Taking a trip from Budapest to Croatia soon? Exciting! Budapest visitors looking to see a Croatian coastal city or the lovely Plitvice Lakes National Park have a range of trains to use. In this article, you’ll learn how to travel by train from Budapest to Croatia, with information on routes and tickets as well.
Route Options
Travelers on the route from Budapest to Croatia can pick among several available train routes. Travelers usually use one of two major routes.
From Budapest to Zagreb, you’ll travel from one capital in Hungary to another in Croatia. There are daily trains that provide both comfort and convenience as passengers travel. Choosing any of the direct trains between Budapest and Zagreb generally takes you 6 to 7 hours. Along the route, you’ll enjoy great views of the countryside and quick stops at picturesque towns. Since it has lovely streets, historic landmarks and great culture, Zagreb is a great place to start your trip to Croatia.
If you want to visit Croatia’s coast, this journey will guide you from Budapest to Split. Please note that because direct trains might not be possible, you may need to change trains during the journey. Once in Zagreb, you need to get on a new train going toward the Adriatic coast. Split is an excellent place to visit, thanks to its rich history, busy harbor and lovely beaches. You get a good view of Croatian scenery when you travel by train to the coast.
If you want to go to Rijeka or Osijek, you may find you have to take the trains, then combine them with buses or cars, as direct trains are almost never offered for these journeys.
Booking Tickets
Make sure to reserve your train tickets far in advance so you’re certain of your seat and may be eligible for discounts. Let’s go over how you can get your tickets.
Online booking is available through MÁV’s website for journeys in Hungary and through HŽPP for Croatia. You can access information about schedules, ticket prices and which seats are empty on these simple-to-use websites. Just select where you are traveling from, where you are headed and the date you want to leave and then follow the steps to finish your booking. Now, a lot of online sites allow you to download your tickets straight to your smartphone or print them at home. If you make your reservation ahead of time, you may get discounted rates.
If you want to arrange your tickets manually, go to Budapest Keleti Railway Station or choose a large railway station in Budapest. Find the counter where you can buy a ticket and hand over the details to the person there. They are there to help you buy your tickets. You can get tickets the day you travel, but it’s not recommended during busy seasons or holiday times. When buying your ticket at the station, getting there in good time will allow you to skip the queues.
Things That Makes Your Journey Easier
Read on for some useful suggestions to have a problem-free and enjoyable journey from Budapest to Croatia.
- Make sure you know what time the train operates.
Check the timetable either on the internet or at the station before you leave to make sure you won’t be left waiting. Make sure to check the times you should leave, arrive and any additional stops you’ll need to make. Schedules may occasionally shift because of needed maintenance or seasonal differences, so it’s important to make sure you view updated schedules.
- Check Your Ticket:
Before you board, walk by the automated ticket validation machines on the platforms and use them for your ticket. If you don’t check your ticket, you risk getting a fine. Tickets often bought on the internet may not need to be validated, but it’s good to double-check before traveling.
- Remember to bring some food and things to keep kids busy.
Since train journeys may be long, be sure to bring some food and also pack something to keep yourself entertained. If onboard dining services are limited, it’s much easier to bring your own food, especially if you are careful about your diet.
- You should keep important papers where you can reach them.
Set your passport, ID and travel documentation aside in a way that makes them easy to find or carry throughout your trip. Carrying your cards in a safe pouch or wallet is a smart decision. Because you are crossing from one country to another, customs or immigration may want to examine your documents.
- Watch how much you bring with you:
Check what you can take on the train before you travel to be sure there are no problems. Normally, you’ll find enough room for luggage on trains, but it’s best to bring just what you need. Having numerous and hefty bags with you makes it challenging to move from one train to the next or find your way around a station.
- You might also like to travel on an overnight train.
You can get a lot done in Croatia if you choose overnight trains where you sleep during the journey. Although some of these places aren’t open daily, finding one can allow you to save money and rest during your travel.
- Talking about language and currency, the country is unique.
Since English is widely used by train staff, a few basic Hungarian and Croatian phrases will help you during your journey. Also bring some Hungarian Forint and Croatian Kuna just in case you need to pay for something with cash after you arrive in either country.
Conclusion
A train adventure from Budapest to Croatia is easy to plan and will give you lovely views along the way. In any case, traveling by train helps you take in the scenic countryside when heading to Zagreb or Split. Being able to relax, free yourself from driving risks and help the environment are all reasons people pick the train.
Book your tickets early, look at the train schedule and follow the helpful hints given to have a good journey. Traveling for fun or work, you’re sure to enjoy this as a memorable part of your trip. Put on your seat belt and begin an unforgettable trip joining together the varied cultures and sights of Hungary and Croatia!
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