Explore stunning Central European capitals this Christmas with the Hungarian Orient Express – PHOTOS
Looking for an extraordinary train journey to Central European capitals, either as a solo traveller or with your loved ones? Look no further! The first and, to date, only fully privately owned Hungarian railway company offers enchanting trips aboard the Hungarian Orient Express to Vienna, Zagreb, South Bohemia, and the Semmering region.
Exclusive journeys from Budapest
From 12 October until 30 December, you can embark on some remarkable journeys through Hungary on the Hungarian Orient Express, discovering the splendid cities of Vienna or Zagreb, as well as the picturesque Semmering and South Bohemia. Continental Railway Solution Ltd. (CRS) is launching the Continental Classic Express trains from Budapest, featuring carriages previously used by the Austrian Prime Minister.
Founded in 2014, CRS is Hungary’s first and only fully privately owned railway company with a passenger transport licence. The travel experience on their trains is an entirely different realm compared to the service offered by Hungarian State Railways (MÁV). The MÁV has faced numerous challenges, including outdated locomotives and dilapidated railway lines. Development has stalled due to financial constraints faced by the Hungarian government, leading to the suspension of relevant projects two years ago. Consequently, many Hungarian trains suffer breakdowns, delays, and frequent cancellations.
Affordable luxury: tickets from EUR 63
Passengers aboard the Hungarian Orient Express can expect a hassle-free experience, distinct from the troubles of MÁV. The train features four classes of coaches, accommodating approximately 300 passengers, ensuring that everyone can savour the magic of the season in style. Currently, the cheapest ticket is priced at HUF 24,900 (EUR 63), granting access to the tourist carriages.
One unique highlight of the Hungarian Orient Express is the Salon z carriage, which was previously reserved for the Austrian Prime Minister on exclusive journeys. Guests seated in this carriage can order from a special menu, be attended to by private staff, and enjoy exclusive beverages. This luxurious option can be booked by groups of eight.
If you’re a “regular passenger,” there’s no need to feel disappointed. A dining and lounge bar carriage also awaits you on the train, catering to all your needs, Lelépő wrote.
Unforgettable journey to Zagreb with the Hungarian Orient Express
Should you choose to travel to the Croatian capital, you can opt for the train on 12 October or visit the Christmas fair on 7 December (both Saturdays). According to Continental Railway Solutions Ltd., Zagreb has been voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas fair three times. Trains depart from Budapest-Keleti Railway Station at 6:00 a.m., make a brief stop at Kelenföld Railway Station at 6:10 a.m., and arrive at Zagreb Main Station at 11:00 a.m. Return trips from Zagreb are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are as follows: HUF 24,990 (EUR 63) for the tourist class, HUF 38,900 (EUR 98) for Pullman, and HUF 79,990 (EUR 200) for Pullman First class. For more details, you can find a brief English description of the three options HERE.
Explore Vienna, Semmering, and South Bohemia
This year, the Hungarian Orient Express will run two Christmas fair trips to Vienna on 14 and 21 December (both Saturdays). Ticket prices are comparable to those for a one-day journey to the Croatian capital. The train will also make stops in Győr, Tatabánya, Wien Hauptbahnhof, and Wien Westbahnhof. You can read more about this HERE.
While on 17 October, you can embark on a four-day adventure to discover the treasures of South Bohemia. Choose from two classes: expedition and Pullman First. Check out the prices HERE.
To wrap up the year with excitement, there will be a one-day trip to the Semmering in Austria on 30 December. This memorable excursion will feature multiple stops and the same class options as those for Vienna and Zagreb. For further details, visit THIS website.
As mentioned earlier, the first journey was a one-day wine tour to the picturesque Wine Region of Tokaj.
Read also:
- MÁV-START tests used French Alstom electric locomotives to modernise Hungarian railways – read more HERE
- Ambitious: Hungarian railway company MÁV embarks on a massive EUR 2 billion railway development
PHOTOS: Budapest-Belgrade rail line upgrade reaches milestone today
The project to upgrade the rail line connecting Budapest and Belgrade has reached its “most important milestone to date”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Kiskőrös (South Hungary) on Wednesday.
Szijjártó said the last piece of track along a 150km stretch built by civil engineering company V-Híd and its partners had been laid. He added that the upgraded rail line would be completed by the end of 2025.
The project, with a cost of around HUF 800bn, will be the “most competitive” freight route for bringing goods from Asia from ports in the south of Europe to Western Europe, he added.
Szijjártó said Hungary’s economy had profited much from acting as an economic “meeting point” between East and West in recent years. He added that annual bilateral trade between the European Union and China stood at around EUR 800bn, while trade with all of Asia reached several thousand billion euros, and much of the goods from Asia arrived by freighter at ports in Southern Europe.
Szijjártó met with the wealthiest Hungarian, Lőrinc Mészáros to celebrate together. V-Híd is in the interest of Mr Mészáros.
