel Tulln
Vienna: Courtyard by Marriott Wien Prater/Messe
Hainburg: Hotel Altes Kloster
Bratislava: Hotel Devin
Györ: Barokk Hotel Promenad
Komárno: Hotel Európa
Visegrad: Wellness Hotel
OR
Esztergom: Portobello Wellness & Yacht HotelBudapest: NH Hotel Budapest City Center
Category B: Primarily 3-star hotels
Passau: Hotel Atrium Passau
Danube Bend: Gasthof Draxler Niederranna
Linz: Hotel Prielmayerhof
Ardagger: Hotel Schiffsmeisterhaus
Spitz: Gasthof Goldenes Schiff
Traismauer: Gasthof Zum Schwan
Vienna: Hotel Roomz Prater
Hainburg: Gasthof Stöckl Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
Bratislava: Hotel Apollo
Györ: Hotel Klastrom
Komárom: Hotel Forrás
Visegrád: Wellness Hotel Visegrád
OR
Esztergom: Hotel Szent AdalbertBudapest: Impulso Fashion Hotel
Please note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
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Bikes
Standard Bike
A solid, easy wheeling and sturdy trekking bike which can be recommended to every guest with good conscience. Modern V-breaks, aluminium-rims, and almost indestructible tires ensure high duration. The heart of each bicycle is a modern, high-resistant aluminium frame. Traffic safety is guaranteed by lighting system, carrier, mudguard and comfortable saddle.
Unisex frame 21-gears with free wheel:
Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cmMen’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar
Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "slopping" cmSpecifications on standard bikes
- Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame
- V-brakes
- Aluminium-rims
- Reliable tires, which ensure high duration
- Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed
- Selle Royal Saddles
*Posture for 21-speed standard bikes will be upright for comfort
Premium bike
The premium bike is equipped with upgraded components, and with a dark varnish a true eye-catcher. The sportive attitude with 27 speed Shimano Deore XT guarantees highest comfort on the tour. Hydraulic Magura brakes HS 11 and a high-quality suspension fork from Suntour are only some of numerous advantages. Truly the proper choice for those who are looking for high quality with a sportive design.
Upgraded components on 27-speed standard bikes
- Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
- Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
- High-quality Suntour suspension fork
*Posture for 27-speed upgraded standard bikes will be upright and forward
Electrically-assisted bike
Pedelec, unisex frame
A Pedelec is an electric bike which assists with electric support only when pedalling. Composed on the basis of KTM-bikes, this bike is more than adequate for the routes. The bike is easy to handle as you have a good weight distribution and a low balance point. Overall weight amounts to approx. 23 kg. An illuminated LCD display, a computer and a wattage display add to the comfort. You cycle with 28 inch-bikes, three different modes guarantee a maximum fun of cycling.
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All of the bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Saddlebag (water-repellent), rear
- Handlebar bag (water-repellent), with clear cover on top for easy map viewing
- Tools
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Pump
- Combination lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. Toe cages are not available to rent.Seats:
