Hi All, read some useful info about doing a daytrip from Frankfurt to Rudesheim to a cruise - but unfortunately it looks like the regular schedule ends Oct 26 we can go Oct 30 or 31st - then I got a glimmer of hope https://www.k-d.com/en/2025/10/winterfahrplan/ that there are trips on those dates per the winter schedule, but it doesn't appear to be bookable on the site - can anyone confirm if there are trips on these dates, and if so how to book them? Maybe there are alternate operators? Any help appreciated!
Posted by
Paradise
7777 posts
There are scheduled boats from Rüdesheim for the Loreleyfahrt to St Goarshausen or St Goar at 11:00 and 13:45 until November 2.
https://www.bingen-ruedesheimer.de/cms-data/file/Fahrplaene--Linienfahrten.pdf
Just show up and buy tickets at the dock.
K-D's one boat only sails if enough people sign up in advance. Just use Bingen-Rüdesheimer instead.
Posted by
Paradise
7777 posts
I recommend cruising from R'heim to St Goar/St Goarshausen rather than vice versa to save time. The southbound cruise takes a lot longer to cover the same ground than the northbound cruise.
It's easier to catch a train back to R'heim or Frankfurt from St Goarshausen than from St Goar.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks, Russ! There's no need to book in advance, just show up and not likely to be sold out?
What segment do you recommend doing if we're traveling by train to and from Frankfurt, and would you recommend the earlier morning trip or the afternoon, or is there no difference?
Posted by
Paradise
7777 posts
The later boat would be warmer, typically, but it's not a huge difference... whatever trip fits best with the OTHER activities/sightseeing along the Rhine that you might have planned is best.
Boats don't sell out. There will not be a ton of passengers at this time of year either. Prepurchase is possible but it doesn't reserve seats or provide any other privilege.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2335 posts
Do understand that the odds are very good it will be raining. It's been doing that 5 of 7 days for 4 weeks now and it will not get better, just colder. When the clouds fill in that gorge you're not going to see much.
I'd take the morning trip, because if you take the later one you'll be traveling back to your hotel in the dark.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9580 posts
I would take the earlier ship. Then train back to Rüdesheim and do something fun there before heading back to Frankfurt. Try some wine tasting at Rhein Wein Welt across from the train station, ride the gondolas up to the Niederwald Denkmal or visit Siegfrieds Musical Cabinet.