Sightseeing by Amphibious Bus in Budapest
Discover a bus that turns into a boat on the Danube River:
First in Europe: Cruising Budapest since 2009
Splash into the Danube: Over 14,500 epic splashes
Multilingual guides: Live tours in 13 languages
Loved by travelers: 30,000 guests ride each year
Bus + boat: 15-ton amphibious fun on land & water
Skilled crew: Drivers with both bus and boat licenses
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Budapest!
Benefits
Traveler01/DepositphotosTickets and Prices
This is a continuous route, no stops are made during the tour. Choose from two ticket types:
- The shorter tour runs for about 50 minutes, with 20 minutes spent cruising the River Danube.
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- The complete tour lasts 1.5 hours, giving you 50 minutes on the water. Go big and you’ll glide past both Parliament and Buda Castle in all their glory.
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Plan Your Visit
Opening Hours
RiverRide’s office is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00 except in cases of flooding, ice drift, or very low water levels. Check out the tour times below:
| Tour | Days | Times | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Tour | Daily | 10:30 | 50 min |
| Full Tour | Daily | 11:30, 14:00, 16:00 | 1.5 hrs |
| Full Tour Extra | Saturday | 17:30 | 1.5 hrs |
Heads up:
The bus needs a little TLC, too. There are monthly maintenance days, which is why pre-booking online is recommended. In September, that’s the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 11th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
Departure Point
Both tours depart from 7/8 Széchenyi Square in front of the Tokio Restaurant.
Szechenyi Ter Budapest
Budapest, Széchenyi István tér, 1051 Hungary · Google Maps
Route & Map
Below is the route that RiverRide passes by:
Széchenyi István Square
Tours begin at Széchenyi István Square, right next to the famous Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
Dohány Street Synagogue
On the complete tour, and if traffic is on your side, you’ll head past Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe and the main centre of Neolog Judaism.
Andrássy Avenue
From there, the bus makes its way up Andrássy Avenue. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002, it’s known for its elegant Neo-renaissance mansions and attractions like the Hungarian State Opera House.
Heroes’ Square
At the top of Andrássy Avenue, you’ll arrive at Heroes’ Square, home to the Millennium Monument with statues of the seven Magyar tribe leaders and other prominent figures from Hungarian history.
Dózsa György Street, City Park, Danube River
The tour then continues along Dózsa György Street, past the wide open spaces of City Park, before reaching the Danube and the splash zone.
Margaret Island
Once in the river, you’ll float past Margaret Island
Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle
On the complete tour, you’ll also glide by the grand Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle.
Széchenyi István Square
The journey wraps up back at Széchenyi István Square, where it all began
Accessibility
RiverRide is not accessible to wheelchair users. Bus access is via stairs, and wheelchair seating isn’t available inside.
Book together and save up to 5%!
Combine your ticket with an extra experience at checkout and enjoy even more attractions and activities in Budapest. Limited availability.
What to See & Do
Here are the magical sights you’ll see on your land and water journey as you cruise through the streets of Budapest before floating down the River Danube with RiverRide.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Your RiverRide adventure begins right by the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, one of Budapest’s most photographed landmarks. Completed in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest. From the bus window, you can admire its elegant suspension design and the stone lions guarding each end.
Fun fact: the sculptor supposedly forgot to carve the lions’ tongues, and locals still joke about it today. When the bus later splashes into the river, keep your camera ready. The Chain Bridge from the Danube is one of the city’s best photos.
Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Gliding past the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, you’ll see a neo-Renaissance palace that wouldn’t look out of place in Paris. Founded in 1825, it’s still a hub for research and knowledge.
From your seat, you’ll notice the grand columns and statues decorating the facade. This is also where locals gather for riverside concerts and events in summer, so it’s more than just an academic landmark; it’s part of city life.
Dohány Street Synagogue
If you’re on the complete tour and traffic cooperates, you’ll pass by the Dohány Street Synagogue. Known as the Great Synagogue, it’s the largest in Europe, with space for 3,000 worshippers. Its twin onion-domed towers and Moorish Revival style look spectacular even from the bus. A quick tip: sit on the right-hand side as you approach for the best angle.
Its courtyard is also home to the Emanuel Tree, a striking silver memorial to Hungary’s Holocaust victims. Even a glimpse through the synagogue’s gates leaves an impression.
