Summer holiday in the Adriatic? City break in Budapest? Holiday at Balaton? Best by train!
Forget traffic jams, crowded highways, tiresome long drives. Say goodbye to hidden costs, airport transfers, luggage fees or cancellation concerns ruining your holiday. Choose our direct overnight train instead between Budapest and the Dalmatian Coast. Tickets avalable from €46 per person. Train runs between 3rd July and 4th October 2026.
Why choose our train?
Ranked by Lonely Planet in 2022 as one of Europe's 10 most exciting rail travels, the Dalmatian Adriatic coast is a good sleep away from Hungary by our overnight train. In the elegant dining car of the Hungarian Railways, you are invited to choose from a fine selection of quality food and drink throughout the journey. In the evening, after having your dinner in the dining car, the sunset by Lake Balaton lulls you to sleep. At night, the scent of the forests of the Dinaric Alps filters through the window, and in the morning you will wake up to the sight of your train scenicly descending down to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Prices for a 6-bed couchette Private Cabin starting from €240 per cabin. For individual travellers, the cheapest option starts from €46 per couchette bed.
The train will depart from Budapest between 3rd July and 2nd October 2026, and from Split between 4th July and 4th October, 2-4 times a week.
- The train will depart from Budapest between 3rd July and 2nd October 2026, 2-4 times a week.
- The first train to Split from Budapest will depart on 3rd July 2026 and from Split to Budapest on 4th July 2026.
- In July & August trains depart from Budapest on all odd days (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, ...) except the 31st of each month. From Split on all even days (2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, ...).
- In September and October, trains depart from Budapest on Tuesdays and Fridays, from Split on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- The last trains of the season from Budapest will depart on 2nd October and from Split on 4th October.
The Adria InterCity train departs from Budapest-Keleti at 18:40, passes by the southern shore of Lake Balaton just at sunset. A long range of the Dinaric Alps will be passed by during the night. It arrives at Split at 9:37 the next day. On the return journey, the train departs Split at 17:40, arriving at Budapest-Keleti** at 9:35 the next day.
|
|
IC 1204 |
|
IC 1205 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Budapest- |
18:40 |
Split |
17:40 |
|
Budapest- |
19:01 |
Split- |
17:46 |
|
Székesfehérvár |
19:42 |
Kaštel Stari |
18:09 |
|
Siófok |
20:28 |
Perković |
18:56 |
|
Fonyód |
21:00 |
Knin |
20:24 |
|
Balatonszentgyörgy |
21:17 |
Gyékényes* |
4:45 |
|
Nagykanizsa |
22:01 |
Nagykanizsa* |
5:56 |
|
Gyékényes |
22:47 |
Balatonszentgyörgy* |
6:42 |
|
Knin* |
7:12 |
Fonyód* |
7:09 |
|
Perković* |
8:09 |
Siófok* |
7:39 |
|
Kaštel Stari* |
9:09 |
Székesfehérvár* |
8:27 |
|
Split- |
9:31 |
Budapest- |
9:16 |
|
Split* |
9:37 |
Budapest- |
9:35** |
The times next to the stations marked with * display the arrival times.
** Due to track engineering works, the train departing from Split on 30.08.2026 (arriving at Budapest on 31.08.2026) is scheduled to terminate at Budapest-Kelenföld (9:16) instead of Budapest-Keleti (9:35). Tickets for this train are available to Budapest-Kelenföld only. Both stations offer easy connections to the metro network.
The timetable data displayed here are indicative and may be altered due to traffic and operational reasons. Please always check the times before your journey at jegy.mav.hu
The train is not available for domestic journeys.
Intermediate stops worth considering in Hungary
- The Lake Balaton is not only the largest lake of Central Europe, but also one of the most popular holiday destinations of Hungary, for a reason. It spans 77 km (48 mi) and our train passes by the most of its south shore, calling at major cities such as Siófok and Fonyód. Our train leaves Siófok at 20:28, Fonyód at 21:00 towards Croatia, and arrives at Fonyód at 7:09, Siófok at 7:39 from Croatia. All stations have rather frequent bus and train connections along the lake and beyond, times and tickets available at jegy.mav.hu. For sailing across the lake, find more information at www.bahart.hu/en.
Intermediate stop worth considering in Croatia
- Knin is not a beach holiday destination, but famous for its hilltop medieval fortess dominating the skyline of the city, well visible from the train already. The karst mountains of the Dalmatian hinterland offer hiking trails with stunning panoramic views, occasionally overlooking the sea, with the proximity of Croatia’s highest mountain peak, Dinara at 1,831 m (6,007 ft). The border with Bosnia and Herzegovina is 25km away, whereas the Plitvice Lakes National Park is some 120 km away. Taxis and limited bus services are available next to the train station (on your right as you leave the station). For certain buses between Knin and the Plitvice Lakes, tickets are also available at MÁV’s Customer Service Centres at Budapest-Keleti train station and at Budapest-Népliget coach terminal.
