MÁV-csoport

Name

MÁV-csoport

Legal name

MÁV-csoport

Website

https://mavcsoport.hu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1846

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

MÁV-csoport is Hungary's state-owned national railway group operating domestic passenger rail and cross-border services to Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, and Germany. It serves individual leisure travelers, commuters, group organizers, and railway employees via stations, the jegy.mav.hu portal, and the MÁVPlusz app.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Domestic Rail Ticket Sales: Core revenue from sale of tickets and passes for domestic passenger rail services across Hungary. Revenue is transaction-based per journey. Ticket types include single tickets, travel cards (vármegye-bérlet / országbérlet), day passes (Balaton24, Vármegye24, Magyarország24), and season tickets. Revenue also includes reserved seat fees (helyjegy) on IC and express trains.
2. International Rail Ticket Sales (Adria IC, Retro Istria Express): Revenue from international long-distance and nighttime rail services to Croatia (Split, Rijeka) and Slovenia (Koper, Ljubljana). Revenue is per-journey transaction-based. Includes sleeping car (hálókocsi), couchette (fekvőhelyes kocsi), and seating car (ülőhelyes kocsi) revenue. Pricing in euros with Hungary's MÁV-applied exchange rate of 1€ = 380 Ft.
3. Onboard Hospitality Services (Utasellátó): Revenue from onboard dining car (étkezőkocsi) meals, bistro services (Utasellátó and MOL Fresh Corner bistros), and café sales on domestic and international trains. Sleeping car passengers receive complimentary water in the evening and hot beverages and breakfast in the morning included in the ticket price.
4. Bicycle Transport Fees: Revenue from dedicated bicycle ticket sales (500 Ft nationwide) and optional bicycle country passes (4950 Ft for unlimited seasonal bicycle transport). On Balaton seasonal trains, a bicycle place ticket (kerékpárhelyjegy) is also required in addition to the bicycle ticket.
5. Subsidized Public Service Obligation (PSO) Rail Services: MÁV-csoport operates rail services under public service obligation contracts, partially funded by government subsidy for unprofitable but socially necessary routes and regional connectivity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

MÁV-csoport operates passenger railway services across Hungary and international destinations (Croatia, Slovenia, Austria) under multiple sub-brands (MÁV-START, Adria InterCity, Retro Istria Express, Balaton InterCity, Kék Hullám InterCity, Bagolyvonat), supported by Volán regional bus services. The group sells domestic and international tickets, seat reservations, bicycle transport, on-board catering (Utasellátó/MOL Fresh Corner), loyalty programs (START Klub), and access to the Premium lounge at Budapest-Keleti via station ticket offices, the jegy.mav.hu portal, the MÁVPlusz mobile app, self-service machines, and a 16-city group travel sales network.

Product overview

MÁV-csoport is a Hungarian state-owned railway group comprising MÁV Zrt. (infrastructure), MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt. (passenger services), MÁV Pályaműködtetési Zrt. (track operations), and MÁV Szolgáltató Központ Zrt. (support services). The group operates as a platform of integrated railway and bus services, offering domestic and international passenger rail transport, regional bus services, mobile applications (MÁVPlusz), and online booking (jegy.mav.hu). Key product lines include InterCity and express train services to Lake Balaton and international destinations (Croatia, Slovenia), specialized seasonal services like the Adria InterCity night train and Retró Istria Expressz, on-board catering (Utasellátó dining cars and bistro services), bicycle transport, and loyalty programs (START Klub). The group serves Hungarian citizens and tourists through physical ticket offices, the national sales network, mobile apps, and online platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MÁV-START: Passenger rail services brand operated by MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt.
• START Europa
• START Klub
• MÁVPlusz
• MÁVDIREKT
• Balaton InterCity
• Adria InterCity
• Retró Istria Expressz
• Bagolyvonat
• Utasellátó
• MOL Fresh Corner
• Prémium váró
• Volántourist
• Gyermekvasút
• MÁV Szimfonikus Zenekar
• MÁV Vasutas Sport Club
• IKOP Plusz
• IKOP

