Vienna to Budapest 5-nights (Active)

★★★★★4/5 (4)

5 nights

54 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 699
Bike tour in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia

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Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

This 5-night tour from Vienna to Budapest is a "sporty" experience for travelers interested in covering longer cycling distances each day. The active option described here treats you an average of 54 miles each day. If you're looking for a more leisurely cycling option, check out the Vienna to Budapest (Classic) tour.

On this bike path you will explore lowland forests, original villages, and magical cities. Of course the 3 metropolises Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest are the best-known.

In Carnuntum and in the Roman castle Kelemantia, you find Roman relics from the past. Discover the diversity of the flora and fauna in the lowland forests. The small villages, which you cycle through, still keep their original charm. You pass through the Rye Island - a real natural paradise. Don't forget about the numerous castles and palaces, which are proudly situated nearby the Danube. The small towns along the bike trail have a special flair, and their charming historic centers invite visitors to discover and enjoy. Overall this bike tour will inspire everybody!
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Highlights
- 3 diverse Capital Cities: Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest
- Rye Island, a real natural paradise
- Castle Hill in Esztergom
- Baroque Old Town of Szentendre
- Numerous castles and palaces
- Danube Bike Path
- Lowland forests
- Roman castle Kelemantia
Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.
CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Blue Church in Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Thomas Ledl' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Hlavné Namestie' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Parliament & Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary. CC:Peter Szvitek' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Stephansdoms in center of Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>

CC0 - Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary. Wil Fredor@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Győr, Hungary. Andrew Otto@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. Rustam Abdrakhimov@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Marchfelderhof Hotel & Restaurant in Vienna, Austria. Dennis Jarvis@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.5 - Esztergom Cathedral in Hungary. CC:Indafoto' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Győr, Hungary is halfway between Vienna & Budapest. Andreas Manessinger@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Szentendre, Hungary. CC:SNRTZ' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-2.0 - Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria. Kiefer@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Budapest, Hungary. CC:RHerczeg' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Heuriger Wine Taverns in Vienna, Austria. CC:Otto Domes' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Real Sacher Torta at Hotel Sacher in Vienna, Austria. Paul Barker Hemings@Flickr' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>

CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Hviezdoslav Square in Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Jorge Lascar' data-type='image'>

Traveler photos
Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

Tour Description Daily Program
Daily program

Day 1: Individual arrival to Vienna
We recommended you arrive a day or two early to experience Vienna. This metropolis on the Danube has plenty to offer and it is worth to stay there for a longer time. Enjoy a cup of coffee and the typical Vienna cake "Sachertorte" in one of the numerous coffee houses or treat yourself to a roundtrip with the horse-drawn cab "Fiaker."

Day 2: Vienna – Bratislava (44 mi/70 km)
The first distance of your bike trip guides you through the national park Donau-Auen. There you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape.

You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg. There you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg you reach the border to Slovakia and its capital city Bratislava that is your next overnight stay.
Overnight in Bratislava

Day 3: Bratislava – Györ (50 mi/80 km)
You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your cycle trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture.

Your route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. The beautiful town Mosonmagyaróvár is also called "City of 17 bridges" and ideally suited for a short break.

Further on your way, you will pass Hédervár. The castle there is situated in the middle of a protected park. However, you should schedule a plenty of time for visiting Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.
Overnight in Györ

Day 4: Györ – Esztergom (62 mi/100 km)
Soon you reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route version guides you to Bábolna, a well-cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. Afterwards, the route takes you back to the Danube where you soon reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. The route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. In the course of this you pass different villages and while cycling you can view the vineyards in the background.

The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tata but there are some hills. Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. However, the absolute highlight is your destination today: Esztergom - also known as "Hungarian Rome." Its Basilica is the largest church in Hungary.
Overnight in Esztergom

Day 5: Esztergom – Budapest (53 mi/85 km)
You cycle along the "Donauknie" which is probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. The Royal Palace and the Castle of Visegrád will delight you as well as the Open Air Museum, and the Baroque Old Town of Szentendre. The crowning highlight is the capital city of Budapest! After arriving there you can review all impressions of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.
Overnight in Budapest

Day 6: Individual departure, or extension
Lots to explore in Budapest! We can book extra night for you, if you like.

Surface and terrain

You cycle on bike trails, along a dam and partly on relatively quiet side roads. Occasionally you will be on busy roads but only for a short while. You cycle off road only for 3 short distances otherwise you will be on asphalt. On the whole, the route is marked very well with a few exceptions in the Slovakian part.

Altogether the cycling is relatively easy with occasional slight hills; however, considering the longer stages, one this variation of the Vienna-Budapest itinerary, you should have a higher level of cycling ability and comfort than the Classic version.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.