Our train arrives at Knin from Budapest at 7:12 and leaves to Budapest at 20:24.
Between Knin and Split there are some local train connections, would you consider combining the beach holiday and a scenic hike. Exact timetables and tickets for local trains can be found at www.hzpp.hr/en.
Destinations near Split
- To Šibenik, please leave the train at Perković, from where a local train will depart to Šibenik on weekdays (available for departures from Hungary between Sundays and Thursdays) after a one-hour transfer. On weekdays, a return local train departs from Šibenik in the afternoon hours, with some hours change to out train either at Perković or Knin. Exact timetables and tickets for local trains can be found at www.hzpp.hr/en.
- When leaving our train at Kaštel Stari station, you can reach the nearby coastal town of the same name by taxi or by city buses no. 39, 39A, 90 or 93. More information: www.promet-split.hr/en/
- For the quickest way to Trogir, we recommend getting off at Kaštel Stari station as above, from where taxis are available to any destination in Trogir. Another option from Split is to take bus no. 37, with the most convenient transfer being at Split predgrađe station (the last stop before the terminus). More information can be found at www.promet-split.hr/en/.
It is also a good option to take the train all the way to the terminus, Split main station, from where it is a comfortable and short walk along the promenade to the Bura Line boat station. For more information about the boats, please visit www.buraline.com.
Worth to see in Split and right around
- Once leaving Split main station, to your left you will find the the Bačvice beach just a 12-minute walk away, making it a perfect location for a one-day vacation.
- On your right, you won't have to look far, because the sights are well visible and right next to each other: the harbor, the Diocletian's Palace hidden behind the thousand-year - old walls and the medieval old town.
- Beyond the old town is Marjan Hill, accessible by stairs, which extends deep into the bay, so from the heights there is a great view not only of the city, but also of the surrounding bay and the nearby islands.
- The very walkable Vranjic Island, located north of the city, can be reached by buses no. 31, 33 or 36. Not far from here, at the mouth of the Jadro River, are the ruins of the Roman city of Salona, which can be reached by bus no. 1.
- From the Klis Fortress there is a great view of the city of Split and the sea, which can be reached by bus no. 22 .
Onward travel from Split to the Dalmatian Islands and to Italy
- Ferries to Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo, Šolta and Vis islands, as well as to Ancona and Bari in Italy, will depart directly from the seaport right opposite the Split train station (very easy walking distance), with timetables and ticketing information available at www.jadrolinija.hr/en and www.snav.it/en.
Onward travel options along the Riviera and to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- After our train’s final stop in Split, following one of the world's most scenic coastal panoramic roads, other popular resorts and attractions including Stobreč, Jesenice, Dugi Rat, Duće and Omiš can be reached by frequent suburban buses from the bus stop ’Pazar 1’ next to the Split market. The bus stop is about a 10-minute walk from Split train station, after getting off the train, turn right and walk along the shopping street. More information: www.promet-split.hr/en/
- Further destinations along the scenic coastal drive such as Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska, Ploče, Ston or Dubrovnik, can be reached by intercity buses leaving several times a day. The Split bus station is located right next to the train station, turning left. For certain buses, tickets are also available at MÁV’s Customer Service Centres at Budapest-Keleti train station and at Budapest-Népliget coach terminal.
- In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the pilgrimage site of Međugorje, or Mostar and Sarajevo is easily reached by bus from the Split bus station. For more information, visit www.globtour.com. Tickets for the Globtour Međugorje bus company's services are also available at MÁV’s Customer Service Centres at Budapest-Keleti train station and at Budapest-Népliget coach terminal.
Everyone will find a service that suits their needs and budget, and always to a high standard. The train is fully airconditioned.
Basically, there are two type of cabins available: a hostel-like couchette cabin with up to 6 bunk beds, and a hotel-like sleeper cabin with up to 3 beds. All available both as shared accommodation or as private occupancy. Depending on the number of passengers traveling together, our recommendations are as below.
For families and small groups, our couchette cabins with 4 or 6 beds offer an affordable, yet comfortable and safe sleeping arrangements. Normally, a couchette cabin is a shared type of accommodation and all remaining beds are likely to be sold. Groups just smaller than 4 or 6 people but wishing to have the whole cabin for their own, are invited to book it as a Private Cabin (prices vary between €240 and €400 per cabin), which grants them exclusive occupancy, regardless the surplus beds left.
