Embark on a captivating voyage around Hungary by train, cruising from cosmopolitan cities through a land steeped in traditions.
All tracks lead to the architecturally intoxicating “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest. From the captivating capital, breeze in comfort to the verdant vineyards of Eger, the history-laden streets of Pécs, or the picturesque beaches of Lake Balaton. Stay in luxury hotels we’ve handpicked for a dream Central European rail vacation, and savor an unhurried journey along the Danube River and through a landscape peppered with thermal springs, sleepy villages, and crumbling castles.
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Hungary blends old-world grandeur and folk traditions with a sprinkling of the contemporary. Budapest sets the tone, with centuries-old thermal baths and striking imperial architecture set against homely coffee houses and animated ruin bars. Beyond Budapest, we can arrange a smooth rail itinerary that takes you to the castles and characterful towns of the Danube Bend, the tranquil vineyards around Eger, and spa towns barely touched by modernity.
Hungary’s diverse landscapes enrich a vacation around Hungary by train and offer plenty to excite outdoor enthusiasts. Vineyard-covered valleys, dense woodlands, the serene Danube, Lake Balaton (Central Europe’s largest lake), hot springs, and explorable caves; head out of Budapest, and there is a verdant bounty of outdoor spaces to make you forget about the world and reconnect with nature.
Budapest is one of Europe’s premier city break destinations. But if you relish stepping off the tourist trail and immersing yourself in the unfamiliar, Hungarian trains can take you deeper into Hungary’s colorful history and distinctive culture. With influences from East and West, Hungarian cities don’t always fit the European mold. From the baroque architecture of Eger and Gyor to the atmospheric old town of Szentendre, there is much more to Hungary than its feted capital.
Budapest, the capital, is an absorbing destination and the busiest rail hub for anyone aiming to travel Hungary by train. Once two cities straddling the Danube, it’s now a city of startling contrasts, where the grandeur of Buda’s Castle Hill juxtaposes the lively, cosmopolitan streets of Pest. Whether you’re there for the grand architecture and thermal baths or the spirited café culture and ruin bars, Budapest showcases different aspects of Hungarian culture and is endlessly captivating.
Hungary’s fifth-largest city is stacked with historical sights, including an Early Christian Mausoleum on the UNESCO World Heritage list. History reveals itself across a city with architectural influences from the Middle Ages and European empires, combined with a laidback vibe that makes Pécs an engrossing stop when taking the train to see more of Hungary.
Known for its historic vineyards and “Bull’s Blood” red wine, elegant Eger has a special place in Hungarian history, home to the 16th-century Eger Castle that withstood an Ottoman invasion. Eger’s accessible size makes it perfect for slow exploration, blending quaint cafes with wine cellars in a charming, walkable setting.
The U-shaped Danube Bend was likely formed by a volcanic eruption, creating a sedate and wonderfully scenic getaway for locals and visitors. A short train ride from Budapest transports you to an unspoiled landscape made for hiking, while picturesque towns like pastel-hued Szentendre and the castle town Visegrád, come with layers of history to unpeel.
One of Hungary’s most scenic rail routes threads through the mountainous Bakony region, along canyons and across heritage bridges, on a stimulating two-hour journey. Retro trains add to the romance as you trundle out of culturally layered Győr, the UNESCO-designated Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma fading into the distance. At the other end lies the historically diverse City of Queens, Veszprém, where you can rent a bike and cycle to picturesque Lake Balaton.
More stunning views await on the Vác to Szob rail journey. It’s a 30-minute journey hugging the riverside around the Danube Bend, a region dotted with pretty towns. The Danube Bend is one of the country’s most appealing areas, and we can build a trip to this compelling region into a longer vacation around Hungary by train.
Rail travel fans will be in their element, as you can then hop on the Nagybörzsöny forest railway in Szob, a seasonal tourist line with open-air carriages that rolls through the scenic Nagybörzsöny Forest, dropping off hikers along the way.
This scenic train ride links Budapest with one of Hungary’s most compelling cities, Eger. Direct trains take just under two hours, passing through the verdant valleys of northern Hungary to a city famed for its wine cellars, thermal baths, and robust medieval castle. Head here to sample Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) with a plate of paprikash in Eger’s diverse restaurants.
South of Budapest lies Pécs, home to Roman ruins and a vibrant art scene. Stacked with historic landmarks, including a fourth-century Early Christian Necropolis recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hungary’s fifth-largest city is one of its prettiest and an essential destination when discovering more of Hungary by rail. Direct modern trains complete the journey from Budapest in two and a half hours; time to relax in first-class comfort and take in views of the rolling countryside between stops.
Slick, high-speed ÖBB (Austrian Federal trains) zip between Budapest and Vienna, Austria’s endlessly absorbing capital. It’s a supremely comfortable and scenic journey, bringing together two thrilling cities of contrasts. Departures are frequent, and diverse Central European landscapes make the time fly one as you glide between two of the most popular destinations on our multi-country European rail tours.
MÁV (Magyar Allamvasutak) Hungarian State Railways operates national services across the country, including InterCity (IC), regional (Személyvonat), and express (Győrsvonat) trains.
Reservations are generally recommended for InterCity trains, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets with seat reservations ensure a smooth, comfortable journey, but regional trains often allow more flexibility without advance booking.
