Commissioned in 2008, the Danube Express is made up of extensively restored wagons formerly used by the train of the Hungarian government. The interior is designed in the customary English look. On several fixed dates in the year, the Danube Express travels various routes throughout Europe, combining the experience of a journey in comfortable, sophisticated ambience with visits to the most beautiful cities of Central Europe. Passengers can enjoy the comfort and service aboard this train on a total of 5 different routes.
“The Bosporus Voyager”: Budapest – Novi Sad – Sofia – Istanbul
“The Transylvanian”: Istanbul – Kazanlak – Veliko Turnovo – Brasov – Sighisoara – Eger – Budapest
“The Central European”: Budapest – Kosice – Prague – Karlsbad – Dresden – Berlin
“The Polish Explorer”: Berlin – Gdansk – Marienburg – Krakow – Zakopane – Kosice – Budapest
„The Bohemian“: Brussels – Karlsbad – Prague – Vienna – Budapest
The train usually comprises up to twelve wagons of different types:
Sleeping Car Classic:
These air-conditioned wagons feature nine two-bed cabins with bunk beds which can be turned into sofas for day use. There are washing facilities with mirrors and power outlets, with toilets and showers available in each wagon. The Sleeping Car Classic also comes in a variation featuring four two-bed cabins, individual lounge and a VIP single-bed cabin with personal shower and lavatory. This variety is not air conditioned.
Sleeping Car Deluxe:
The Deluxe model features five spacious and fully air-conditioned cabins. All cabins can be locked and dispose of a private bathroom featuring shower, washing facilities and lavatory. Integrated blow-dryers and heated towel holders raise comfort to perfection.
Restaurant:
The restaurant wagon of the Danube Express emits a sophisticated, yet informal atmosphere. Enjoy the landscape while a select team of chefs prepares dishes from an expansive menu incorporating the respective local cuisines. The restaurant wagon offers diversified breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the latter being served with classic house wines, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages.
Lounge Wagon:
The lounge wagon marks another highlight of the train. Let go of the eventful day in a friendly, warm atmosphere and get to know new people over a drink. Open until the early morning hours, the bar features live music by a pianist in the evenings.
All our photos by Ilja Pankow were shot during a “press journey“ aboard the historic train leading from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Grunewald station and back. During this trip of nearly three hours, the journalists on board were able to enjoy the restaurant’s culinary treats and the world’s only mobile wine cellar. The trip took so long due to the chaos revolving around the Berlin urban railway, allowing the journalists to get an impression of everything this Hungarian train has to offer. The train had arrived in Berlin carrying Australian passengers from Poland and headed back to Budapest after the ”press journey“.