Couples, small families can enjoy a special rolling hotel room experience in the sleeper cabins with up to 3 beds. These are also available for exclusive occupancy for any number of passengers between 1 and 3 (prices vary between €190 and €330 per cabin).
Solo passengers for the best prices are welcome to choose their spot in a shared couchette cabin. A place in a 6-bed cabin is available from €46 to €76 per bed. The same in a more comfortable 4-bed cabin is available between €77 and €107 (per bed).
Couchette cabins are generally co-ed, however a limited number are reserved for women only, what needs to be specified during booking.
Sharing a sleeper cabin is also possible, in this case cabins are either female-only or male-only. Therefore a female and a male traveling together but opted for shared accommodation, will be placed in different cabins! It is still better to book a Private Cabin for a duo, which not only ensures the common accommodation, but also its exclusive use.
A place in a 3-bed cabin is available for €108 to €148 per bed. The same in a more comfortable 2-bed cabin layout is available for €149 to €189 (per bed). A single bed cabin is priced between €190 and €330.
All types of cabins (couchette and sleeper) are also available as Private Cabin – exclusive occupancy even for a single person.
All passengers are served bottled mineral water in the evening and hot drinks and breakfast in the morning, which is complimentary. Sleeper coach class passengers are invited to choose from a variety of complimentary breakfast menus, which can also be enjoyed in the dining car.
All our cabins are air-conditioned, with power sockets available in sleeper and couchette cars.
Cabin attendants are at your service throughout the journey to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers, as well as happy to serve small refreshments from the menu.
A Dining Coach is available throughout the journey, serving multi-course hot dinner and breakfast and a wide choice of drinks. During dinner and breakfast time tables may get busy, so it's worth visiting the dining car as soon as possible. This is also a great place for late-night socialising without disturbing sleeping passengers.
- The couchette coach has 4 and 6 berth cabins, which can be booked both as exclusive use (Private Cabin) or individually, as shared with fellow passengers up to the nominal capacity of 4 or 6.
- Basically, the cabins can accommodate both women and men, however a limited number of women-only cabins are also available for individual women travelers, bookable at jegy.mav.hu and at ticket offices. In any case a good, friendly travel atmosphere and our coach attendants are always at your help.
- Private cabins can be booked for groups of up to 6 people.
- Bed linen (sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets) is provided in the cabins and have to be made up by the passengers of their own.
- Passengers will be served mineral water in the evening and hot drinks and a simple breakfast in the morning.
- Sleeper cabins are available in 1, 2 or 3-berth configurations and are primarily recommended for those travelling together, in exclusive use.
- Solo travellers can also book separate beds in shared cabins, in which case the separation of men and women is always guaranteed.
- The cabins are equipped with a washbasin and a vanity set is provided.
- The sleeping coach class passengers are provided with a pre-made up bed at departure.
- Mineral water, welcome sweets and drinks are provided in the evening and a hot drink and hearty breakfast in the morning. The breakfast can be served in the cabin or in the dining car.
- Before departure and after arrival in Budapest, sleeper coach class passengers are kindly invited to the Premium Lounge next to platform 9 of Budapest-Keleti station, for additional complimentary food and beverages.
-
Our service features one of the most elegant dining coaches of the Hungarian Railways, which used to serve on special charters previously. The service is open throughout the journey, so those who don't like to go to bed early can enjoy their journey without disturbing their fellow passengers.
-
After boarding, take your cabins, and make your way to the Dining Coach for a panoramic view of Lake Balaton and the sunset over a pleasant dinner. A wide selection of popular and well-known food and drink from our other trains is also available for dinner, and you can also choose from seasonal specialities available only here.
-
The next morning, as we approach the sea, we have tables set for breakfast. Our menu offers a variety of breakfast options - hot, cold or sweet.
-
Passengers can pay in the dining car with forints, euros, credit cards and also SZÉP Cards in the territory of Hungary.
The capacity of the train is limited and places are quickly selling out for most departures. Therefore reservations are mandatory, but any ticket issued explicitely for this train, automatically includes this. Ticket issued for other trains or open tickets without reservation, even for the same route, are not valid on this train. Passengers wishing to board the train without a pre-booked ticket or reservation, may be denied to board due to the train being full, which we are sorry for. Once you have a ticket for a given date and train, it won’t be valid on later/earlier departures. For the best prices and places, it is advisable to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible and to look for mid-week or autumn departures.
As the departure date approaches, some remaining places on the train may be offered at a significant discount, so it is definitely worth checking the actual ticket prices, even for spontaneous trips.
Prices are fixed regardless the actual distance travelled. All prices are per passenger and per direction. For return journeys, both ways need to be booked. Tickets come in a single piece of document including the applicable fare and the reservation combined.
