Self-Guided Cycling from Vienna to Budapest

Experience Overview

This is a classic self-guided cycle ride linking three historic cities. Your journey starts in Vienna, which requires little introduction, with its abundance of famous sites, entertainment and culture. The River Danube serves as the spine of the cycling route as you meander back and forth away from the river through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills. A night is spent in the pretty city of Bratislava and in the lovely town of Gyor, as we head towards the Danube Bend at Esztergom. The end point for the trip is the city of Budapest with time to soak up the wonderful atmosphere and enjoy the stunning architecture.
Trip For You
This self-guided cycling holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Cycling at a Glance Trip Style: Self-guided Cycling Days: 6 Average Daily Distance: 54km (34 miles) Terrain & Route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads and designated cycle paths, however, there are some sections on busier roads. Much of the route is flat, but there are some undulating sections. Cycling Helmets: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in Austria for children under 12 and in Slovakia for children under 15; all cyclists in Slovakia must wear a helmet when not in a city. You are also required by law to wear a hi-vis safety vest at night and in times of poor visibility in Hungary and Slovakia. Activity Level: 2 (Easy & Moderate) For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us. Navigation: Navigation App How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using a Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience. Families Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. Please be aware that some of the cycling on this route is along busier roads so any children must be confident at cycling alongside traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number, available daily from 08.00- 20.00. In emergency, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included. Breakfast: Continental style buffet breakfast. Lunch and Dinner: There are numerous restaurants along the route and the route notes will provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The hotels are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to charge you for this service. You will be pedalling under your own steam but the emergency number for our local operator is in the trip notes if you need assistance.
Joining Instructions
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Vienna and ending in Budapest Your trip normally starts at your hotel in Vienna on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. A hotel list will be sent to you prior to departure. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are not included in this trip. The start hotel is an easy journey from Vienna airport by taxi (approx. €345) or train/underground. Detailed instructions will be sent to you with your final joining instructions.
Weather Information
The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall, although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.
Spending Money
Visits to all the places mentioned in the itinerary are optional. Entrance fees are not included and are usually around €4 to €8 each. Lunches and dinners are not included - allow about €20-25 per day; costs will depend on the standard of restaurant chosen. You may need extra to buy wine each evening. All transportation to and from the airport is not included. A taxi from the airport to the hotel in Vienna will cost approx. €45 or a regular train operates between the airport and the city centre, costing approx. €15, with onward travel by underground to reach the start hotel. In Budapest a taxi from the hotel to the airport is approx. 7500 HUF. Public transport is not really recommended.

Highlights