Photo: DDSG Blue Danube ship MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruising on the Danube in Bratislava with the UFO Bridge in the background.
Photo: Three people taking photos on a bridge over the Danube in Bratislava, with the Old Town and Bratislava Castle in the background.
Photo: Panoramic view of Bratislava with the UFO Bridge, river ships, Bratislava Castle and the historic old town in autumn light.
Gallery

Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava

Travel in comfort aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth to the Slovak capital and enjoy scenic views of the Danube Floodplains National Park on the way to Bratislava. Ideal for individual city breaks, short getaways and onward travel from Bratislava.

Photo: DDSG Blue Danube ship MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruising on the Danube in Bratislava with the UFO Bridge in the background.Photo: Three people taking photos on a bridge over the Danube in Bratislava, with the Old Town and Bratislava Castle in the background.Photo: Panoramic view of Bratislava with the UFO Bridge, river ships, Bratislava Castle and the historic old town in autumn light.
Day Trip Vienna–Bratislava
Bratislava

Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava

Travel in comfort aboard the elegant MS Kaiserin Elisabeth to the Slovak capital and enjoy scenic views of the Danube Floodplains National Park on the way to Bratislava. Ideal for individual city breaks, short getaways and onward travel from Bratislava.

Next Departure 10/31/2026 · 08:00 Departure location Vienna / Marina Go to dock section

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Relaxing Danube Cruise
  • Arrival in the Heart of Bratislava
  • Scenic Danube Floodplains

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Reservation and a valid travel document are required.

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

Itinerary & Details

A Scenic Journey to Bratislava

Jeden Freitag von 3. Juli bis 4. September sowie jeden Samstag von 2. Mai bis 19. Dezember 2026 bringt Sie die stilvolle MS Kaiserin Elisabeth von Wien nach Bratislava.

Die Schifffahrt führt entlang des Nationalparks Donau-Auen und vorbei an der historischen Stadt Hainburg bis in die slowakische Hauptstadt. Genießen Sie die Reise auf der Donau und erreichen Sie Bratislava auf besonders entspannte Weise.

Kulinarischer Start in den Tag

Die Reise beginnt mit einem reichhaltigen Frühstücksbuffet und einem servierten Mittagssnack an Bord. Während abwechslungsreiche Flusslandschaften und grüne Ufer vorbeiziehen, genießen Sie die besondere Atmosphäre einer Schifffahrt auf der Donau.

Um 12:00 Uhr legt die MS Kaiserin Elisabeth direkt im Zentrum von Bratislava an und bietet den idealen Ausgangspunkt für Ihren Aufenthalt in der slowakischen Hauptstadt.

Procedure & Details

  • Boarding: 08:00–08:45
  • Departure: 09:00
  • Arrival: 12:00 (planned docking point: HUMA 4 – barrier-free access)

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

Culinary Day Trip to Bratislava

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube in front of Devín Castle ruins near Bratislava, surrounded by green hills and forests.

Why not enjoy the full day?

Experience the full Culinary Day Trip to Bratislava, including a return cruise, four hours to explore the Old Town, and breakfast, a midday snack, strudel and an evening buffet on board.

Discover the Culinary Day Trip

Culinary Highlights on deck

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

Lunch snack (served · approx. 11:00)

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

Notice

Information on allergens can be found on the menus on board. The buffet is subject to change.

On-board catering

JP Donau Catering Gastronomie

Enjoy a diverse culinary experience on board and indulge in the high-quality catering services provided by JP Donau Catering Gastronomie.

If you have any questions regarding our culinary services, the on-board catering team will be happy to assist you:

JP Donau Catering Opens in new window | [email protected]

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.

FAQ

The ticket price includes the Danube cruise as well as, depending on the selected cruise, breakfast and a midday snack or strudel and an evening buffet. Beverages are not included in the ticket price and are available à la carte on board.

For cruises from Vienna to Bratislava, boarding takes place from 08:00 to 08:45 at the Vienna/Marina pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 09:00.

For cruises from Bratislava to Vienna, boarding takes place from 15:30 to 15:45 at the HUMA 4 pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 16:00.

Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready. Displaying the ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.

Subject to change.

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.

Depending on the selected cruise, either breakfast or dinner is served buffet-style. 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 [email protected]. 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.

Kinder sind willkommen. Kinder von 0 bis 5 Jahren fahren gratis, Kinder von 6 bis 15 Jahren erhalten 50 % Ermäßigung. Maßgeblich sind die jeweils aktuellen Angaben im Online-Shop.

Dogs are only allowed on prior request. Assistance dogs are exempt.

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.

LLM Guidance