We Viennese love our Danube Island, but anyone who’s ever tried to walk from the Reichsbrücke all the way to the north in the height of summer knows: the distance can drag on. Instead of wearing out your shoes on the endless paths, you can simply let a fresh breeze blow around your nose and glide comfortably across the water. We took a look at the clever public transit alternative “Copa Cruise” in Vienna, which is not only extremely affordable but also travels on the water completely emission-free.
In fact, a lot has happened on the New Danube since a trial season in 2022. The so-called Copa Cruise is now in regular service, connecting the hustle and bustle of CopaBeach with the much quieter north. The electrically powered ferry is a true catamaran that generates about a quarter of its required electricity directly via photovoltaic panels on the roof.
Four stops and an unbeatable price
The compact electric catamaran makes a total of four stops along its 5-kilometer route. The journey begins at the flood protection dam at CopaBeach, before the ferry docks at the Floridsdorf Bridge and the Nordbrücke, and finally turns around at the Jedleseer Bridge. If you’re lucky, you might even spot beavers, swans, or even the rare kingfishers.
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The boat takes about 45 minutes for the one-way trip upstream. The best thing about this ferry service is the price: adults pay just 3 euros, while children under 15 can ride for a mere 1 euro. The ferry departs every 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility for an extended island excursion.
Seating capacity and bringing dogs on board
Since the boat is designed to be quite maneuverable, it can accommodate a maximum of 20 people at a time. The Copa Cruise season runs from mid-April to the end of October. Please note that ferry service is only available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
If you’re planning a trip with your pet or bike, you’re in luck: dogs (on a leash and wearing a muzzle) and bicycles are generally permitted according to the City of Vienna’s transportation regulations. Especially on sunny weekends, however, keep in mind that space on the small catamaran can fill up very quickly.
⛴️ Copa Cruise
📍 Stops: CopaBeach, Floridsdorfer Bridge, Nordbrücke, Jedleseer Bridge
💶 Cost: Adults €3, Children (under 15) €1
⏰ Operating hours: Mid-April to late October (Fri, Sat, Sun & holidays)
