# Hungarian State Railways

> national railway operator in Hungary

**Wikidata**: [Q168082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q168082)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_State_Railways)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hungarian-state-railways

## Summary

Hungarian State Railways (MÁV – Magyar Államvasutak) is the national railway operator of Hungary, established in 1868 and headquartered in Budapest. It operates the country's primary rail infrastructure, providing passenger and freight transport services across Hungary and international connections to neighboring countries including Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Austria. The company employs approximately 18,118 people and manages a vast network of railway lines, stations, and rolling stock, serving as a critical component of Hungary's transportation infrastructure.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** Hungarian State Railways (MÁV – Magyar Államvasutak Zrt.)
- **Founded:** 1868
- **Headquarters:** Budapest, Hungary
- **Employees:** 18,118
- **Revenue:** 482,000,000 (HUF)
- **Net Profit:** 33,600,000 (HUF)
- **Total Assets:** 720,000,000,000 (HUF)
- **Website:** https://www.mavcsoport.hu/
- **Industry:** Rail transport
- **Parent Organization:** Hungary (country)
- **Subsidiary:** Volánbusz (founded 1927, passenger transport company)
- **Memberships:** International Union of Railways (UIC, founded 1922), Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER, founded 1988)
- **Sitelink Count:** 30

## FAQs

**What is Hungarian State Railways (MÁV)?**

Hungarian State Railways, known as MÁV (Magyar Államvasutak), is the state-owned national railway company of Hungary, responsible for operating passenger and freight rail services throughout the country and internationally.

**When was Hungarian State Railways founded?**

MÁV was founded in 1868, making it one of the older national railway operators in Europe.

**Where is Hungarian State Railways headquartered?**

The company is headquartered in Budapest, the capital and largest city of Hungary.

**How many employees does Hungarian State Railways have?**

MÁV employs approximately 18,118 people.

**What international organizations is MÁV a member of?**

MÁV is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC), founded in 1922, and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), founded in 1988.

**What subsidiary does Hungarian State Railways own?**

MÁV owns Volánbusz, a former transport company in Hungary founded in 1927, headquartered in Budapest District IX at Üllői út 131.

**What countries does MÁV connect to internationally?**

MÁV's railway network connects Hungary to Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Austria through various international railway lines.

**What are some notable railway lines operated by MÁV?**

Notable lines include the Budapest–Hegyeshalom railway, Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok–Debrecen–Nyíregyháza–Záhony railway, and the Szeged–Subotica railway connecting to Serbia.

## Why It Matters

Hungarian State Railways serves as the backbone of Hungary's land transportation infrastructure, connecting millions of passengers and facilitating substantial freight movement across the country and internationally. As a state-owned enterprise operating since 1868, MÁV has played a pivotal role in Hungary's economic development, enabling trade, commerce, and personal mobility across regions.

The railway network operated by MÁV is essential for connecting Budapest with regional centers including Debrecen, Miskolc, Szeged, Pécs, Győr, and Székesfehérvár, among others. These connections are vital for regional development, reducing road congestion, and providing affordable transportation options for Hungarian citizens.

MÁV's membership in the International Union of Railways and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies demonstrates Hungary's integration into European rail transport systems. This membership facilitates international cooperation, standardization of rail services, and participation in cross-border passenger and freight operations.

The company's extensive rolling stock, including locomotives such as the MÁV 601 class (2-6-6-0 Mallet locomotives), MÁV V63 class electric locomotives, and MÁV M41 class diesel-hydraulic locomotives, represents significant national assets. The railway infrastructure managed by MÁV, including stations like Budapest-Déli, Budapest-Nyugati, Debrecen railway station, and Szeged railway station, serves as critical transportation hubs.

With total assets of approximately 720 billion HUF and operations spanning dozens of railway lines, MÁV remains a significant economic entity in Hungary, contributing to employment, infrastructure maintenance, and the functioning of the national economy.

