If you're planning a trip to Budapest, you might want to consider adding the "floating bus" experience to your itinerary. Budapest Floating Bus is a unique attraction which takes you on a tour of the city's most famous landmarks, all while cruising along the Danube River.

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What is the Budapest Floating Bus?

The Budapest Floating Bus is a one-of-a-kind tour that takes you on a bus that has been transformed into a boat. This amphibious vehicle can travel on both land and water, allowing you to explore the city from a completely new perspective.

How Does it Work?

The tour starts on the streets of Budapest, where you'll board the bus and begin your journey through the city's bustling streets. You'll pass by some of Budapest's most iconic landmarks, including the Parliament Building, the Chain Bridge, and the Buda Castle.

Once you've seen the city from the land, the real adventure begins as the bus plunges into the Danube River. You'll continue your tour on the water, where you'll be able to take in breathtaking views of Budapest's skyline.

 

 

Discover the hidden treasures of the city by Budapest Floating Bus

Budapest is a city full of history, beauty, and charm, and there are countless ways to explore all that it has to offer. One unique and exciting way to discover the hidden treasures of Budapest is by taking a floating bus tour. This one-of-a-kind experience allows visitors to explore both the land and waterways of the city, providing a new perspective and uncovering some of Budapest's most hidden gems.

The floating bus tour begins on land, where visitors board a bus that looks like any other tour bus. The tour takes visitors on a scenic drive through the city, showcasing some of Budapest's most iconic landmarks, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Fisherman's Bastion. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide provides fascinating historical and cultural insights, making the tour both educational and entertaining.

After the land portion of the tour is complete, the bus heads towards the Danube River. The bus then transitions into a boat, allowing passengers to continue their tour along the river. This is where the real magic happens, as visitors are able to see the city from a completely different angle. The floating bus tour takes visitors past stunning views of the city's skyline and allows them to appreciate the unique beauty of Budapest's bridges, such as the famous Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge.

The floating bus tour also takes visitors past the beautiful Margaret Island, which is located in the middle of the Danube River. This hidden gem is a popular destination for locals, but many tourists may not be aware of its existence. Margaret Island is home to a stunning park, a musical fountain, and a beautiful Japanese garden, making it a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

Overall, the floating bus tour is an exciting and unique way to discover the hidden treasures of Budapest. Not only does it provide visitors with a new perspective on the city, but it also allows them to uncover some of Budapest's most hidden and lesser-known gems. With so much to see and explore, the floating bus tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Budapest.

Seeing the City from a Floating Bus

The floating bus tour typically starts at a designated location along the Danube River. From there, passengers board a specially designed bus that has been fitted with pontoons that allow it to float on the water. The tour then takes passengers along the river, providing them with a fantastic view of Budapest's iconic landmarks.

One of the benefits of taking a floating bus tour is that it allows visitors to see the city's sights from a different perspective. While most tours focus on the city's landmarks and attractions from a land-based perspective, the floating bus provides passengers with a unique view from the water. This perspective allows visitors to see the city's landmarks from a new angle, providing a fresh take on some of Budapest's most famous sights.

As the tour takes place on the water, passengers can also expect to see a variety of other sights, such as riverboats, cargo ships, and local fishermen casting their lines.

Aside from the city's landmarks, the floating bus tour also provides passengers with a glimpse into Budapest's history and culture. The tour guide typically shares interesting facts and anecdotes about the city, including its rich history, famous inhabitants, and unique traditions. Passengers can also learn about the city's architecture, including the mix of styles that are present throughout the city.

The floating bus tour is also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. As the bus floats along the river, passengers can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the water, away from the noise and traffic of the city. This makes it an excellent way to unwind and relax while still taking in the sights and sounds of Budapest.

Budapest Floating Bus
Budapest Floating Bus © ZandArt

Another benefit of the floating bus tour is that it is suitable for visitors of all ages. Families with children, seniors, and solo travelers can all enjoy the tour and take in the sights at their own pace. The bus is also accessible for those with mobility issues, as it is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

The floating bus tour typically lasts for around an hour, although some tours may be longer or shorter depending on the operator. During this time, passengers can take photos, ask questions, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the city.