Sándor Font, an MP representing Kiskoros’s district, noted that Hungary was partnering with Serbia and China on the construction of the double track. In addition to the Budapest-Belgrade rail line upgrade, V-Hid Group has also started work on a close to EUR 1bn railway project in the south of the capital, owner Lőrinc Mészáros said. Showcasing some of the company’s heavy machinery, he said V-Híd had spent over EUR 100m on equipment.
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Budapest suburban traffic lacks operational trains: Orbán’s former mayoral candidate Vitézy blames minister
Dávid Vitézy, a politician who works with the LMP-Greens in the Budapest assembly, has convened an extraordinary meeting of the transport, urban development committee for Monday over the planned cuts to suburban railway HEV’s services.
The proposed cuts at the lines connecting Budapest with the souhern suburbia in Gödöllő, Csepel and Ráckeve would result in a 20-30 percent drop in their overall capacity, Vitézy said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday.
He said that he had invited the mayor of Budapest, the leaders of the construction and transport ministry, the Budapest public transport centre (BKK) and state railway MÁV, the mayors of affected districts and civil organisations representing passengers to attend the meeting.
Vitézy cited his letter sent to BKK and MÁV, in which he pointed out that the city “has run out of operational HÉV carriages which is not a surprise since the oldest of them are aged 58-61.”
He said that the government (namely, János Lázár, Hungry’s construction and transport minister) had put a halt to the purchase of public transport vehicles, adding that it was the transport ministry and “central bureaucracy to be blamed for the collapse of the maintenance and spare parts supply system.”
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MÁV-START tests used French Alstom electric locomotives to modernise Hungarian railways
MÁV-START, a key player in Hungarian rail transport, has taken a significant step toward modernizing its locomotive fleet by testing Alstom’s multi-current Astride electric locomotives. This move is part of the MÁV-VOLÁN Group’s 5-point transport action plan, aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of rail transport in Hungary.
The Group’s twofold strategy focuses on the long-term procurement of new vehicles while leasing high-quality, second-hand locomotives to address short-term operational needs. As part of this strategy, MÁV-START recently conducted a successful test run of these Alstom locomotives between Budapest and Hatvan. Though not yet in passenger service, these trial runs are vital to ensure the locomotives meet operational and safety standards before fully integrating into the Hungarian railway network.
According to the official site, the company plans to lease 27 locomotives, with an initial order of 15 and an option for 12 more. These new locomotives are expected to replace some of the older V43 traction units with a maximum speed of 120 km/h. In contrast, the Alstom locomotives can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h and are equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance systems, ensuring higher operational efficiency and timetable regularity.
This modernization effort is essential to meet the growing travel demand and improve the overall passenger experience. MÁV-START is also working to expand its fleet by leasing additional second-hand vehicles, similar to the Siemens Eurosprinter locomotives introduced last year. If the Alstom locomotive trials prove successful, the company will proceed with the formal lease agreement, and passengers can expect to see these modern, high-speed trains in service as early as next year.
The Hungarian railway company has received a lot of criticism recently for operating with even more delays and cancellations than usual. In addition, the Minister responsible for public transport, János Lázár, canceled previous procurements several years ago and did not place any orders instead, resulting in massive chaos on Hungarian rail lines. Now it seems they are trying to cushion this with a second-hand, presumably expensive, solution.
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Ambitious: Hungarian railway company MÁV embarks on a massive EUR 2 billion railway development
Watch: newly released video of train derailment at Budapest Keleti railway station
Ambitious: Hungarian railway company MÁV embarks on a massive EUR 2 billion railway development
Next year, significant railway track renovations are set to begin across Hungary, aiming to reduce delays and improve service reliability for the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV). According to MÁV Group CEO Zsolt Hegyi, the summer season on the Balaton line saw considerable disruptions, prompting the company to revamp schedules for the 2025 peak season to mitigate similar issues.
Punctuality is a major challenge for MÁV
The punctuality of trains has been one of the major challenges for MÁV. Despite some improvements, recent data from September shows that only 75% of trains arrived on time, far short of the 90% target. This has led to frustration among passengers, with many associating MÁV with delays. As Hegyi noted in InfoRádió, such delays tarnish the company’s reputation, as they suggest the service provider is failing to meet expectations. To combat this, MÁV has begun analysing data to pinpoint where interventions are most needed to improve adherence to schedules.
In addition to schedule adjustments, track and infrastructure upgrades are essential. Hungary’s railway network spans approximately 7,000 kilometres, with nearly all routes requiring ongoing modernisation. Over the past 15 years, several suburban lines around Budapest have been upgraded, primarily funded by the European Union, with significant refurbishments on some long-distance routes as well.
Major, EUR 2 billion modernisation project
Looking ahead, a EUR 2 billion railway development program will unfold over the next five years. This ambitious project will be funded equally by a EUR 1 billion loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and another EUR 1 billion from the national budget. Alongside major renovations, several lines will undergo maintenance work to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of services. Hegyi emphasised that while not every line needs to be rebuilt from scratch, regular maintenance is crucial to keep the system functioning smoothly.
