We are planning to drive from VIenna to Melk Abbey, after which we would like to take a cruise on the Danube and return to our car via train.
My senior brain is a bit confused looking at the website (https://ddsg-blue-danube.at/linienschifffahrt-wachau/kombiticket-schiff-wachaubahn/), so I am hoping someone can advise me.
Our trip is on October 2. We need to plan time in the morning in VIenna to rent the car. We are completely flexible as to whether we tour the Abbey or do the cruise first.
We are heading to Hallstadt after the Wachau area.
I would love to have your advice on this part of our trip. We can even change our plans and stay in the area overnight before we head to Hallstadt (and from there to Salzburg.) Everything is fairly flexible at this point.
Thanks for your advice!
Lorey Hallada
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Vienna, Austria
5942 posts
First I would suggest staying overnight in the Wachau Valley as you are trying to squeeze a lot into one day. I prefer to stay in some of the smaller villages like Spitz and Weissenkirchen, rather than Krems or Melk. Next, I don't think that you need to necessarily take the train or buy the combo package in the link you provided. Have a look at this link for the boat, which is clearer - https://ddsg-blue-danube.at/linienschifffahrt-wachau/.
I suggest that you pick up your car in Vienna and plan to be in Melk by 10-11ish in the morning for a tour of the Abbey and lunch before boarding the 14:35 boat. Get off the boat in Duernstein at 15:55 and explore Duernstein a bit. There is no need to go to Krems. There is a bus which leaves Duernstin at :35 after each hour (plus a bonus bus at 17:05) getting you to Melk in about 45 minutes. (schedule is here - https://timetables.mobilitaetsverbuende.at/ltt/vao/vor/j25/92/92-715-j25-3-20250729_093614.pdf). I think trying to coordinate with the train is tricky as you will need to take a bus anyway to cross the river to Melk.
Once you get your car in Melk, then you can drive to your accommodation (again, I recommend Spitz or Weissenkirchen) for the night.
I hope that helps.