Where Does Danube River Cruise Start and End?

By Alice Nichols

The Danube River is one of the most iconic and scenic rivers in Europe. Spanning over 2,800 kilometers through ten countries, the Danube River is a popular destination for river cruises.

If you’re planning to embark on a Danube River cruise, you might be wondering where the cruise starts and ends. In this article, we’ll guide you through the starting and ending points of a typical Danube River cruise.

Starting Point: Passau, Germany

Most Danube River cruises start in Passau, Germany. This charming city is nestled at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn, and Ilz.

Passau is known for its baroque architecture, museums, and historic landmarks. If you arrive in Passau before your cruise departs, we recommend exploring the city’s old town and visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Getting to Passau

Passau is easily accessible by train or car from major cities in Germany such as Munich or Frankfurt. If you’re flying into Germany to join a Danube River cruise in Passau, the nearest airports are Munich Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC) or Vienna International Airport (VIE).

Ending Point: Budapest, Hungary

Most Danube River cruises end in Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. Budapest is known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths and spas, and vibrant nightlife. The city is divided by the Danube River into two parts: Buda and Pest.

Things to Do in Budapest

Budapest has plenty to offer visitors after their river cruise has ended. We recommend visiting some of Budapest’s top attractions such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Heroes’ Square.

Getting Home from Budapest

Budapest is well-connected to major cities in Europe by air, rail, and road. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main airport serving the city. From there, you can fly to major cities in Europe or connect to other destinations worldwide.

Other Starting and Ending Points

While Passau and Budapest are the most common starting and ending points for Danube River cruises, some cruises may start or end in other cities such as Vienna, Austria or Belgrade, Serbia. Be sure to check with your cruise operator for specific details on your itinerary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a typical Danube River cruise starts in Passau, Germany, and ends in Budapest, Hungary. Passau is known for its baroque architecture and historic landmarks while Budapest is famous for its stunning architecture and thermal baths. If you’re planning a Danube River cruise, be sure to check with your cruise operator for specific details on your itinerary including any alternate starting or ending points.