Changes in International Trains Circulation Between Bucharest and Budapest
CFR Călători announced on Monday that starting May 14, 2026, significant changes will be implemented in the circulation of key international trains. The alterations will impact trains operating on the Bucharest North – Budapest route and vice versa. These modifications are necessitated by ongoing infrastructure works between the Recaș and Remetea Mare stations.
The train IR 72, which typically runs from Bucharest North to Budapest, will now operate exclusively on the Timișoara North – Arad – Curtici – Lokoshaza – Budapest route. For the Bucharest North – Caransebeș segment, a new service, train IR 12072, will depart at 05:29 and arrive at 13:56. Passengers traveling between Caransebeș and Timișoara North will be provided with alternative transportation.
Conversely, the train IR 73 from Budapest to Bucharest North will maintain its schedule on the Budapest – Lokoshaza – Curtici – Arad – Timișoara North route. However, between Caransebeș and Bucharest North, it will operate as train IR 12073, departing at 14:25 and reaching its destination at 23:50. Similarly, passengers between Timișoara North and Caransebeș will be facilitated with car transfers.
Regarding passengers with pre-purchased tickets, CFR Călători assures that ‘passengers holding tickets for the affected trains have the option to request a refund for the unused portion of their journey, in accordance with the current Railway Transport Regulation.’