Products and services

• Adria InterCity Night Train (Budapest–Split) International overnight passenger rail service from Budapest-Keleti to Split, Croatia, offering 1–3 bed sleeper compartments, 4- and 6-bed couchette cars, a seated car and an on-board dining car. Operates seasonally with 2–4 weekly departures and is sold through MÁV's online portal, app, international ticket counters at Budapest-Keleti and Budapest-Népliget, HŽPP counters in Croatia, and other European railway partner counters.
• Retro Istria Express Themed retro-style overnight train from Budapest to the Istrian Peninsula in Slovenia and Croatia, available in seated, couchette (4- and 6-berth) and sleeper (1-, 2- and 3-berth) configurations. Designed as a budget-friendly seasonal option for Adriatic-leisure travelers, with pricing that starts from €20 non-refundable or €25 refundable.
• Balaton InterCity Premium InterCity service between Budapest and the southern shore of Lake Balaton (Keszthely), featuring climate-controlled 1st- and 2nd-class cars, on-board dining, WiFi, and a dedicated bicycle car (up to 40 bicycles). Operates hourly when combined with the Tópart express during the summer main season (June 20 – August 30, 2026).
• Kék Hullám InterCity InterCity service from Budapest to the northern shore of Lake Balaton (Tapolca via Balatonfüred) with climate-controlled 1st- and 2nd-class cars, an optional Premium class, the MOL Fresh Corner on-board bistro, WiFi, and bicycle transport. Operates seasonally and rents ÖBB-supplied first-class and bicycle-transport cars.
• Bagolyvonat (Owl Train) night service Night and early-morning hourly service along the Lake Balaton southern shore and between Budapest and Balaton, providing near-24-hour rail connectivity at weekends during the summer peak season to support budget-conscious travelers.
• MÁV Volán regional and intercity bus services Road-based regional and intercity bus services operated by MÁV-csoport that connect lake resorts (e.g., Tihany, Szigliget), feeder communities, and railway stations under the unified Balaton24 day-pass ticketing system alongside rail services.
• Bicycle transport on trains Reservation-based bicycle-transport service on selected trains using high-capacity bicycle-carrying cars (between 16 and 48 bicycles depending on train type), available nationwide (500 Ft bicycle ticket) and on Balaton seasonal trains (additional bicycle-place reservation required).
• Utasellátó on-board hospitality (dining cars, bistro, MOL Fresh Corner) On-board catering offering including full dining-car meals, the MOL Fresh Corner bistro on premium services (Kék Hullám IC), café service, and Premium lounge access at Budapest-Keleti. Sleeping-car passengers receive complimentary water and morning hot beverages and breakfast.
• MÁVPlusz mobile application Mobile application for ticket purchasing (domestic tickets with a 15% discount), schedule search, real-time train tracking, climate-controlled-train filtering, and management of previously purchased international tickets. International tickets are bought on jegy.mav.hu but displayed within the app.
• jegy.mav.hu online ticket portal Self-service online ticket booking platform for domestic and international rail travel, with graphical car-layout seat reservation, ticket management, and euro-pricing for international routes.
• START Klub loyalty card program Subscription-style loyalty program including START Klub 50% (50% rail-discount card), START Klub VIP (premium benefits) and START Klub Prémium (free-travel benefit), offering additional discounts and priority services to frequent domestic rail travelers.
• Balaton24 / Vármegye24 / Magyarország24 day passes Unlimited-travel day and regional passes valid on rail lines, Volán intercity buses, and the Balatonfenyves narrow-gauge railway. Balaton24 costs 1,090 Ft and, during the July 1 – August 30, 2026 test phase, also covers local bus transport in Siófok and Balatonfüred.
• National group travel sales organization 16-city direct sales organization providing dedicated phone lines, in-person bookings and online inquiry forms for corporate, school, sports and community group travel, with advance registration (≥1 week), guaranteed group seating and free escort travel.
• MÁVDIREKT customer service hotline Centralized customer service contact center reachable at +36 1 3 49 49 49 (landline) and +36 20/30/70 499 4999 (mobile), handling timetable information, lost property, pricing inquiries and general support for MÁV-csoport services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,000 billion HUF invested in rail modernization (IKOP 2014–2020)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Siemens Mobility (Vectron Locomotive)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Siemens Mobility supplies Vectron electric locomotives for MÁV-csoport's mainline and international passenger services. A specially branded Vectron was unveiled in June 2026 to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Hungarian railways (1846–2026). The Vectron fleet serves as the primary electric locomotive type for intercity and cross-border operations.
• ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorÖBB operates rail services connecting with MÁV-csoport on cross-border routes between Hungary and Austria, including the Budapest–Vienna corridor. MÁV-csoport rents first-class and bicycle transport cars from ÖBB for use on the Kék Hullám InterCity route to Lake Balaton. FIP discount card holders traveling on ÖBB-operated routes must pay supplementary fees on certain train categories (RJ, ICE, IC, EC, ICB).
• DB (German Railways)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDB operates cross-border rail services connecting with MÁV-csoport on routes to/from Germany. FIP discount card arrangements apply to DB-operated services with specific restrictions. DB international ticket counters can sell MÁV international tickets.
• HŽPP (Croatian Railways)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHŽPP (Hrvatske željeznice Putnički prijevoz) is the operational partner for the Adria InterCity service on the Croatian segment between Gyékényes and Split. MÁV-csoport operates the Adria IC train using HŽPP rail infrastructure in Croatia. HŽPP also operates connecting local trains from Split to Šibenik, and MÁV tickets can be purchased for these connections.
• GYSEV (Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurt Railway)coreTechnology or IntegrationGYSEV is a jointly owned regional railway company operating in western Hungary and connecting to Austria. MÁV-csoport's international ticket counters also sell GYSEV international tickets. GYSEV operates the Sopron-Ebenfurt route under ÖBB FIP arrangements. MÁV and GYSEV share integrated ticketing and tariff systems.
• StadlercoreTechnology or IntegrationStadler supplies electric motor trains to MÁV-csoport: 6 FLIRT units and 9 FLIRT units under IKOP, plus 19 KISS double-deck high-capacity motor trains. Stadler trains feature low-floor design, air conditioning, onboard WiFi, and power outlets. KISS trains include family seating sections.
• MOL (MOL Fresh Corner)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMOL operates MOL Fresh Corner bistro service on selected Kék Hullám InterCity trains on the Lake Balaton northern route, offering hot dogs, pizza wraps, sandwiches, freshly ground coffee, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the bistro section of premium class cars.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Trenitalia: Italian national rail operator serving as the public incumbent alongside open-access competitors; comparable in being a state-influenced mainline operator with substantial domestic and night-train presence.
• Deutsche Bahn (DB): Germany's national rail group and a much larger European incumbent with which MÁV-csoport has cross-border ticketing and FIP arrangements. Comparable business model (PSO + commercial intercity) but at materially larger scale and a more developed night-train network.
• SJ (Statens Järnvägar / Swedish State Railways): Swedish national passenger operator running a state-owned but commercially operated rail franchise model relevant to MÁV's corporatization roadmap. Similar domestic/intercity mix and premium-service structure.

