Upgrade Your Train Experience: Food Options on Route to Lake Balaton
Trains with dining cars will once again be operating this summer on the southern shore of Lake Balaton between Budapest and Keszthely, MÁV has announced. Passengers traveling on the Balaton InterCity trains can look forward to a variety of food and beverage options provided by Utasellátó, MÁV-START’s catering service provider.
Last summer saw significant renovations to six out of ten dining cars, both internally and externally. These renovations not only enhanced passenger comfort but also introduced new kitchen technology and modern equipment to the vehicles. This year, the dining car of the Balaton IC running on the Budapest – Székesfehérvár – Siófok – Fonyód – Keszthely route will once again offer chilled and hot drinks, snacks, main dishes, and desserts.
According to reports from Pénzcentrum, the selection of MÁV catering cars has been expanded to include more meat-free and vegan options. However, due to inflation, the prices of certain items have increased since last year. On average, food and drinks now cost roughly 10-20 percent more, with soup and burger prices seeing the most significant hikes.
For example, a breakfast consisting of fried or scrambled eggs with two slices of bread will now cost HUF 1,250 (EUR 3.25) in 2024, up from HUF 1,100 (EUR 2.86) last year. Prices for sausages with bread have also risen, now priced at HUF 950 (EUR 2.47) compared to last year’s HUF 690 (EUR 1.80).
In the dining cars of trains to Lake Balaton this year, a hot dog will cost HUF 850 (EUR 2.21), while an American hot dog will be priced at HUF 1,090 (EUR 2.83). Additionally, various pies and pre-packaged sandwiches are available for purchase.
For main courses, passengers can choose from options like chicken paprikash for HUF 3,890 (EUR 10.11) and gyros plate for HUF 2,790 (EUR 7.25). Soups such as fruit soup and goulash soup are also on the menu. Payment methods in the dining cars include credit cards and SZÉP cards, with cash payments only accepted in forints.
As of May 13, 2024, trains operating in the Lake Balaton area will follow the pre-season timetable, providing increased access to the lake from Budapest. Seat reservations are now mandatory on most trains, including InterCity and express trains. Passengers without a seat ticket will incur an additional fee of HUF 1,000 (EUR 2.60) on top of the ticket price.
With these updates, passengers traveling to Lake Balaton can enjoy a comfortable journey with an array of dining options available onboard the trains.
