On these days, you can travel for free in Hungary!
People can travel for free to and from Budapest during the Papal Visit between 28-30 April via public transportation in Hungary.
People will have the chance to travel to Budapest and back to their homes during the Papal Visit for free, Hungarian National Railway (MÁV) announced to MTI.
According to the announcement, MÁV-Volán Group and GYSEV will provide free travel from anywhere in the country to the capital for pilgrims arriving and returning from the event to be held on 29 April in the Papp László Sports Arena and the Holy Mass on 30 April in Kossuth Square, Budapest.
This means that every train and long-distance/suburban bus service will be available free of charge. The fare exemption is valid on 2nd class coaches, however, passengers will have to pay any necessary surcharges and the 1st class supplement, according to the announcement.
It is unclear how ticket inspectors will check who is actually travelling for the papal visit and who is just grabbing the opportunity to travel for free. The announcement said that free travel does not even require the purchase of a registration ticket.
Apostolic journey to Hungary
Pope Francis previously visited Hungary on 12 September 2021 in Budapest, to celebrate the closing Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress. However, that occasion was not part of an apostolic visit.
Vatican News writes that during his three-day journey, the Pope will visit refugees, poor people, and children of the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute. He is also scheduled to celebrate Mass for the faithful and meet the local Jesuit community.
Pope Francis is also set to meet with Hungarian President Katalin Novák and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who he had already met during his 2021 visit. His apostolic visit also has an official logo and the “Christ is our future” motto.