If you plan to bring your own seat, please make sure it will be compatible with a 27.2 to 31.4 mm seat post. If necessary, you may also need to bring your own adapter. The tour company will assist in switching the seat post for you.Helmets:
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. You can buy or rent a helmet from the tour company (check the extra options in the pricing chart). You must let us know your helmet preference upon booking. If you do not rent or buy a helmet through the tour company, we recommend you bring your own.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Mar 30Mar 30 Category A € 1998 Book Mar 30Mar 30 Category A € 2723 Book Mar 30Mar 30 Category B € 1748 Book Mar 30Mar 30 Category B € 2273 Book Apr 6Apr 6 Category A € 1998 Book Apr 6Apr 6 Category A € 2723 Book Apr 6Apr 6 Category B € 1748 Book Apr 6Apr 6 Category B € 2273 Book Apr 12–14Apr 12–14 Category A € 2218 Book Apr 12–14Apr 12–14 Category A € 2943 Book Apr 12–14Apr 12–14 Category B € 1968 Book Apr 12–14Apr 12–14 Category B € 2493 Book Apr 19–21Apr 19–21 Category A € 2218 Book Apr 19–21Apr 19–21 Category A € 2943 Book Apr 19–21Apr 19–21 Category B € 1968 Book Apr 19–21Apr 19–21 Category B € 2493 Book Apr 26–28Apr 26–28 Category A € 2218 Book Apr 26–28Apr 26–28 Category A € 2943 Book Apr 26–28Apr 26–28 Category B € 1968 Book Apr 26–28Apr 26–28 Category B € 2493 Book May 3–5May 3–5 Category A € 2218 Book May 3–5May 3–5 Category A € 2943 Book May 3–5May 3–5 Category B € 1968 Book May 3–5May 3–5 Category B € 2493 Book May 10–12May 10–12 Category A € 2218 Book May 10–12May 10–12 Category A € 2943 Book May 10–12May 10–12 Category B € 1968 Book May 10–12May 10–12 Category B € 2493 Book May 17–19May 17–19 Category A € 2218 Book May 17–19May 17–19 Category A € 2943 Book May 17–19May 17–19 Category B € 1968 Book May 17–19May 17–19 Category B € 2493 Book May 25May 25 Category A € 2328 Book May 25May 25 Category A € 3053 Book May 25May 25 Category B € 2078 Book May 25May 25 Category B € 2603 Book Jun 1Jun 1 Category A € 2328 Book Jun 1Jun 1 Category A € 3053 Book Jun 1Jun 1 Category B € 2078 Book Jun 1Jun 1 Category B € 2603 Book Jun 8Jun 8 Category A € 2328 Book Jun 8Jun 8 Category A € 3053 Book Jun 8Jun 8 Category B € 2078 Book Jun 8Jun 8 Category B € 2603 Book Jun 15Jun 15 Category A € 2328 Book Jun 15Jun 15 Category A € 3053 Book Jun 15Jun 15 Category B € 2078 Book Jun 15Jun 15 Category B € 2603 Book Jun 22Jun 22 Category A € 2328 Book Jun 22Jun 22 Category A € 3053 Book Jun 22Jun 22 Category B € 2078 Book Jun 22Jun 22 Category B € 2603 Book Jun 29Jun 29 Category A € 2328 Book Jun 29Jun 29 Category A € 3053 Book Jun 29Jun 29 Category B € 2078 Book Jun 29Jun 29 Category B € 2603 Book Jul 6Jul 6 Category A € 2328 Book Jul 6Jul 6 Category A € 3053 Book Jul 6Jul 6 Category B € 2078 Book Jul 6Jul 6 Category B € 2603 Book Jul 13Jul 13 Category A € 2328 Book Jul 13Jul 13 Category A € 3053 Book Jul 13Jul 13 Category B € 2078 Book Jul 13Jul 13 Category B € 2603 Book Jul 20Jul 20 Category A € 2328 Book Jul 20Jul 20 Category A € 3053 Book Jul 20Jul 20 Category B € 2078 Book Jul 20Jul 20 Category B € 2603 Book Jul 27Jul 27 Category A € 2328 Book Jul 27Jul 27 Category A € 3053 Book Jul 27Jul 27 Category B € 2078 Book Jul 27Jul 27 Category B € 2603 Book Aug 3Aug 3 Category A € 2328 Book Aug 3Aug 3 Category A € 3053 Book Aug 3Aug 3 Category B € 2078 Book Aug 3Aug 3 Category B € 2603 Book