Discover Vienna by Ship

From the water, historic buildings, modern architecture and green riverside landscapes along the Danube and Danube Canal can be experienced from a completely different perspective than from land. Depending on the route, cruises last between 75 minutes and 3 hours and can easily be integrated into a sightseeing programme in Vienna.

• The Grand Danube River Cruise connects both waterways, including two lock passages, and can also be booked as individual route sections: Section A departing from Schwedenplatz and Section B departing from Reichsbrücke.
• The City Cruise (75 minutes, departing from Schwedenplatz) showcases the urban flair of the Danube Canal.
• The Danube Panorama Tour (approx. 2 hours, departing from Reichsbrücke) takes you past Vienna’s modern skyline along the Danube.
• The Evening Sightseeing Cruise (3 hours, departing from Schwedenplatz) combines the Danube Canal and the Danube at sunset.

Visitors who would like to explore as many highlights along Vienna’s waterways as possible should choose the Grand Danube Cruise, which departs from both Schwedenplatz and Reichsbrücke.

For a compact cruise along the Danube Canal, the City Cruise is the ideal choice and can easily be combined with a visit to Vienna’s city centre.

The Danube Panorama Tour showcases Vienna’s modern side along the Danube, with views of Danube Island and the city’s green riverside landscapes.

Those looking to experience Vienna at its most atmospheric should choose the Evening Sightseeing Cruise at sunset.

In addition to visiting famous attractions such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and the Prater, a sightseeing cruise can easily be included in a weekend itinerary in Vienna – for example on a Saturday morning before exploring the city centre or on a Sunday evening to round off your trip.

If you are short on time, the City Cruise, the Danube Panorama Tour or one of the Grand Danube River Cruise sections are ideal choices, as these cruises last between 75 and 120 minutes and can easily fit between other activities.

Visitors with more time may opt for the full Grand Danube River Cruise or the Evening Sightseeing Cruise and experience Austria’s capital from a relaxed perspective on the water.

The City Cruise, Evening Sightseeing Cruise and Grand Danube RiverCruise all depart from Schwedenplatz in the city centre, while departures from Reichsbrücke can easily be combined with a visit to the Prater or Danube Island.

During your cruise along the Danube, you will enjoy views of a variety of landmarks and attractions.

Depending on the route, these may include the Danube Tower, DC-Tower, Danube Island, Millennium Tower, the Emperor’s Jubilee Church, as well as Leopoldsberg and Kahlenberg.

The Danube Canal passes landmarks such as the Urania Observatory, the Badeschiff, Ringturm, Rossauer Barracks, Otto Wagner’s Schützenhaus, and the Spittelau District Heating Plant. The canal walls are also home to numerous street art and graffiti artworks, adding a distinctive urban character to the route.

The City Cruise and Evening Sightseeing Cruise depart from the Schwedenplatz landing pier, located directly next to Schwedenplatz underground station (U1/U4). The Danube Panorama Tour departs from the Reichsbrücke landing pier. The Grand Danube Cruise can be joined from either Schwedenplatz or the Reichsbrücke landing pier.

The following prices apply per person:

• Grand Danube River Cruise (full route): from €50
• Grand Danube River Cruise (Section A or B): from €35
• City Cruise: from €35
• Danube Panorama Tour: from €41
• Evening Sightseeing Cruise: from €50

• Children aged 0 to 9 years travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 10 to 15 years receive a 50% discount on the regular fare.
• Seniors aged 60 and above receive a 20% discount from Monday to Friday.
• Groups of 20 paying guests or more receive a 10% discount. The 21st guest travels free of charge, and one tour leader is also included free of charge.
• Guests with disabilities receive a 20% discount, which also applies to one accompanying person.

Tickets can be purchased online, at the landing piers, via email at [email protected], or by phone at +43 1 588 80. Advance booking is not required, but it is recommended during the main season and for popular departures, such as the Evening Sightseeing Cruise.

The following cancellation policy applies to individual and group bookings for Sightseeing Cruises Vienna:

• Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
• 20% cancellation fee up to 24 hours before departure
• 50% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure
• 100% cancellation fee in case of a no-show

Yes, all ships feature an onboard restaurant serving Austrian cuisine and seasonal dishes, freshly prepared by JP Donau Catering.

Yes, all of our ships are air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable temperature on board throughout your journey.

Yes, all ships are heated and offer a comfortable atmosphere on board even during the colder months. The heated indoor areas ensure a pleasant and cosy experience, allowing guests to enjoy the winter scenery along the Danube in comfort, regardless of the weather.

Wheelchair users are kindly asked to register in advance, as not all ships and landing piers are fully accessible. For more information, please see our section on guests with special needs.

For group bookings that include a menu reservation or additional extras, table reservations can be arranged. Otherwise, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Yes, dogs travel free of charge on our sightseeing cruises. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle while on board.

No, bicycles cannot be transported on Vienna’s scheduled sightseeing cruises.