Andrássy Avenue & Opera House
As the bus cruises up Andrássy Avenue, you’ll pass breathtaking palaces, boutiques, and cafes that have earned this boulevard UNESCO World Heritage status. Budapest’s answer to the Champs-Élysées, this stretch of the ride feels like a trip back to 19th-century Europe.
One standout is the Hungarian State Opera House, a neo-Renaissance gem that opened in 1884. You’ll see its intricate facade from the bus, but here’s a tip: look up. The statues of famous composers and Hungarian figures keep watch from above the entrance.
Heroes’ Square
At the end of Andrássy Avenue, the bus rolls up to Heroes’ Square, an enormous plaza that feels even grander when you’re sitting at ground level. The Millennium Monument dominates the space, with its towering column topped by Archangel Gabriel. Surrounding it are statues of Magyar chieftains and Hungarian kings.
It’s a favorite selfie spot, so don’t be shy about snapping a photo through the bus window. If you return at night, the square is beautifully lit.
Splashing Into The River Danube
Now for the big moment: the splash. The bus leaves the road, plunges into the Danube, and sprays water across the windows. Expect a ripple of cheers and laughter from fellow passengers, as it’s a strange but thrilling feeling.
One moment you’re rolling along the street, the next you’re floating past islands and bridges. Keep your phone or camera ready because this is when the tour transforms from quirky to unforgettable.
Hungarian Parliament Building
Once on the water, the Hungarian Parliament Building steals the show. Its neo-Gothic towers, arches, and 96-metre dome dominate the Pest side of the river. From the bus, you get a front-row seat to its riverside splendour.
Fun fact: the number 96 represents Hungary’s founding in 896. The best views are from the water, so sit back and enjoy what might be the most Instagrammable sight in the city.
Royal Palace
Across the river on Castle Hill, the Royal Palace (also called Buda Castle) crowns the skyline. Its green dome and sprawling wings are even more dramatic when seen from the water. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, yet it remains Budapest’s enduring icon.
From the bus, you’ll have a sweeping view of the entire Castle District. It’s the perfect finale to your RiverRide journey.
Insider Tips
- The bus doesn’t have assigned seating. So if you want a good spot (at the front or near the windows) or to sit with your group, show up 15 minutes before departure.
- The shorter tour is less demanding if you have kids or are traveling with someone who might get restless. The complete tour is better for first-time visitors wanting to see all the iconic views.
- There are no toilets on board, so plan ahead before boarding.
- Remember, there are monthly maintenance days. So cross-check the schedule on the official RiverRide site before you plan. Or save the hassle and prebook online to secure your spot.
- There are multiples languages available through audio guides, plus English and German-speaking live guides. If your preferred language is less common, double-check that it’s working/available on your departure day.
FAQs
What is the floating bus in Budapest?
It is RiverRide, an amphibious vehicle that drives the streets like a normal sightseeing bus and then splashes straight into the Danube to keep going as a boat. You see the city by road, then float past the same skyline from the water on one trip. It was the first amphibious bus tour in Europe and has been running in Budapest since 2009. You can book the floating bus here.
How long is the floating bus tour?
There are two options. The shorter tour runs about 50 minutes, with roughly 20 minutes spent cruising on the Danube. The complete tour lasts about 1.5 hours and gives you around 50 minutes on the water, gliding past both the Parliament and Buda Castle.
Where does the floating bus start and end?
Both tours leave from 7/8 Széchenyi Square, in front of the Tokio Restaurant, right next to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in central Budapest. The route is continuous with no stops in between, and the journey wraps up back at Széchenyi Square where it began.
How much are floating bus tickets and how do I get them?
Pricing depends on which tour you pick, the shorter one or the complete 1.5-hour ride, so check the live price for your date. Seats are not reserved and the bus has monthly maintenance days, so booking ahead is the safest way to lock in your spot. Book your floating bus tickets online here.
Is the floating bus worth it, and is it good for kids?
It is one of Budapest’s most family-friendly rides, built around the moment the bus drives off the ramp straight into the Danube. If you are traveling with younger children or anyone who might get restless, the shorter tour is the easier choice. First-time visitors who want to see all the headline sights tend to prefer the complete tour, which glides past the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle from the water.
Is the floating bus included on the Budapest Pass?
No, the floating bus is a separate ticket. The Budapest Pass bundle includes a standard Danube river sightseeing cruise rather than the RiverRide amphibious tour, so if you want the splash experience you book it on its own.