The company is still negotiating the loan with the EIB, but if all goes as planned, the first projects will begin in the summer of 2025. Initial renovations will target 15 key lines, with notable projects including upgrades to the Cegléd–Szeged railway between Kiskunfélegyháza and Szeged, the Székesfehérvár–Boba line that cuts through the Bakony mountains, improvements at the Szolnok station to speed up train throughput, and the reconstruction of the Gubacsi Bridge to facilitate freight transport.
Balaton routes especially affected
Hegyi highlighted that delays were particularly troublesome during the summer months, especially along the Balaton routes, which suffered from an influx of passengers. In fact, the demand for train travel to Lake Balaton reached unprecedented levels this year, largely due to the introduction of nationwide and regional travel passes, as well as a fare reform. Over 2.5 million people travelled to the popular holiday destination by train this summer alone. However, these routes, many of which are single-track, are especially vulnerable to cascading delays when issues arise.
Reflecting on the summer’s challenges, Hegyi acknowledged that timetable adjustments would be necessary. Many trains were unable to depart on time because of the extended boarding and alighting times caused by the large number of passengers. These operational challenges will be carefully considered in planning next year’s schedule to better accommodate the high volume of travellers during peak periods.
MÁV’s goal remains to enhance service reliability and restore passenger confidence, ensuring that future summers, especially on heavily trafficked lines like those to Balaton, run more smoothly with fewer delays. The upcoming development and maintenance projects are expected to play a critical role in achieving these improvements.
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Sign of friendship? Subotica train station in Serbia won’t open until Hungarian signage is installed
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the Subotica train station would not open until all signs were displayed in Hungarian, in addition to Serbian and English. He made this remark after arriving in the northern Vojvodina city on a test train running on the newly renovated Serbian section of the Budapest–Belgrade railway.
Serbian part of the railway to be opened a year before deadline
Vučić mentioned that despite travelling on a test vehicle with his wife, the journey was pleasant. He emphasised that once regular train services begin, the travel experience between Subotica and Belgrade will be even better. As he toured the station, the president remarked that no one would have dreamed Serbia could complete this project ahead of Hungary. The Serbian side is preparing to open the renovated railway a year before the deadline, iho.hu reports.
The station will not open without Hungarian signage
Although the initial plan was to open the Subotica train station to passengers within five or six days, this will now be delayed. The station currently only has signs in Serbian and English, but none in Hungarian, which Vučić called unacceptable.
He emphasised that as long as he is president, everything in Subotica must also be written in Hungarian,
citing his late friend István Pásztor as a key figure who helped bridge the Serbian and Hungarian peoples. Until this issue is resolved, the station will remain closed.
Train services along the Belgrade–Novi Sad–Subotica section are expected to resume on 24 November, with trains covering the 184-kilometre route in 70 minutes on tracks designed for speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. No official information has been provided on the progress of the Hungarian section of the Budapest–Belgrade railway.
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Budapest traffic to be paralysed this weekend due to car-free weekend and WWII bomb disarmament
The car-free weekend in Budapest was postponed due to the historic flood following the raging of Cyclone Boris in Central Europe. The new date is 5 and 6 October, which means lots of traffic restrictions for drivers in the downtown. Furthermore, due to the disarmament of a WWII explosive, half of South Pest will also be closed to public transport and cars. Be careful on the roads!
Budapest traffic in the downtown will be challenging this weekend
According to Telex, the car-free weekend in Budapest will start today and last until tomorrow since it had to be postponed due to the Danube flood. As a result, the Szabadság Bridge, the Vámház Promenade until Lónyay Street and the Pest lower embankment between the Margaret Bridge and the Közraktár Street will be closed to car traffic.
In addition, trams nr 47, 48, and 49 will not commute this weekend. You may use trams 61 or 56A instead of them. BKK also recommends the use of M4 metro line, bus lines 7 and 133E, metro line M3 and bus lines 9 and 15 this weekend.
BKK welcomes guests with numerous open-air programmes in connection to the European Mobility Week and the car-free weekend. For example, there will be a Food Truck Show until 10 PM on Saturday and 8 PM on Sunday. You can try some historic trams in front of Budapest’s Great Market Hall. Below, you may find a map showing the program venues. Unfortunately, it is in Hungarian, just like the detailed programme, which you can check out HERE.
WWII bomb disarmament paralyses traffic in South Pest, changes train traffic to Vienna
Authorities found a WWII bomb near the Southern railway bridge in Budapest, close to the Hungarian National Theatre. Experts decided to disarm it on Saturday afternoon, which seriously affects traffic since police will close the area and evacuate all residents. Moreover, you will not be able to use the Rákóczi Bridge, some bus lines commuting on Soroksári Street, and suburban railway line H6, Világgazdaság wrote.
Furthermore, trains will not commute on that line between noon and 4 PM. As a result, trains via Győr to Vienna or Pécs will begin the journey from Kelenföld station in Buda. The same goes for passenger trains G43 and S36. The suburban railway line will carry passengers between Ráckeve and Kén Street between 10 AM and 4 PM. The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) recommends that passengers access Kelenföld railway station with the M4 metro line. BKK will accept valid train tickets between 10 AM and 5 PM on metro line M3 between Kőbánya-Kispest and Kálvin Square stations on metro line M4 and tram line 1 between Népliget and Kelenföld stations.
