Europe Trains Guide Forum

General discussion => Travel plans, routes and timetables => Topic started by: nikthom on December 07, 2010, 05:27:35 pm

Title: Thessaloniki-Budapest
Post by: nikthom on December 07, 2010, 05:27:35 pm
Hello, I would like to request you some information on the itineraries from Thessaloniki to Budapest.
On the OSE (Greek Railways) website, there is no mention of this itinerary. The train only goes as far as Belgrade.
But I have the impression there is a train to Budapest.
In that case is it one train going all the way to Budapest or you have to change trains in Belgrade?

And , Is there any itinerary passing through Kosovo on its way to Belgrade?
If not, how could I go from Thessaloniki to Belgrade passing through Kosovo?

Thank you very much
Title: Re: Thessaloniki-Budapest
Post by: tUt on December 07, 2010, 05:56:43 pm
Actually there is direct connection from Thessaloniki to Budapest (and even Prague/Bratislava), but only during the summer (usually from mid June till mid August). But if you intend to travel not during touristic summer, then you'll have to change at least once (either Belgrade, Sofia or Buchuresti). In order to travel cheaper it is better to change trains in Belgrade.

Kosovo is a bit out of the main route. Train from Thessaloniki to Belgrade goes via Skopje, Presevo, Vranje, Nis etc., thus bypassing Kosovo from the east. So you will need to get out of train at some point and make a side trip or partly travel by bus.
For instance, there is an everyday train from Skopje to Kosovo Pole/Pristina + multiple buses. If you don't want to come back to Skopje in order to catch Belgrade train, then just board bus from Pristina to anywhere in Serbia, thus your route plan will look like Thessaloniki-Skopje-Kosovo-Serbia.
Title: Re: Thessaloniki-Budapest
Post by: nikthom on December 07, 2010, 06:17:30 pm
Thank you very much