Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest

The tour is graded easy to moderate and is perfect for leisure cyclists looking for a wealth of cultural experiences on two wheels. Cycle along the River Danube and enjoy easy going rides through the countryside, villages and cities of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. With plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes and explore centuries old towns, every pedal stroke is completed in your own time.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Solo Travellers

This cycling holiday is graded easy to moderate and the daily rides follow mostly flat and largely traffic-free routes. The Wachau Valley in Austria can be described as slightly more undulating in comparison to the other sections of the path. The Danube Cycle Path is a dedicated, paved and well-marked route. There will be a mixture of cycle paths and roads, so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic.

Our Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard en-suite double or twin rooms in quaint inns, hotels, and pensions that are of 3* standard. In Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest the hotels are of 4* standard. Occasionally if a hotel is not available in the location specified in the standard itinerary of this trip, you will be accommodated in a hotel of the same or better standard in the surrounding area. Each day's distance is approximate as the distance will depend on the location of your hotel.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists and is perfect as being a popular route means there are plenty of people to chat with every day.

Twin room requests: in Austria, 95% of all hotel rooms are double rooms (with one large bed). Twin with separate beds are more than unusual and therefore a room with a double bed alongside a sofa bed is sometimes provided.

Please note that for the Danube, exact accommodation cannot be confirmed until 2-3 weeks prior departure.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning. Packed lunches are not included but are in most cases available at your accommodation (please order the night before!) or you can stop on the way for a traditional "wurst" or bowl of "goulash". Traveling through 3 countries means your tastebuds are also on an incredible journey! You will find suggestions of where to dine in your route notes. Your accommodation hosts are also happy to advise of the local places to eat.

The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's most popular cycling routes and it is very well maintained and waymarked throughout. Following the waymarking along the banks of the river would be sufficient, but we will also be supplying you with a trip information pack, and access to the GPX tracks via the Macs Adventure smartphone App. You will also receive a printed, personalised tour book on arrival at your first hotel. This tour book contains everything you need including personalised route notes and maps, as well as your hotel list with directions and vouchers. This book will also include recommended side visits and more information about points of interest that you will pass along the route. Rest assured that you will have no trouble finding your way!

Please note that due to popular demand we aim to get your personalised itinerary with hotel confirmations to you 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure. There may be a slight delay in receiving your personalised information when booking last-minute or during the high season.

This trip is available on selected Saturdays and Sundays from April through to October.

May to September are the busiest months, and in July and August, the days are wonderfully long for exploring and making the most of the historic towns that you will visit. The summer months generally do not become unbearably hot and temperatures are often pleasantly warm, especially for cycling. Do keep in mind that some days will be hotter than others and it is important to make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid cycling at noon and wear sunscreen while cycling even on cloudy days.

Please note that the following events are held in Budapest in 2023: Formula 1 Grand Prix (July 23/24). This will not have a huge impact on your trip but the city will be busier as usual and a supplement will be applicable for any extra nights.

By Air: Vienna Airport has extensive airline connections across Europe and beyond. Vienna Airport train station has a direct service to central Vienna. Please see Trainline Europe for timetables, tickets & prices.

If you prefer to travel to and from Budapest, it is very easy to travel from Budapest Airport to Vienna. Budapest Airport shuttle bus is a short journey to Budapest Ferihegy Train Station. Change here for direct services to Vienna (approx 4 hours journey time). Please check Trainline Europe for tickets and prices.

You can take a bus from Budapest to Vienna. Times and services are limited, please let us know at the time of booking if you require a ticket and we can arrange this for you (cost is approximately €25-30). This service can only be provided at the end of your journey.

You may prefer to fly out of Budapest Airport which has extensive airline connections across Europe and beyond, and is easily accessible via an airport shuttle bus service.

If you are making your own return travel arrangements to Vienna, the train service between Vienna and Budapest has regular services throughout the day and takes around 2hrs 30mins. Please visit Trainline Europe for times, prices and tickets.

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).