Published: December 04 2023
Recent heavy snowfall in Austria and Germany has caused significant delays for international trains commuting through Hungary. While the Hungarian State Railways cannot be blamed for the situation, the delays are a result of the weather conditions in neighboring countries.
Snowfall in Austria and Germany
The amount of snowfall in Austria and South Germany, particularly Bavaria, has been extensive. In some places, as much as 20 cm of snow has fallen. The snowfall has led to regional and international trains experiencing significant delays, with some trains unable to start their journey. The Austrian State Railways (ÖBB) disconnected international trains coming from Hungary due to regular and significant delays, caused by the ongoing renovation of the Vienna-Budapest railway line.
Impact on Hungarian trains
The heavy snowfall and resulting delays have also affected Hungarian trains, particularly those traveling between Budapest and Munich, Salzburg, or Zürich via Hegyeshalom and Győr. Passengers have been advised to delay their journeys by both ÖBB and the German State Railways (Deutsche Bahn – DB). Modifications to the timetable have been made, including the cancellation of certain train services.
Assistance for passengers in Budapest
Passengers facing difficulties in Budapest can seek help at the customers' center in Budapest's Keleti railway station. Tips for accommodation in the city may be provided if trains are cancelled or delayed. The extraordinary weather conditions have led to a shortage of hotel rooms, prompting Swiss and Austrian authorities to attach night carriages to trains.
Conclusion
Due to heavy snowfall in Austria and Germany, international trains passing through Hungary are experiencing significant delays. Passengers are advised to stay updated on the situation and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans.
Questions & Answers
Why were international trains delayed in Hungary? International trains in Hungary were delayed due to heavy snowfall in Austria and Germany.
Who was responsible for the delays of international trains in Hungary? The delays of international trains in Hungary were not the fault of the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) or other Hungarian institutions or companies. The delays were caused by the heavy snowfall in Austria and Germany.
Which regions in Hungary experienced significant snowfall? Some western regions of Hungary received up to 20 cm of snowfall.
Which international train routes were affected by the delays in Hungary? The Railjet, Eurocity, and Euronight trains that traveled from Munich, Salzburg, or Zürich to Budapest via Hegyeshalom and Győr were affected by the delays. The delays also affected the Hungarian counterparts from Budapest.
What was the recommendation for passengers affected by the delays in Budapest? Passengers who were in trouble in Budapest were advised to seek help at the customers' center in Budapest's Keleti railway station. They could receive assistance, such as tips for accommodation in the capital, if their train was cancelled or delayed.
What changes were made to train timetables in Hungary due to the weather conditions? The train timetable was modified due to the extraordinary weather conditions. For example, the Kálmán Imre EuroNight (EN 463) did not commute from Salzburg to Budapest on a specific day. The Wiener Walzer Euronight (467 and 465) did not come from Zürich on another day. Night carriages were added to some trains due to the lack of available hotel accommodations.
Where can I find a video showing the amount of snow that fell in Munich? You can find a video showing the amount of snowfall in Munich on the Twitter account @UniqueMongolia. The video shows a plane frozen on the runway at Munich airport.
Were there any changes to international trains in MÁV's new timetable unrelated to the weather conditions? For information about significant changes to international trains in MÁV's new timetable that may not be related to the weather conditions, you can visit the link provided in the article.
