JackStraw
Traveller
2 comments
Posted 10 years ago
I arrive in Budapest from the States on Dec. 19. Do I need to purchase first class tickets for the December 23 afternoon train (14:45) from Budapest to Zagreb in advance or will they still be available on Dec. 19?
Also, are these tickets now available on railcc as I had heard that there are new prices in effect on Dec. 15 and the tickets will not be available until then.
Right now with the new schedule going into affect on Dec. 15 and also new prices it seems very difficult to buy tickets in advance, especially from the U.S. - am I missing something?
My biggest concern is that these tickets, Dec. 23 Budapest - Zagreb, then the overnight train from Zagreb to Split, will not be available when I get to Budapest on Dec. 19 - any advice?
Many thanks in advance!
nltrainer
Traveller
1405 comments
Trains do NOT work like planes - a giant change of mindset. Tix as such NEVER EVER sell''out''-the computer can always print 1 more, 2 or 3 too. Tix simply allow you to use any train-with often unlimited stops along the route, from A to B. Return too, if that is bought-in this case highly advisable, as they cost nothing more.
The national railway of the country you start in is THE one responsible for tix and prices. Indeed on 15/12 times and prices may change- not, a little or a lot. Some even offer online bookings-and some are even linked on this site for that. Rules and procedures are different for every railway.
What you likely worry about is the REServation - which as such is not needed, but can be done for those with unlimited fears-the main risk is having to stand for a while-till next stop. On many trains there is not even RES-just like the LIRR, NJT or the CALtrain or the CHI Metra.
Peter
Traveller
9333 comments
Hi.
You can never preview if a train is full or not. But you always get a ticket for trains which do not require a reservation. If you have bad luck (won't happen very often), you won't get a seat, but you will get to your destination by standing the whole trip of having to change the seat several times (if others got reservations).
For Budapest to Zagreb, buy a special price ticket at the website of Hungarian railways: [ux]https://rail.shop/mav[/ux] , starting from EUR 29.
Via the railcc partner link it is more expensive: [ux]https://rail.shop/acprail/reservation[/ux]
Peter :)
JackStraw
Traveller
2 comments
Great - thank you for your responses - greatly appreciated. Interesting in that in the US - on Amtrak - trains do sell out and tickets simply cannot be had - even to stand. Just another indication of how poor run Amtrak is...
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hi!
As mentioned, it is no problem to buy tickets directly at the station in Budapest or online with ticket collection at a machine at the station. Zagreb Special is available always at a fixed price of 29€ in 2nd class, no seat reservation necessary.
From next week there will be two daily day trains Budapest - Zagreb, one early morning and one afternoon departure, the latter also conveying a restaurant car.
Flo 8)