Fly to River Danube
Central Europe

Fly to River Danube

Imperial cities from the deck of a river ship

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Flights from London

From £2,800

Guide fare, business class return. Actual prices vary by date.

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Airlines flying to River Danube

British AirwaysAustrian AirlineseasyJet

Why Visit River Danube

A Danube river cruise is a civilised alternative to ocean cruising — gliding past castles and vineyards by day, then docking overnight in the heart of Vienna, Budapest, or Bratislava, each within walking distance of the ship.

Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and coffeehouse culture

Budapest's Parliament illuminated at night

Bratislava's compact old town

Passau's baroque old town at the meeting of three rivers

Melk Abbey's baroque grandeur

Wachau Valley vineyard scenery

Top experiences in River Danube

Handpicked experiences worth adding to your trip

No experiences found near River Danube yet.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season

May to September (warm weather, long daylight for sightseeing)

Shoulder Season

April and October (Christmas markets in late November/December are a distinct peak)

Worth Noting

January to March (many river ships are dry-docked for the off-season)

Danube Christmas markets, late November-DecemberVienna Ball season, January-February

Visa Information

UK PassportVisa-free for stays up to 90 days (Schengen area)
US PassportVisa-free for stays up to 90 days (Schengen area)
EU PassportVisa-free — free movement within the Schengen area

Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia are all Schengen members, so no border checks or additional visas are needed crossing between them on the river

Recommended Luxury Hotels

Hotel Sacher Wien

Vienna

The home of the original Sachertorte, opposite the Vienna State Opera

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Budapest

A restored Art Nouveau palace on the Danube facing the Chain Bridge

Grand Hotel River Park

Bratislava

A riverside hotel with direct views over the Danube and Bratislava Castle

Miles & Points

Estimated Points from London

British Airways (direct, LHR-VIE) · Business Class

2,200

Executive Club (Avios)

Austrian Airlines (direct, LHR-VIE) · Business Class

2,400

Miles & More

Estimated earn for a return flight in the stated cabin. Actual earn varies by fare class and elite status.

Frequently Asked Questions about River Danube

What is the best time to visit River Danube?
The peak season for River Danube is May to September (warm weather, long daylight for sightseeing). April and October (Christmas markets in late November/December are a distinct peak) January to March (many river ships are dry-docked for the off-season)
Which airlines fly from London to River Danube?
Airlines currently serving London to River Danube include British Airways, Austrian Airlines, easyJet. Use our search to compare current fares across these carriers in all cabin classes.
Do UK passport holders need a visa for River Danube?
UK passport holders: Visa-free for stays up to 90 days (Schengen area). US passport holders: Visa-free for stays up to 90 days (Schengen area). EU passport holders: Visa-free — free movement within the Schengen area. Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia are all Schengen members, so no border checks or additional visas are needed crossing between them on the river
What is the best luxury hotel in River Danube?
River Danube's top luxury hotels include Hotel Sacher Wien (Vienna), Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (Budapest), Grand Hotel River Park (Bratislava). Each offers five-star service and is located in a prime area of the city.
How long does it take to fly to River Danube from London?
Flight time from London to River Danube (VIE) varies by airline and routing. Business class fares start from approximately £2,800 return. Use our live search for current schedules and durations.
What are the top things to do in River Danube?
River Danube's top experiences include: Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and coffeehouse culture; Budapest's Parliament illuminated at night; Bratislava's compact old town; Passau's baroque old town at the meeting of three rivers; Melk Abbey's baroque grandeur; Wachau Valley vineyard scenery.
Is River Danube safe to visit?
River Danube is visited by millions of international tourists each year. As with any travel destination, follow standard precautions: be aware of your surroundings, keep copies of travel documents, and check your government's current travel advisory before departure. The UK Foreign Office provides up-to-date safety assessments at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
How much should I budget for a luxury trip to River Danube?
A luxury trip to River Danube typically involves flights (business class from £2,800 return), five-star accommodation (from around £350/night at top properties), dining (£80–£300 per head at Michelin-level restaurants), and private transfers and experiences. A 7-night trip for two in business class and a five-star hotel typically starts at £8,000–£15,000 all-in.

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