The journey of nearly 800km takes 14 hours, most of it covered overnight. Halfway down the Dalmatian seafront, Split provides easy, cheap access to several idyllic islands by boat, and is a great stay in its own right. Centred around a gutted Roman palace, it’s full of great restaurants, lively bars and historic sights.
Adria InterCity trains leave Keleti station at 6.45pm and reach Split around 9.30am.
Travellers have the option of a couchette of four to six berths or a private cabin for one, two or three. Meals will be served in smart dining cars once the domain of Hungarian government ministers and recommissioned for this reintroduced summer service.
En route, trains spend the best part of two hours skirting the shore of Lake Balaton – given the early-evening departure, you can time dinner in the dining car around sunset.
Trains run twice a week until 19 June, then three times a week until 29 August, then twice a week until 24 September.
A berth in a six-person couchette costs as little as €43, €49 in a four-person one, if you book early. A single cabin is €99, a double €69 per person, a three-bed €56 each, again with early booking. Compartments are air-conditioned and all cabins have their own wash basins.
Tickets include a welcome package of basic toiletries, plus breakfast and a hot drink. See here for details of schedules and tickets.
