Simplifying Train Travel in Hungary: Changes to Rail Services in Budapest

Published: 2023-07-16

The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) is implementing changes to simplify train travel and the fare system for passengers. These changes include the discontinuation of supplementary tickets and the introduction of uniformly priced seat tickets. The new system aims to provide a cheaper and more convenient solution for daily commuting.

As of 1 July, the InterCity (IC) and high-speed train supplementary tickets will be abolished on MÁV-START and GYSEV services. These will be replaced by uniformly priced seat tickets in long-distance rail transport. Country season tickets will also be available for second-class travel on IC or other trains that require a seat ticket. The pricing of Smart tickets will be adjusted accordingly to the new charging system.

Under the new fare system effective from 1 July, the existing IC supplementary tickets will be replaced by uniformly priced seat tickets. The price of an IC reserved seat ticket is HUF 650 (EUR 1.75) if purchased in advance and HUF 990 (EUR 2.66) if purchased on the day of travel. Premium (1+) class tickets will have a uniform price of HUF 1990 (EUR 5.36). For trains and sections requiring a seat ticket but not meeting IC-quality standards, the ticket price will be HUF 300 (EUR 0.81). County season tickets will not be valid on trains requiring a seat ticket, and the new fare products will not be valid for travel in first and premium (1+) class.

Smart tickets, a discounted ticket type available on the MÁV app and Elvira (the ticket purchase site of MÁV), will undergo changes. From 1 July, Smart tickets will only be available for purchase in advance, not on the day of travel. The ticket's redeemability period has changed to no later than 12 hours before its validity period begins. With the adjustment in seat ticket prices, Smart ticket prices will also change, but in most cases, they will not exceed the previous higher fare levels.

The changes implemented by MÁV aim to simplify train travel and the fare system for passengers in Hungary. The discontinuation of supplementary tickets, introduction of uniformly priced seat tickets, and adjustments to Smart ticket availability and pricing aim to provide a more convenient and affordable solution for commuters.

What changes is Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) implementing to make train travel easier for passengers? Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) is implementing several changes to simplify the fare system and overall travel for passengers. One of the changes is the discontinuation of InterCity and high-speed train supplementary tickets, which will be replaced by uniformly priced seat tickets. Another change is the availability of country season tickets for second-class travel on IC or other trains that require a seat ticket. Additionally, the pricing of Smart tickets will be adapted to the new charging system.

What does the new fare system for train travel in Hungary include? The new fare system, which will come into effect from 1 July, includes the abolition of existing IC supplementary tickets. These will be replaced by uniformly priced seat tickets. The price of an IC reserved seat ticket is HUF 650 (EUR 1.75) if purchased in advance and HUF 990 (EUR 2.66) if purchased on the day of travel. The price of premium (1+) class tickets will be HUF 1990 (EUR 5.36), and the price of a seat ticket for trains and parts of trains that require one will be HUF 300 (EUR 0.81).

Who can benefit from the new country season tickets? Holders of country season tickets can benefit from cheaper travel in second class on IC or other trains that require a seat ticket, as long as they have the appropriate seat ticket. However, the county season ticket will still not be valid on trains and sections requiring a seat ticket. It's important to note that neither the county nor the country season ticket will be valid for travel in first and premium (1+) class, even if additional tickets are purchased.

What changes are being made to the Smart tickets? The discounted ticket type, known as the Smart ticket, will only be available for purchase in advance starting from 1 July. It will no longer be available for purchase on the day of travel. The settlements that have been accessible with the Smart ticket will continue to be accessible. The redeemability of the Smart ticket has also changed, and it can now be redeemed no later than 12 hours before the start of its validity period. The price of Smart tickets will also change, with only one fare level instead of two, and prices will vary but generally not increase above the previous higher fare levels.