Aug 10Aug 10 Category A € 2328 Book Aug 10Aug 10 Category A € 3053 Book Aug 10Aug 10 Category B € 2078 Book Aug 10Aug 10 Category B € 2603 Book Aug 17Aug 17 Category A € 2328 Book Aug 17Aug 17 Category A € 3053 Book Aug 17Aug 17 Category B € 2078 Book Aug 17Aug 17 Category B € 2603 Book Aug 24Aug 24 Category A € 2328 Book Aug 24Aug 24 Category A € 3053 Book Aug 24Aug 24 Category B € 2078 Book Aug 24Aug 24 Category B € 2603 Book Aug 31Aug 31 Category A € 2328 Book Aug 31Aug 31 Category A € 3053 Book Aug 31Aug 31 Category B € 2078 Book Aug 31Aug 31 Category B € 2603 Book Sep 6–8Sep 6–8 Category A € 2218 Book Sep 6–8Sep 6–8 Category A € 2943 Book Sep 6–8Sep 6–8 Category B € 1968 Book Sep 6–8Sep 6–8 Category B € 2493 Book Sep 13–15Sep 13–15 Category A € 2218 Book Sep 13–15Sep 13–15 Category A € 2943 Book Sep 13–15Sep 13–15 Category B € 1968 Book Sep 13–15Sep 13–15 Category B € 2493 Book Sep 20–22Sep 20–22 Category A € 2218 Book Sep 20–22Sep 20–22 Category A € 2943 Book Sep 20–22Sep 20–22 Category B € 1968 Book Sep 20–22Sep 20–22 Category B € 2493 Book Sep 27Sep 27 Category A € 2218 Book Sep 27Sep 27 Category A € 2943 Book Sep 27Sep 27 Category B € 1968 Book Sep 27Sep 27 Category B € 2493 Book Sep 28Sep 28 Category A € 1998 Book Sep 28Sep 28 Category A € 2723 Book Sep 28Sep 28 Category B € 1748 Book Sep 28Sep 28 Category B € 2273 Book Oct 5Oct 5 Category A € 1998 Book Oct 5Oct 5 Category A € 2723 Book Oct 5Oct 5 Category B € 1748 Book Oct 5Oct 5 Category B € 2273 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
Category A:
Season 1: Sundays Mar 30–Apr 11 and Sep 28–Oct 5
Season 2: Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays Apr 12–May 23 and Mondays, Saturdays Sep 6–27
Season 3: Sundays May 24–Sep 5Category B:
Season 1: Sundays Mar 30–Apr 11 and Sep 28–Oct 5
Season 2: Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays Apr 12–May 23 and Mondays, Saturdays Sep 6–27
Season 3: Sundays May 24–Sep 5- Season 1 2025 Mar 30–Apr 11 & Sep 28–Oct 5 from € 19982025 departures: Sundays Mar 30–Apr 11 and Sep 28–Oct 5
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1998 Single occupancy € 2723 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Premium bike € 120 Gravel bike € 220 Electrically-assisted bike € 300 - Season 2 2025 Apr 12–May 23 & Sep 6–27 from € 22182025 departures: Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays Apr 12–May 23 and Mondays, Saturdays Sep 6–27
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 2218 Single occupancy € 2943 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Premium bike € 120 Gravel bike € 220 Electrically-assisted bike € 300 - Season 3 2025 May 24–Sep 5 from € 23282025 departures: Sundays May 24–Sep 5
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 2328 Single occupancy € 3053 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Premium bike € 120 Gravel bike € 220 Electrically-assisted bike € 300 - Extra options
Extra night, Passau Category ADouble occupancy € 89 Single occupancy € 139 Extra night, Vienna Category APrice Double occupancy € 95 Single occupancy € 169 Extra night, Bratislava Category APrice Double occupancy € 95 Single occupancy € 169 Extra night, Budapest Category APrice Double occupancy € 95 Single occupancy € 179 Extra options Price 11 x 3-course dinners* € 419 Helmet rental€ 20 Helmet purchase€ 52 *Partly with voucher in a close-by restaurant in walking distance.
