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WELCOME TO BUD BY BOAT

Be a part of the Original
Budapest Experience.

Sightseeing, dinner and rooftop cruises on the Danube — with unlimited drinks, live music and the city's most beautiful panorama as your backdrop.

75 min

SIGHTSEEING

Unlimited

DRINKS ON BOARD

Rooftop

PANORAMA DECK
About us

Welcome to BUd by boat

If you want to choose a truly special sightseeing tour, BudaBest Boat is the perfect choice for you.

To make the experience unforgettable, we offer a wide selection of drink options on board. Enjoy the view from the Boat and let the night view of Budapest steal your heart.
Our boat tours

Choose your danube night.

Our guests can combine a boat trip with a lifestyle — pick the experience that suits your mood.

Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise Unlimited prosecco on Board

€24,80 all ages | 75 mins | With Unlimited Prosecco, Mixed Spritzers and Lemonade!

Budapest Dinner Cruise: River Diva Exclusive

€99 Adult, €69 Children (3-17 years) I 2.5 hours I Unlimited Drink Package and Dinner by Chef Viktor Moldován
Our services
Everything on board

Unlimited refills

on your prosecco or alcohol free mixed drink 

Stunning photo

opportunities on the upstairs open deck

Rooftop

panorama terrace

Card payment

will be available only, cash payment will not be accepted
On board

Our drink selection.

Unlimited prosecco, beer, spritzers and soft drinks - included on every evening cruise

prosecco 🥂 draft beer 🍺 aperol spritzer 🍊 limoncello spritzer 🍋 hugo spritzer 🌿 rossini spritzer 🍓 fresh lemonade 🍋 lemon-mint water 🌿 still water 💧 prosecco 🥂 draft beer 🍺 aperol spritzer 🍊 limoncello spritzer 🍋 hugo spritzer 🌿 rossini spritzer 🍓 fresh lemonade 🍋 lemon-mint water 🌿 still water 💧
rossini spritzer 🍓 still water 💧 aperol spritzer 🍊 limoncello spritzer 🍋 hugo spritzer 🌿 prosecco 🥂 fresh lemonade 🍋 lemon-mint water 🌿 draft beer 🍺 rossini spritzer 🍓 still water 💧 aperol spritzer 🍊 limoncello spritzer 🍋 hugo spritzer 🌿 prosecco 🥂 fresh lemonade 🍋 lemon-mint water 🌿 draft beer 🍺
F.A.Q.
Everything you need to know.
📍 Arrival, Boarding & Location
How do I get to the dock?

Your exact departure dock is shown on your ticket. Always check it carefully — our cruises may depart from any of three nearby docks on the Pest embankment. Do not rely on old screenshots, previous bookings, or general map searches.

Dock Name & Maps Search

Location (Pest Side)

Public Transport

Important Note

Vigadó 8A

Jane Haining rakpart, near Vigadó tér and Vörösmarty tér.

Tram 2 (Vigadó tér), Metro M1 (Vörösmarty tér).

Weekend Road Closures: Cars & taxis cannot reach the dock directly on weekends (May-Sept) & 2026 weekday evenings.

Akadémia 3. ponton

Széchenyi rakpart, near the Shoes on the Danube memorial.

Tram 2 (Széchenyi István tér), Metro M2 (Kossuth Lajos tér).

Weekend Road Closures: Cars & taxis cannot reach the dock directly on weekends (May-Sept) & 2026 weekday evenings.

Dock 0 (Rubin Group)

Carl Lutz rakpart, just north of Margaret Bridge.

Tram 4/6 or 2 (Jászai Mari tér), Bus 9.

Look for the large red "0" sign on the pier. Less affected by traffic closures
.

When should I arrive?

Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, especially during busy periods. Seating is first-come, first-served. Our boats offer a mix of indoor table seating for 2–6 guests and space on the open-air deck. We cannot guarantee specific seats or tables — arriving early gives you the best chance of choosing your preferred area.

How much time should I allow to get to the dock?

