New Train Service Strengthens Hungary-Ukraine Railway Connections

MTI-Hungary Today 2024.12.17.

The Transcarpathia international fast train, consisting of Ukrainian sleeper wagons, is now running daily between Budapest and Kyiv at night, according to an announcement from MÁV (Hungarian State Railways).

Covering a distance of nearly 1,200 kilometers via Lviv, Mukachevo (Munkács), and Debrecen (eastern Hungary), this new route is set to further enhance the transportation links between Hungary and Ukraine.

The train departs from Budapest to Kyiv at 10:40 p.m., while the return train from Kyiv to Budapest arrives at 10:16 a.m. the next morning.

For the full route, second-class tickets are available from EUR 48.10, and sleeper car tickets start at EUR 10, depending on the type of berth. This service marks a significant development in the relationship between the two countries, offering greater connectivity for both passengers and freight.

The train’s arrival was eagerly anticipated in Budapest by Liliána Grexa, a parliamentary representative of the Ukrainian minority, alongside a representative from the MÁV Group. In a video shared on her social media account, Grexa expressed pride in MÁV’s role in fostering cooperation between the Ukrainian and Hungarian peoples, calling it a symbol of mutual respect and collaboration.

Fact

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the Russian-Ukrainian War impacting Hungary-Ukraine railway connections, both countries are continuing efforts to maintain and enhance their rail links. The Beskydy Tunnel, a vital transport route, was damaged by Russian missiles in 2022, disrupting services. Additionally, Russian cargo rail cars became stranded in Hungary, as noted by vsquare.org, further complicating logistics. However, as CSIS writes, Ukraine has been modernizing its rail infrastructure to ensure continued exports to Hungary and other EU countries. Both Hungary and Ukraine are adapting to these obstacles, underscoring the importance of rail connections in fostering economic and cultural cooperation.

This new daily rail service between Budapest and Kyiv, despite the challenges of the conflict, exemplifies the resilience of Hungary-Ukraine relations and the commitment to preserving vital transportation links.

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Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Kocsis Zoltán