## Notable For

- **Longest Operating History:** Established in 1868, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously operating national railway companies
- **Extensive Network:** Operates dozens of railway lines across Hungary, including major corridors connecting Budapest to Debrecen, Miskolc, Szeged, and Pécs
- **International Connections:** Maintains railway links to Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Austria
- **Historic Rolling Stock:** Operates heritage locomotive classes including the MÁV 601 class (Mallet locomotives), MÁV 424 class (4-8-0 locomotives), and MÁV 242 class (4-4-4T locomotives)
- **Major Stations:** Manages key railway stations including Budapest-Déli, Budapest-Nyugati, Debrecen, Szeged, Győr, Székesfehérvár, Miskolc-Tiszai, and Pécs
- **Subsidiary Operations:** Owns Volánbusz, a major passenger transport company founded in 1927
- **European Integration:** Active member of the International Union of Railways (UIC) and Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER)
- **Significant Workforce:** Employs approximately 18,118 people, making it one of Hungary's largest employers in the transportation sector

## Body

### History and Foundation

Hungarian State Railways (MÁV – Magyar Államvasutak) was founded in 1868 as the national railway operator of Hungary. The company was established during the Austro-Hungarian Empire period, when Hungary was developing its railway infrastructure to connect Budapest with regional centers and neighboring territories. Over the decades, MÁV has evolved from a newly formed national railway into a modern transportation company while maintaining its role as the primary rail operator for Hungary.

The company's founding coincided with a period of significant railway expansion in Hungary, as the Austro-Hungarian Empire sought to improve transportation links between Budapest and various regions of the kingdom. This early investment in railway infrastructure laid the foundation for the extensive network that MÁV operates today.

### Corporate Structure and Ownership

MÁV is organized as a state-owned enterprise under Hungarian law, with its headquarters located in Budapest. The company operates as a holding company structure, with various subsidiaries and operational divisions managing different aspects of rail services. The corporate entity is known by multiple aliases including Magyar Államvasutak Zrt., MAV, Royal Hungarian State Railways, and MÁV Hungarian State Railways Private Company Limited by Shares.

The company owns Volánbusz, a former transport company in Hungary founded on January 8, 1927. Volánbusz was headquartered in Budapest District IX at Üllői út 131, and operated in the passenger transport industry. This subsidiary expanded MÁV's presence in the broader Hungarian transportation sector beyond rail-only operations.

### Financial Profile

Hungarian State Railways maintains substantial financial assets, with total assets valued at approximately 720,000,000,000 HUF. The company generates annual revenue of approximately 482,000,000 HUF and reports a net profit of approximately 33,600,000 HUF. These financial figures demonstrate MÁV's significant economic footprint within Hungary's transportation sector.

The company's workforce consists of approximately 18,118 employees, making it one of the largest employers in the Hungarian transportation industry. This workforce operates across various functions including train operations, maintenance, customer service, and administrative roles.

### Industry Membership and International Relations

MÁV maintains membership in two major international railway organizations. The company is a member of the International Union of Railways (UIC), founded on October 17, 1922, based in France with headquarters in Paris. The UIC serves as an international rail transport industry body, promoting cooperation and standardization among railway companies worldwide.

Additionally, MÁV is a member of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), founded in 1988 and based in Brussels, Belgium. The CER represents European railway companies and infrastructure managers, advocating for policies that support the development of rail transport across the European Union.

These memberships reflect Hungary's integration into European and international rail transport frameworks, enabling MÁV to participate in cross-border cooperation, share best practices, and contribute to the development of international rail standards.

### Railway Network and Infrastructure

MÁV operates an extensive railway network spanning Hungary, connecting major cities, regional centers, and rural areas. The network includes numerous railway lines, stations, and infrastructure elements that form the backbone of Hungary's rail transportation system.

Major railway lines operated by MÁV include:

The Budapest–Hegyeshalom railway line connects the Hungarian capital to the Austrian border, facilitating international travel to Vienna and beyond. This line serves as a critical link in the Budapest–Vienna rail corridor.

The Budapest–Cegléd–Szolnok–Debrecen–Nyíregyháza–Záhony railway represents one of Hungary's most important north-south corridors, connecting Budapest through Cegléd and Szolnok to Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, and the Ukrainian border at Záhony.

The Budapest-Déli railway station serves as a major hub in Budapest, connecting to destinations including Pécs via the Budapest-Kelenföld–Pécs railway.

The Szeged–Subotica railway connects Hungary to Serbia, enabling international travel between the two countries.

The Miskolc–Bánréve–Ózd railway line and Miskolc–Hidasnémeti railway line provide connections to northeastern Hungary and the Slovakian border.