Plan plenty of time, especially if you don't know the route. Evening traffic, weekend events, and holidays can cause delays. We recommend the BudapestGO app for public transport planning.

What do I need to bring for check-in?
  • Your ticket with a valid QR code, either digital or printed.
  • A valid passport or national ID card. (Student IDs and driving licences are not accepted for age verification).
  • Our check-in system is designed for QR code scanning only. We strongly recommend downloading or screenshotting your QR code in advance, since mobile coverage at the riverside can be spotty. If you have not received your ticket, contact your point of sale to obtain a valid QR code. Check your spam/junk folder.
Can I check in just by giving my name or reservation number?

No. Our system scans QR codes only. Bring a valid QR code.

Can groups board separately?

No. All guests booked under the same reservation number must board together. Boarding will only be allowed once everyone on that reservation is present.

What if our group bought tickets separately?

If you bought tickets under separate reservation numbers but want to travel together, please coordinate arrival and board as a single party. During busy periods, two or more boats may depart at the same time, and we cannot guarantee that separately-booked guests will be on the same vessel.

What if I arrive late?

To ensure a great experience for everyone on board, our cruises operate on a strict schedule and unfortunately cannot delay departure for late arrivals. If you miss your scheduled cruise, we are unable to offer a refund, rebooking, or compensation.

Tip: Evening traffic and road closures in Budapest can be unpredictable. We highly recommend using the BudapestGO app to plan your route and arriving at least 30 minutes early so you can find the dock easily and board stress-free. (For our full cancellation policy, please see our Terms & Conditions).

Is parking available near the dock?

Parking at all three docks is very limited and often expensive. We strongly recommend public transport, walking, or official taxi providers (Bolt, Uber, Főtaxi). For Vigadó 8A and Akadémia 3, the nearest paid garages are around Vörösmarty tér, Erzsébet tér, and Nádor utca. Dock 0 has limited street parking on Carl Lutz rakpart and nearby side streets, but spaces fill quickly.

E-scooters: Scooter parking at all docks is prohibited by city law. Use designated scooter parking zones only.

What happens if someone boards without a valid ticket?

All guests must have a scanned, valid QR code to join the cruise. Boarding without authorization or bypassing the check-in staff is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised passengers will be charged a penalty fee (double the standard ticket price) on the spot and may face further legal consequences. Please have your ticket ready for scanning before stepping on board.

What happens after the cruise ends?

Our evening cruises have limited turnaround time, so we kindly ask all guests to disembark promptly so we can prepare the boat for the next departure.

🥂 Food, Drinks & Amenities

Can I buy extra drinks on board?

Yes. While the listed beverages are unlimited and included, the onboard bar also offers premium spirits, mixed cocktails, and other products for purchase.

Are non-alcoholic options available?

Yes. Homemade lemonade, lemon-mint water, and still water are unlimited and included for everyone. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine and non-alcoholic beer may be available if requested in writing in advance during booking or before your cruise.

Is food included on the sightseeing cruise?

The sightseeing cruise is a beverage-focused experience. Light snacks are available for purchase at the onboard bar, including popcorn (always available) and a rotating selection of cheese boxes, chili nuts, and salted nuts. For a full dinner experience, see our Weekend & Holiday Dinner Cruise.

Can I bring food or drinks on board?

No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted on our cruises. As a special exception, birthday cakes may be brought on board for celebrations — please bring your own plates, cutlery, candles, and any other items, as we cannot provide them.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

We cannot accommodate food allergies, intolerances, religious dietary requirements, or other specific preferences for fixed menus or pre-prepared snacks. For snacks at the bar, ask our staff for ingredient information, but we cannot guarantee an allergen-free or cross-contamination-free environment for severe allergies. For the Dinner Cruise, please contact us before booking.

What payment methods are accepted on board?

The onboard bar is cashless. We accept bank cards only. American Express is not accepted.

Are there toilets on board?

Yes, all our ships have toilets.

