Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.3 Read 36 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!
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 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

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Long-Distance Trails

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.

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.

If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability. 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 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
Excluded
  • 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)
Extras
  • 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.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Vienna Day 2 Cycle from Vienna to Bad Deutsch Altenburg 26 miles / 42 km Day 3 Cycle from Bad Deutsch Altenburg to Bratislava 16 miles / 26 km Day 4 Cycle from Bratislava to Györ 31 miles / 50 km Day 5 Cycle from Györ to Komarno 36 miles / 57 km Day 6 Cycle from Komarno to the Danube Bend 32 miles / 52 km Day 7 Cycle from the Danube Bend to Budapest 36 miles / 58 km Day 8 Onward Travel

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