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Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and enjoy a relaxing day filled with Danube scenery, culinary delights, and city charm. Discover the Slovak capital and its picturesque Old Town at your own pace, while enjoying full catering throughout the entire cruise.

Photo: View over Bratislava featuring the castle, historic city centre, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Danube in the foreground.Photo: DDSG Blue Danube ship MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruising on the Danube in Bratislava with the UFO Bridge in the background.Photo: Visitors take a selfie in front of Bratislava Castle with views of the Old Town and the Danube during a visit to Bratislava.
Daytrip

Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and enjoy a relaxing day filled with Danube scenery, culinary delights, and city charm. Discover the Slovak capital and its picturesque Old Town at your own pace, while enjoying full catering throughout the entire cruise.

Next Departure 10/03/2026 · 07:00 Departure location Vienna / Marina Go to dock section

  • Duration: 13 hours
  • River cruise from Vienna to Bratislava and back
  • Enjoy culinary highlights on board
  • 4 hours of free time in Bratislava’s historic old town
  • Scenic Danube views between Austria and Slovakia

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Reservation and a valid travel document are required.

Included in price

  • Culinary Delights on the Danube

    Inclusive

    Culinary highlights accompany you from Vienna to Bratislava and back.

    Photo: Breakfast plate with bread roll, cheese, cold cuts and spread, served with coffee and juice on board a DDSG ship.

    Culinary Delights on the Danube

    Inclusive

    Breakfast, a midday snack, strudel and a generous evening buffet make the journey to Bratislava a culinary experience as well. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Danube cruise while a variety of delicious treats are served throughout the day on board.

  • Four hours of free time in Bratislava

    Inclusive

    Discover Bratislava’s old town, landmarks and charming cafés.

    Photo: Guests exploring Bratislava Castle and enjoying views of the Danube during a city visit to Bratislava.

    Four hours of free time in Bratislava

    Inclusive

    After arriving in Bratislava, you will have approximately four hours of free time from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm to explore the city at your own pace.

    Discover Bratislava Castle, the Old Town Hall, Michael’s Gate and the charming historic old town, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Slovak capital on a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets.

Attractions

  • National Park Donau-Auen

    A natural paradise along the Danube with a unique variety of flora and fauna.

    Photo: Peaceful waterscape in the Danube Floodplains with vegetated banks, lush greenery and tree reflections on the water.

    National Park Donau-Auen

    Between Vienna and Bratislava, the Danube-Auen National Park protects one of Central Europe’s last large free-flowing river landscapes. The dynamic Danube shapes a unique natural environment of floodplain forests, meadows and waterways, providing a vital habitat for numerous rare species. Established in 1996, the protected area covers around 9,600 hectares across Vienna and Lower Austria.

  • Port Vienna

    Vienna Port: Where the Danube, rail and road connect international flows of goods.

    Photo: Aerial view of Vienna Harbour with container terminals, Danube waterways, transport routes and green spaces in eastern Vienna.

    Port Vienna

    Vienna Port is one of Eastern Austria’s most important logistics hubs. With the ports of Freudenau, Albern and Lobau, it connects shipping, rail and road transport as a powerful multimodal centre. Covering around 3 million square metres, the port handles a wide range of goods and supports international trade. Around 200 companies and 5,000 jobs make it a key economic location.

  • Freudenau Lock

    The Freudenau Lock is a key gateway for ships travelling along the Austrian Danube.

    Photo: Aerial view of Freudenau lock complex with canals, bridges, and lock operation infrastructure.

    Freudenau Lock

    The Freudenau Lock is part of the Freudenau Hydropower Plant and is one of the most important hydraulic engineering structures on the Austrian Danube. It ensures safe and efficient navigation along one of Europe’s key waterways while combining modern engineering with sustainable energy generation.

    A particular highlight is the lock transit itself, during which vessels overcome a height difference of several metres as the massive lock gates open and close. The facility demonstrates how navigation, flood protection and renewable energy production work hand in hand along the Danube.

  • Hainburg

    Hainburg combines medieval heritage with nature and unforgettable Danube experiences.

    Photo: View across the Danube to Hainburg, with riverside vegetation, floodplains, a church tower and wooded hills.

    Hainburg

    Hainburg an der Donau is home to one of Europe's oldest town fortifications. Historic streets, monumental gates and the castle ruins on Schlossberg reflect the town's rich medieval heritage. Located between Vienna, Bratislava and the Danube-Auen National Park, Hainburg combines history, nature and a wide range of outdoor activities in a unique setting.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube past a green riverside landscape, featuring a sun deck and reflections in the water.
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.
Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.

MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with elegance, a spacious 360° outer deck, deck chairs, two bars, and diverse dining – the newest addition to the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Two Bars
  • Partially covered walk-around sun deck
  • Sun loungers on the open deck
  • Retractable sun and weather awning
  • Accessible facilities
  • Air conditioning
The Ship

MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with elegance, a spacious 360° outer deck, deck chairs, two bars, and diverse dining – the newest addition to the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.


