Hungary > The train is lost in Belgrade

During the night, we are woken several times for tickets, passports, and similar checks. Around half past six, the train approaches Yugoslavia, where the customs officers are particularly active. The number of passport stamps seems to increase very quickly on this trip. After the border, we sleep through until nearly noon.

Hungary - At the station in Istanbul before the start of the journey

Actually, it’s eleven o’clock local time, as the clock has been adjusted again. By now, several Yugoslavs have settled in the corridor. They don’t want to disturb us in the compartment. We are stretched out across eight seats, sleeping side by side. From a young man from Austria, we learn that the train also goes to Budapest. The front section goes to Warsaw and arrives in Budapest at eleven o’clock. The rear section goes to Vienna, stopping in Belgrade for four hours, and arrives in Budapest at three in the morning. We had reserved seats in the Vienna section. To get more information, we try to find a conductor, but none of them speak English, German, or French. Even with hand and foot gestures, we cannot explain our question. We decide to pack our backpacks and go to the information desk at Belgrade station. At a quarter past four, the train pulls into the station. Ron and I quickly go to the information desk, where we learn that the train to Budapest will depart at 16:20 from platform three. However, there is no train on platform three. Our train is on platform five, and we are confused. Back to the information desk we go. The staff member, incredulous, walks with us to the platform. Soon it becomes clear: the train on platform five will leave briefly for cleaning and then return to platform three. We rush back to Monique and Sandra on the train. At the location of our carriage, there is no train to be seen.

Hungary - The long train journey between Istanbul and Budapest

The Vienna section has disappeared, leaving Monique and Sandra still inside with all the luggage. Meanwhile, the section from platform five departs. We are left on the platform, without a train and without our bags, looking around in despair. Fellow travelers inform us that the train is being cleaned and will return on a different track. Fortunately, we see a carriage approaching in the distance, with Sandra, Monique, and the luggage. We quickly move over to the train section that has now arrived for Budapest. At the border, we receive two more stamps, and all the compartments’ hatches are opened. Presumably, they are checking to ensure no refugees are on board. Mirrors are continuously used to inspect under the train. Just before eleven, the train arrives in Budapest. Luckily, a van from a youth hostel is waiting. The fare is $5 per person per night, which equals 782 Forint. We still have no idea what the exchange rate is. The hostel is tidy, and everything looks good. Finally, we have hot water again. Around midnight, searching for something to eat in the city, we end up at another youth hostel. Here we have a toasted sandwich and some drinks. We also decide to visit Fred in Austria on Friday during the day, instead of Thursday night.