  • Ludwig, Rapszódia, and Szent László, Onyx: entry level, behind the bar.
  • Roude Léiw and Rubin: lower deck, accessible by stairs.
  • River Diva: available and equipped with baby changing facilities.
  • Note: Toilets may close briefly for cleaning during docking. Please plan accordingly.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?

No, Wi-Fi is not available. Download anything you need before arriving — including your ticket QR code.

Can I charge my phone on board?

Charging ports are not guaranteed. Please arrive with a charged phone, as your QR code is required for boarding.

Can I listen to my own music on board?

An international music selection and audio commentary play throughout the journey. If you want to listen to your own audio, please use headphones to respect other guests.

♿ Accessibility & Comfort

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by vessel and dock. Some boats have stairs, narrow passages, or boarding conditions that may not be suitable for all mobility needs. Please contact us in advance with details of your specific departure so we can confirm suitability and how the crew can best assist you. This also applies to guests with visual or hearing impairments.

Are the boats heated in winter and cooled in summer?

Yes. The covered indoor lounges are heated in colder months and cooled in summer.

What should I wear for the weather?

The enclosed sections of our ships are heated in winter and cooled in summer. If you plan to spend time on the open deck or expect to queue during boarding, dress for current conditions. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is expected.

Are blankets provided on board?

No. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather.

Is there a dress code on board?

There is no strict dress code, but for your safety and the comfort of all guests, shirts and footwear must be worn at all times. Walking barefoot or shirtless is not permitted. Casual or smart-casual attire matches the lounge atmosphere.

Are babies and strollers allowed on board?

Yes. Our ships may have stairs, narrow passages, and limited storage space, so a lightweight, foldable stroller is best. Always keep a close eye on your children.

  • Sightseeing Cruise: Restrooms are not equipped with baby changing facilities, and high chairs are not available.
  • Dinner Cruise (River Diva): Baby changing facilities and high chairs are available.
Are pets allowed on the boat?

Smaller, well-behaved dogs that are comfortable in noisy environments are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times. You are responsible for your dog's behaviour and cleanliness. We reserve the right to refuse boarding to animals that appear aggressive, distressed, or unsuitable.

What if I have motion sickness or seasickness?

The Budapest section of the Danube is generally very calm and strong waves are rare. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, bring your own medication — we cannot provide any on board.

🛥️ Our Cruises & Services

What's included in the sightseeing cruise?

Your 75-minute sightseeing cruise includes:

  • A welcome glass of Hungarian sparkling wine upon boarding.
  • Unlimited Hungarian sparkling wine. To keep a flexible lounge atmosphere, we do not operate formal table service — simply visit the onboard bar for a refill whenever you are ready. A classic dry sparkling wine is always available, with an additional rosé or semi-sweet option subject to availability.
  • One sparkling wine glass per guest upon arrival. We kindly ask you to keep this glass with you and reuse it for refills throughout the cruise.
  • Self-service stations offering our signature Spritzers: Aperol Spritzer (made with original Aperol), Hugo Spritzer (elderflower), Rossini Spritzer (strawberry), and Limoncello Spritzer. Crafted as light, bubbly refreshments rather than strong mixed cocktails.
  • Homemade lemonade, lemon-mint water, and still water from the self-service stations.
  • Unlimited beer, available by request at the onboard bar.
  • A scenic 12-kilometre journey on the Danube past Budapest's most iconic landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill, and Margaret Island.
  • Timed recorded English audio commentary. Currently, English is the only language available for the audio guide.
  • An international feel-good music selection.
  • Access to the open-air viewing deck and the panoramic heated indoor lounge.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect?

Our cruise has a relaxed, lounge-style, cross-generational atmosphere. We welcome families and couples enjoying a scenic evening, birthday celebrations, and young groups of friends looking for a stylish warm-up before going out. While you can enjoy unlimited drinks, this is not a wild party boat — it is designed for comfortable sightseeing with a sophisticated vibe.

