Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest

Tour Type:

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!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Activity Level & Terrain

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.

Navigation

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.

• 7 nights in rooms with private facilities
• Breakfast
• Daily luggage transfers
• 1 x train Mosonmagyarovar – Györ (incl. bike)
• 1 x ship or train transfer (before/after seasonal shipping schedule) Szentendre – Budapest
• Handlebar bag with route book, maps and an information pack
• Emergency support from our local partners and our office

• Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Drinks
• Travel to Vienna and from Budapest
• Bike Hire
• Helmet and personal equipment
• Local tax (€ 1 - € 2,5 p.p.n.) valid for Passau-Vienna section
• Travel Insurance (required)

• Bike Hire
• Helmet (must be reserved at time of booking)
• Return travel from Budapest to Vienna

When To Go

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.

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). Please note that helmets are not included as part of the rental package, but can be bought locally (€39). Please remember that your own helmet is likely to be a better fit. If you would like to buy a helmet, this must be reserved at the time of booking. 

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know the 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.