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- Brand-new Spanish trams come to Budapest, public bike system to be renewed, extended – read more HERE
- An important milestone in Budapest’s public transport: new electric buses to come
Good news: Train services resume on key railway line in Hungary after Danube flooding
Starting Monday, 30 September, train services will resume between Esztergom and Komárom, eliminating the need for passengers to transfer to replacement buses on this route. The S74 trains will once again operate along the entire length of the line.
Train service resumes on key line
Following the receding of the Danube floodwaters, railway workers removed protective coverings and approximately 20,000 sandbags along the section between Lábatlan and Nyergesújfalu on the Esztergom–Komárom line, Economx reports. This stretch of the railway runs along the riverbank, doubling as part of the region’s flood defence infrastructure.
As part of the flood prevention efforts, the railway embankment was elevated near Tát to align it with the flood defence levee, aiding in water management, according to reports.
Before reopening the line, a full inspection of the railway tracks was conducted, including geotechnical assessments where necessary. Based on the findings, it was confirmed that train services can safely resume on the section that had been closed due to the flood defence measures.
Additionally, from 30 September, the previously closed section of Route 11 (Tát shortcut) affected by the flooding will also reopen. Bus services 812, 814, 817, 819, and the local T-route buses will return to their original routes, once again stopping at Táti út and Horgásztanya.
Read all our reports on flooding in Hungary HERE.
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European loan to fund Hungary’s ambitious railway modernisation efforts
The Hungarian government has formally applied for a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support its railway renovation efforts, Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár announced via Facebook. The requested funds will cover half of the HUF 800 billion (EUR 2 billion) infrastructure development program, with the government financing the other half. This initiative is part of a broader HUF 1.2 trillion (EUR 3 billion), 10-year plan aimed at comprehensively modernising Hungary’s rail transport system.
Another huge loan to be taken out by the Hungarian government
According to Telex, Lázár explained that in the first phase of the project, 119 kilometres of railway tracks would be cleared of speed restrictions, while another 490 kilometres would be upgraded with cutting-edge central traffic control systems. He emphasised that these improvements will enhance the safety and reliability of rail travel across the country, reducing both travel times and delays.
Recent railway accidents have added urgency to these developments. One notable incident involved the derailment of the Claudiopolis InterCity near Keleti Station in Budapest, which disrupted services for days. Though no one was injured, the derailment highlighted the pressing need for infrastructure improvements. According to initial investigations by the Ministry’s Transportation Safety Organisation, broken bolts caused the accident.
Hungarian railways in critical condition
These events have sparked renewed public debate over the condition of Hungary’s railways. Lázár acknowledged that rail transport has long been a problematic area, but the government has a concrete plan to address the issues. In August, the minister unveiled a five-point action plan that includes securing a EUR 1 billion loan for railway construction, purchasing decommissioned Western trains, overhauling several stations, and replacing MÁV’s leadership.
Lázár also commented on the financial challenges posed by the EU’s withholding of funds earmarked for Hungary. “The delay in EU payments has hit the railway sector particularly hard,” he noted. “Until the EU fulfils its obligations, we must secure alternative funding sources. National funds are already in place, and once the EIB approves the loan, we will begin work immediately.”
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This will be the all-time fastest train in Hungary, motorway remains closed for almost a year
Dynamic testing of the Belgrade-Budapest superfast train started close to the Hungarian border. The subcontractor, the Deutsche Bahn Systemtechnik’s measurement train reaches 200 km/h in some sections. If ready, this will be the fastest train ever running in Hungary, but there is no news about finishing the Hungarian section of the line.
Train speed between Budapest and Belgrade may reach 200 km/h
According to Infostart, the testing period of the last, 100-km-long segment of the Belgrade-Budapest railway line in Serbia will be over on 10 October. Provided everything goes according to plans, the first scheduled train will begin carrying passengers on 25 November between Subotica (Szabadka) and Belgrade (184 kilometres). The stretch will take only 70 minutes, with trains running in both directions from 5 AM to 10 PM.
The Serbian President and the Greek prime minister announced earlier this year that they would add 1,500 kilometres to the Belgrade-Budapest line to establish a connection with Athens. The line is ready between Belgrade and Novi Sad (Újvidék). The high-speed train ‘Soko’ (‘Falcon’ in Serbian) completes the 76-kilometre-long segment in only 35 minutes.
Nothing is certain about the Hungarian line’s upgrade
In Serbia, the construction continued and in the last two years, the subcontractor renewed the Szabadka-Újvidék line. Szabadka (Subotica) is a town close to the Hungarian-Serbian border with a large Hungarian minority (26.2% in 2022). The dynamic testing started on the line and the German Deutsche Bahn Systemtechnik’s measurement train commutes at 200 km/h in some segments.
