Quick answer
Prague to Vienna by bike takes 7–10 days covering approximately 370 km. The route descends from Prague along the Vltava and Elbe rivers before joining the famous Danube Cycle Path (EuroVelo 6) and riding downstream to Vienna. The terrain is predominantly flat once you leave Bohemia, making it accessible to most fit adults without specialist training.
Who is this for
This route suits cyclists who want a point-to-point adventure combining cultural highlights — Prague, Czech Krumlov, Linz or Passau, the Wachau wine valley, Vienna — with relaxed river riding. It’s ideal for cyclists comfortable averaging 40–60 km per day on marked paths. Families with older children (12+) manage it well on e-bikes; younger children are better suited to shorter family-friendly loops.
The route in detail
Prague to the Austrian border (approx. 180–220 km, 3–4 days)
The journey begins in the Czech capital and heads south through the Vltava valley. The first section as far as Czech Krumlov (around 180 km) involves the most elevation of the entire trip — the Bohemian countryside is rolling rather than flat, with long gentle climbs between river sections. Expect 300–500 m of cumulative ascent on the hillier days.
Czech Krumlov itself is one of the route’s highlights: a UNESCO-listed baroque town wrapped in a horseshoe bend of the Vltava, with a castle, excellent cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere that rewards an extra half-day. From here the route drops southward into Austria through the Muhlviertel region toward Linz, or alternatively crosses briefly into Germany via Passau — the dramatic city at the confluence of three rivers.
Linz / Passau to Vienna (approx. 150–170 km, 3–4 days)
Once on the Danube the character of the ride changes completely: almost entirely flat, dedicated asphalt cycle paths on both banks, and a string of charming towns every 20–30 km. This is EuroVelo 6, one of the most popular long-distance cycle routes in Europe, and the infrastructure shows — ferry crossings, riverside beer gardens, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses at every stop.
Highlights include the riverside town of Grein, the spectacular Melk Abbey visible from the water, Durnstein with its ruined castle and blue church tower, and the Wachau wine valley between Krems and Melk — a UNESCO landscape of terraced vineyards and apricot orchards. The final approach into Vienna follows the Donauinsel (Danube Island) cycle path directly into the city centre without touching a major road.
Key facts
- Total distance: 340–380 km depending on variant chosen
- Typical duration: 7–10 days cycling
- Daily distance: 40–65 km
- Elevation: Hilly in Bohemia (days 1–3), flat on the Danube (days 4–10)
- Surface: Mix of gravel track and asphalt in Czech Republic; Danube section is almost entirely asphalt
- Signage: EuroVelo 6 on the Danube is very well signed; Czech sections benefit from a GPS track
- Bike return: Vienna to Prague by train takes around 4 hours (Westbahn + RegioJet)
When to go
Best months: May, June, and September
May and June offer long days, mild temperatures (18–25 C), and the famous Wachau apricot blossoms. September brings harvest season in the wine villages, golden afternoon light, and noticeably fewer crowds on the Danube path. July and August are perfectly rideable but popular — the section between Melk and Vienna gets busy at weekends, and accommodation books out fast.
Avoid early April (cold nights, unpredictable rain) and late October onwards, when days shorten sharply and many riverside guesthouses close for the season.
Practical tips
Getting there and back
The cleanest option is to fly into Prague Airport (PRG) and out of Vienna International (VIE) — both are well connected across Europe and North America. The Prague–Vienna overnight train is a useful alternative if you want to avoid flying. Most regional trains in the Czech Republic and Austria accept bicycles with a bike reservation ticket; fold-up bikes travel free.
Accommodation
The route is well served by cyclist-friendly guesthouses. In the Wachau expect to pay EUR 70–110 per person per night in season; the Czech sections are cheaper at EUR 40–70. Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for July–August travel, particularly in Czech Krumlov and the Wachau.
Navigation
Download a Komoot or Mapy.cz GPX track before departure. Mobile signal is reliable throughout but battery life is the limiting factor on full cycling days — a dynamo charger or a large power bank will keep you covered.
Luggage and daily logistics
Riding with heavy panniers is manageable on the flat Danube section but noticeably hard work on the rolling Czech stages. Luggage transfer — moving your bags between hotels each day while you ride — transforms the experience: you arrive fresh, carry only a small daypack, and can tackle the hillier days without dreading the climbs.
Recommended tours
We offer both a fully guided and a self-guided version of this route, with accommodation pre-booked, daily luggage transfer, detailed route notes, and 24/7 support throughout. Browse our Prague–Vienna tours for current dates and prices.
