From Budapest airport to Pecs

Curious. Why are you going to Pecs?

I'm confused. I see different schedules and different departure stations on the Deutsche Bahn and Mav-Start websites. Paging James.

https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml

http://elvira.mav-start.hu/elvira.dll/x/uf?iehack=%3F&ed=5B9277B5&mikor=-1&isz=0&language=2&k=&ref=&retur=&nyit=&_charset_=UTF-8&vparam=&i=BUDAPEST*&e=Pécs&v=&d=18.10.21&u=1156&go=Timetable

It appears that the cost will be under $20 (US) per person, one way. Travel time is a bit over 3 hours according to the Hungarian website, and part of the route is covered by bus (rail-line construction, I think). That may explain the different information on the two websites. There is also bus service, but I'm not sure about Sundays, and the train should be faster.

I don't think the Budapest Card will help at all. It should cover the non-express bus/Metro from the airport to the train station, but that's small change compared to the cost of the card, and you'll probably want to take a taxi, anyway.

I really liked Pecs.

The Budapest Card is only a good deal if you are sort of a main stream tourist and you hit lots of museums and buy lots of souvineers. And they have a time limit on them, and you wont be in Budapest during that time limit. You can take public transport to the train station but its a bit of a hassle if you have luggage. A taxi will cost you about $25 and get you to Keleti station directly and efficiently. Second class on the train will set you back about $16. I have ridden in first and second class and the difference is pretty minor; but if the extra 4 or 5 dollars doesnt bother you, go for it.

Then when you get back from Pecs you go down the central stairs in the front of the train station and on the right you will see an information office. Buy a TRAVELCARD to save money and hassle on the Budapest Metros and Trams.

Here is the poop on the track repairs, but damn if i understand it. I wold just go with the flow and make it part of the experience. https://www.mavcsoport.hu/mavinform/modositott-menetrend-potlobuszok-pecsi-fovonalon-es-csatlakozo-vonalakon

WAIT, i do understand it now, i think. You are going to have to leave out of Kelenföld Station in Buda. Taxi makes even more sense now. Still only a 30 to 40 minute taxi ride and probably about $30

Hi Suki...I want to see other cities in Hungary before joining a tour at the end of the week to see Budapest. I have looked at different websites to take day trips from Budapest and find them confusing. With all the transfers, it will take a long time to get to Pecs. One site said it would take over 5 hours. Wondering now if renting a car is a good idea. What would you and James do?

I wouldnt rent a car. You have to pay to park it and you will loose at least an hour picking it up and dropping it off. Pecs is an excellent town to visit. Other easy destinations are Eger and Gyor (and the archabbery at Pannonhalma). Shorter trips actually and the opposite direction so the issues of the train tracks wont be there. But i do love Pecs.... You have plenty of time to decide.

It is a very bad idea to take an overnight flight then start driving. Are you arriving from the US or Canada? You may be seriously sleep-deprived as well as jetlagged.

My son went to Pecs during his one month stay in Budapest. He really liked it and wished he had more time there. My recollection is that it was about a couple hours each way, it was a college group and I believe the had a hired van/bus.