Does anyone have any information on traveling between these two cities by boat on the Danube. I know there are companies that offer cruises that go to a number of different places on the Danube, but we are looking to travel only between these two points.

Hi Karen, Prague is not on the Danube, it's on the Vatlava(sp) which is not very navagable.

Thanks, Art. I do feel dumb. Have you traveled between these two cities? I would imagine there is train service, and I guess you could drive. I would prefer not to fly as I imagine the fares would be high.

Hi Karen, yes I traveled between Budapest and Prague 2 years ago. I did fly because I had to use up some travel vouchers. It was nice and short 1 1/2 hours as opposed to the very long train ride (I think approx 10 hrs), but I would have taken the train otherwise. Both beautiful citys with Budapest being the most beautiful city in Europe and one of my favorates. You'll enjoy both. If you have any questions, email me and I'll be happy to try to answer them. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

The train ride is about 8 hours, but it didn't seem that long. You might want to train to Vienna and then take the boat to Budapest. Vienna is just a little over half-way between the two.

Linda took the words right out of my fingers <BR>Train to Vienna is about 5 hours -- spend a day or so there then take the boat to Budapest -- that's the best of both worlds Now maybe someone will post information about the boat options??

Art -- VLATAVA *grin*

Thanks Sally, I knew that I had the l misplaced, but couldn't remember where. <BR>Art <BR>

Karen, <BR> <BR>We did the trip in reverse and took an overnight train from Budapest to Prague. If you do something like that, I would recommend getting a private sleeping berth.

I would like to know about what boat service is available between Vienna and Budapest. Has anyone done this or does anyone know how to get info?

Karen, there is a Hydrafoil between Vienna and budapest. I'm not sure if there are any others. Maybe topping this will help. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

Art, thanks for the info about the hydrofoil. I managed to search out a company called Mahart in Hungary that operates this service. It does not seem posible to book directly with them, but in doing the search I found a tour company that could do this for me. I haven't contacted them yet, nor do I know the cost. I did learn there is daily service in low season in the morning and a second sailing leaving in the aftrernoon during high season. Trip takes 5 1/2 to 6 hours for the 282km one-way trip. There are hostess services and canteen services onboard. The internet is truly an amazing tool, and I appreciate your steering me in the right direction.

The boat is small,narrow and too fast to enjoy the wiew.Because of a damm in Slovakia the boat is very often 1-2 hours late.I'd suggest the train <BR>Eva

Eva, thanks for your input. Did you take the hydrofoil yourself? I'm disappointed to know that it wouldn't be scenic, but I guess I should have expected that since hydrofoils are speedy. Also I didn't know about the dam in Slovakia. I guess the train would be a better choice, although I imagine that it also would travel too fast to enjoy the scenery

Eva, as usual, has good local info -- Karen -- think about taking the train to Budapest, but them perhaps taking a daytrip to the Danube "bend" by hydrofoil or regular boat.

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful information. I am really enjoying this Fodor's site and am grateful to all the posters who take the time to try to help fellow travelers.

Hi Karen, <BR>We are traveling from Prague to Budapest in about 2 weeks. I don't know which way you are going. The train ride is about 8 plus hrs. We are leaving from Prague at night and arrive around 8 - 9 in the morning. My feeling is that if you/ve got to be on the train for that long, you might as well get a little shut eye. The train leaves Prague around 10 - 11PM, so you get an extra night in Prague. I think the train fare is $80 plus another $40 for a Sleeper? Not sure about the price. Hope this helps. <BR>Terry

Hi Karen <BR>I1m a guide in Hungary,had a lot of guests arriving by the hidrofoil,and NONE of them very enthusiastic.I1ve taken it once myself,it was 10 years ago,may be it's a bit changed ,but I don't thins so. <BR>The boat for Danube Bend is too slow.Budapest-Szentendre 1,5 h,Szentendre Visegrad 1,5 h,Visegrad-Esztergom1,5 h.Full of schoolchildren,You have to go early to take good seats.The relytively good solution is taking the boat from Szentendre to Bp, down the river,only 1h15min,no crowds,and arriving to Budapest on the danube is really great. <BR>The train is passing the Small Plain,not bad,but nothing special. <BR>If you have any question about Hungary feel free to ask.

Eva, thanks for all your suggestions. One last question, if I may. We're debating between the Hilton and the Kempinski Corvinus. Which side of the Danube do you think is preferable and why?. Also do you have a favorite special occasion restaurant to recommend?

Hi again Karen, several people will suggest that you stay on the Budda side, but you have a good uphill walk getting there or a crowded bus. <BR>Although there is a bit to see on the Budda side, there is much more on the Pest side and the subways and trolleys are fantistic. Buy a multi day pass whic is good on the Metro, Trolleys and buses. I don't know how much you want to spend on hotels, but 3 of the major ones are on the Pest side on the Danube. <BR>If you wish any paticulairs on places of interest (to mee anyway) feel free to email me. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>