Danube River Road Trip

The Danube River Road Trip is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Central Europe. Starting in Passau, Germany and ending in Vienna, Austria, the 350 km route takes you through the towns of Linz, Melk, and Krems an der Donau. This road trip is best done in the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. Along the way, you can take in the stunning landscapes, visit historical sites, and marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage monuments. The road conditions are excellent, making the journey comfortable and safe. However, you should be aware that there is a border crossing along the route. This road trip is suitable for everyone, and can be managed on a moderate budget. It offers an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Passau, a charming German city situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers, is a great starting point for the Danube River Road Trip. This city, known as the Three Rivers City, is steeped in history and culture, making it a fascinating place to explore. From the stunning St. Stephen's Cathedral, which houses the world's largest cathedral organ, to the Baroque Town Hall and the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century castle, Passau has a lot to offer. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Munich Airport (MUC), which offers car rentals. From Munich, it takes approximately three hours to reach Passau by car. Once in Passau, visitors should explore the city's winding streets, lined with colorful buildings and churches, as well as its picturesque harbor. In addition, a stroll along the waterfront promenade, a boat trip on the three rivers, and a visit to the Bavarian Forest National Park are other must-dos. From Passau, travelers can continue their road trip along the Danube River, stopping at charming towns and villages, such as Linz, Melk, and Vienna, before finishing their journey in Budapest.

Start your road trip in Passau, Germany and take the scenic route to Linz, Austria! This 84 km journey will take you fewer than two hours, and you'll cross the state border along the way. With so many interesting places to visit, you'll never be bored! In Passau, make sure to visit the St. Stephen's Cathedral, the oldest Baroque church in the city. The views of the Danube and the Inn rivers from the cathedral's tower are simply breathtaking. Make sure to also take a stroll through the Old Town, where you can find many small shops and restaurants. Continue your journey to Linz, where you can explore the Landhausplatz, a Renaissance square surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings. Don't miss the Linz Castle, where you can learn about the city's history. The Lentos Art Museum is also a must-see, with its modern glass façade and impressive collection of art. If you're looking for a break from the city, take the train to the Pöstlingberg and enjoy the views from the top. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby gardens and parks. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage. Have a great trip!

Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Start your journey in the beautiful city of Linz, Austria, and take a 117 km drive to the historical city of Sankt Florian. On your way, you will be mesmerized by the scenic views of the countryside and the rolling hills. Make sure to keep your eyes open for some of the historical sites, such as the old monastery and the castle ruins. Once you reach Sankt Florian, you can explore the city's rich history and culture, as well as its beautiful churches and monuments. Continue your journey and head to Melk, another historical city in Austria. Here, you can visit the stunning Melk Abbey, the largest baroque monastery in the country. The abbey offers breathtaking views of the Danube River, and its library is a great place to explore. Don't forget to visit the Melk Castle, which is also worth a visit. This road trip will take you fewer than 3 hours, so make sure you make the most of it. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

Embark on a beautiful road trip starting in Melk, Austria! This 37 km journey will take you less than an hour to reach your destination, Krems an der Donau. Along the way, you will pass through the picturesque town of Dürnstein. This small town is known for its historical sites, including the ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was held captive. As you drive through the town, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Danube River. Be sure to take a few moments to enjoy the scenery! As you continue your journey, you will pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Austria. You will be surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint villages. As you approach Krems an der Donau, you will be able to take in the stunning views of the city. There are a number of attractions to explore in this city, so be sure to take some time to explore. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Embark on a 112 km road trip from Krems an der Donau to Vienna, and explore the cultural and historical gems of this region. This journey will take you less than 3 hours and can be made even more enjoyable by visiting some of the UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. Start by visiting the charming city of St. Pölten, where you can explore the historic city center and visit the nearby ruins of Vöest. Continue on to Vienna, where you can explore the city's famous landmarks, such as the Schönbrunn Palace and the Stephansdom. For a truly unique experience, take a trip to the Prater amusement park and explore the city's nightlife. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. With so much to explore, this road trip is sure to be a memorable experience.

End your Danube River Road Trip in Vienna, Austria! Vienna is a city of culture and history, with a modern twist. For anyone who loves art and architecture, Vienna is the perfect destination. The city is filled with stunning Baroque and Gothic buildings, and you can find many world-famous museums and galleries within its walls. The Belvedere Palace and the Hofburg Imperial Palace are two of the most impressive buildings in Vienna. For those seeking a bit of culture and history, the Schönbrunn Palace and the Sisi Museum are great places to visit. The city is also home to some of the world’s best performing arts venues, including the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, there’s plenty of nightlife to be found in the city. Vienna is also a great destination for foodies. From the traditional Austrian cuisine to the city’s diverse range of international restaurants, Vienna has something for everyone. The city is also known for its coffee culture and you can find plenty of cafes and coffee houses throughout the city. For those traveling by car, Vienna is easily accessible by the A1, A2 and A3 motorways. The closest international airport is Vienna International Airport (VIE) which is located just outside the city center. No matter what you’re looking for, Vienna is the perfect place to end your Danube River Road Trip. With its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife, Vienna is sure to make your trip unforgettable.

We hope that the presented Danube River Road Trip gave you multiple inspirations for your future travels.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting highlights.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Austria, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to be mindful of to turn your adventure into pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all holidaymakers considering car rental or camper rental in Austria.
Holidayers who choose Austria as their holiday destination should definitely be mindful of the local traffic regulations. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense while sightseeing in a vehicle. The amount of alcohol you can consume is low and equals only 0.5‰. In order to avoid speeding offence, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum permissible speed when travelling around the urban areas. In non-build-up areas, you can travel at the maximum speed of 100km/h. In Austria, the permissible speed on motorways is 130km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase the safety of your passengers.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. Depending on the budget option that you go for, the total expenses during the whole road trip can vary. A wide range of budget options is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 350km across Austria may cost approximately 50 EUR. Holidaymakers will have to spend the average of up to 242 EUR on economy overnight stays. The travel expenses connected with restaurants and food within this option can cost up to around 216 EUR. If you also choose the budget car hire option, you will pay around 162 EUR. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be more or less 508 EUR without vehicle hire and 670 EUR with car hire.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 5 stages around Austria can cost around 63 EUR. Those who are considering standard accommodation should be ready to pay approximately 440 EUR. Holidayers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost more or less 324 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of approximately 216 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 1,043 EUR for holidayers who would like to try car hire and 827 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Travellers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 1,650 EUR for drivers who are considering car hire and 827 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium hire car can expect a cost of more or less 459 EUR. If you are interested in the highest comfort of the adventure, the fuel cost will be up to more or less 88 EUR. Tourists should expect to pay approximately 671 EUR for hotels and 432 EUR for food and restaurants if they are searching for the top standard of services.
Danube River Road Trip is also an ideal opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. If you choose this travel option, the expenses are approximately 675 EUR. Travellers will spend approximately 100 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the Danube River Road Trip. Drivers who are considering camper hire should expect to pay more or less 165 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
All of the details connected with costs can be checked in the section Road Trip Costs.
The part of Austria presented in our itinerary idea is perfect to be visited between May and September. If you like Danube River Road Trip, there are plenty of beautiful journeys on our website. Hopefully, the great versatility of travel opportunities will definitely meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers.