Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇭🇺 Neszmély (ferry)
🇸🇰 Radvaň nad Dunajom
Coordinates
47.80°N, 18.50°E
Border Type
Land crossing via ferry
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Slovak/Hungarian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Radvaň (EUR, HUF)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, limited assistance
Safety Information
River hazards
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Neszmély (ferry) & Radvaň nad Dunajom
A Ferry Crossing in the Danube Bend Wine Region
The border crossing connecting Radvaň nad Dunajom in Slovakia with Neszmély in Hungary is a journey across the Danube River that harks back to an older era of travel. This is not a bridge or a motorway; it is a small vehicle and passenger ferry that provides a quiet, scenic, and uniquely local connection. Since both Slovakia and Hungary are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, there are no border controls. To cross here is to take a slow, peaceful passage through the heart of the Neszmély wine region, a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages that line the banks of the great river. It is a crossing that is not about speed, but about savoring the journey and the beautiful scenery.
Operational Details
This ferry crossing connects Slovakia’s Nitra Region with Hungary’s Komárom-Esztergom County. Its operation is entirely dependent on the ferry schedule and the weather and river conditions. This is not a 24/7 facility. The ferry typically makes regular trips during daylight hours, especially in the summer tourist season. It is absolutely essential to check the latest official ferry schedule and its operational status before you travel, as services can be suspended due to high or low water levels, ice in winter, or technical issues. The ferry is small, carrying only a handful of cars per trip, which adds to its intimate, local character.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
A History of a River Frontier
The history of this crossing is the history of the Danube as a great European river. It has been a frontier of the Roman Empire, a highway for migrating peoples, a trade route, and a military barrier. The towns and cities along its banks have been centers of commerce and culture for centuries. The modern border, established after World War I, formalized the Danube as the frontier between Czechoslovakia and Hungary. During the Cold War, this was a controlled and guarded border. The accession of both countries to the Schengen Area in 2007 has restored the river’s role as a connector rather than a divider, allowing for the revival of small, local connections like this historic ferry route.
The Seamless Border Procedure
Today, there is no border procedure for travelers. You simply buy your ferry ticket and enjoy the short, scenic ride across the river. There are no passport checks and no customs inspections. This is the reality of the Schengen Area. The journey itself is the experience. The slow pace of the ferry allows you to appreciate the beauty of the vineyard-covered hills on the Hungarian side and the flat plains on the Slovak side. It is a peaceful and relaxing way to cross the border, a world away from the stress of a busy highway.
The Surrounding Region: Slovakia Side
On the Slovak side, the crossing is in a fertile agricultural region known for its wine and vegetable production. The village of Radvaň nad Dunajom is a quiet, rural settlement. The area is part of the Podunajsko region, the heartland of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. The nearby city of Komárno, with its massive fortress system, is a major cultural and historical center. The region is popular for cycling, with well-marked trails that follow the Danube.
The Surrounding Region: Hungary Side
On the Hungarian side, the crossing is in the heart of the Neszmély wine region, one of Hungary’s most famous wine-producing areas, known particularly for its crisp, aromatic white wines. The village of Neszmély and its neighbors are dotted with wineries and cellars that are open for tastings. The area is part of the beautiful Danube Bend, a scenic and historic region where the river turns south towards Budapest. The historic cities of Esztergom, with its massive basilica, and Tata, with its beautiful castle on a lake, are a short drive away.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route requires checking the ferry schedule in advance. The cost of the ferry is usually priced per vehicle and per passenger. Payment is typically required in the local currency (EUR in Slovakia, HUF in Hungary). The most important thing is to have the required motorway vignettes if your journey involves motorways in either country. Both Slovakia and Hungary use an electronic vignette system, which must be purchased online in advance. Services are available in the towns on both sides of the river.
Final Considerations
The Radvaň nad Dunajom–Neszmély ferry crossing is a unique and charming way to cross the Danube. It offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to the busy motorway bridges. It is a journey that connects two parts of a celebrated wine region. It is a border crossing that is not about speed, but about savoring the journey and experiencing the natural beauty of the Danube Bend, a river that has been profoundly shaped by both nature and human culture.