Therefore, the Serbian State Railways warned people to be extremely cautious near the railway line. Before, a woman was almost hit by a train in a suburban station in Belgrade. Here is the shocking video:
Péter Szijjártó called the Belgrade-Budapest railway upgrade projects the flagship of the Central European infrastructure developments. He added the new line would be ready by 2025. However, Serbian President Vucic talked about summer 2026. Infostart highlighted that nothing is certain about the end of the project. PM Viktor Orbán also confirmed the 2026 finish date in an interview.
The general elections will be held in Hungary in spring 2026.
Hungarian motorway remains closed for almost a year
A section of the M30 motorway, which connects Miskolc (NE Hungary) with the border of Slovakia, is undergoing repairs under warranty, the Construction and Transportation Ministry said on Friday. The ministry noted that the stretch, between Miskolc and Szikszó, had been closed since February because of cracks and sinking. Experts estimate that repairs could take 10-11 months, it added. The stretch, built by a consortium of STRABAG Építő Ltd. and STRABAG AG and opened in October 2021, is still under warranty.
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Fantastic news for travellers: Vienna-Budapest train services boosted with more frequent connections
State-owned Hungarian railway company MÁV signed a cooperation agreement with Austrian peer ÖBB at the InnoTrans international trade fair in Berlin on Tuesday.
Cooperation for better train service
The agreement extends to international passenger transport, maintenance and cargo service, MÁV said in a statement.
It added that both sides will work to step up passenger train service between Budapest and Vienna.
The agreement, which covers improving the quality of international passenger transport, performing maintenance tasks, and improving the competitiveness of rail freight transport, was signed by Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of MÁV Plc. and László Mosóczi, CEO of MÁV-START Plc. on the Hungarian side, and Andreas Matthä, Chairman of the Board of ÖBB Holding AG on the Austrian side.
More frequent train services between Vienna and Budapest
Under the terms of the agreement, the two countries’ railway companies will work towards a two-hour journey time between Budapest and Vienna, and will try to adapt the timetable structure and the stopping patterns of international passenger trains accordingly.
Although a significant reduction in journey times will only be possible from 2028 after the renovation of the railway line between Hegyeshalom and Vienna, both parties are working to introduce timetable changes that will allow more passenger trains to run at shorter journey times each year without stopping at Hegyeshalom and Tatabánya.
Currently, two pairs of Railjet trains per day cross the Hungarian-Austrian border without stopping at Hegyeshalmom with MÁV-START drivers as part of a pilot project. To extend this, MÁV-START and ÖBB are jointly providing the drivers and the necessary train crews.
ÖBB will endeavour to ensure that Railjet trains from Budapest and beyond Vienna can run faster and with new rolling stock in the new timetable model. At the same time, to improve passenger satisfaction, MÁV and ÖBB will develop a quality assurance system that will allow for a fast and efficient exchange of information between the companies in the event of disruptions.
As we wrote earlier, MÁV trains to commute differently this autumn, Budapest Airport and Vienna lines affected.
Read also:
- Hungary secures controlling stake in regional railway operator GySEV, details HERE
End of danger? Train service between Budapest and Vienna restarted!
Train services between the Hungarian and Austrian capitals restarted this morning. However, even the Austrian railway company, ÖBB, does not recommend choosing the railway because of the uncertainties caused by the historic flood hitting Hungary and Austria.
Budapest-Vienna train services resumed
According to turizmus.com, the train connection between Budapest and Vienna has been reestablished. The first trains departed Budapest this morning. However, passengers cannot yet continue their journey to Linz from the Austrian capital.
Because of the turns, some trains will only commute to Hegyeshalom until the afternoon. You may continue your journey from the Hungarian border town with EuRegio trains or the next distance train.
The first train carrying passengers from Budapest to Vienna was the 7:40 AM Railjet Express. However, people travelling with the 6:40 AM train can also reach Vienna provided they change trains in Hegyeshalom.
Based on current information, destinations beyond Vienna, e.g. Salzburg, are not yet available due to the flood. In Austria, you should still expect cancellations and considerable delays, so even the Austrian railway service provider ÖBB does not recommend travelling by train these days.
The company halted train service between Vienna and Hegyeshalom due to the heavy rains on Sunday evening.
In Hungary, the weather is fine, but the flood is already in the Western regions and approaching Budapest, where the lower Danube embankments are already under water.
Based on the experts’ estimates, the peaking of the Danube will be 40 centimetres below the 2013 record in Budapest. Gabriella Siklós, a spokesperson of the General Directorate of Water Management, told Kossuth Rádió that the peaking will be at 850 centimetres in the Hungarian capital. She added that the flood lacks water support because of the dry weather. However, the melting snow in Austria may slow the pace of water level decrease. People wanting to help protection efforts should write to local governments organising the work.
She said that, in Budapest, the water level reached 683 centimetres this morning. In the Szigetköz region of Northwestern Hungary, the peaking of the Danube will be on Thursday. In Budapest, the peaking will be on Saturday. In 2013, the peak level was 891 centimetres. Now, the Danube will probably stop at 850 cm.
Click HERE to read the latest news about the flood in Hungary.
