Cruise port Passau
Port information & tips for Passau
Passau, the charming Three-River City on the border with Austria, is considered one of the most picturesque starting points for Danube cruises. The historic old town enchants visitors with its Italian baroque flair and winding alleys that nestle harmoniously between the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Cultural highlights include the majestic St. Stephan's Cathedral with the world's largest cathedral organ, the historic Veste Oberhaus fortress high above the city, and the impressive Dreiflüsse-Eck. River cruise ships usually dock directly at the Fritz-Schäffer-Promenade or at the berths in Passau-Lindau, which means the vibrant city center is also easily reachable in just a few minutes' walk thanks to the central location.
Passau, the charming Three-River City, is the ideal starting point for Danube cruises and, thanks to its location in the border triangle, is excellently connected to the European transport network. Depending on the cruise line, ships dock at various berths in Passau-Lindau, Racklau, or directly at the picturesque Old Town promenade.
Car
Via the A3 motorway from the direction of Regensburg or Linz, as well as via the B12 and B8 federal roads, you can reach the city area and the terminals directly. For cruise guests, specialized Park & Cruise providers such as Globus Parkservice or Eichberger Reisen are available, offering secure parking spaces in halls or on open-air sites, including a comfortable shuttle transfer directly to the respective ship.
Train
Passau main station (Hauptbahnhof) is a central hub for long-distance travel with Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, featuring regular ICE and EuroCity connections from Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, or Vienna. From the station forecourt, you can reach the various berths comfortably by taxi in about five to fifteen minutes; additionally, many cruise lines organize a practical collective transfer directly from the platform for embarkation.
Airplane
Munich Airport (MUC) is located around 160 kilometers away and, as an international hub, offers the best flight connections for guests from Northern Germany and Switzerland. From there, you can reach Passau in about 90 to 120 minutes either by train or via a pre-booked shuttle service from the cruise line, although for longer journeys, an overnight stay in a hotel in Passau's Old Town is recommended for a relaxed start.
Passau, the charming Three-River City, is the ideal starting point for Danube cruises and, thanks to its location in the border triangle, is excellently connected to the European transport network. Depending on the cruise line, ships dock at various berths in Passau-Lindau, Racklau, or directly at the picturesque Old Town promenade.
Car
Via the A3 motorway from the direction of Regensburg or Linz, as well as via the B12 and B8 federal roads, you can reach the city area and the terminals directly. For cruise guests, specialized Park & Cruise providers such as Globus Parkservice or Eichberger Reisen are available, offering secure parking spaces in halls or on open-air sites, including a comfortable shuttle transfer directly to the respective ship.
Train
Passau main station (Hauptbahnhof) is a central hub for long-distance travel with Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, featuring regular ICE and EuroCity connections from Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, or Vienna. From the station forecourt, you can reach the various berths comfortably by taxi in about five to fifteen minutes; additionally, many cruise lines organize a practical collective transfer directly from the platform for embarkation.
Airplane
Munich Airport (MUC) is located around 160 kilometers away and, as an international hub, offers the best flight connections for guests from Northern Germany and Switzerland. From there, you can reach Passau in about 90 to 120 minutes either by train or via a pre-booked shuttle service from the cruise line, although for longer journeys, an overnight stay in a hotel in Passau's Old Town is recommended for a relaxed start.
From the port in Passau, you can reach the historic Altstadt directly and comfortably thanks to the central location of the docking points. The short distances allow for quick access to the most significant sights of the City of Three Rivers.
On Foot
Most river cruise ships dock directly at the Altstadtlände, which allows you to reach St. Stephen's Cathedral and the picturesque alleys in about 5 to 10 minutes on foot. The walk leads along the beautiful Danube promenade and simultaneously offers wonderful views of the confluence of the three rivers.
Veste Oberhaus Shuttle Bus
For a comfortable ascent to the Veste Oberhaus fortress, a special shuttle bus is available, which runs regularly from Rathausplatz. This service enables you to have an effortless journey up to the castle complex and also offers one of the best panoramic views over the entire city area.
Taxi
Taxis are available for individual trips directly at the various ship docking points as well as at the nearby main train station. These provide a comfortable option for longer distances within the city area and also ensure a smooth transfer to more distant excursion destinations.
To experience the incomparable charm of the three-river city at its best, we recommend a leisurely stroll through the baroque Altstadt combined with a visit to the viewpoints directly on the water.
Altstadt & St. Stephen's Cathedral
Magnificent Baroque architecture and charming alleys characterize the historic center, where the majestic cathedral, housing the world's largest cathedral organ, stands as a cultural highlight.
Veste Oberhaus
The imposing fortress complex towers over the city and, thanks to its elevated location, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the colorful sea of houses and the confluence of the three rivers.
Dreiflusseck
At the eastern tip of the city, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz flow impressively together, forming a unique natural spectacle that can be perfectly enjoyed during a relaxed stroll along the riverbank promenades.
St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Organ Concert
St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest cathedral organ, is located just a few minutes' walk from the central pier and impresses with its magnificent Baroque architecture and unique acoustics. A visit to the cathedral can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the adjacent narrow streets of the old town, where charming cafes and small art galleries offer an inviting atmosphere. Ideally, visit the famous organ concert at 12:00 p.m. to experience the fascinating power of the sound firsthand, and arrive at the cathedral thirty minutes before the start to secure a good seat. Thanks to its excellent location in the heart of the city, you will return to your ship relaxed and in good time after the concert.
Returning to your cruise ship in Passau is very relaxed and safe thanks to the central location of the berths and the excellent infrastructure.
On Foot
The way to the berths near the center in the Altstadt leads directly along the picturesque Danube promenade and is easy to find thanks to the clear signage and the prominent church towers for orientation. You can stroll comfortably through the pedestrian zone and reach your ship within a few minutes.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks are located at Ludwigsplatz, Domplatz, and directly at the main railway station, so you can find a vehicle for a quick return journey at any time. The drivers know the various berths, such as the Altstadt-Länden or the more distant Lindau area, exactly and will take you quickly directly to the gangway.
Bus and Shuttle
For berths in the Passau-Lindau area, simply use the city buses from the Central Omnibus Station or the shuttle buses provided by many cruise lines. These connections are ideally timed to the ships' departure times and ensure a punctual transfer back to the respective terminal.