Connecting with the MÁV app allows you to display e-tickets, view schedules, and stay updated on rail travel information across Hungary.
Hungary is well-connected internationally with unflashy but comfortable MAV express (Eurocity) trains to 11 countries.
Major stations like Budapest Keleti also connected with high-speed Deutsche Bahn (DB) and ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) trains. More recently, RegioJet (a private Czech rail operator) added daily services between Budapest and Vienna.
International services typically have first-class seats, and even business class on ÖBB Railjet trains to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
MÁV also runs night trains to various European cities, with sleeping cars for a touch of comfort and a classic rail escapade.
Hungarian trains include basic seating, air-conditioning, and luggage racks on most routes. InterCity trains typically have first-class options, with more spacious seating and occasional onboard food services. We prioritize first-class tickets when available.
Free Wi-Fi, catering, and luggage storage are standard on most international trains in Hungary.
To plan an unforgettable journey through Hungary by train, speak to our travel experts, and let us take care of all the details that matter.
Our rail packages highlight Hungary’s scenic routes and unique destinations, including selected hotels and cultural activities that complement your trip.
Tailor your journey with our European rail experts, creating a personalized tour through Hungary by train that suits your interests.
We book premium hotels near train stations for maximum convenience, so you can focus on exploring without additional transit stress.
We secure first-class seating whenever possible, optimizing comfort on scenic rail routes, while managing bookings for efficiency and ease.
From electronic tickets to full train schedules, we provide comprehensive travel support so you can relax and travel with confidence.
Our team knows Hungary's rail routes inside out, always happy to offer insights and passionate about creating personal rail journeys you will never forget.
Extend your Hungarian adventure to include nearby countries like Austria and Slovakia, using our experience to arrange seamless cross-border connections.
Our packages suit everyone, from families to solo travelers and seniors, with options to meet varied travel preferences.
Traveling Hungary by train is an authentic way to see the country through local eyes, offering a deeper, more immersive travel experience.
Rail travel is an environmentally conscious choice, and our packages support low-impact journeys that align with sustainable tourism.
Hungary’s trains are reliable and generally comfortable, with first-class seating options and amenities on many intercity routes. Most trains offer clean facilities, luggage storage, and in some cases, onboard Wi-Fi. For a relaxed experience, we provide convenient e-tickets and offer route planning, allowing you to enjoy your rail journey through Hungary without the hassles of car rentals.
Budapest is a natural rail hub for a European vacation. High-speed trains connect Budapest with Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, and other cities along the Danube. From Budapest, we can weave together an exhilarating multi-country European trip that calls into spellbinding cities across Hungary’s borders and beyond.
Frequent connections between the liveliest cities along scenic routes create the perfect mix for a varied and adaptable rail vacation. See the leading sights or head off the beaten path in Hungary’s diverse nature spots. We find the trains and hotels for a seamless vacation that lets you see more of Hungary by train at a pace that suits you, balancing relaxation and adventure that makes the most of Hungary’s variety.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak season (June-August) or special events. Talk with our experts to plan your itinerary, and we’ll take care of the rest, booking prime hotels and reserving the train tickets you need as they become available, usually at least 3 months before travel.
Yes. Hungarian trains are family-friendly, and children under 14 now travel free, while older children can travel on half-price fares. There are plenty of family attractions to visit if you travel Hungary by train with a family, including a train actually operated by children, the Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway) from Hűvösvölgy through the Buda Hills.
Most InterCity trains have air-conditioning, first and second-class seating, toilets, and accessible facilities. Some Eurocity and all Railjet routes offer onboard catering and Wi-Fi.
Yes. Hungarian trains are family-friendly, and children under 14 now travel free, while older children can travel on half-price fares. There are plenty of family attractions to visit if you travel Hungary by train with a family, including a train actually operated by children, the Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway) from Hűvösvölgy through the Buda Hills.
Travel Hungary by train any time of the year! Here’s a snapshot of what makes each season unique.
Winter bites in Hungary but locals keep warm with festive Christmas markets, classical concerts, bowls of paprika-infused deliciousness, and steamy thermal baths that are particularly magical against the chilly backdrop. Budapest shines brightest, with outdoor skating rinks and holiday lights lighting up the grand old buildings, creating one of Europe’s most festive scenes.
Visitors have yet to arrive in big numbers. Bring an umbrella and take your time marveling at the stunning architecture of the Pearl of The Danube. A highlight is the Budapest Spring Festival, a major arts festival that begins in April. Or head outdoors to mountain and forest trails in full bloom.
It’s peak time for lake escapes; head to Lake Balaton for sun-soaked days and join the locals making the most of the often balmy weather. Outdoor events and music festivals pop up, including the spirited Sziget music festival, Danube Carnival, and Budapest Beer Week.
Autumn brings mild weather and autumnal scenes on forest hikes and along the Danube. Hungary’s harvest season kicks off, offering wine festivals and the optimal time to dive into Hungary’s hearty cuisine, with the Budapest Wine Festival a particular highlight in September.
From Budapest’s grand thermal baths to the vineyard-laden hills of Eger and the shimmering waters of Lake Balaton, exploring Hungary by train offers an intimate way to uncover the country’s rich history and natural beauty. With convenient connections and carefully selected accommodations, we’ll tailor a journey to your interests at a pace you find comfortable. Talk with our rail travel specialists to start planning a rail escape like no other.
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