Holidaymakers heading to Croatia this summer will once again be able to travel directly from Budapest to Split aboard the popular Adria InterCity night train. Operated by MÁV Group, the seasonal service will run between 3 July and 2 October 2026, providing a comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to driving or flying.
Tickets for couchette accommodation start from just EUR 46, while groups and families can reserve an entire six-berth compartment from EUR 240.
Overnight journey from Budapest to the Adriatic
One of the train’s biggest attractions is that passengers travel overnight, saving valuable holiday time. The service departs Budapest’s Keleti railway station at 18:40 and arrives in Split at 09:37 the following morning.
Travellers can enjoy sunset views along Lake Balaton before settling in for the night as the train continues south through Croatia’s spectacular Dinaric mountain landscape. The return service leaves Split at 17:40 and reaches Budapest the next morning.
MÁV highlights the train as an ideal option for those wishing to avoid motorway congestion, long hours behind the wheel and the uncertainties often associated with air travel.
Recognised as one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys
The railway operator notes that the route was included among Europe’s ten most exciting train journeys by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet in 2022.
Passengers can enjoy changing scenery throughout the journey, from the shores of Lake Balaton to the forests of the Dinaric Alps before waking up to views of the Adriatic coast.
Dining car and onboard comfort
A traditional dining car forms part of the train, serving hot dinners, breakfasts, snacks and drinks throughout the journey. MÁV says many travellers begin their holiday as soon as they board, enjoying dinner while watching the sunset over Balaton.
All carriages are air-conditioned, and sleeping compartments are equipped with power sockets. Attendants remain on board throughout the journey to assist passengers.
Breakfast is included in the ticket price, while passengers also receive bottled mineral water in the evening.
Accommodation options for every budget
Unlike conventional InterCity services, the Adria InterCity offers only sleeping accommodation.
Budget-conscious travellers can choose couchette compartments with four or six berths, while those seeking greater comfort can book sleeper compartments with one, two or three beds.
Women-only couchette compartments are available upon request, while shared sleeper compartments are separated by gender. Couples and families seeking privacy can reserve an entire compartment for exclusive use.
Ticket prices start at:
- EUR 46 for a berth in a shared six-person couchette compartment;
- EUR 77 for a berth in a four-person couchette compartment;
- EUR 108 for a berth in a three-person sleeper compartment;
- EUR 149 for a berth in a two-person sleeper compartment;
- EUR 190 for a private sleeper compartment.
A private six-berth couchette compartment can be booked from EUR 240 regardless of how many people occupy it.
Easy access to Croatia’s islands and beyond
Upon arrival in Split, travellers will find themselves within walking distance of the city’s historic centre, beaches and ferry port.
The port opposite the railway station offers connections to popular Croatian islands including Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis and Šolta, as well as ferry services to Ancona.
Split also serves as a convenient gateway to destinations along the Dalmatian coast, including Omiš, Makarska and Dubrovnik, as well as attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina such as Mostar and Međugorje.
Seats expected to sell out quickly
MÁV warns that capacity on the seasonal service is limited and many departures are expected to sell out well in advance. Reservations are compulsory and included in tickets purchased specifically for the train.
Passengers are therefore encouraged to book early, particularly for peak summer departures, to secure the lowest fares and preferred accommodation options.
The first Adria InterCity of the season will depart Budapest on 3 July 2026, with the final departure scheduled for 2 October. During July and August, trains will operate every other day, while September and early October will see departures several times a week.
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