The accommodations on this tour are 4-star hotels.

Arcotel Kaiserwasser, Vienna
www.arcotelhotels.com

Hotel Devín, Bratislava
www.hoteldevin.sk

Barokk Hotel Promenád, Györ
promenadhotelgyor.hu

Portobello Wellness & Yacht Hotel, Esztergom
www.portobello.hu

NH Hotel Budapest City Center, Budapest
www.nh-hotels.com

Please note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest airport and train station: Vienna (VIE), Austria

Tour end
Nearest airport: Budapest (BUD), Hungary
Nearest train station: Keleti Pályaudvar, Hungary

Transfer from Budapest to Vienna by van: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in seasons 1 and 2, and daily in season 3, departure at approx. 3:30 PM. Duration: approx. 3.5 hours. Price: €79 per person and €39 for your personal bikes. Alternatively, there are excellent direct train connections available. Special transfers are available on request with at least 4 participants.

Tips for getting to and from your tour

Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

Tour Photos Dates & Prices

Dates

Saturdays: March 30-Apr 11, Oct 01-Oct 12, 2024; Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays: Apr 12-May 31, Sep 01-Sep 30, 2024; Daily: Jun 01- Aug 31, 2024

Season 1: Mar 30, 2024 - Apr 11, 2024, Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024

Season 2: Apr 12, 2024- May 31, 2024, Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024

Season 3: Jun 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

Prices

Tour package

	Season 1	Season 2	Season 3
Per person, double occupancy	€699	€779	€839
Single use room (1 person/1 room)	€1048	€1128	€1188

Bike Rentals

Standard touring bike, 7/21-speed unisex frame	€99
Standard touring bike, 7/21-speed men's frame	€99
Standard touring bike, 27-speed, upgrade	€159
Road bike(Merida, model ride 91)	€239
Electrically assisted bike	€239

Additional Options

Dinner package(Vienna and Budapest breakfast only)

€105

Extra Nights, Bratislava

Per person, double occupancy	€89
Single room (1 person/1 room)	€159

Extra Nights, Budapest

Per person, double occupancy	€89
Single room (1 person/1 room)	€169

Extra Nights, Vienna

Per person, double occupancy	€89
Single room (1 person/1 room)	€159

Included services

5 overnight stays in 4-star hotels
Breakfast (buffet style)
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel(no limit in pieces of luggage; each piece with a maximum of 20 kg/44 lbs)
7-day Service Hotline in case of emergencies
Well-planned route guidance
Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting
Rental bike insurance
Detailed travel documents (1 package each room)
Navigation-App including GPS-Tracks
If half board is booked : 3 x 3-course dinner (Vienna and Budapest breakfast only)

Please note if visitors tax is due, it is not included in the tour cost.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

Standard touring bike, 7/21-speed, unisex
Standard touring bike, 7/21-speed, men's frames, crossbar
Standard touring bike, 27-speed, upgrade (only available with a crossbar)
Road bike
Electrically assisted bike, Pedelec, unisex*
Tandem bikes are available (upon request only)

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

Saddlebag (water-repellent), rear
Handlebar bag (water-repellent), with clear cover on top for easy map viewing
Tools
Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
Pump
Combination lock

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. Toe cages are not available to rent.

Seats:
If you plan to bring your own seat, please make sure it will be compatible with a 27.2 to 31.4 mm seat post. If necessary, you may also need to bring your own adapter. The tour company will assist in switching the seat post for you.

Helmets:
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. You can buy a helmet (not rent) from the tour company for €49. It will be a high quality, brand new helmet(UVEX). You must let us know your helmet preference upon booking. If you do not buy a helmet through the tour company, we recommend you bring your own.

Specifications on standard touring bikes

Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame
V-brakes
Aluminium-rims
Reliable tires, which ensure high duration
Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed
Selle Royal Saddles

*Posture for 21-speed standard bikes will be upright for comfort

Upgraded components on 27-speed standard bikes

Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
High-quality Suntour suspension fork

*Posture for 27-speed upgraded standard bikes will be upright and forward

Tour Company

Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

Daily program Route Map

Route Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

Dates & Prices Tour Reviews
Reviews

Write a review
- ★★★★★ Gina Kelley-Smith 3 months ago
  
  Bike Snob pleasantly surprised at Bike Quality and Great Hotels
  
  Overall a great trip. My husband, best friend & her mate rode the beautiful Danube winding through the small towns along the way. We did have a small glitch with our Estergrom Hotel given the Prime Minister Viktor Orban was booked. Our new hotel was another 15 miles away after the longest pedal day but BikeTours took care of it. I would recommend this outfit. Thank you!
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  September 2023
  How many tours have you completed?
  None but been on a couple dozen century, multi day bike rides
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 4/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ Terry Connolly September 12, 2022
  