1.5 hours on the Danube from the window of the floating bus

RiverRide is a unique sightseeing program that allows you to enjoy the attractions of Budapest while sitting comfortably in your seat.
The Danube River is an integral part of Budapest's identity, and experiencing the refreshing breeze and warm sunshine while traveling on a luxurious bus is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

The city of Budapest is inseparable from the Danube river, and the pleasure of basking in the gentle breeze and sun rays while traveling aboard a luxurious bus is an experience that will forever stay with you.

Our tour commences at the building that houses the most intelligent and learned individuals of Hungary. The Academy was established by Count István Széchenyi, who also gave his name to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which begins from the square. The building regularly holds temporary exhibits and classical music concerts in its Ceremonial Hall.

You can see the sights from the land before taking a dip. Turning onto Dózsa György út, your bus will head towards the Danube, while your guide will tell you some interesting facts about the zoo and the amphibians.  You will also be shown Margaret Island, Margaret Bridge, Buda Castle, the Parliament, Chain Bridge and the Danube that separates Buda and Pest. Thus, Budapest will have two sides, Buda and Pest.

A view of Budapest you've never seen before

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. It is also famous for its beautiful location on the Danube River, which divides the city into two parts - Buda and Pest. One of the best ways to see the city's magnificent landmarks and attractions is by taking a tour on a floating bus, known as RiverRide.RiverRide is a unique sightseeing program that allows visitors to experience Budapest from a different perspective - the Danube River.

The RiverRide tour concludes with a splash into the Danube River, as the floating bus transforms into a boat, allowing visitors to see the city from the water. This unique experience offers a different perspective of Budapest and its landmarks, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors.In conclusion, Budapest is a city full of history, culture, and stunning architecture.

Taking a tour on a floating bus allows visitors to see the city's famous landmarks and attractions from a different perspective, giving them a view of Budapest they've never seen before. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to Budapest, the RiverRide tour is an experience not to be missed.

There are two tours to choose from. A full tour and a short tour:

  • Time for the full tour: 1.5 hours
  • Short tour: 50 minutes
  • Guided tours are available in several languages (Live: in English and German, Audioguide: in English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Hebrew, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Ukrainian.)

River Ride: the Budapest Floating Bus tours

Full tours:

Starting location: Budapest, Széchenyi Square 7-8  In front of Tokyo Restaurant

Course or heading: Széchenyi István square - József Attila utca - (depending on traffic: Dohány street Synagogue) - Andrássy road - Hősök square - Dózsa György road - Dráva street - go to Duna - approx. 50 minutes boat ride - Pesti  quayside /Bajcsy-Zsilinszky road - Széchenyi István square.

Time: 1.5 hours

Short tours:

Starting location: Budapest, Széchenyi Square 7-8  In front of Tokyo Restaurant

Course or heading: Széchenyi István square - József Attila street - (depending on traffic: Dohány street Synagogue) - Andrássy avenue- Heroes' square - Dózsa György road - Dráva street - go to Danube - approx. 20 minutes boat ride - Pesti quayside /Bajcsy-Zsilinszky road - Széchenyi István square.

Time:   50 min

 

 

Tips and Tricks

  1. Book your tickets in advance: It's best to book your tickets online in advance to ensure availability and to save time queuing up at the ticket office.
  2. With the 72 hours Budapest Card the Budapest Floating Bus tour is free.
  3. From private accommodation with a personalised city tour.
  4. Listen to the guide: The floating bus tour comes with a guide who will provide information about the sights and attractions along the way. Be sure to listen carefully and ask questions if you have any.
  5. Don't forget to bring your camera.
  6. Important: You cannot buy a seat, even if you book your tickets, so you should arrive early if you want to sit next to each other in a seat of your choice or if you want to have a seat at all. 
  7. Tickets are selling fast, don't forget to buy them early.
  8. With younger children, it is better to choose the shorter hike.
  9. On the way into the water and on the return to land, the atmosphere is enhanced with background music.
  10. There are no toilets on the bus, so it's a good idea to arrange these beforehand.
  11. After the tour, go for a really good ice cream and a walk around the city.

Departure Time

Full tours

11:30
14:00
16:00

Short tours

10:00
17:30

Prices (2023)

Full tours

Adult: 14.000 HUF
Student: 12.000 HUF
Child under 6 years: 2.000 HUF

Short tours

Adult: 10.000 HUF
Student: 8.000 HUF
Child under 6 years: 2.000 HUF

 

Site location (Departure): Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 7, 1051

GPS coordinates: 47.500495, 19.047262

Google Photos: Click here

 

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