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- Floods disrupt Hungarian transport: All the latest bus and train timetable changes you need to know in THIS article
- The hardest phase of flood protection underway, says Orbán
Orbán family profits from Budapest-Belgrade railway renovation through quarry contracts
The Budapest-Belgrade railway renovation, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Hungary’s history, has involved key business figures close to the government. Beyond the known participation of Lőrinc Mészáros’ companies, internal documents reveal that Viktor Orbán’s direct family members have also profited from the massive state-funded development, primarily through the supply of construction materials.
Ballast transported from a quarry owned by Orbán’s family
According to reports from 444.hu, over 200,000 tons of railway ballast were transported from a quarry in Gánt, owned by Orbán’s family, between 2022 and 2023. This delivery was confirmed by two separate transportation companies, which had contracts linked to the railway’s construction.
The Gánt quarry is managed by Dolomit Ltd., a company that lists several Orbán family members in leadership positions. Viktor Orbán’s father, Győző Orbán Sr., serves as the majority owner and CEO, while his brother, Győző Orbán Jr., and nephew, Dávid Orbán, also have executive roles. The family has been engaged in business with state projects for years, but this new revelation ties them directly to the highly publicised Budapest-Belgrade railway.
The railway renovation is Hungary’s largest-ever rail development, costing over HUF 800 billion (EUR 2 billion), most of which is financed by loans from China. The government has promoted the project as a significant strategic partnership between Hungary and China. Prime Minister Orbán described it as a “win-win” for both countries—an assertion that seems particularly true for his family.
The documents reviewed by 444.hu suggest that some of the orders for the construction materials were placed by V-Híd, a company owned by Lőrinc Mészáros, a close associate of the prime minister. V-Híd has played a significant role as the main contractor for the railway project. Moreover, there were additional agreements planned between the Orbán family’s Dolomit Ltd. and a Chinese firm involved in the project, China Tiejiuju Engineering & Construction Ltd. This company was reportedly preparing to sign a contract worth HUF 1 billion (EUR 2.5 million) for the supply of crushed stone from the family quarry.
Orbán’s family members are the main beneficiaries
Though exact financial figures remain undisclosed, the quarry’s price list indicates that in 2023, the material was sold at HUF 6,215 (EUR 15.77) per ton, a price that increased to HUF 7,520 (EUR 19) in 2024. This rate was notably higher than the prices offered by competitors.
While the Orbán family’s involvement in state projects is not new, this level of participation in a high-profile international project has raised questions. Previously, their quarry in Gánt supplied materials for various state-funded and EU-backed infrastructure developments, including road construction and sewage system upgrades. Over the past decade, Győző Orbán Sr. has withdrawn over HUF 10 billion (EUR 25.3 million) in dividends from these business activities.
Despite attempts to reach the family members for comments, neither Győző Orbán Jr. (PM Orbán’s brother) nor his son Dávid (PM Orbán’s nephew) provided statements to the press, ending phone calls when journalists identified themselves.
The Budapest-Belgrade railway project continues to draw attention, both for its strategic implications and the financial beneficiaries, particularly among those close to Hungary’s top political leadership. As the construction progresses, the involvement of Viktor Orbán’s family remains a point of interest in both the domestic and international media.
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Hungary secures controlling stake in regional railway operator GySEV
Construction and Transportation Minister János Lázár said in a social media post on Thursday that the state of Hungary could acquire Austrian construction company Strabag’s stake in GySEV (Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurti Vasút), giving it a majority holding in the regional railway company.
GySEV, the regional railway company
GySEV is a regional railway company operating in Hungary and Austria. Founded in 1872, it manages railway services across the western regions of Hungary and parts of Austria, including both passenger and freight transportation. It plays a significant role in connecting smaller towns and cities, fostering cross-border transportation and trade between the two countries.
Hungarian state is in the majority
Lázár called out Hungary’s earlier Socialist governments for signing contracts with the Austrians that had put the Hungarian side at an “unwarranted disadvantage”. While the state of Hungary plowed even more money into GySEV, the Austrians failed to keep up with their part of the capital raises while keeping their veto right, he added.
He noted that GySEV was owned by the states of Austria and Hungary, and Strabag. He added that Austria’s competition authority has now cleared Hungary’s acquisition of Strabag’s stake.
As the Minister stressed:
The transaction is good news for all passengers and employees of Hungarian railways. The development of GySEV, which was also achieved with Hungarian taxpayers’ money, will now make a tangible contribution to the catching-up of MÁV.
This will be much needed because the Hungarian State Railways, MÁV is in a terrible condition, and Minister Lázár has received a lot of criticism for the staggering delays, the postponed renewal of the railway tracks, and the old fleet.
As we wrote earlier, MÁV has set a new negative record in August, with a record percentage of trains running late, read details HERE.
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- Spain blocks Hungarian Talgo train factory deal over Orbán’s Russia ties
- CRRC ZELC to build Chinese-Hungarian train factory in Hungary, read details HERE
CRRC ZELC to build Chinese-Hungarian train factory in Hungary
Chinese company CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co (CRRC ZELC) is partnering with Hungarian group Acemil to establish a rolling stock manufacturing plant in Hungary, targeting the European market.
