The Association of Hungarian Logistics Service Centres (Mlszksz) has released several analytical reports detailing the development of intermodal transport in Hungary, highlighting notable sector growth in recent years and a shift in the country’s logistical role within the European network. Growth began in 2020 with an initial increase of 1.7%, despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This period saw a concentration of freight flows, with 96% of domestic intermodal traffic entering Hungary through just three terminals. The terminal in Budapest recorded a 4% average growth rate in 2020 alone.
In the following year, intermodal transport accelerated, registering a 13.1% annual increase and reaching nearly 751,000 TEUs moved through combined modes. According to Mlszksz, this growth was partly driven by the ongoing pandemic and concerns related to Brexit, both of which raised demand for intermodal solutions. During this time, 91% of all intermodal traffic continued to pass through three major terminals in central Hungary: Bilk Combi-Terminal, Mahart Container Center and Metrans.
The breakthrough came in 2024, with a staggering 122% increase compared to 2023, as traditional rail freight struggled with profitability issues. This shift enabled Hungary to assume, for the first time, the role of a collection and distribution hub within the European intermodal logistics network. A detailed analysis of traffic flows revealed a 33.8% rise in loaded containers and a 21.3% increase in rail transport of semi-trailers. Meanwhile, there was a 3.4% decline in the number of empty containers, a key indicator of Hungary’s strengthening export sector and rising international trade with neighbouring countries.
The Mlszksz reports stress the significance of several policy initiatives that have supported intermodal transport. Notably, the implementation of the Energiahatékonysági Kötelezettségi Rendszer (Ekr), the energy efficiency obligation scheme, has positively influenced the shift of road traffic to rail, especially for semi-trailers. According to the association, to meet EU climate targets, Hungary should move between 50,000 and 100,000 tonnes of goods annually from road to intermodal transport.
A key element in Hungary’s strategy has been the expansion of intermodal infrastructure. Mlszksz has documented major progress in the construction of new terminals, such as the East-West Gate and the combined terminal in Zalaegerszeg developed by Metrans. These facilities incorporate advanced technologies that allow non-crane-liftable semi-trailers to be loaded onto rail, broadening the operational capabilities of combined transport.
A strategic infrastructure project repeatedly advocated by Mlszksz is the V0 rail ring around Budapest, designed to ease congestion in the capital’s rail network and promote the growth of intermodal transport. According to the association’s secretary general, Bíró Koppány Ajtony, the nature of freight rail traffic, which is not evenly distributed across the 24-hour day, demands dedicated infrastructure to ensure the competitiveness of intermodal trains.
Mlszksz also highlights important developments in intermodal connections involving Hungary, including the link between Budapest and Bettembourg-Dudelange, strengthening ties with Western Europe. Also significant is the new intermodal route linking Italy, Hungary and Romania, connecting the Rail Hub in Melzo with the Bilk terminal in Budapest and the Arad terminal in Curtici, Romania. The service operates twice weekly, with a 48-hour transit time over a distance of more than 1,500 kilometres.
Despite the progress, Mlszksz has identified several challenges that could hinder the further development of intermodal transport. According to Fülöp Zsolt Károly, president of the association, the priority is to restore the sector’s competitiveness and address infrastructural bottlenecks. The association recommends improved coordination of railway construction works, minimised track closures, and the use of temporary infrastructure during renovation activities. To support the continued expansion of intermodal transport, Mlszksz also deems it essential to enhance the efficiency of the Ekr system, provide backing for new terminals, and strengthen logistics links with neighbouring countries.
