Danube Cycle Path : Vienna to Budapest Bike Tour

Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.4 Read 31 reviews

Cycle the Danube's trio of nations; Austria, Slovakia & Hungary
Ride from the musical city of Vienna to the castles of Budapest
Visit the impressive Hungarian Danube Bend
Experience the sweet delights of a Viennese coffee house
Explore the natural wonderland of Szigetköz

As featured in the Guardian this easy going cycling tour takes you through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary along the Danube River. From the musical city of Vienna, ride through the towns and villages of Europe's most famous waterway finishing in the fairy tale city of Budapest. Starting out from Vienna begin with an easy-going ride along the River Danube before crossing into Slovakia. Explore the capital city, Bratislava, where medieval castles meet head on with socialist-era architecture. Cycling along easy-going country lanes, to the famous panoramic ‘Danube Bend’ as you head for the fairy tale castles of Budapest. Here Eastern Europe meets Western, and there is plenty to see and do, but if this sounds all too tiring, you may prefer to plump for the customary experience of heading to one of the cities hot springs and enjoying a long hot soak!

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Biking | A classic point to point biking tour, staying in a different location each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travelers, Families, Multi-Generational, First Timers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Historical Journeys

Inspiration:

Most Popular
Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

This cycle tour is graded easy to moderate. The Danube Cycle Path is a paved, well-marked cycle route. However, you will be cycling on a mixture of cycle paths, country roads, and routes which will take you through villages, towns, and cities, so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic. You will be supplied with detailed maps, easy to follow route notes and an information pack for your trip. Should you require 24/7 telephone support is provided should you have any problems along the way.

Accommodations

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.

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.

Included

7 x Overnights in 3* hotels, inns and pensions
7 x Breakfasts
Daily luggage transportation
Train journey from Mosonmagyarovar to Györ (including bike)
Boat (or train) journey from Szentendre to Budapest
Handlebar bag with route book, maps and an information pack
Emergency phone support from our local partners and our office

Excluded

Dinners, Drinks, Snacks & Lunches
Travel to Vienna & From Budapest
Bike Rental
Personal Equipment
Travel Insurance (required)

Extras

Bike Rental
Return travel from Budapest to Vienna

When To Go

This trip is available on selected Fridays, 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 centers 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 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix will be held in Budapest between 02 and 04 August 2020. The main race takes place on 04 August although qualifying runs will be held on the two previous days. This will not have a huge impact on your trip but the city will be busier as usual.

Getting to the Start

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.

Getting from the End

Included in the tour cost is a public bus ticket from Budapest to Vienna. Times and services are limited, please let us know at the time of booking if you require a ticket. 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.

Luggage Transfer

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).

Equipment

Rental Bikes

7-speed bikes with coaster brake (backpedal) or 21-speed bikes (unisex) are available to rent, these are not included in the tour package but can be booked as an extra. Electric bikes (unisex), children’s bikes, and other specialized equipment may be available upon request.

All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except for the electric bikes). Helmets are not included as part of the rental package, but can be bought locally (€29). Please remember that your own helmet is likely to be a better fit.

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you currently ride. If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking with this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How fit do I need to be?

Which is the best airport to fly to?

How far in advance do I need to book?

What personal equipment do I need?

How do the baggage transfers work?

What happens if I cant walk/cycle a stage?