CRRC ZELC, one of six subsidiaries of the Chinese state-owned CRRC group with over 10,000 employees, plans to have the facility operational by next year. The partnership also aims to set up a railway education, training, and R&D centre, according to Railway Gazette.
Acemil, a Hungarian logistics, railway manufacturing, energy, and IT group founded in 2022, has been chosen as a reliable local partner. The group, entirely owned by a private equity fund, initially focused on China-Europe railway logistics.
This project follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic visit to Budapest in May, highlighting the Hungarian government’s efforts under PM Viktor Orbán to strengthen ties with China. Chinese companies have recently invested in several production facilities in Hungary, including battery and car factories.
CRRC has previously delivered small batches of rolling stock to EU operators, with larger-scale orders fulfilled through its subsidiary, Vossloh Rolling Stock. CRRC ZELC’s acquisition of Vossloh Locomotives GmbH in 2020 marked a significant step into the European market.
Chinese development plans in Europe
CRRC ZELC plans to manufacture mainline and shunting locomotives, electric multiple units, and double-deck trainsets at the new Hungarian facility. Acemil Board Member Dávid Kovács highlighted Hungary’s rich railway manufacturing history, noting that “Ganz and later Ganz-MÁVAG supplied railway vehicles for the international market over many decades.”
“Our goal is to put Hungary back on the map of European rolling stock production,” said Kovács. “We aim to produce products with at least 51% EU added value to meet market demand.”
Kovács also emphasised plans to establish a maintenance base in Hungary to support current and future European product portfolios. “We don’t just want to sell railway vehicles; we want to offer comprehensive service packages with mobile maintenance staff to reduce customer concerns about maintenance,” he explained.
“We are looking ahead, to 2025 and beyond”, Kovács explains. “We can be sure that there will be a huge demand for new locomotives for a variety of reasons. Currently, there are about 55,000 locomotives in Europe. The average age of those in Western Europe is 20 to 23 years, in Eastern Europe 35, in Hungary, it is 40 to 50 years. And a green transition is happening in Europe, amid expectations from the EU institutions of further progress with network electrification and overall decarbonisation. The existing suppliers just won’t be able to keep up with this demand,” he added.
Additionally, Acemil has also concluded an agreement with another CRRC subsidiary, CRRC Shandong Co, for joint manufacturing and assembly of freight wagons in Hungary, for which a separate factory would be built. „We have an existing collaboration with CRRC Shandong”, Kovács explains, adding that „we are ready to start the manufacturing of wagons in the first quarter of 2025.”
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Excellent news for passengers: Travelling to exotic Southeast Asian countries from Budapest is now cheaper!
State-owned China Airlines is attracting passengers from Hungary with appealing discounts to exotic Southeast Asian destinations much cheaper than before. Firstly, passengers do not have to pay for the train ticket between Hungary and Vienna. Secondly, their plane ticket is EUR 3-400 cheaper. Let us show you how.
According to turizmus.com, China Airlines introduced discounts on non-stop flights departing from Vienna International Airport to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, which serves Taipei. The discount is also valid for flights from the Taoyuan International Airport to Southeast Asian destinations, including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
If you book your flight until the end of 2024, the price will be 10-12% cheaper, provided you choose business class. As a result, you may save EUR 3-400. For people travelling with China Airlines from Budapest, the discount is higher. The Chinese airline provides free return train tickets for CI63 and CI64 flights departing from the Vienna International Airport (Schwechat). You may board the train in Budapest or Győr.
Southeast Asian destinations cheaper from Budapest
If the transfer time in Taipei is longer, passengers can participate in a sightseeing tour in the Taiwanese capital for free three times a day. The tours depart from the airport.
As we wrote HERE, China Airlines introduced their “Rail & Fly” service in June for trains commuting between Budapest and Vienna International Airport. That allows passengers from Hungary to book Austrian train tickets from Győr and Budapest that connect with China Airlines flights. The train ticket is issued on the same reservation as the China Airlines flight ticket, enabling passengers to receive both bookings simultaneously. This new, affordable service can be booked directly through the airline’s website.
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- Special investigation into airlines announced in Hungary to address ongoing consumer complaints – read more HERE
- Official: Revolut and Wizz Air make a favourable decision for passengers!
Structural issues at MÁV: Recent disruptions expose deep problems in Hungarian rail network
While the recent delays, cancellations, and closures at MÁV were triggered by unrelated accidents and errors, the disruptions in recent days highlight the deep-rooted structural issues within Hungarian rail transport. These problems are unlikely to be resolved in the near future.
G7 described the situation as a near-collapse of domestic rail transport on several lines. At first glance, it might appear that MÁV has been struck by a series of unfortunate events. However, this chaos was only a matter of time, as the recent incidents underscore the underlying structural problems.