For ticket purchase – due to the availability of the best prices – we primarily recommend our jegy.mav.hu website, but most tickets are also available and can be paid for in cash in euros or forints at the international railway ticket offices of MÁV and GYSEV, as well as at partner travel agencies. Ticket purchase at Split station ticket office closes 3 hours before train departure. The international ticket offices of most European railway companies can also serve tickets valid for the train.
For tickets issued on board, always higher prices apply and are limited to availability.
The prices available at jegy.mav.hu and at most international railway ticket offices for the most popular inquiries are as follows.
|
|
Couchette |
Sleeper |
||||
|
Shared 6-bed Cabin |
Shared 4-bed Cabin |
Private Cabin 1 to 6 |
Shared 3-bed Cabin |
Shared 2-bed Cabin |
Private Cabin 1 to 3 |
|
|
per person |
per person |
per cabin |
per person |
per person |
per cabin |
|
|
from €46 |
from €77 |
from €240 |
from €108 |
from €149 |
from €190 |
(limited availability) |
from €61 |
from €92 |
from €360 |
from €128 |
from €169 |
from €290 |
maximum prices |
€76 |
€107 |
€400 |
€148 |
€189 |
€330 |
aged 6 to 14 |
€36 |
€67 |
see above |
€88 |
€129 |
see above |
full validity |
€36 |
€67 |
n.a. |
€88 |
€129 |
€230 |
full validity*** |
€36 to €56 |
€67 to €87 |
n.a. |
€88 to €118 |
€129 to €159 |
€230 |
|
€56 |
€87 |
n.a. |
€118 |
€159 |
€230 |
*Tickets marked as partially refundable or refundable, are to be refunded until 24:00 on the day before departure. On the day of departure, no any ticket is refundable.
**Children up to 6 years of age travel for free, provided they are sharing a bed with their accompanying adults. In case of separate beds, the Children’s fare applies.
***Starting prices are limited in availability. On the day of departure and tickets bought onboard, always the higher prices apply.
For groups of friends and families, we offer the possibility of booking a Private Cabin, which are available for both adults and children.
How to book a Private Cabin at jegy.mav.hu
- Set the number of passengers and enter their dates of birth. You can book for up to 6 passengers at a time in one transaction.
If you are unsure about the number of passengers traveling together when booking, it is still worth specifying as many passengers as possible, as the price for the cabin does not depend on the actual number of passengers (within capacity). However we can only provide the availability of beds and the services included upon the number of booked passengers. Tickets purchased online are personalized and only those are eligible to travel, whose names have been registered during purchase. - Select the desired date and train.
- On the "Service request" page, select, "Couchette 2nd class six-berth (D6)", regardless the number of people travelling together
- Click on the small arrow to see details of the offers at different price levels. Select the offer that appears as "Privát fülke/Compartment".
If an error notification appears during the booking process, that means there are no more cabins available for exclusive use on the given train.
Reservations are also required for discount cards and pass holders. We recommend that you make your reservation as early as possible at jegy.mav.hu. Holders of START Klub Cards (START Klub Prémium/VIP) and FIP Reduced Rate Cards (50%) are eligible for discounted, flat-rate tickets, which in most cases are cheaper than the normal prices available at the time.
How to book START Klub/Interrail/Eurail/FIP supplements at jegy.mav.hu
- Discounts must be set up at the beginning of the purchase process when adding passengers.
- Set the number of passengers and their dates of birth. Click on the "new discount" button to set the discounts for passengers.
- Select the desired date and train.
- The prices quoted will automatically include the discounts applicable with the specified privileges.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO INTERRAIL/EURAIL USERS
Interrail/Eurail Passes are welcome, however valid upon a couchette or sleeper reservation only. Your Interrail/Eurail Pass, as with many other trains all over Europe, covers only the basic fare that would apply for slow local connections on the same route, and is insufficient for a place on this given train. Passengers without a reservation may be denied boarding, even in possession of a validated Interrail/Eurail Pass, which we are sorry for. No travel allowed on the corridor or in the washroom, no multiple adult passengers in one bed, etc. No excess passengers allowed for safety reasons.
Would there be any free places left on the train, those should be available at international ticket offices usually until the afternoon hours on the day of departure, or alternatively, at jegy.mav.hu.
If you are unable to book a train in our system, that practically means the train is already full and therefore you are kindly advised to prepare for alternative travel dates or other connections.
Also please validate your travel in your Interrail/Eurail pass before boarding, preferably once you have purchased the reservation. Passengers with a valid reservation but without a validated pass may be issued a €15 to €50 penalty!
In short, you need two at the same time:
-
validated journey in your pass, and
-
a valid reservation.
You will need both!
