For quite some time now, it has been possible to travel very cheaply by train across Hungary using the Hungary Pass. This is a network ticket valid for 30 days on MAV-START, MAV-HEV, GySEV trains, and most intercity VOLÁNBUSZ buses. The ticket is very affordable— in 2025, it costs 18,900 HUF, which is roughly 200 PLN. Of course, there are exceptions, often unclear to foreigners, so as always, practical information in the comments is welcome.
Basic Information:
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The ticket is valid for public transportation in Budapest, Csongrád, Esztergom, and Érd.
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It allows travel on the dual-system tram between Szeged and Hódmezővásárhely.
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Before traveling on IC, EC, and RJ trains, seat reservations must be purchased in advance.
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The ticket is not valid on RegioJet trains.
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The ticket does not cover international travel.
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The Hungary Pass is not valid on the 100E airport bus in Budapest (but it is valid on the 200E bus).
Students studying in Hungary can get a 90% discount. There are also tickets available for specific counties and 24-hour passes, but compared to the 30-day pass, they have limited validity in terms of the area and trains they cover.
The 30-day Hungary Pass pays for itself very quickly—even if you use it for just a week of moderately intensive train travel in Hungary, it will more than justify the cost.
In the off-season, relatively inexpensive accommodations could be found for example in Győr, Szeged, and Eger.
Links:
Hungary Pass – official website
Related articles:
Train travel in Hungary – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Hungary
Trains between Hungary and Slovakia
