Danube Cycle Path Passau – Budapest Bike Tour Reviews
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Danube Cycle Path Passau – Budapest
13 nights from €1828
Austria 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…
- ★★★★★ Donna
Fantastic experience!
Our self-guided bike tour from Passau to Budapest was fantastic! Bike Tours transported our luggage (LOVED that) and provided excellent ebikes and mostly excellent hotels. The bike paths were mostly easy to follow but even with the Pedalo App and map books provided with the bikes, I would have gotten hopelessly lost if we didn't have internet and maps to use too. Especially after Vienna when some paths got so rough I thought they couldn't possibly be part of the EV6/R1... BUT THEY WERE!!! But, most of the paths were great. I absolutely, thoroughly recommend a Danube bike tour. The best part (and I think this is true to most people judging by how many cyclists and guided bike tours were going on there) was Wachau around Durnstein.
We went in Autumn and I think that was brilliant because it wasn't so busy and watching the trees turn golden as we progressed was a beautiful surprise.
Some cycling days were 60km which I believe was too long because we had no time to explore the towns at the end of the day. We just wanted to use the pool and sauna when available. I was SO glad when the hotel had those facilities. Best thing ever at the end of a long day of riding. Especially when it was wet and cold, which, unfortunately we had for the first few days. I definitely recommend paying extra to get more accommodation with saunas. All the hotel staff were used to cyclists and some had excellent storage. Others, didn't, but the staff were always helpful. Pack as lightly as you can, because even though the luggage is transferred for us, some hotels were walk-ups! Not good. Even worse there was a train journey in a town that only had stairs between platforms! With bikes! Awful. IF you can avoid the train, that's probably best.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- 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?
- Yes
BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member
Donna,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your self-guided tour from Passau to Budapes, especially the e-bikes, luggage transfers, and those beautiful stretches along the Danube. Wachau around Dürnstein is a favorite for many of our travelers, so we're glad it stood out for you as well.
You’re absolutely right about autumn being a wonderful time to ride, and also about those longer cycling days. This is great feedback and something we’ll keep in mind for future route planning. We’re also happy to hear that the hotel saunas were a welcome reward after the colder, wetter days!
Thank you again for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. We hope to welcome you back on another cycling adventure soon!
Bozena
- ★★★★★ Theresa H
A treat for the eyes
I did the last tour of 2025, in October. I went with my sister (we are in our 50s) and my daughter (in her 30s) and we used ebikes. The autumn colours along the way were magnificent. We did get a lot of rain on the first day, and a small amount on the second but otherwise we got lucky with the weather. I wanted to do this type of tour in which you are not riding with other people because I prefer to take my time and not have to worry about holding other people up. There was another group of women we saw sometimes along the way, and got chatting to them sometimes, mostly at breakfast but once along the way. That was nice, and my daughter exchanged socials so she may have made friends.
The path from Passau to Vienna is fantastic, and I reckon I could do that again, maybe on my own and maybe even on a regular bike. After Vienna it's a bit rougher, particularly in Slovakia. We were worried about the bikes over one particularly bumpy patch, but we figured they wouldn't be sending the bikes there if they didn't think they were up to the task. And they were, so all was well.
The hotels we stayed at were very good, for the most part. We chose category A due to the higher number of spa hotels. They didn't all have a spa, and they didn't all have lifts either, so bear that in mind when packing. Yes, they transport your bags (chef's kiss on that) but you have to get them to your room. Some of the rooms in Austria were more suited to couples than to mother and daughter due to having bathrooms with glass doors, but we just had to make sure we were in a spot out of eyeline when the other was using the facilities.
I absolutely loved this trip and sometimes get a bit sad that it's over. - ★★★★★ Rochelle and Pierre van Niekerk
Danube 2025
Great adventure and well organized trip.
Hotel were perfect and we had no issues with finding the accommodation. One small issue was the that the published route length is stated as approximate, as it depends on the availability of Hotels for your trip. On one occasion we had to travel two towns further and after a long, bad weather day, this was very uncomfortable. Quickly learned to google the distances from Hotel to Hotel.
Wish we would have ordered e bikes from the beginning, as daily route distances are long for the first week (Section Passau to Wien) with the better pace you travel on a e bike it leaves more time to explore the town you visit overnight and on bad weather days (we unfortunately had plenty) the time spent on the bike in bad weather is less.
Could not fault the tour operators and we thank you for a wonderful experience. Will gladly recommend them.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our 6th tour
- 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
- ★★★★★ Einna
Lovely cycle along the Danube
We took the upgraded option of gravel bikes and were very glad we did - they were great. The luggage transfer was very efficient and was almost always at our hotel before we were, even on the days we arrived early. We took the 3 star hotel option and the comfort level was fine. We really enjoyed some of the hotels we stayed in along the way. The cycling isn’t difficult and the distances are mostly short although some days were very hot in June so frequent drink and ice cream stops were required. I had downloaded the bike routes to my garmin to follow for easy navigation from hotel to hotel. We enjoyed having each afternoon and evening free to explore the next area and the cuisine. The only thing we would have changed would be to have an extra night in Bratislava which could have been arranged if we had thought of it earlier. Overall an excellent and well organised trip with good communication from the tour operator.
- ★★★★★ Melissa L.
Amazing Adventure
The two-week biking trip through the four countries was magical. The stretch from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria was particularly beautiful with small villages, sunflower fields, orchards, vineyards, monasteries, ruins, churches, and lively and interesting cities. All logistical components went smoothly; bikes were new and well-maintained. Each hotel had its own charm. The mix of small villages, mid-sized towns, and capital cities provided lots of variety and opportunities for different types of activities for each member of our 4-person team. Highly recommend this experience for those who want a more intimate look/experience in Central Europe.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- 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
- ★★★★★ Tom
Bike ride down the Danube
The tour was very well organised, the accomodation was of a high standard without exception. The included evening meals were generally of a acceptable standard.
The premium bike that was provided was far too big and as a consequence I had to ride a different bike one which did not have a crossbar. This bike was very heavy and I found it difficult to manage.
The Pedalo navigation App generally worked OK although I had to re install it a number of times to get it up and running again. I was grateful I had it as my Garmin 1030 device failed to function.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- I have been on four overall but only one with this company
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Gregory Lebo
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
- ★★★★★ Jesus Edgar Albo Dominguez
One of the Bucket List!
The hotels were great, the app very easy and useful. The program was really good.
- ★★★★★ Tim Frendin
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
- ★★★★★ Fady Abiassaf
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.
- ★★★★★ Ricardo Hein
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
- ★★★★★ Azmina Karim-Bondy
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
- ★★★★★ Gary Hirschkron
Gorgeous Trip!
Absolutely glorious!
- ★★★★★ Laura Snyder
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
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
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
- 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
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
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
