Port information & tips for Vilshofen
Vilshofen an der Donau is the picturesque gateway to the Bavarian Forest and a charming starting point for unforgettable river cruises in Lower Bavaria. The idyllic town impresses with its location at the confluence of the Danube, Vils, and Wolfach, welcoming visitors with Bavarian warmth and a magnificent old town backdrop. Cultural highlights include the splendid parish church of St. Johannes der Täufer, the prominent historic town tower, and the extensive Danube promenade, which invites visitors to take relaxing strolls. The cruise ships dock directly at the central Danube promenade, from where the historic town center, cozy beer gardens, and local sights are within easy walking distance in just a few minutes thanks to the excellent location.
Vilshofen an der Donau is a popular starting point for river cruises and, thanks to its manageable size and good connections, can be easily reached from the DACH region. A central terminal facilitates embarkation.
Car
The port of Vilshofen is directly connected to the supra-regional road network via the B388 federal highway and is therefore easily accessible by car. The nearest motorway is the A3 (Frankfurt-Passau), from which you can reach Vilshofen via the Garham or Passau-Nord exit. On site, guarded parking spaces provided by cruise lines or external providers are usually available, which often also offer Park & Cruise packages with a shuttle service to the ship. Early booking of parking facilities is recommended.
Train
Vilshofen (Donau) railway station is well integrated into the German rail network and is served by regional trains. Travelers from larger cities often reach Vilshofen by changing trains in Plattling or Passau. From the railway station, the cruise terminal, which is usually located in the immediate vicinity of the town center on the banks of the Danube, can be easily reached on foot in a few minutes or by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Munich Airport (MUC), located approximately 150 kilometers away. From there, there are good train connections to Vilshofen (with a transfer), or you can use one of the numerous transfer services offered by the cruise lines or private shuttle providers that offer direct trips to the port. The travel time by car or transfer is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Arriving the day before is advisable for flights from greater distances or for early embarkation times.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
