Rolling and Floating: What It’s Really Like on Budapest’s Amphibious Water Bus

Have you ever been strolling around the banks of the Danube, minding your own business, when suddenly a flashy yellow bus comes right off the road, dives straight into the water? No need to be alarmed, the driver did not doze off behind the wheel.

What you have just seen is the RiverRide, the amphibious water bus that Budapest is known for! If you are torn between a standard bus tour of the city and a boat ride, this funny yellow bus takes care of both of your needs.

Below is what it is like riding this one-of-a-kind attraction in Budapest.

What is an Amphibious Bus?

At first glance, the RiverRide looks like a normal, albeit slightly bulky, tour bus. It has standard bus seats, large panoramic windows, and a tour guide with a microphone. But underneath, it’s built on a custom-designed chassis that functions entirely as a boat.

Because it’s fully enclosed, you get the thrill of an open-water boat ride without freezing in the winter or dealing with intense winds. Yes, it has heating, air conditioning, and even life jackets stowed safely above your seats, just like on an airplane.

Part 1: The Land Tour

This adventure starts off purely on dry ground. Typically, the bus sets off from Széchenyi István Square (which is next to the Chain Bridge in Pest). Until it reaches the river, the ride acts no differently than an ordinary sightseeing bus tour.

You will travel along the busy streets of the city, passing by some of its greatest landmarks:

• The Hungarian Academy of Sciences
• The architecture of Andrássy Avenue
• The giant statues at Heroes’ Square

Your audio guide and the host tell you about the history of Budapest, but you can really sense the build-up inside the bus. Everything is getting ready for the main event.

Part 2: The “Splash”

Once done with the tour of the land sites, the bus moves to the river site located along Dráva Street. This is where the fun begins.

The driver stops at the top of the concrete slope leading into the Danube River. The guide gives a dramatic countdown, the bus engine revs, and then the bus goes rolling down the slope straight into the water. It is such an unreal experience. You know in your mind that you are inside a road vehicle, yet suddenly the water starts splashing against your window panes.

Part 3: The River Cruise

Once in the water, the wheels go up (literally speaking) and the marine engines come into play. The bus becomes an unexpectedly smooth river boat.

The Danube River provides you with a totally new view of the city. Here you will have absolutely clear views of the Hungarian Parliament Building, which, in my opinion, can be photographed at its best from the water point of view. In addition, you’ll pass by the Buda Castle District, the Citadel, and the beautiful bridges joining the two sides of the city.

Practical Info for Your Visit

If you want to add this to your Budapest itinerary, here is what you need to know:

Local Tip: Because this is a very specific, novelty tour, tickets tend to sell out fast, especially during the summer months and on weekends. Always book your tickets online a few days in advance so you don’t miss the boat (literally).