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Hungary Itinerary – Hungary by Rail

Hungary ticks all the boxes. An understated beauty with a rich history, you'll easily jump from lively parties to other rewarding activities. Our Hungary itinerary takes you through a country with surprising treasures. Budapest is the gateway between many cities, so you’ll be able to explore the capital over and over again as you pass through. But the other towns offer their own uniquely wonderful experiences and are worth the journey.

You can discover the treasures of this country with a Eurail Hungary Pass.

Itinerary in short

Cities visited on this trip:

 

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Budapest, Hungary

Beautiful and rough around the edges, Budapest is the jewel of Central Europe. It’s separated into two parts by the River Danube. On top of hilly Buda on the west lies Buda Castle, once the residence of Hungarian kings. From here you’ll be rewarded with truly beautiful views over the river and bustling Pest, the other side of the city.

Cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to reach Pest. This is where all the action happens. Abandoned buildings have been converted into so-called “ruin bars”, with the most famous one being Szimpla Kert. After exploring these unique pubs, relax in the Széchenyi thermal baths and soak up the healing properties of the hot spring waters.

Travelers with a 1st class Eurail pass and a 1st class reservation get FREE access to the Business Lounge in Budapest Keleti train station.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary

From Budapest to Eger

Travel time:

2h9m

Transfer:

0

  • Budapest, Hungary

    Budapest-Keleti

  • 2h 9m
  • Eger, Hungary

    Eger

Eger, Hungary

Eger has a magical combination of remarkable architecture, thermal baths, red wines, and a unicorn on its coat of arms! Visit the Castle of Eger, where a small group of Hungarian men and women fought off an Ottoman army of 40,000 in 1552. Entrance grants you access to the Gothic Palace, art gallery, and underground passageways.

Unwind in one of Eger’s thermal baths, which can be accessed all seasons of the year. Then enjoy some of the best Hungarian wines in the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszonyvőlgy). Local produce includes Bull’s Blood (Egri Bikavér) – a spicy, smooth red wine that was once thought to steel Hungarians for battle.

The picturesque medieval town of Eger, Hungary

From Eger to Györ

Travel time:

3h17m

Transfer:

1

Reservation needed:

2x

  • Eger, Hungary

    Eger

  • 1h 56m

    Reservation optional

  • Budapest, Hungary

    Budapest-Keleti

  • 1h 21m

    Reservation optional

  • Györ, Hungary

    Györ

Györ, Hungary

Győr is often overlooked, but this charming old town will surprise you. The striking Neoclassical Town Hall (Városháza) is one of the first things you’ll see when arriving by train. The design was chosen through a contest, with construction completed in 1898. Visit this impressive structure at night to see it lit up in golden lights.

Stroll down the cobblestone pedestrian street Baross Gábor út through the medieval center and explore numerous shops, cafés, and bars. Then make your way to Káptalan Hill (Káptalandomb), the true heart of Győr. You can’t miss the Basilica of Győr, whose foundations were laid in the 11th century. It’s worth a visit for its spectacular artistic and architectural features.

The Herm of László is the magnificent gold bust of a celebrated Hungarian king and saint. You can see it up close in the Héderváry Chapel of Győr Basilica.
The Neoclassical Town Hall building in Győr, Hungary

From Györ to Siófok

Travel time:

2h27m

Transfer:

1

  • Györ, Hungary

    Györ

  • 1h 11m
  • Budapest, Hungary

    Budapest-Kelenföld

  • 1h 16m
  • Siófok, Hungary

    Siófok

Siófok, Hungary

Siófok is the place to be for beaches, partying, and adventures. Located on the southern shores of Lake Balaton, the city is a popular vacation getaway in Hungary. There’s a non-stop festival atmosphere in the summer months, but the low season also has its fair share of cultural events.

Borsodi Beach Club is the main beach resort. It hosts many live concerts, as well as a range of sport activities and games. If you want to experience the quieter side of Siófok, marvel at the Japanese and English gardens in Jókai Park. You can also go to the top of the Water Tower for a gorgeous view over the town.

To see more of Lake Balaton, take a daytrip to one of the connected towns. Boats leave regularly from the Siófok port.
Little village at Lake Balaton, Hungary

From Siófok to Pécs

Travel time:

3h15m

Transfer:

2

Reservation needed:

2x

  • Siófok, Hungary

    Siófok

  • 0h 40m

    Reservation required

  • Szekesfehervar , Hungary

    Szekesfehervar

  • 0h 53m
  • Sarbogard , Hungary

    Sarbogard

  • 1h 42m

    Reservation required

  • Pécs, Hungary

    Pécs

Pécs, Hungary

The university town of Pécs has a mild climate and a rich history that dates back more than 2,000 years. Remnants of Roman and Turkish rulings are still evident in the town’s architecture. The most iconic structure is the majestic Mosque of Pasha Qasim (Gázi Kászim Pasa), which lies in the main square of Pécs. It’s now a Roman Catholic church.

Király Street is a beautiful pedestrian area lined with several places for shopping and dining, as well as the National Theater of Pécs. There are regular opera and ballet performances in this grand Baroque-style building. For another dose of culture, explore the numerous museums along Káptalan Street.

Take a daytrip to the nearby town of Villány. Home to some of Hungary’s best vineyards, it’s known for high quality and full-bodied red wines. A regional train will get you there in just over 40 minutes.
The Mosque of Pasha Qasim in Pécs, Hungary

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