From April to early November, twice daily hydrofoils run along the Danube between Vienna and Budapest. Operated by MAHART Kft, hydrofoils depart at 8am and 1pm (during high season) with the journey downriver taking roughly five hours. Some services also make a brief stop in the Slovak capital Bratislava (when ordered in advance i.e. for tour groups). From there, the hydrofoil makes its way along the Danube bend, passing the historic Hungarian city of Esztergom before docking in downtown Budapest.

As a popular route of entry into Hungary for many tour groups, combined holidays to Vienna and Budapest and cruises along the Danube are widely advertised by travel agents. As with flights to Budapest, there's a luggage allowance in place for each passenger (20 kgs), with excess baggage charged at a rate of EUR 1 for each additional kilo.

Tickets cost around EUR 89 (for a return fare) with a 50% reduction for Hungarian citizens and children aged 6-15 years. For information and reservations in Hungary telephone MAHART on: 484 4027 or visit (in Hungarian, English and German).

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