Delayed train or bus in Hungary? Get half your ticket back!

In an effort to improve the quality of public transportation in Hungary, significant upgrades have been announced by Minister of Construction and Transport János Lázár. Starting 1 June, a new “delay insurance” policy will be introduced across MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) and Volán buses. Under this policy, passengers will receive half of their ticket price refunded if their train or bus is delayed by more than 20 minutes, with no paperwork or proof required from the passengers. Those who purchased tickets online will receive an automatic refund, while those with paper tickets can claim their refund at ticket counters.

Refunds on ticket prices, discount on passes

Additionally, MÁV season ticket holders will also benefit from this initiative. If their service is delayed five times in a month, they will receive a 10% discount on their next month’s pass. To make use of this, passengers will need to enable the delay insurance feature in the MÁV app. According to Economx, as part of a broader effort to enhance the overall travel experience, Lázár also announced plans for a major overhaul of public transport services by 2026. By 1 January 2026, all MÁV and Volán Group restrooms will be renovated, with a focus on improving hygiene standards. These restrooms will be free to use for passengers who have a valid ticket or pass. In addition, MÁV will deploy cleaning staff on all InterCity trains starting 1 April 2025, to maintain cleanliness during travel.