The Debrecen–Nyírábrány railway line connects Debrecen to the Romanian border.

The Püspökladány–Oradea railway line provides another connection to Romania.

The Fiľakovo–Somoskőújfalu railway crosses the Hungarian-Slovak border.

### Major Railway Stations

MÁV manages numerous important railway stations throughout Hungary. Key stations include:

**Budapest-Déli railway station** – A major station building in Budapest serving routes to western and southern Hungary.

**Budapest-Nyugati railway station** – Opened on October 28, 1877, this station serves routes to western Hungary and international destinations.

**Debrecen railway station** – The main railway station of Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city.

**Szeged railway station** – Serving the southern city of Szeged and international routes to Serbia.

**Miskolc-Tiszai railway station** – The main railway station in Miskolc, Hungary's third-largest city.

**Győr railway station** – Serving the city of Győr in northwestern Hungary.

**Székesfehérvár railway station** – A major station between Budapest and Lake Balaton.

**Pécs railway station** – Serving the city of Pécs in southern Hungary.

Additional stations managed by MÁV include Tatabánya railway station, Hegyeshalom railway station, Komárom railway station, Eger railway station, Miskolc Gömöri railway station, Tata railway station, Mosonmagyaróvár railway station, Szolnok railway station, and numerous smaller stations throughout Hungary.

### Rolling Stock and Locomotives

MÁV operates various classes of locomotives and rolling stock to serve its passenger and freight operations. The company's locomotive fleet includes several notable classes:

**MÁV 601 class** – A class of 60 Hungarian 2-6-6-0 Mallet locomotives, representing historic steam locomotive technology from the Austro-Hungarian era.

**MÁV V63 class** – A class of 56 Hungarian electric locomotives, representing modern electric traction for mainline operations.

**MÁV M41 class** – A class of 125 Hungarian diesel-hydraulic locomotives, widely used for both passenger and freight services.

**MÁV 424 class** – A class of 514 Hungarian 4-8-0 locomotives, one of the most numerous steam locomotive classes in Hungarian history.

**MÁV 242 class** – A class of 4 Hungarian 4-4-4T locomotives.

The company also operates various international locomotive types including the DRB Class 52 (German 2-10-0 locomotives used during and after World War II), DRB Class 42, kkStB 429 (Austrian 2-6-2 locomotives), kkStB 160 (Austrian freight 2-6-0 locomotives), Südbahn Class 23, and StEG I 600 to 711 (Austro-Hungarian 0-8-0 locomotives).

Modern rolling stock includes multiple unit ranges such as the Bombardier Talent and ÖBB 5047 (Austrian DMU), as well as Siemens ES64U2 electric locomotives.

### Regional Railway Lines

MÁV operates numerous regional railway lines connecting smaller cities and towns throughout Hungary. These lines include:

- Gyékényes–Pécs railway
- Kétegyháza–Mezőhegyes–Újszeged railway line
- Kál-Kápolna–Kisújszállás railway line
- Miskolc–Tornanádaska railway line
- Bajánsenye–Zalaegerszeg–Ukk–Boba railway line
- Debrecen–Sáránd–Nagykereki railway line
- Debrecen–Tiszalök railway line
- Pusztaszabolcs–Székesfehérvár railway
- Zugló railway station (halt in Budapest)
- Barcs–Villány railway line
- Dombóvár–Bátaszék-line
- Debrecen–Nyírbátor–Mátészalka railway line
- Dombóvár–Komló railway
- Gyermekvasút (Children's Railway, founded 1948)
- Tiszalök–Nyíregyháza railway line
- Tatabánya–Pápa railway line
- Tiszaújváros–Nyékládháza railway line
- Pusztaszabolcs–Dunaújváros–Paks railway
- Aszód–Vácrátót railway line
- Kazincbarcika–Rudabánya railway line
- Karcag–Tiszafüred railway line
- Budapest–Kunszentmiklós-Tass–Kelebia railway line
- Aszód–Balassagyarmat–Ipolytarnóc railway line
- Budapest–Lajosmizse–Kecskemét railway
- Debrecen–Füzesabony railway line
- Vámosgyörk–Gyöngyös railway line
- Kunszentmiklós-Tass–Dunapataj railway line
- Nyíregyháza–Mátészalka–Zajta railway line
- Sárbogárd–Székesfehérvár railway line
- Vásárosnamény–Nyíregyháza railway line
- Hatvan–Miskolc–Szerencs–Sátoraljaújhely railway
- Cegléd–Szeged railway
- Rédics–Zalaegerszeg railway line
- Székesfehérvár–Tapolca railway
- Környe–Oroszlány railway line
- Kaposvár–Siófok railway line
- Kiskunfélegyháza–Kunszentmárton railway line
- Szeged–Békéscsaba railway line
- Nagyatád–Somogyszob railway line
- Sellye–Szentlőrinc railway line
- Kaposvár–Fonyód railway line
- Kiskőrös–Kalocsa railway
- Vác–Balassagyarmat railway line
- Szolnok–Hódmezővásárhely–Makó railway line
- Sárbogárd–Bátaszék railway line
- Pécs–Bátaszék railway
- And additional lines connecting various Hungarian towns and cities