Emerging players

• FlixTrain: Private low-cost long-distance rail operator expanding in central Europe. Relevant as a competitive emerging platform that could pressure MÁV-csoport's domestic intercity yields and inform how open-access entry might evolve in Hungary.

Direct peers

• České dráhy (Czech Railways): National passenger rail operator of the Czech Republic. Closest comparable to MÁV-csoport given shared V4/Central European market, similar intercity/suburban network structure, joint ticket products, and parallel EU modernization cycles.
• PKP Intercity / PKP Group (Polish State Railways): Polish state-owned national railway group operating domestic and international passenger services out of Warsaw. Comparable scale, eastern European footprint, EU-funded fleet renewal, and V4 cooperation align closely with MÁV-csoport's structure.

Regional players

• SŽ (Slovenske železnice / Slovenian Railways): Slovenian national rail operator; partner on the Retro Istria Express route to Koper/Ljubljana and a regional peer on short cross-border Central European flows.
• ŽSR (Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko / Slovak Railways): Slovak national passenger rail operator sharing a border and several intercity routes with MÁV-csoport. Operates a similar fleet mix and integrated domestic/regional service model in the V4 region.
• ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen): Austrian Federal Railways operating cross-border services into Hungary (e.g., Budapest–Vienna) and sharing rolling stock with MÁV-csoport. Regional peer with materially overlapping corridors and direct partnership agreements including FIP card handling.
• HŽPP (Hrvatske željeznice Putnički prijevoz / Croatian Railways): Croatian passenger rail operator and direct operational partner on the Adria InterCity service between Gyékényes and Split. Same east-Central European geography and complementary role on cross-border routes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mavstart
• Facebookfacebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.mavcsoport.hu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about MÁV-csoport