Budapest to Vienna by Boat: Hydrofoil Tickets & Schedule

The Danube connects three capital cities: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. While the train is faster, the Hydrofoil is an adventure.

The Operator: Mahart PassNave

Mahart is the state shipping company. They operate the "Vöcsök" (Grebe) or "Sólyom" (Falcon) hydrofoils. These are Soviet-designed engineering marvels that lift the hull out of the water to reduce drag, cruising at ~60km/h.

The Route: Budapest -> Bratislava -> Vienna

• Time: Approx 5.5 - 6 hours to Vienna.
• Frequency: Usually runs April to October, 3-4 times a week.
• Scenery: You pass through the Danube Bend (Visegrád castle), the Gabčíkovo dam locks (impressive engineering), and the green floodplains of Slovakia.

Comfort

• Seating: Airplane-style seats. It's an enclosed cabin (windy outside at that speed).
• Amenities: Small buffet bar, toilets.
• Ride Quality: Generally smooth, but can be bumpy in choppy water.

Train or Boat?

• Train (Railjet): 2.5 hours. Cheap (€13-30). Efficient. City center to City center.
• Boat: 6 hours. Expensive (€100+ one way). Scenic.
• Verdict: Take the boat one way for the experience, take the train back. It's not a commute; it's a sightseeing trip that gets you to Vienna.

Danube Bend Day Trips

Mahart also runs slower scenic boats to Szentendre and Visegrád.

• Szentendre Boat: Perfect day trip. 1.5 hours upriver to the artist village. Wander around, eat langos, take the boat or HÉV train back.