Budapest Danube Boat Rides: Back on the Water from January 30, 2026
If you’re visiting Budapest and want a relaxed way to see the city from the river, BKV’s Danube boats are restarting service today, January 30, after water levels dropped to safe levels. These one-hour cruises offer narrated tours past key sights like Parliament, the Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle, giving you views you can’t get from the shore. It’s a straightforward option for tourists looking to fit in some sightseeing without much planning.
Why Choose These BKV Boat Rides
The boats follow two routes through central Budapest: the City Centre Cruise, which stops at multiple points for flexibility, and the Sightseeing Ship, a direct evening option. You’ll pass familiar landmarks like Margaret Island, Batthyány tér, Várkert Bazár, and Petőfi tér, with a guide pointing out historical details along the way. These are local public boats, so they feel authentic and less crowded than larger tourist vessels, especially in winter when the air is clear and the lights stand out.
They’re practical for pairing with other activities, like a walk on Margaret Island or a visit to Parliament nearby. Just keep an eye on Danube water levels, as they can affect schedules—today’s restart means good conditions for now.
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Timetables and Key Stops
Here are the current schedules starting today:
City Centre Cruise (Circle Route, hop-on-hop-off from Kossuth Lajos tér):
- Departs Kossuth Lajos tér: 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
- Margitsziget (Centenáriumi emlékmű): 15:12, 16:12, 17:12
- Batthyány tér: 15:22, 16:22, 17:22
- Várkert Bazár: 15:32, 16:32, 17:32
- Petőfi tér: 15:40, 16:40, 17:40
- Returns to Kossuth Lajos tér after about 1 hour
Sightseeing Ship (Evening direct from Petőfi tér):
- Departs Petőfi tér: 19:00 (returns after 1 hour, no intermediate stops)
- Note: No bikes or dogs allowed on this route
Ticket Prices
Buy tickets at the docks with cash or card. Prices are straightforward and family-friendly.
City Centre Cruise (day pass valid 15:00-17:55):
- Adult: 2800 HUF
- Child (3-14 years): 1500 HUF
- Under 3: Free
- Dog or small pet in carrier: 1000 HUF
- Bicycle: 1000 HUF
Sightseeing Ship (per trip):
- Adult: 4500 HUF
- Child (3-14 years): 2500 HUF
- Under 3: Free
Budapest Card holders may get discounts—check at purchase. Tickets are for the specific service and not interchangeable.
Other Danube Cruise Options
Beyond BKV’s basics, Budapest has plenty of private cruises for more elaborate experiences. You’ll find dinner cruises with Hungarian meals like goulash, drinks packages with mulled wine, prosecco, or cocktails during sunset, live music sailings, and evening trips featuring folklore shows with traditional dance and music. These typically cost from 10,000 HUF per person and run longer routes, making them great for special occasions.
Tips for Your Trip
The City Centre Cruise works well for afternoon exploring—hop off near Parliament or Várkert for a break. The evening Sightseeing Ship suits a relaxed sunset outing. In winter, dress warmly and bring a hot drink. Combine with public transport for a full day: take a tram to Kossuth Lajos tér, cruise the river, then head to Buda Castle or Pest for dinner. Schedules can change with weather, so confirm via BKV updates before heading out.
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