### International Connections

MÁV's network extends beyond Hungary's borders through several international railway lines:

- **Szeged–Subotica railway** – Connecting Hungary to Serbia
- **Püspökladány–Oradea railway line** – Connecting to Romania
- **Debrecen–Nyírábrány railway line** – Connecting to Romania
- **Miskolc–Bánréve–Ózd railway line** – Extending to Slovakia
- **Fiľakovo–Somoskőújfalu railway** – Connecting Slovakia and Hungary
- **Lučenec–Kalonda–Veľký Krtíš railway** – Connecting Slovakia and Hungary
- **Oradea–Kótpuszta railway** – Connecting Romania and Hungary

These international connections enable passenger and freight services between Hungary and neighboring countries, supporting trade, tourism, and cross-border mobility.

### Specialized Services

MÁV operates specialized services including the Gyermekvasút (Children's Railway), a narrow-gauge railway line in Budapest founded in 1948. This heritage railway serves both as a transportation service and as an educational facility for young people interested in railway operations.

The company has also operated international train categories such as Interexpress, founded in 1986, which provided premium international services connecting Hungary with Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and other countries.

### Geographic Context

MÁV operates throughout Hungary, a country in Central Europe with Budapest as its capital and largest city. Budapest, founded on November 17, 1873, serves as the primary hub for MÁV's operations, with major stations including Budapest-Déli, Budapest-Nyugati, and Kőbánya-Kispest railway station.

Hungary's geography, positioned between Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, has shaped MÁV's network development, with lines radiating from Budapest to connect with neighboring countries. The Hungarian railway network plays a crucial role in connecting the Carpathian Basin region, facilitating both domestic and international transportation.

### Summary of Operations

Hungarian State Railways operates as the national railway company of Hungary, providing essential passenger and freight rail services across the country and to international destinations. With a history dating back to 1868, MÁV has developed into a modern transportation company while maintaining its role as a state-owned enterprise serving the Hungarian public.

The company's operations encompass dozens of railway lines, major railway stations in Budapest and regional centers, diverse rolling stock including historic and modern locomotives, and membership in international railway organizations. MÁV's workforce of approximately 18,118 employees operates and maintains the railway infrastructure that connects Hungarian cities and towns with each other and with neighboring countries.

As a key component of Hungary's transportation infrastructure, MÁV continues to play a vital role in the country's economic development, providing affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation options for passengers and facilitating freight movement across the country and internationally.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.coface.cz/content/download/186543/3096111/file/CER-CZ-CEE_Top_500_2019_booklet.zip)
2. [Source](https://www.mavcsoport.hu/sites/default/files/upload/page/asz_20251103.pdf)
3. Open ISNI for Organizations
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://d-nb.info/gnd/2133062-1/about/lds)
6. [Source](https://vademecum.uic.org/en/memberDetail/90)
7. [Source](https://mainlinerail.org/members/)
8. Integrated Authority File
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Compagnie Française d'Assurance pour le Commerce Extérieur. 2019](https://www.coface.cz/content/download/186543/3096111/file/CER-CZ-CEE_Top_500_2019_booklet.zip)
11. [Cégszolgálat Ingyenes Céginformáció](https://www.e-cegjegyzek.hu/?cegadatlap/0110042272/TaroltCegkivonat)
12. Name Suggestion Index
13. Atlas