Danube by bike, From Vienna to Budapest

Cycling holiday on the Danube from Vienna to Budapest via Bratislava

The Danube Valley by bike is an exceptional route for cyclists. Between Vienna and Budapest, you follow the EuroVelo 6, a fully signposted route with wide cycle paths. It is a unique opportunity to admire the landscapes along this majestic river and to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.

Highlights of the trip:

• The panoramas along the Danube
• Danube-Auen National Park
• The capitals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
• Esztergom Basilica
• Carnuntum Archaeological Park
• "Szigetköz" Protected Area
• The Danube Bend
• Szentendre artists' town
• The historical and cultural heritage of three countries.

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna
Upon arrival in Vienna, check in at your hotel and pick up the bikes. Take advantage of the day to stroll through the imperial city and stop at a traditional Viennese café to taste local specialties.

Overnight in Vienna.

Day 2: From Vienna to Bratislava (68 km)
Leaving Vienna, you cycle through a well-preserved alluvial landscape and a Nature Reserve with a rich and surprising biodiversity. It's the perfect moment to enjoy the peacefulness of the place, which is only interrupted by the birdsong. On the way, the Carnuntum Archaeological Park invites you to travel back in time. Your ride ends in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava is located on the crossroad of three countries: Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Discover its museums, theatres and very eclectic monuments from medieval buildings to baroque palaces influenced by several cultures over the centuries. Bratislava is also an major river port on the Danube.
Overnight in Bratislava.

Day 3: From Bratislava to Mosonmagyaróvár or its surroundings (45 km)
Today's route takes you into the heart of the "Szigetköz" protected area, a paradise for birds fishes. This wild region is dotted with almost 500 small islands. You cycle through picturesque agricultural villages and a labyrinth of Danube streams and canals. You quickly reach Mosonmagyaróvár, know for its old town and castle.
Overnight in Mosonmagyaróvár or its surroundings.

Day 4: From Mosonmagyaróvár to Komarno or its surroundings (45 or 88 km)
The day begins once again in the heart of "Szigetköz" region toward the city of Györ and its magnificent historic center. We recommend taking a walk to discover the narrow lanes, churches and pretty baroque houses of the city center. From Györ, follow the Danuve to reach Komarno. 

The stage is 88 km long. To shorten it to a total of 45 km, you can take the train between Györ and Komárom (tickets costs of about €1, tickets to be bought on site at the ticket machines).

Overnight in Komárom.

Day 5: From Komarno to the Danube Bend (57 km)
Following the banks of the Slovak Danube, along secondary roads with little traffic, you pass through small farming villages and the impressive Roman fort of Kelemantia. You then arrive at Esztergom, nicknamed "the city of Bishops and Kings". Its basilica is the largest Catholic building in Hungary. The city is absolutely charming and one of the highlights of the tour.

Overnight in Esztergom or its surroundings.

Day 6: Danube Bend to Budapest (69 km by bike, part of the journey by boat or train)
The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend offers a truly spectacular setting. You cycle through idyllic villages and visit the artists' town of Szentendre. There is the possibility of visiting an open-air museum that immerses you in the rural and agricultural life of yesteryear, a nice surprise! Before reaching Budapest, you enjoy beautiful views over the Hungarian capital. Don't miss the majestic parliament, Buda Castle, and the famous thermal baths for a truly unique experience.

Note: part of the stage is by boat or train (depending on the season). Overnight in Budapest

Day 7: Budapest

End of this holiday along the Danube by bike after breakfast. You can take advantage of this last day to explore the capital of Hungary and why not consider booking an extra night! If you want to return to Vienna, trains leave every hour (about 3 hours of travel).

General information :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard category: 3 and 4 * hotels
• Child rates: contact us

The dates 2026 :

Departures on Saturdays and Sundays, from April 25 to October 11

• Low season: from April 25 to May 1 and from October 3 to October 11
• Mid-season: from May 2 to June 26 and from September 12 to October 2
• High season: from June 27 to September 11

Note: Due to the Formula 1 Budapest Grand Prix from June 24 to 26, 2026, a surcharge applies to all departures on June 18 and 19 (price upon request). Additionally, a minimum of 3 nights in Budapest is required.

Included :

• 6 nights in hotel with breakfast
• Luggage transfer between accomodations
• 1 boat or train ride in the Danube Bend area (day 6)
• Access to a GPS app
• Roadbook
• Telephone assistance service 7/7

Not included :

• Transportation to the strating point
• Return transfer
• Lunches
• Drinks
• Parking fees
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist taxes (to pay on site)

Options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Helmet purchase (by reservation and payable locally)
• Additional nights in Vienna or Budapest in 4* hotel
• Half-board
• Theft guarantee for rented bike
• Cancellation-multi-risk Insurance
• Return transfer of own bikes to Vienna (available only on Saturdays)

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Ground :

Moslty flat with rolling hills. Cycle paths all along the Danube and side roads. Expect heavier traffic when entering and leaving cities.
 
Weather :

Continental, mild sunshine, pleasant temperatures.
 
Technicality :

• Cycling distance: 45 to 88 km per day or 4 to 9 hours of cycling.
• Easy-to-follow route. Accessible to everyone.

 
Bibliography :

Danube by bike, from Vienna to Budapest
 
 

Additional night(s):
You can book one or more additional nights in Vienna and/or Budapest.

Food :

• Breakfasts: generous buffet (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
• Lunch: not included
• Dinners: available as a half-board option, served either at the hotel or at nearby restaurants

 
The bike :

• Rental bike : Standard bike or ebike. Rental bike will be provided upon arrival. At the end of the tour, please leave the bike at the last hotel and notify reception. Our local correspondent will take care of his return.
• Personal bike : We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are suitable for this tour. Please ensure that your bicycle is in good condition before setting off. At the end of the tour, you are responsible for your own bike. Returning your personal bike to Vienna is available with additional charges.

 
Assistance :

Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures).
 
Luggage :

They are transported by a courier or by our correspondent and limited to one piece of luggage per person. (max. 20 kg)
 
Roadbook :

You will receive detailed maps and a route descriptions when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage tags.
 
Transport :

• By train: Vienna station, regular service
• By car: E60 motorway from Munich to Vienna
• By plane: International airports in Vienna and International airport in Budapest.

Cancellation insurance :

To ensure reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can purchase cancellation insurance. For more information about the insurance, click here.