Get reservations to travel on Hungarian Railways by calling Rail Europe at (877) 257-2887, or by visiting their Web site (see Resources below).
Book a Hungary Rail Pass online (see Resources below). You may not get your money's worth unless you travel extensively through the country. The rail system offers many ticket discount packages, including student and weekend discounts.
Take a connecting bus from the airport to one of three train terminals in Budapest, and then continue to most destinations outside the city. You also can reach these stations via the Metro or intracity rail transit system.
Depart from Budapest, the center of Hungary's star-shaped rail system. Tracks extend from the city's center through most regions of the country.
Ride on the modernized InterCity or IC trains in Hungary for the most enjoyable trip. These trains are well maintained and generally on time, while passengers overcrowd many of the other trains during peak hours.
Book a trip on a "Nostalgia Train" during the peak season (May through September). Book these excursions to the Danube Bend and along the northern shore of Lake Balaton through MAV, the country's primary railway.
View timetables online through Elvira, Hungarian Railways' trip-planning Web site, but don't expect to book your ticket on the site.
Enter the country by plane through the Ferihegy International Airport in Budapest. If you start your trip in the country's capital, be sure to visit the banks of the Danube river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Kecskemét for a trip to the music center of Hungary. Try the famous fruit vodka made in this region as you enjoy this vibrant scene.
Toast to Hungary in Pécs, where you will find tasty sparkling wines in a small but bustling university town. Another of Hungary's World Heritage Sites, an ancient Christian necropolis, is located near Pécs.
Enjoy a lunch of goulash or savor the smell of the national spice, paprika, while in Hungary. The country is proud of its distinct and flavorful cuisine.
Pay your bills in forint, the official currency, which comes in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000 through 10,000 HUF.