How long does the cruise last?
Each cruise lasts 75 minutes and covers approximately 12 kilometres on the Danube. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.
How much does the sightseeing cruise cost?
The Budapest Evening Sightseeing Cruise — Unlimited Prosecco is €24.80 per person for all guests aged 4 and older. Children under 4 years old travel free of charge, but a €0 "Infant" / "Under 4" ticket must still be added to the booking for capacity tracking. This is a fixed package experience. We do not offer separate child, student, senior, or discounted non-alcoholic tickets. Prices and availability may vary by date, season, and booking platform.
Do you offer other types of cruises?

Yes. On weekends and public holidays, we offer a special Budapest Dinner Cruise with Live Music and All Drinks Unlimited aboard our premium ship, the River Diva.

What's included in the Weekend & Holiday Dinner Cruise?

This exclusive experience includes:

  • A memorable dinner cruise with panoramic views of Budapest.
  • Boarding at Akadémia 3. ponton, near the Hungarian Parliament Building.
  • Special dishes prepared by our chef, served from a hydraulic buffet and show kitchen.
  • A comprehensive unlimited drinks package (cocktails, spirits, draught beer, wines, prosecco, seasonal lemonades, and soft drinks).
  • Live music for an elegant atmosphere.
What are the prices for the Dinner Cruise?
  • Adult (18+): €99 per person
  • Child / Youth (3–17 years): €99 per person
  • Infant (under 3 years): Free of charge. A €0 "Infant" ticket must still be added to the booking for capacity tracking.
Can I rent one of your boats for a private event?

Yes. Our parent company, Rubin Group, specialises in private and corporate events on our fleet of seven event boats, with 18 years of experience on the Danube. We host weddings, corporate events, conferences, birthdays, Christmas parties, and other private celebrations for up to 600 guests. For all private rental and event inquiries, contact our events team directly:

  • Private event rental: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Private prosecco cruise rental: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Can I celebrate on board?

Absolutely. Many guests celebrate birthdays, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and other special occasions on our cruises. You are welcome to wear sashes, tiaras, or other celebratory accessories as long as they do not disturb other guests. We do not offer specific celebration packages, but birthday cakes are allowed as an exception to our no-outside-food policy. Please bring your own plates, cutlery, candles, and any other items. Note: The use of standard candles or sparklers is strictly prohibited on board.

How can I book tickets or contact you?

Tickets and seat reservations cannot be made over the phone. All bookings must be made online — through our website budbyboat.com or one of our authorised partners (GetYourGuide, Viator, Tripadvisor, Booking.com). For general inquiries:

  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Phone: +36 70 595 5045
Can I buy tickets at the dock?

In special cases, yes. Ask our staff at the dock — occasionally, due to no-shows or rebookings, a ticket may be available depending on capacity. Dock sales are not guaranteed, so we highly recommend booking online in advance.

How can I leave a review?

If you enjoyed your cruise, we would appreciate your feedback. You can leave a review on Tripadvisor, Viator, GetYourGuide, Google, or whichever platform you used to book. Your reviews help us improve and help future guests choose their Budapest cruise experience.

📜 Policies & Safety

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that travel plans can change! You can cancel or modify your booking up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept cancellations, offer refunds, or issue rebookings within 24 hours of departure, or in the case of no-shows (including late arrivals or missed departures). We strongly encourage all guests to double-check their departure dock, travel time, and weather forecast beforehand to ensure a smooth experience. (For full details, please review our Terms & Conditions).

Do the boats depart even in bad weather?

Yes. Our boats have heated indoor lounges and cool indoor areas in summer, so cruises operate rain or shine. Cruises are cancelled due to weather only if there is an official prohibition from the authorities. In that case, we notify passengers and offer rebooking or, in certain cases, a refund.

Will the city lights be on during my cruise?

The beautiful decorative lighting of Budapest is operated by the city and turns on automatically at sunset, turning off at 23:00 (or 22:00 in winter time).

Because sunset times change significantly throughout the year, we highly recommend checking the local sunset time online before booking your ticket. This ensures you get the exact experience you are looking for—whether that’s a sunny afternoon, a golden sunset glow, or the fully illuminated night city. (Please note that booking a daylight cruise does not qualify for a refund or rebooking if a night-time experience was expected).

