I am on my way Budapest to Vienna, and it's easy to spot the experienced Travelers. They are the ones that know that a holiday doesn't have to cost $14,875. They understand that seat reservations are optional and they can almost always find an empty seat and even though you may have to play musical chairs at each stop reducing the cost to $14,872 opens up a world of possibilities and demonstrates their knowledge of the rails.
For gwad sakes buy a seat. Its 2 euro (3 with OBB). In my carriage alone, 2 are standing and 3 have had to move because someone at the next stop reserved the seat they are in. Not always without argument. In Gyor we picked up a family of 4 with out seats and they asked people to move so they could be together. The little brats are running up and down the aisle screaming. I am so proud the are not Americans.
Maybe I start going first class to avoid the drama.
And on a side note. The train experts say no problem with a 5 minute transfer when traveling by train. If the transfer is at Budapest Keleti I can think of at least 5 reasons why you might want more time.
Now I am laughing. The conductor got on after the stop in Gyor. Thats 3 stops and half way through the trip. In Hungary old-farts ride free but this is an international train. Still, like on the Budapest metro, he acknowledged my presence and move on without checking my ticket. Very strange and a first. I got checked on my last trip to Vienna and even on in-country trips.