Last checked: 2026-08-29
If you photographed a modern two-deck catamaran on the Danube and searched its name, you found it: the Táltos is Silverline Cruises’ flagship, a 2013-built catamaran that stands out among Budapest’s mostly older, single-hull sightseeing boats. This page covers what the Táltos boat actually is, what cruises it runs, what they cost and how to get a seat on it.
What kind of boat is the Táltos?
The Táltos is a two-deck catamaran launched in 2013 — young by Budapest standards, where much of the sightseeing fleet dates back decades. The twin-hull design gives it a wide, stable platform and the modern silhouette that makes it easy to recognize from the embankment: low, angular and glassy rather than the classic riverboat profile.
The layout is simple and practical:
- Lower deck: fully enclosed and glazed, with panoramic windows running the length of the saloon. Heated in winter.
- Upper deck: open air, the place to be in warm months for unobstructed photos of Parliament, Buda Castle and the bridges.
That enclosed lower deck is the Táltos’ defining feature. Most Budapest sightseeing boats are miserable in November drizzle; this one isn’t. If you’re visiting between late autumn and early spring, it’s one of the most sensible vessels to choose on the river — more on picking the right season in our best cruises guide.
Who operates the Táltos, and where does it dock?
The Táltos belongs to Silverline Cruises, a Budapest operator running since 2011. It departs from the Pest embankment near Elisabeth Bridge, on the Jane Haining rakpart side — a few minutes’ walk south of the main Vigadó tér dock cluster.
Getting there is easy: tram 2 runs the length of the Pest embankment (a scenic ride in itself), and Vörösmarty tér (M1) and Deák Ferenc tér (M1/M2/M3) metro stations are within walking distance. The dock sits inside the UNESCO World Heritage stretch of the Danube banks, so you’re boarding in the middle of the postcard.
What cruises does the Táltos run, and what do they cost?
Silverline uses the Táltos across its programme of sightseeing and themed cruises. The recurring formats:
| Cruise | What it is | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing cruise | Classic Danube loop past Parliament, Buda Castle and Gellért Hill | See official site |
| Pizza & Beer cruise | Casual evening cruise with pizza and beer served on board | ~€38–41 |
| Folk-show & operetta cruises | Sightseeing paired with live Hungarian music performances | See official site |
| 4-course Gourmet Dinner | Silverline’s premium dinner cruise format | ~€77 |
Prices above are approximate as of the time of writing; departures change seasonally, so check the current timetable and exact fares on Silverline’s official site. For context on how these stack up against the rest of the river, our prices and tickets overview compares every major format.
The standard route is the classic one-hour loop: north to Margaret Island, turn, then south past the Gellért Hill and Liberty Bridge area before returning — Parliament passes close on the Pest side during the northbound leg.
How to book a cruise on the Táltos
You have two sensible routes:
Book direct with Silverline if you specifically want this boat or one of its named formats (Pizza & Beer, the Gourmet Dinner, a folk-show evening). Booking direct is the only way to guarantee the Táltos itself, since platforms sell cruise products, not specific vessels.
Book through GetYourGuide if you mainly want a comparable Danube cruise with flexible terms. The best-selling night sightseeing cruise with a welcome drink starts from €11, a daytime landmark cruise runs from €12, and the full Budapest cruise catalog covers dinner and drinks formats too — most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which no small operator matches consistently.
If a Silverline slot you want is sold out, the GetYourGuide equivalents sail the same loop past the same landmarks; you lose the catamaran, not the view.
What is it like riding the Táltos?
In summer, treat it like any open-deck cruise: get to the dock about 15 minutes early and claim a spot along the upper-deck railing on the Pest-facing side for the northbound Parliament pass. The upper deck fills first on sunset and night departures, when the lit-up embankments are the whole point — remember that monument lighting switches off around 22:00–23:00, so board no later than about 21:00–21:30 in summer.
In winter or rain, the enclosed lower deck earns its keep. It’s warm, the panoramic glass keeps the sightlines open, and dinner and drinks formats are served there in comfort. The honest downside: glass means reflections, and night photography through it is frustrating. Step out to the upper deck for the key photo moments, then retreat to the warmth.
One more practical note: like every boat on the Danube, the Táltos is subject to river conditions. High water occasionally suspends sailings, with refunds or rebooking handled per the operator’s policy — a rare event, but worth knowing if you’re travelling in spring.
Is the Táltos the right boat for you?
Choose the Táltos if you want a modern, stable boat, you’re visiting in the colder half of the year, or one of Silverline’s themed evenings (pizza-casual or gourmet-formal) fits your plans. If your priority is simply the cheapest possible ride past Parliament at night, compare the from-€11 options first and read our best cruises comparison — the Táltos competes on comfort and format, not on rock-bottom price. Either way, it’s one of the easiest boats on the river to recognize — and one of the more comfortable ones to actually ride.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of boat is the Táltos?
The Táltos is a two-deck catamaran built in 2013 and operated by Silverline Cruises as its flagship. It has a fully enclosed, glazed lower deck and an open upper deck.
Where does the Táltos depart from in Budapest?
It docks on the Pest embankment near Elisabeth Bridge, on the Jane Haining rakpart side. Tram 2 stops nearby, and Vörösmarty tér metro station (M1) is a short walk away.
How much does a cruise on the Táltos cost?
Silverline's themed cruises run roughly €38–41 for the Pizza & Beer format and about €77 for the 4-course Gourmet Dinner. Exact current prices and timetables are on Silverline's official site.
Is the Táltos good in winter or rain?
Yes — that is its main advantage. The lower deck is fully enclosed and glazed, so sightseeing continues in comfort regardless of weather, while most open-deck boats get unpleasant.
Can I photograph the city well from the Táltos?
Best shots come from the open upper deck. Behind the lower-deck glass you may get reflections, especially at night — step upstairs for a few minutes when Parliament passes.