  Very Smooth Arrangements
  
  This worked pretty seamlessly. Bike rentals were in excellent shape, well equipped for storage and travel. Paper maps they gave us were good, but seems like should advise traveler to download Komoot or similar for detail of route map and GPS. All hotels were very nice. Bags got there ahead of us every day. Gyor to Esztergom is a long ride, on busy roads and non-paved surfaces. But overall a positive using BikeTours.
- ★★★★★ Cynthia Ord August 21, 2022
  
  Loved everything about this tour (except the rental bikes)
  
  I recommend the Vienna to Budapest 5-night tour, especially as an inter-generational adventure. We were a group of two 30-somethings and a 72-year-old dad, and it was a great fit for all of us. This is really a premier section of the full Eurovelo 6 cross-Europe route. I was especially impressed with bikeways and great signage all along the route. We were impressed by the variety and quality of the hotels, and the destination town or city at the end of each day was well-chosen. It was such a treat to go exploring each evening after getting off the bikes!
  Squeezing it all into the four-day sporty/active itinerary, however, was challenging on heavy cruiser-style rental bikes, so I'd advise either slowing it down or bringing your own bike.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  May 2022
  How many tours have you completed?
  1
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  Somewhat harder
  Who is this tour suitable for?
  First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
  Do you recommend this tour?
  Yes
  - BikeTours.com staff reply from kirsten August 22, 2022
    
    Hi Cynthia!
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this tour! We are happy to hear it was a great fit for your group. Your pictures are fantastic and really capture the joy of your adventure! Seeing those smiling faces is why we do what we do. Thank you again for choosing to travel with us!
  - 5/5 Value
  - 5/5 Included meals
  - 3/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 5/5 Hotels or boat
  - 5/5 Scenery
  - 5/5 Ease of navigation
  - 4/5 Tour documents
  - 5/5 Local tour company services
  - 5/5 Route selection
- ★★★★★ mb001 October 28, 2019
  
  Fun trip with lots of biking.
  
  My friend and I did this trip in early Oct. The first hotel in Vienne is Hotel Arcortel and not near any restaurants or pubs but close to the start of the trip. I would suggest booking a few days before in the city center if you plan on seeing Vienna. We stayed next in Hotel Devin in Bratislava. The hotel here and city were great. Everything walking distance. Next was Hotel Barrokk in Gyor. This was a very nice hotel and city that you could walk to a variety of restaurants and shopping. Then day 3 we biked 124km to Esztergom. There is an option to take a train for half of this trip. We did the biking and found it a very long day, but doable. We had electric bikes and it was a good thing! This day of biking was the most difficult not only because of the distance, but the terrain. You are in remote Hungarian countryside with no one around for hours. The bike trail or paths are poorly marked in some areas you find yourself on dirt farm land. Unfortunately we were lost a lot! The hotel in Esztergom was the Hotel Bellevue. This hotel is set on a busy street with no options to walk to any other restaurants or shopping. We were not aware that dinner must be booked ahead of time. After talking our way into a reservation, we found the buffet was average. If possible stay in the city and not this hotel. On the last day we left and needed to catch the ferry across the river. We were lucky as the week we were there was the last week of the season for the ferry. We rode to Budapest and again found some of the trails or paths poorly marked. We ran into a guided tour along the way and the guide told us about an app called mapy.cz and it has the entire map of the bike path we used and saved us several times. It was great to finish in Budapest as it is a very large exciting city with so much to do! The NH Hotel was easy to get to and situated close to many sites.
  
  What was the date of your tour?
  10/6-10/10/19
  How many tours have you completed?
  4
  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
  As expected
  Do you recommend this tour?
  No
  - BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe October 30, 2019
    
    Thanks so much for this review - so many great details and suggestions! We're glad you had a fun trip and enjoyed many of the cities. We appreciate your details regarding the cycling terrain and navigation. This section of the Danube cycle path is less developed and more rustic than other sections, as you have noted. We hope future clients will be well informed by your review and perhaps even utilize the app you have mentioned. Thanks again.
  - 4/5 Value
  - 3/5 Included meals
  - 5/5 Bikes + equipment
  - 3/5 Hotels or boat
  - 4/5 Scenery
  - 3/5 Ease of navigation
  - 3/5 Tour documents
  - 4/5 Local tour company services
  - 3/5 Route selection
Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

Route Map Book This Tour

Vienna to Budapest 5-nights (Active)

Vienna to Budapest 5-nights (Active)

Vienna to Budapest 5-nights

Highlights

Learn More

Traveler photos

Daily program

Surface and terrain

Hotels

How to get there

Dates