Are there age restrictions for passengers?

There are no general age restrictions, but:

  • A ticket purchase is mandatory for everyone aged 4 years and older on the Sightseeing Cruise, and aged 3 years and older on the Dinner Cruise.
  • Sightseeing Cruise: Children under 4 travel free of charge. A €0 "Infant" or "Under 4" ticket must still be added to the booking.
  • Dinner Cruise: Children under 3 travel free of charge. A €0 "Infant" ticket must still be added to the booking.
  • Passengers between 4 and 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
What is your alcohol and intoxication policy?

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time, so we operate a responsible service policy. Our crew may stop serving alcohol to any guest who appears visibly intoxicated, and for safety reasons, we cannot allow boarding for guests arriving under the heavy influence of alcohol or drugs.

In compliance with Hungarian law, alcohol is strictly served only to guests aged 18 and over. If you look under 25, our friendly bar staff will ask for a physical photo ID (passport or national ID card) before serving. Thank you for your cooperation!

Are drugs allowed on board?

No. Hungary has very strict drug laws. Possession or use of illegal drugs on board is absolutely forbidden and will be reported to the authorities.

Can I smoke or vape on the boat?

Smoking, vaping, and heated tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and IQOS) are permitted only in designated open-air areas on the rear terrace of each boat. They are strictly prohibited in all enclosed public areas and indoor lounges.

What are the rules regarding guest behaviour and damages?

Our priority is to provide a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable atmosphere for all our guests and crew. We kindly ask everyone to behave respectfully. Abusive, dangerous, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in immediate refusal of alcohol service. If necessary, the guest will be removed from the vessel at the nearest dock without a refund, and authorities will be notified.

Please note that guests are financially responsible for any cleaning fees (e.g., €50 for severe soiling) or property damage caused during the cruise, including the high costs of any emergency unscheduled dockings. For detailed information on liability, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Is there a safety briefing, and are life jackets available on board?

All our boats are equipped with certified life jackets and safety equipment as required by regulations. Our crew is fully trained in safety protocols. Emergency exits are marked on both sides of the boat. In an emergency, remain calm, stay seated, and follow the crew's instructions. Never enter areas restricted to passengers.

What safety rules should I be aware of on board?

For your safety, please:

  • Do not climb on railings.
  • Do not stand on chairs or tables.
  • Do not lean too far over the edge of the vessel.
  • Do not enter restricted areas.
  • Hold onto handrails when moving on board — passing boat traffic can cause unexpected motion.
  • Always follow the instructions of the Captain and crew, under all circumstances. By international maritime law, the Captain has absolute authority over the vessel, and compliance is mandatory at all times.
Is swimming or jumping into the river allowed?

Absolutely not. For your own safety, jumping into the Danube from the vessel is strictly prohibited under all circumstances. The river has strong currents, heavy boat traffic, and cold water temperatures, making it extremely dangerous. Any guest attempting to jump will face immediate removal from the cruise, police involvement, and full financial liability for the high costs of emergency docking and operational delays.

What if I am feeling unwell?

Contact our staff immediately. The crew is trained in first aid and ready to help.

Is there CCTV on board and at the docks?

Yes. All our boats and docks are equipped with a comprehensive CCTV system, including both visible and concealed cameras. Recordings are used for security, safety, incident investigation, and the protection of guests, crew, and company property, in line with applicable data protection regulations.

How can I be considerate of other guests during the cruise?

Many guests want to enjoy the audio guide, take photos, or simply relax. Keep noise at a reasonable level, use headphones for your own audio, and follow staff and crew instructions. Please do not touch, move, or dismantle our flower decorations or other onboard décor.

What is your Lost & Found policy?

If you have left anything on board, check immediately with our staff. We keep lost items for up to 30 days — after that, items may be donated or disposed of. Found items can only be collected in person; we are unable to mail lost items.