- Season 1 2025 Mar 30–Apr 11 & Sep 28–Oct 5 from € 17482025 departures: Sundays Mar 30–Apr 11 and Sep 28–Oct 5
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1748 Single occupancy € 2273 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Premium bike € 120 Gravel bike € 220 Electrically-assisted bike € 300 - Season 2 2025 Apr 12–May 23 & Sep 6–27 from € 19682025 departures: Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays Apr 12–May 23 and Mondays, Saturdays Sep 6–27
2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 1968 Single occupancy € 2493 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Premium bike € 120 Gravel bike € 220 Electrically-assisted bike € 300 - Season 3 2025 May 24–Sep 5 from € 20782025 departures: Sundays May 24–Sep 5
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 2078 Single occupancy € 2603 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Premium bike € 120 Gravel bike € 220 Electrically-assisted bike € 300 - Extra options
Extra night, Passau Category BDouble occupancy € 79 Single occupancy € 129 Extra night, Vienna Category BPrice Double occupancy € 79 Single occupancy € 129 Extra night, Bratislava Category BPrice Double occupancy € 69 Single occupancy € 119 Extra night, Budapest Category BPrice Double occupancy € 79 Single occupancy € 149 Extra options Price 11 x 3-course dinners* € 359 Helmet rental€ 20 Helmet purchase€ 52 *Partly with voucher in a close-by restaurant in walking distance.
Included services
- 13 nights accommodation in chosen category
- Breakfast buffet
- Standard bike rental
- Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (no limit in pieces of luggage; each piece with a maximum of 20 kg)
- One set of detailed maps, route description and tour information per room
- Navigational app (GPS tracks available on request)
- 7-day service hotline
- Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting
- Train ticket from Mosonmagyar to Gyor (including transfer of bikes)
- Boat ticket* from Esztergom to Visegrad or from Szentendre to Budapest (including transfer of bikes)
- Rental bike insurance
*The boat is expected to run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from early May until end of September; out of this period or these days, you will receive a train ticket as replacement)
If half board is booked: 11 x 3-course dinner (not possible in Vienna or Budapest)
Please note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost.
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
The first part of this tour follows flat or slightly downhill paths along the Danube. These paths are built well and nearly 100% free from motor vehicles. Minor roads make up only very short sections of the route.
The second part of the tour sees you cycling on bike trails alongside a dam, with short distances on relatively quiet side roads. Rides along busy roads last only a short while.
Except for 3 short stretches of unpaved path, you will find the route takes place on asphalted roads. On the whole, the route is designed very well with a few stretches of less pristine path in Slovakia. Altogether, the tour is relatively easy with only slight hills in a few sections.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Vienna (VIE), Austria; Munich (MUC), Germany
Nearest train station: Passau, GermanyFlights into Munich
If you fly into Munich, your best bet for transportation from Munich Airport to Passau is by train from nearby Freising station. They run at least once per hour and you can purchase tickets after you arrive in Munich. You'll need to take a 20 minute bus ride from the airport to the Freising station, connect to the train from Freising to Passau (about 1 hour 45 minutes). Visit RailEurope.com for train schedules and fares.Flights into Vienna
If you fly into Vienna, we recommend taking the Vienna Airport Lines bus to Vienna's West Railway Station, about 45 minutes away. From West Station, trains leave frequently for Passau and last between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 25 minutes. Visit RailEurope.com for train schedules and fares.Daily transfer from Vienna to Passau available for €75 per person plus an additional €29 per personal bike. Reservation required at time of booking.
Tour end
Nearest airport: Budapest (BUD)
Nearest train station: NyugatiReturn transfer to Vienna at completion of tour may be available upon request. Please enquire and reserve at time of booking.
Tips for getting to and from your tour.
Reviews
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★★★★★ Gregory Lebo 3 months ago
Great way to experience the Danube
The tour operator is very responsive to issues that arise on the route. There was flooding on the Danube and certain portions weren’t navigable and they arranged transportation to avoid the area. Bag delivery is usually very efficient and arrives before you to the hotel. In my case there was one day where my bag didn’t arrive but a quick call and they dispatched a special driver to deliver it. The maps are very good and the app makes navigation super easy. I went in the Fall and there were almost no other riders on the pathway. It’s a bit cooler and many of the bike specific restaurants aren’t open but there’s no shortage of services along the way.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sep 29
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Tim Frendin August 30, 2023
The best way to explore this part of the world!