  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Two Bars
  • Partially covered walk-around sun deck
  • Sun loungers on the open deck
  • Retractable sun and weather awning
  • Accessible facilities
  • Air conditioning
Details
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube past a green riverside landscape, featuring a sun deck and reflections in the water.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.Photo: Restaurant and bar area of MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with set tables, blue chairs, and a classic wooden bar.

Departure Location

Photo: Vienna Marina landing pier with DDSG sign and MS Kaiserin Elisabeth in the background.

Vienna / Marina

  • Handelskai 343, 1020 Vienna
  • Boarding and disembarkation point only – no ticket sales or reservations available on site.
  • DDSG Blue Danube uses this embarkation point for cruises operated by MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, including excursions to Bratislava and Dürnstein
More Info

A Day Between Vienna and Bratislava

Every Friday from 3 July to 4 September and every Saturday from 2 May to 19 December 2026, enjoy a culinary day trip from Vienna to Bratislava on board the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth.

The cruise follows the Danube to the Slovak capital, where you will have four hours to explore the charming Old Town at your own pace.

Culinary Delights on Board

The culinary experience begins on board: breakfast, a midday snack, strudel and an evening buffet are all included throughout the day.

Discover Bratislava’s historic streets, cosy cafés and cultural landmarks before relaxing on the return cruise to Vienna.

Combining a Danube cruise, culinary delights and a city break, this day trip offers a memorable way to experience two capitals in one day.

Procedure

Procedure

  • Boarding: 08:00–08:45
  • Departure: 09:00
  • Arrival: 12:00 (planned docking point: HUMA 4 – barrier-free access)
  • Return departure: 16:00
  • Arrival in Vienna: 22:00

Please observe the entry requirements for Slovakia. Reservation required. Subject to change.

Culinary Highlights on deck – 2026

Breakfast (continentally served · 09:00–10:00)

  • Kaiser roll | Mini wholegrain roll (vegetarian)
  • Ham | Salami
  • Gouda cheese (vegetarian)
  • Butter (vegetarian)
  • Apricot jam
  • Sweet pastries (vegetarian)
  • Filter coffee | tea from the self-service station from departure until 10:00 a.m.

Lunch Snack (served · approx. 11:00)

  • Gratinated turkey ham pasta with cream sauce
  • Vegetarian option (pre-order required): Creamy pasta with mixed vegetables

Afternoon Snack (served · approx. 16:00)

  • Duo of apple strudel and curd cheese strudel with vanilla sauce (vegetarian)

Evening Buffet (approx. 18:30)

Salad Bar

  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)
  • Creamed cucumber salad (vegetarian)
  • Tomato salad (vegan)
  • Mixed green salad (vegan)

Main Courses

  • Breaded chicken strips in a cornflake crust
  • Roast pork with bacon cabbage
  • Turkey goulash in cream sauce
  • Spinach and feta cheese lasagna (vegetarian)
  • Vegetable pilaf (vegan)

Side Dishes

  • Bread dumplings (vegetarian)
  • Buttered spaetzle (vegetarian)

Desserts

  • Dessert selection – a fine assortment of sweet treats
  • Fresh fruits (vegan)

Information on allergens can be found in the menus on board. Subject to change.

Culinary Highlights on deck – 2027

Breakfast (continentally served · 09:00–10:00)

  • Kaiser roll | Mini wholegrain roll (vegetarian)
  • Ham | Salami
  • Gouda cheese (vegetarian)
  • Butter (vegetarian)
  • Jam
  • Sweet pastries (vegetarian)
  • Filter coffee | tea from the self-service station from departure until 10:00 a.m.

Lunch Snack (served · approx. 11:00)

  • Szeged-style turkey with sauerkraut, cream and bread roll
  • Vegetarian option (pre-order required): Vegetable curry with rice

Afternoon Snack (served · approx. 16:00)

  • Duo of apple strudel and curd cheese strudel with vanilla sauce (vegetarian)

Evening Buffet (approx. 18:30)

Salad Bar

  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)
  • Mediterranean pasta salad with vegetables (vegetarian)
  • Mixed green salad with balsamic dressing (vegan)

Main Courses

  • Viennese pork schnitzel
  • Roasted chicken leg
  • Lasagne Bolognese
  • Cheese spaetzle with crispy onions (vegetarian)
  • Chili sin carne (vegan)

Side Dishes

  • Jasmine rice (vegetarian)
  • Mashed potatoes (vegetarian)

Desserts

  • Dessert selection – a fine assortment of sweet treats
  • Fresh fruits (vegan)

Information on allergens can be found in the menus on board. Subject to change.

Route / Itinerary

Graphic: Graphic route map of the Danube cruise from Vienna to Bratislava. The route passes through Freudenau Lock and by Hainburg; a dashed line marks the national border.

