FAQ – international travel

Information for travelling from Hungary to other countries.

If you do not find an answer to your specific question please contact us.

International destinations from Hungary

Hungary is connected by direct trains with 11 countries – among them almost all the neighbourhood ones and its capitals, and even to Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.

Where to buy international tickets

In the cash decks of the railway stations and MÁV-START ticket offices  in bigger cities and at border stations – see the complete list here. A wide range of the offers (for departure from and arrival to Hungary) are available online (jegy.mav.hu) or – only for direct trains departing or arriving in Hungary – via „MÁV” app . Online tickets can be presented on the app or as printable PDF.

International ticket offers

START Europa, START Europa Plus

Train-bound tickets in limited amounts at the best prices. Available for almost all long-distance day trains from and to Hungary. In ticket offices for journeys between every stations in Hungary and to destination countries (or back there), online and via MÁV appl only for the direct trains.

Night train offers

Train-bould tickets are available for the night trains to Stuttgart, Zürich and Berlin with several discounts for children, groups, pass and discount card holders, etc.

Special offers

Tatra excursion ticket, valid for 4 days from Budapest to Poprad-Tatry/Strba and return, including unlimited travel on the Tatra mountain’s tram and railway lines: 59 €.

START Regio offers

International tickets for the border regions with higher discounts and some restrictions.

Europa Flex tickets

Full flexible offers to almost all European countries. Special discounts to Central and Eastern Europe.

Interrail and Eurail passes

Valid for unlimited travel in the selected countries – or through whole Europe – within the period of validity with further discounts for buses, ships, hotels, sightseeing and railway museums. Visit Interrail and Eurail website for further information on the prices and terms of use of these passes.

Discounts for every journey

Children

Children up to 6 years can travel for free – on night trains only if they are not occupying an own bed. Between 6 and 15 years 50% discount is offered for Europa Flex, START Regio and special tickets. (Age limits may vary for other countries.) For START Europa and night train tickets special discounts available.

Groups

More than 6 passengers regardless to their age are entitled for a group discount of 10-60% depending on regulations of countries. On night trains group discount is available only without further child discount.

Carriages and comfort classes

Seats

2nd class on every day and night trains. 1st class with more comfortable seats and on some routes extra services are available on many day trains – on the Railjets to Austria, Germany and Switzerland even a higher level with Business Class.

Night services

2nd class on every day and night trains. 1st class with more comfortable seats and on some routes extra services are available on many day trains – on the Railjets to Austria, Germany and Switzerland even a higher level with Business Class.

Features of the two classes:

 

Couchettes

Sleeping cars

Passengers per compartment

up to 4 or 6

1, 2 or 3

Gender sorting

mixed, ladies’s compartment available on some trains

sorted by gender, people travelling together can buy an own compartment

Sanitary facilities

common toilets and washrooms

en-suite washbasin, common toilets, some carriages with common shower room
some trains have DeLuxe compartments with own bathroom

Bed linen

pillow, blanket, sheets – passengers make their own bed

pillow, duvet, sheet – beds are made by attendant

Service included

mineral water, small breakfast

(not on every routes)

sanitary kit, welcome snacks and drinks, complete breakfast

(not on every routes)

On-board catering

Dining or buffet cars are available on many day trains in Central and Western Europe with cold and hot meals, snacks and drinks. On some trains meals are served at their seats. On night trains snacks and drinks are available in couchettes and sleeping cars.

Disabled passengers 

The accompanions of the blind and of passengers in wheelchairs (certified by own official passes of certain countries) travel for free in many countries – only compulsory reservations and night trains surcharges have to paid. Guide and assistance dogs of the blind can be carried for free without restrictions. Carriages with dedicated wheelchair places, lifting equipments and accessible toilets are available in many day train to Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Switzerland and Slovenia. .

Carrying of animals

Smaller dogs and other non-dangerous domestic animals (.like cats and birds) can be carried in lockable containers for free. Dogswithout comtainerscan be carried with half-price Europa Flex tickets, leashed and muzzled,Animals are prohibited from dining cars, and in some countries also from 1st class and – including  MÁV-START  – from night carriages. Amount of animals to be carried per person may be limited too.

Luggage

There are generally no size or weight restrictions, except some countries. Passengers can carry three items for free, among them suitcases, packages, prams, sport and music instruments. Luggage have to meet the legal and custom orders of specific countries, and also the special rules for dangerous goods.

All the items must be placed on luggage racks and under seats, without disturbing other passangers, damaging amenities, or block corridors, emergency exits, etc.

General rules and conditions of carriage

Further rules applying to international travel can be found here.