Exciting Updates to International Trains in Budapest's New Timetable

Published: December 01 2023

MÁV-START, the Hungarian railway company, is introducing a new timetable for international trains in Budapest. The updates aim to enhance cross-border connectivity and meet the evolving needs of travelers. In this article, we will explore the exciting changes that passengers can expect.

MÁV-START has taken public opinions and suggestions into account when creating the new timetable. Feedback from online consultations and district-specific meetings has influenced train frequencies and departure times, allowing for a more passenger-centric schedule.

Passengers can look forward to the resumption of catering trolley services on EuroCity trains between Budapest and Vienna, as well as Záhony and Vienna. Additionally, the Metropol Euronight overnight train will be reintroduced, providing sleeper and couchette coaches for a more comfortable journey.

Trains from Hegyeshalom to the Slovak capital will now operate more frequently and feature air-conditioning and low-floor designs. This upgrade improves travel efficiency for those crossing the Hungarian-Slovak border. Furthermore, there will be six bicycle coaches available on trains heading to Košice, catering to the growing trend of eco-friendly and active transportation.

The new timetable includes the Tisza-Szamos EuroCity connection, linking Vienna, Budapest-Keleti, Záhony, and Chop stations. This opens up new travel possibilities and provides a direct connection to Kyiv from Chop station, further integrating Hungary into the broader European rail network.

The ongoing reconstruction of the Cluj-Oradea railway line by the Romanian State Railways may result in detours and increased journey times for passengers traveling to Cluj-Napoca and Szeklerland. MÁV-START is dedicated to keeping passengers informed, with the new train timetable easily accessible on the MÁV-Volán Group website and continuous updates available on ELVIRA and the MÁV app.

These significant changes to international trains in Budapest's new timetable mark an exciting phase for cross-border rail travel, with improved services and new connections catering to the diverse needs of international commuters.

What is the purpose of the new timetable introduced by MÁV-START in Budapest? The purpose of the new timetable is to enhance cross-border connectivity and respond to the evolving needs of travelers.

How did MÁV-START gather feedback for the new timetable in Budapest? MÁV-START considered public opinions and suggestions through online consultations in July and district-specific meetings to ensure that train frequencies and departure times align with passengers' preferences.

Which catering services are being reintroduced on the EuroCity trains connecting Budapest to Vienna and Záhony to Vienna? The new timetable includes the resumption of catering trolley services on EuroCity trains connecting Budapest to Vienna and Záhony to Vienna.

What additional service is being reintroduced for international travelers in Budapest? The Metropol Euronight overnight train will be reintroduced, complete with sleeper and couchette coaches, to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for international travelers.

How is the connectivity to Slovakia being improved in Budapest? Air-conditioned and low-floor trains will operate more frequently from Hegyeshalom to the Slovak capital, providing a more comfortable journey and more efficient travel for those crossing the Hungarian-Slovak border. Additionally, there will be six bicycle coaches on trains heading to Košice to cater to travelers with bicycles.

What new international connection is being introduced in Budapest? The new timetable includes the Tisza-Szamos EuroCity connection, which links Vienna–Budapest-Keleti–Záhony–Chop stations. This connection opens up new travel possibilities and introduces a direct connection to Kyiv from Chop station.

How will the reconstruction of the Cluj-Oradea railway line in Romania impact train services? The reconstruction of the Cluj-Oradea railway line in Romania is expected to affect train services for the next three years, resulting in detours and increased journey times for passengers traveling to Cluj-Napoca and Szeklerland.

Where can passengers access the new train timetable introduced by MÁV-START in Budapest? The new train timetable is easily accessible on the MÁV-Volán Group website. Continuous updates are also available on ELVIRA and the MÁV app to help passengers plan their journeys with the latest information.