A great cycle ride for all. The 650km from Passau to Budapest is not nearly as daunting as it first may seem. Plenty of time to for an otherwise active person to accommodate the challenge of riding 4 hours or so each day and enjoy the experience. Excellent flat course on mostly paved, purpose built cycle paths. Great, historic towns and cities to explore along the way but much of the ride is through glorious riverside and countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Excellent accommodation every night and fabulous organisation from BikeTours ensured a truly memorable and magnificent holiday for us. Unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Fady Abiassaf November 9, 2022
nice trip
nice trip, nice company, good organization, almost perfect, nice company people and always worry about every detail of our trip. Nice views along our trip, nice towns, nice people in Austria, Slovenia and Hungary.
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★★★★★ Ricardo Hein November 7, 2022
Nice biking vacation
The Danube is beautiful and the Austrian portion is beautiful. After Vienna it turns flat and less developed. The opportunity to share with people is limited by the places to stay, I didn't like to stay away from the towns in isolated guest houses, when guest homes were available in small towns.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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★★★★★ Azmina Karim-Bondy August 5, 2022
The title is good and descriptive
Cycling is a great way to see the country. Having the self-guided books were great and the tour representatives were very responsive. However, we found sometimes the instructions in the booklets were not as clear as they could be and sometimes did not have the correct information for our trip. Overall, though we had a great experience, the hotels were good, the luggage transfer worked well and we saw some wonderful sights!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Gary Hirschkron August 4, 2022
Gorgeous Trip!
Absolutely glorious!
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★★★★★ Laura Snyder August 4, 2022
A great, beautiful challenge
This was a great challenge. The Danube Bike Trail is magnificent - it's something that everyone who enjoys biking should do at least once in thier lives. And parts of it they should do more than once. This tour was perfect for obtaining an understanding of the trail. When I do it again, I'll bike fewer kilometers per day in order to have more time and energy to visit the beautiful and fascinating places along the way.
The support provided by the local company was good. Suitcase delivery was dependable. When, two days into my trip, I realized that it would be better to have an e-bike, they delivered one to me that very day. (Unless you are in very good shape and know exactly what you are doing, I highly recommend you go for an e-bike).
I preferred the trail from Passau to Bratislava. After Bratislava the trail changes - it is not as well sign-posted (it's especially poor in Hungary), and the surfaces at times are challenging (several gravel roads, unpaved paths, and at one point you follow a dirt path in between train tacks and an agricultural field without a single sign post to be found). Also after Bratislava siginificant portions of the path are so far from the river you cannot see it, which makes the lack of sign posting a bigger problem. Arriving in Budapest was a shock to my system - after two weeks of peaceful countryside, I wasn't ready for the hustle, bustle and noise of the city.I don't recommend getting the meals package. I did and regretted it. While some of the restaurants offered excellent meals as well as excellent service, most did not. Most of the restaurants offered me highly limited choices of mostly bland, uninteresting food and resentful service, I guess because I was paying less than the customers ordering a la carte? Whatever their reasons were, they definitely made me feel like a second-class customer. I would have been happy to pay more for more interesting food and kinder service.
My biggest critique is that it was impossible to reach anyone at Biketours.com by phone. Covid or not, I strongly fault them for this - it's not right to sell complex and costly tours like this without being willing to speak with your customers. It would have been extremely helpful for me to be able to speak with someone knowledgeable at least once while planning my trip to be sure I was making the right choices for me.
