First Adria InterCity of 2024 departs from Budapest to Split: there are still some tickets left!

On 18 June, Tuesday evening, the first Adria InterCity train of the year departed from Budapest to the Croatian coast, Split. The first journey was almost fully booked, and most Adria InterCity services are highly utilised until the second half of August.

Adria InterCity overview

Photo: MÁV

The Adria InterCity is a seasonal night train service operated by MÁV-START that runs between Budapest, Hungary, and Split, Croatia. It is particularly popular among tourists travelling to the Croatian coast during the summer months. The Adria InterCity offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between Budapest and the Croatian coast, making it a popular choice for summer vacationers.

Adria InterCity as a night service

Night trains play a crucial role in boosting international city tourism and holiday travel in Europe, with passenger numbers growing significantly each year. The Adria InterCity is also becoming increasingly popular. Last year, nearly 14,000 passengers chose this train for their holiday travel, turizmus.com reports.

Since the spring launch of advance ticket sales, more than half of the total tickets sold last year have already been purchased for the Adria InterCity, which was named one of Europe’s top 10 most scenic train journeys by Lonely Planet in 2022. So far, 8,300 tickets have been sold this year. Due to high demand, an additional sleeper car has been added from the first departure on 18 June.

Some tickets left

PrtSc: YouTube/MÁV

The Adria InterCity has a 90% occupancy rate for couchettes and 80% for sleeper coaches until the end of July. The majority of tickets have been sold for the six-person family couchettes on the Budapest–Split route, with over 2,000 tickets sold. Of the reserved seats, 45% are in six-person compartments, more than a third in four-person compartments, and a quarter in sleeper coaches.

For those planning to visit the Croatian coast by train in August or September, there are still discounted tickets available.

The Adria InterCity arrives in the heart of Split, near the old town and the port. The 789-kilometre journey allows for a comfortable sleep, making the trip not exhausting for any family member or group. All carriages are air-conditioned, and there are power outlets in the compartments.

Route and schedule

PrtSc: YouTube/MÁV

The Adria InterCity departs from Budapest’s Keleti railway station at 18:45, travelling along the southern shore of Lake Balaton before reaching the border. It then descends to the coast after crossing mountain passes nearly 900 metres above sea level in the Dinaric Alps, arriving in Split at 9:49.

The return train departs Split at 17:54 and arrives in Budapest at 9:35 the next day. In addition to Budapest (Keleti and Budapest-Kelenföld), passengers can board or alight at Székesfehérvár, Siófok, Fonyód, Balatonszentgyörgy, Nagykanizsa, and Gyékényes.

Tickets for the six- and four-person couchettes start from EUR 49 per person. More comfortable one-, two-, and three-person sleeper coaches, ideal for couples and smaller families, are available from EUR 88.

MÁV-START offers special discounts for families, with children’s tickets available from EUR 30 for kids aged 6-15. Larger families, groups, and friends can book a private couchette for 3-6 people starting from EUR 256.

Passengers should note that due to track maintenance in Croatia, Adria InterCity trains will take a detour between 22 and 27 June, extending travel time by 30-50 minutes.

Read also:

• Hurry up: Tickets to Adria InterCity from Hungary to Croatia selling out!
• Hungary’s favourite direct train to the Croatian coast will be back this summer