Twin City Liner celebrates 20 years of speeding across the Danube

The Twin City Liner, a high-speed catamaran, marked its 20th anniversary on Thursday. Originally launched to connect Vienna and Bratislava, it has become a key part of the region’s transport and tourism network. The service first set sail on 1 June 2006, operated by Central Danube, a joint venture between Wien Holding and Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien. The idea for the Twin City Liner emerged after Slovakia joined the EU in 2004. It was designed to strengthen ties between the two capital cities. The first vessel was constructed in Norway and brought to Austria by Captain Otto Szabo, who famously navigated a storm with a misaligned tooth during the journey.

Over two decades, three versions of the catamaran have served the route. The latest model is the fastest on the Danube, reaching speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph). It completes the lock-free journey between Vienna and Bratislava in just 75 minutes.

The service carries roughly 190,000 passengers each year. However, operations were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, with ferries docked at Handelskai for maintenance. Now, plans for the Twin City Liner 3.0 are in motion, aiming for better environmental performance through lower fuel use. The new design is unlikely to change in length due to the narrow Danube Canal. The Twin City Liner remains a vital link between Vienna and Bratislava. Its speed and efficiency have made it a popular choice for travellers. With the new 3.0 model on the horizon, the service looks set to continue its role in regional transport and tourism.