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Translated from German. In case of discrepancies, the German version applies.
Rhine cruises from Rüdesheim
From Rüdesheim, excursion boats and scheduled services sail downstream into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – to Assmannshausen, Bacharach, Kaub, St. Goarshausen and St. Goar.1,
Current status (checked on 18 October 2026)
- Köln-Düsseldorfer round trips Rüdesheim–St. Goar: 2026 season from 4 April to 18 October; in the winter timetable (19 October 2026 – 2 April 2027) only with a minimum number of passengers.1,
4
Seasonal times change. For up-to-date times, the operator’s website applies.
Who sails where?
| Shipping company | Route from Rüdesheim | Season 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) | Rüdesheim – Bingen – Assmannshausen – Lorch – Bacharach – Kaub – Oberwesel – St. Goarshausen – St. Goar and back | 4 April to 18 October, then winter timetable |
| Bingen-Rüdesheimer | scheduled boats between Bingen/Rüdesheim and St. Goar/St. Goarshausen, plus castle and Loreley round trips | 21 March to 1 November |
| Rössler Linie (based in Rüdesheim) | castle round trips, Loreley round trip, Romantik Tour | flyer from the operator |
The tourist information office also names the Bingen-Rüdesheimer and the Rössler Linie as shipping companies that call at Rüdesheim and Assmannshausen.6 In the winter timetable from 19 October 2026 to 2 April 2027, the KD sails between Rüdesheim and St. Goarshausen only if enough passengers have booked.4
How long does the trip take?
Downstream, the boat is considerably faster than on the way back against the current.1 In the KD timetable for 2026, the boat that leaves Rüdesheim at 9:00 arrives in St. Goarshausen at 10:45; the boat leaving at 11:00 arrives at 12:50.1 For the return, allow more time or go back by train – examples on the Loreley page.
You can break your journey along the way: get off at a landing stage and continue on a later boat.1
Low water
When the Rhine carries little water, scheduled sailings are cancelled or shortened. In October 2026 the tourist information office reported that no scheduled sailings could be offered because of low water.7 The Rössler Linie likewise announced “no round trips” on its home page because of low water.5 The car ferry between Rüdesheim and Bingen was not affected.7
On the day of your trip, check the shipping company’s notices – the KD publishes timetable changes and cancellations in its shipping announcements.1
With a wheelchair, pushchair or bicycle
- Bingen-Rüdesheimer: all five scheduled boats have toilets for disabled people; wheelchair users can only reach the lower deck.2 The landing stage in Rüdesheim is accessible (barrier-free).8
- Köln-Düsseldorfer: boarding before the other guests, toilets suitable for disabled people; an accompanying person travels free if the Merkzeichen “B” (marker B) is entered in the disability pass. It is best to report special needs in advance.9
- Paying: on board KD boats, payment is cashless only.1
Whether bicycles and dogs can come along is not stated on the timetable pages; ask the shipping company beforehand. More on accessibility in Rüdesheim: Accessible Rüdesheim.
Destinations on the river
- Assmannshausen: the red-wine village downstream, served by excursion boats.7 More: Assmannshausen.
- Loreley and St. Goarshausen: The Loreley from Rüdesheim.
- St. Goar and Burg Rheinfels (Rheinfels Castle): Burg Rheinfels.
- Bingen across the river: a few minutes by car ferry, with a page of its own: Rüdesheim–Bingen ferry.
Frequently asked questions
Do boats sail from Rüdesheim in winter? In the winter timetable from 19 October 2026 to 2 April 2027, the KD only sails if a minimum number of passengers is reached.4
How long does the boat take from Rüdesheim to St. Goarshausen? According to the KD timetable for 2026, about one and three-quarter hours downstream – for example leaving at 9:00 and arriving at 10:45.1
Are boats cancelled when the water is low? Yes, that happens; in 2026 scheduled sailings were suspended for a time.7
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