I did this tour as a woman in my mid-50s, traveling alone. I never felt unsafe. If I can do this tour, anyone who can ride a bike can do it. But I do recommend an e-bike.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April-May 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Steven Froehlich August 3, 2022
Amazing Trip
My wife and I had an amazing adventure down the Danube. Accommodations were lovely, charming, distinct, beautiful. Hosts were gracious and hospitable. We purchased the half board, and the meals were generous, delicious, and varied. The European colleagues were available for assistance, and were helpful. The bike path from Passau to Vienna was extremely well maintained, and in most places very clearly marked. The path from Vienna to Budapest included several river crossings (some by boat), and while the path seemed less clearly marked and in some stretches was less well developed (gravel & field paths), the GPX files provided by the team in Vienna provided exact navigation. The US colleagues were wonderful to work with in arranging the trip details.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Todd August 27, 2019
What a Great Way to See Europe!
We did the cycle trip from Passau to Budapest. Its two trips really as the trip to Vienna is a bit different than the trip from Vienna to Budapest in terms of cycle experience but each were satisfying in their own ways. The paths in Austria were better generally than the paths in Slovakia and Hungary. The entire way was well signed generally with just a couple exceptions, and easy to follow with the map. Navigating the larger towns and cities was a bit more challenging. The services support was great from the tour operator, our luggage arrived reliably every day and the accommodations were very satisfactory overall. We had a problem with the Hotel Peklo in Komarno in that they provided us a room that (1) had obviously been a smoking room recently, and (2) had been flooded from the bathroom the day before (hotel explained) and the carpet was still wet and eventually left a musty smell in the room. The room should never have been offered. Additionally, management made no attempt to assist us in covering over the wet area so that we wouldn't slip on the tile in the bathroom. Would not recommend this hotel for your stay. Otherwise, the trip was excellent and I would recommend this cycle adventure without reservation!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/10 to 8/24
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ MAURO June 20, 2019
- What was the date of your tour?
- 05/18 to 06/03
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ robbo1 June 14, 2019
Long way from home
A great ride overall especially the Passau to Vienna was superb. Vienna to Budapest was more of an adventure with the trail not so well developed.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 19th May 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1 previous
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ Bikers September 25, 2017
Passau to Budapest
A great way to explore parts of the Danube and its environs including historical and present day influences. Good hotels with local cuisine, culture and friendly hosts. A great way to meet like minded fellow travellers and get lots of fresh air with exercise.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 2 - 15 September 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- Nil
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ larry137 June 26, 2017
Donauworth to Budapest
This was self-guided but with accom and luggage transfers looked after by biketours. The accoms were very nice, and transfers reliable. Included buffet breakfasts were a highlight. Bikes were ok - heavy but route flat so not a problem. Gears and brakes worked well. Odometers mostly did not work - possibly batteries dead. Maps were quite good, but simultaneous verbal descriptions were sometimes ambiguous or wrong. The directions to the accommodations were a bit confusing and could be improved - we had to rely on our GPS for most of them. We like to stop for coffee or picnics, and for parts of our ride, there were no places to get a coffee or a drink enroute. There were parts of the ride with terrific smooth surfaces along the river but quite a few sections where cycling was on rough gravel or even grass.
What made the ride memorable were the beautiful vistas of the countryside and the spectacular art, architecture and history in the cities.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 26 - June 17
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ the Dance Lady June 15, 2017
My kind of travel!!
We loved the tour and the close contact with nature!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 1-12, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
-
★★★★★ margaretelliott51 July 3, 2016
One of the Best Experiences Ever-Just "do it"
This is the perfect way to experience some of the wonderful regions along the Danube. My husband I decided to do the cycle trips on offer that went from the beautiful German town of Passau to the amazing City of Budapest.This was a combination of two 7 day options. We were so pleased we put these together. The Biketours.com group were very organised and helpful and made the arrangements seamless from the booking on the website to the delivery of bikes and vouchers at our first meeting point. Our bikes were in great condition and the maps and advice was excellent.The trip itself was a very easy cycle way and I would advise anyone with a desire to do this to-"just go and do it"- you will not regret it. Use this company as they managed out hotel bookings, out luggage transfers and were available on the end of the phone if needed. We chose a self guided option and did not regret that at all.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May -June 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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