Looking for a different kind of autumn experience in Budapest? The St Martin’s Day Candlelight Express offers a memorable evening aboard a vintage-style dining train, combining a scenic railway journey with a special dinner and the nostalgic charm of classic railway travel.
On November 14, 2026, the Candlelight Express is scheduled to travel from Budapest through the Danube Bend to Štúrovo (Párkány), Slovakia. Hauled by the iconic NOHAB diesel locomotive, the train features elegant dining carriages where guests can enjoy dinner as the countryside passes by.
It is an unusual way to celebrate St Martin’s Day, whether you are planning a romantic evening for two or a special outing with friends.
What to Expect on the Candlelight Express
The highlight of the experience is the journey itself. Instead of heading to a restaurant for dinner, you can settle into one of the train’s dining carriages and enjoy a meal while travelling beyond Budapest.
The nearly four-hour programme combines railway nostalgia with a dining experience designed for couples and groups of friends. The route follows the Danube Bend towards Štúrovo, just across the Slovakian border.
St Martin’s Day Candlelight Express 2026: Programme
Date: November 14, 2026
Departure station: Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station
Destination: Štúrovo (Párkány), Slovakia
Train: Candlelight Express, hauled by a NOHAB diesel locomotive
Duration: Approximately four hours
The published schedule is as follows:
- 3:50-4:20 pm: Registration in the Royal Waiting Room beside Platform 10 at Nyugati Railway Station, followed by boarding.
- 4:20 pm: Departure from Budapest-Nyugati. Dinner is served in the dining carriages during the journey.
- 5:45 pm: Arrival in Štúrovo.
- 8:20 pm: Return to Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station.
The timetable and programme may be subject to change, so check the organiser’s latest information before travelling.
Tickets and What’s Included
The published price for a seat in the Classic dining carriage is HUF 45,990 per person.
The ticket includes:
- Train travel with a reserved seat
- A welcome drink
- Your selected menu
- Wine, mineral water, soft drinks and hot drinks
Additional alcoholic beverages are available at an extra charge.
Guests can also pay a supplement to reserve the remaining seats at their table, ensuring that the table is not sold to other passengers. This option includes a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. The supplement depends on the table size and the number of guests.
Please note: The programme is open to guests aged 14 and over. The published registration deadline is November 8, 2026.
How to Book
For the latest availability, menu options, ticket information and booking conditions, visit the official MÁV Rail Tours website.
If you are looking for something more memorable than an ordinary dinner out, this vintage dining train could be a lovely way to spend an autumn evening near Budapest.
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