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Hungarian State Railways ended their most used discount without saying a word
Hungarian State Railways have quietly withdrawn one of its most widely used ticket discounts, effectively increasing prices for passengers who typically book their journeys in advance.
Not a word was said about the decision
The move, which affects so-called “smart tickets”, was introduced without public announcement and has already resulted in noticeably higher fares on key routes.
Until mid-December, travellers buying tickets ahead of time could save up to 40 percent compared to the standard fare. For example, an early-bird ticket for the Budapest–Miskolc line previously cost around HUF 2,600 (EUR 6.87).
Today, however, the same journey for the Christmas period is priced at HUF 4,042 (EUR 10.68) – the full, undiscounted tariff – whether purchased on the Hungarian State Railways’ website or through either of its mobile apps.
What appears to be a steep price hike is, in reality, the disappearance of the discount itself. Smart tickets had long provided an incentive for passengers with predictable travel schedules to choose rail over other modes of transport.
These fares were straightforward and already included reservation fees, offering a sense of value even during MÁV’s notoriously challenging summer periods.
Yet MÁV has removed the option without any visible communication. No press release was issued, no explanation published on its platforms, and the discounted fares have simply vanished from the booking system.
Hungarian State Railways did not deny, though
In a written response to Magyar Narancs, the company did not deny the change. Instead, it stated that “the smart ticket system will be renewed and transformed from the start of the new timetable period.
We will shortly inform our valued passengers and the public of the details.” Currently, smart tickets remain available only for travel dates up to 14 December. For later dates, they no longer appear.