The series of issues began on Saturday, 24 August, around noon, when a broken rail halted rail services on the South Balaton line, which is especially busy during summer. MÁV attempted to handle the situation with replacement buses, but there were not enough to accommodate all passengers. While traffic resumed by 5 PM, trains could only move at a reduced speed of 20 km/h.
On Sunday evening, five cars of an InterCity train derailed on the access track near Keleti station, which serves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily. This accident led to the station’s closure. On Monday morning, two separate hit-and-run incidents occurred on MÁV lines in different parts of the country, at Mezőkövesd and Felsőgöd, causing further disruption on what was already a problematic day for traffic.
Following the issues at Keleti, Nyugati station also faced serious disruptions due to a broken rail on the Cegléd line on Monday morning. Trains could run on only one track between Kőbánya alsó and Nyugati, resulting in delays of 20 to 40 minutes. Later that morning, Déli station, the third major station in Budapest, was shut down after the Kék Hullám InterCity from Szombathely collided with a truck.
The future of MÁV remains uncertain and raises many concerns
Experts say that one of the biggest problems is the government’s long-term failure to provide sufficient funding for rail network maintenance.
This has caused significant delays in necessary repairs on most main lines, particularly around Budapest’s railway stations and the lines leading to the capital.
Recently, János Lázár, the Minister of Construction and Transport, announced a rail track renewal program valued at nearly HUF 900 billion (EUR 2.289 billion), expected to begin next year. However, this program does not cover the sections in the capital and only addresses the most problematic parts of the main lines.
Moreover, there is little sign of genuine development; the plan seems to aim merely at maintaining the infrastructure at the level of the 1970s and 1980s. This means that train speeds will remain capped at a maximum of 120 km/h.
Transport expert and former state secretary Dávid Vitézy also highlighted the lack of maintenance and improvements in Budapest. He noted that the capital suffers from a decades-long infrastructure deficit, with its main stations and the tracks leading to them in a worse state than most main lines in the countryside. There were plans for upgrades, but these were reportedly halted by János Lázár.
Although experts agree that immediate action is necessary, the chances for quick improvement are slim. Rail upgrades are complex and time-consuming, taking six to seven years to plan and build. Given that no plans are currently in place, the structural problems that caused the current disruptions may only be addressed by the early 2030s, G7 concludes.
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MÁV announcement: Trains to commute differently this autumn, Budapest Airport and Vienna lines affected
The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) has been struggling recently with delays, cancellations, breaking railway tracks and other problems. This autumn, MÁV will introduce a new operation scheme in several suburban lines around Budapest. The changes concern the line carrying passengers to and from Budapest Airport and Győr (Vienna).
MÁV introduces a new system affecting Budapest Airport, Vienna lines
According to mav.hu, ticket inspectors will disappear from several MÁV lines connecting Budapest with its suburbs. The new scheme will start on 2 September between Rákos and Pilisvörösvár (line S76). There was a testing period on that line between 7 April and 31 May, and it seems it was successful because MÁV plans to expand the scheme to other railway lines in Hungary.
MÁV said in Western Europe, trains commuting without ticket inspectors are common.
The next step will be the Budapest-Esztergom, Budapest-Győr, Bicske-Budapest-Kelenföld (G10), and Budapest-Déli-Komárom (S10) lines from 16 September. From 2 September, there will be no ticket inspectors on the Rába InterRégió trains on the weekends.
The next round will start on 30 September by extending the system to the Budapest-Székesfehérvár (S36, G43) and the Budapest-Déli-Százhalombatta and Budapest-Déli-Pusztaszabolcs lines. The extension will happen on the Budapest-Nyugati-Monor(-Szolnok) (S50, Z50) line and some weekend night passenger trains between Budapest and Szolnok, Sülysáp, Nagykáta (S60) and Gödöllő (S80). The route to Budapest Airport from the Nyugati Railway Station is on the S50 line, but you have to take off the train at the Ferihegy train station to get on the 100E bus (or a taxi) and get to the Airport with a 10-15 minutes ride.
Train conductors will have more work
The lines will operate without a ticket inspector for a testing period. MÁV promised to draw passengers’ attention via loudspeakers that they were travelling without ticket inspectors. That is because their task is not only verifying tickets’ validity, but also helping passengers in case of emergency, supporting the conductor and disabled passengers.
MÁV wrote passengers may use the emergency call if needed (technical problems, health issues) and establish contact with the conductor. However, you should call the conductor only in real emergency cases.
MÁV also highlighted that you could only start your ride with a valid ticket or pass. The state-owned company will have random ticket inspections on the lines. Travelling on the trains without a ticket or pass would mean higher surcharges.
Disabled people should inform MÁV 36 hours prior to travel to get proper help.
The new system will place more burden on the conductors. They will inform the passengers about any irregularities concerning their travel. Furthermore, they will be responsible for safe boarding and get-offs via the surveillance camera system. They will also help passengers with disabilities.
In extraordinary situations, ticket inspectors will return to the trains.
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- Five important things you should know before travelling by train in Hungary – read more HERE
- Cargo transport in Hungary in grave danger: authorities may close key Danube bridge because it threatens lives