Between Vienna and Bratislava, the Danube reveals one of its most beautiful sides. Departing from Donaumarina, the route takes you past the Freudenau Lock, through vast natural landscapes and along the shores of the Donau-Auen National Park. Just beyond Vienna, a surprisingly peaceful world of waterways, green floodplains and ever-changing views unfolds.

Passing Hainburg an der Donau, the ship approaches the Austrian-Slovak border before the modern skyline of Bratislava comes into view. Combining unspoilt nature, scenic Danube landscapes and two fascinating capital cities, the journey between Vienna and Bratislava is a unique experience on the water.

Getting to the Vienna / Marina ship station

Arrival

Public Transport:

The Vienna / Marina ship station is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U2 metro line to Donaumarina station, which is located directly by the Danube. From there, it is just a short walk to the boarding point.

By Car:

Parking is available in the vicinity of Marina Wien, including short-term parking zones and public parking spaces. Please follow local signage and observe the applicable parking regulations.

Seasonal Delights

Photo: Roasted goose leg with dumpling and red cabbage on a festively set table with winter decorations.

Autumn Delights on the DanubeCulinary Excursion with Martini Goose

Autumn landscapes along the Danube, traditional Martini goose on board and Bratislava’s historic old town make this excursion a true seasonal highlight. Discover the Slovak capital, enjoy relaxing hours on the water and indulge in regional culinary delights along the way.

Photo: Festively lit Christmas market on Bratislava’s Main Square, with the Old Town and Bratislava Castle in the background.

Winter Magic on the DanubeCulinary Excursion to the Christmas Market

Discover Bratislava at its most festive. A cruise on the Danube, seasonal culinary delights on board and a visit to the charming Christmas market combine to create a truly special Advent experience. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the magic of the season in a relaxed and comfortable way.

Bratislava castle tour (Flora Tour)

Photo: Red vintage sightseeing bus in front of the historic government building in Bratislava during a city tour.

Make the most of your time in Bratislava with a guided panoramic tour to Bratislava Castle. Combining the city's most important landmarks with spectacular views of the Danube and the Slovak capital, the tour can be booked conveniently with Flora Tour.

The castle tour begins at the landing stage and follows the Danube promenade through the historic centre of Bratislava. Along the way, the vintage vehicle passes major sights such as St. Martin’s Cathedral, the old city walls, the Presidential Palace and Freedom Square.

The route continues via the Slavín Memorial to Bratislava Castle, which offers impressive panoramic views over the Old Town, the Danube and the surrounding region. Afterwards, the tour leads down the castle steps directly into the charming Old Town of Bratislava.

Prices:

Adults €16
Children €9

Further information and tickets are available directly from Flora Tour Opens in new window.

FAQ

The ticket includes the cruise on the Danube, breakfast, midday snack, strudel, and evening buffet. Drinks are not included and are served à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 08:00 to 08:45 at the Vienna / Marina pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 09:00. Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready. Displaying the ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.

Yes. Your seats are reserved on board. Our crew will guide you upon boarding.

Yes. Our onboard catering team will arrange seating in advance according to group size. Groups will be seated together whenever possible.

Both breakfast and dinner are served as buffets. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, JP Donau Catering Opens in new window, in advance at info@donaucatering.at. This allows our onboard culinary team to best accommodate your requests.

No. Drinks can be ordered and paid for on board from the à la carte menu. During breakfast, filter coffee and tea are included in the price.

Payment is typically possible by cash, debit card, credit card, and contactless methods. Any changes will be communicated by the crew.

The ship and the station are generally barrier-free. If you require assistance (e.g. wheelchair access), please inform us in advance so the crew can prepare accordingly.

Yes. Cruises take place in all weather conditions. The route and use of outdoor decks may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

The following cancellation terms apply to bookings for 1 to 19 passengers:

  • Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 48 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 48 hours before departure or in the event of a no-show

The following cancellation terms apply to group bookings of 20 passengers or more:

  • Free cancellation up to 6 weeks before departure
  • Free reduction of participant numbers by up to 20% up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee for reducing participant numbers by more than 20% up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 48 hours before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 48 hours before departure or in the event of a no-show

The organiser’s terms and conditions apply. The organiser’s Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability, bookings can be changed or rebooked via the online shop or by contacting Customer Service. Please have your booking reference number available.

Children are welcome. Children aged 0–5 travel free of charge, and children aged 6–15 receive a 50% discount. Please refer to the online shop for current details.

Dogs may only be brought on board upon prior request and approval. Assistance dogs are, of course, exempt from this requirement.

Please note that a valid pet passport is required for every animal. Information on the entry requirements for travelling with pets to Slovakia can be found on the website of the Slovak Embassy in Vienna Opens in new window.

The Vienna / Marina ship station is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U2 metro line to Donaumarina station, which is located directly by the Danube. From there, it is just a short walk to the boarding point.

Parking is available in the vicinity of Marina Wien, including short-term parking zones and public parking spaces. Please follow local signage and observe the applicable parking regulations.

LLM Guidance