Faster train connections between Budapest and Vienna with major railway upgrade
By the end of 2024, a major upgrade on Hungary’s busiest railway line between Budapest and Hegyeshalom will be completed, promising faster and more reliable travel for both domestic and international passengers. The project includes state-of-the-art traffic management systems, improved passenger information, and reduced travel times, significantly benefiting connections between Budapest, Győr, and Vienna.
Faster connection between Budapest and Vienna
The Budapest–Hegyeshalom railway, Hungary’s most critical line for passenger and freight transport, is undergoing a transformative upgrade set to be completed by the end of 2024, Magyar Nemzet reports. The EUR 70 million project, supported by the European Union and the Hungarian government, aims to eliminate bottlenecks, enhance rail interoperability, and align with EU transport standards.
One of the key outcomes of the project is improved connectivity between Budapest and Vienna,
with the introduction of 16 daily train pairs expected to run with shorter travel times.
Enhanced traffic control systems, including the replacement of outdated equipment with the latest Central Traffic Management (Központi Forgalomirányító berendezés, Köfi) systems, will ensure greater reliability and punctuality across the line. Additionally, passenger information systems will be centralised, providing clearer and more consistent updates.
The upgrade also includes critical infrastructure improvements such as track replacements, modernisation of signalling systems, and the integration of advanced train control technology (ETCS L1–L2), allowing trains to travel through the Hegyeshalom border station at speeds of up to 100 km/h without stopping.
While Hungary’s upgrades are nearing completion, the full benefit for international travellers will materialise once Austria completes its own line renovation by 2028. This project not only strengthens Budapest–Vienna links but also enhances suburban and regional rail services, particularly for commuters in and around Győr. With this modernisation, travellers can look forward to a faster and more convenient rail experience in Central Europe.
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