Managed by the MÁV Group, the service is scheduled to run from July 3 until October 2, 2026, offering a practical and environmentally conscious alternative to regional flights or long-distance driving down the motorways.

The schedule is structured to maximize holiday time by traveling entirely overnight. The outbound service departs from Budapest’s Keleti railway station at 18:40, arriving in Split at 09:37 the following morning.

Passengers can take in sunset views along the shores of Lake Balaton before the train crosses the border to navigate the scenic Dinaric Alps overnight, waking up to the coastal vistas of the Adriatic.

For the return journey, the train departs Split at 17:40 and arrives back in the Hungarian capital the next morning.

MÁV highlights the overnight route as an ideal solution for those looking to bypass seasonal motorway congestion, extended hours behind the wheel, and the logistical uncertainties often associated with regional air travel.

The route itself carries a notable reputation, having been recognized by travel guide publisher Lonely Planet in 2022 as one of Europe’s ten most exciting rail journeys due to its dramatically shifting landscapes.

The onboard experience is designed around comfort and convenience, featuring a traditional dining car that serves hot dinners, breakfasts, snacks, and drinks throughout the journey.

Many passengers opt to begin their vacation immediately upon boarding by dining as the train passes Lake Balaton.

All passenger carriages are fully air-conditioned, sleeping compartments are equipped with power sockets, and dedicated onboard attendants remain available throughout the trip to assist travelers.

Catering to different budgets and travel preferences, the Adria InterCity exclusively offers overnight sleeping accommodations.

Budget-conscious travelers can select couchette compartments configured with either four or six berths, while those looking for added privacy and comfort can book sleeper cabins with one, two, or three beds.

To accommodate solo travelers, women-only couchette compartments are available upon request, and shared sleeper cabins are separated by gender.

Families and couples looking for complete privacy can reserve an entire compartment for their exclusive use.

Fares are tiered based on the accommodation selected. A berth in a shared six-person couchette starts at EUR 46, while a space in a four-person couchette is available from EUR 77.

The price of the ticket includes breakfast as well as bottled mineral water provided in the evening.

For the more private sleeper compartments, pricing begins at EUR 108 per person for a three-bed setup, EUR 149 for a two-bed cabin, and EUR 190 for a completely private single sleeper.

Alternatively, an entire six-berth couchette compartment can be reserved exclusively for a flat rate starting at EUR 240, regardless of the actual number of occupants.

The arrival point in Split is convenient for onward travel too, situated within easy walking distance of the main ferry port as well as the historic city center and local beaches.

Located opposite the railway terminal, the port provides immediate transfers to major Croatian islands such as Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, and Šolta, alongside international ferry connections across the Adriatic to Ancona.

Split also serves as a central transit hub for reaching broader destinations along the Dalmatian coast, including Omiš, Makarska, and Dubrovnik, as well as notable regional attractions in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Mostar and Međugorje.

Due to the seasonal nature of the service, MÁV notes that capacity remains limited and popular departure dates frequently sell out well in advance. 

Therefore seat reservations are mandatory and are automatically included in tickets purchased specifically for this line.

Expats planning a summer getaway are encouraged to secure their bookings early, particularly for departures during the peak summer months, to guarantee their preferred accommodation options and access the base fares.

Following the initial July 3 launch, the train will operate every other day throughout July and August, moving to a schedule of several departures per week during September and early October.



Photo: MÁV

*********************************************************************************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.