Seat reservation system at Volánbusz: questions and answers

The first month of Volánbusz’s pilot seat reservation system, launched as an optional feature, came to an end in the first week of September. According to the company’s statement sent to our editorial team, nearly 68,000 seat reservations were made during this period—something they see as a sign that most passengers quickly adapted to the new system. However, the company also received a number of questions during this initial phase. Below, Volánbusz provides practical answers and guidance to help clarify these issues for passengers.

Since the introduction of the new seat reservation system on August 5, 2024, Volánbusz has received numerous questions and comments. The company has published detailed information on its website and social media channels, including Facebook. Now, they have summarized the most frequently asked questions and their answers based on the experiences gathered so far.

I travel daily to school, work, or medical appointments—do I need to buy a seat reservation every time?

Not everywhere, but it is possible for some routes and recommended for others. Seat reservations are currently available for long-distance buses either departing from or arriving in Budapest with route numbers between 1010 and 1257 (excluding 1120), and also for certain Mezőkövesd-based VONAT-BUSZ connection services (routes 1426, 1427, 4008, and 4030). Route numbers can be found on the Volánbusz website, in the MÁV app, at jegy.mav.hu, on MÁV-Start ticket machines, and also displayed on the buses themselves. Volánbusz emphasizes that seat reservations are not mandatory on any of these services.

On other bus services—where the route number is not four digits or does not start with 10, 11, or 12—travel options remain unchanged: seat reservations are neither needed nor available.

If there are no free seats, will I have to stand for hours?

Buses with the seat reservation system are typically designated as seated-only services (classified as M3/III category coaches – editor’s note), although some may carry standing passengers. If you want to ensure a seat, Volánbusz recommends booking a reservation in advance—especially for busy routes or during peak travel times.

I had a seat reservation, but someone else took my seat!

According to the Volánbusz terms of service, if a passenger with a seat reservation fails to show up at the boarding location at least 10 minutes before departure, their seat may be taken by another passenger. To avoid issues, Volánbusz recommends arriving at the boarding location at least 15 minutes in advance. This is also clearly stated on the seat reservation ticket.

Why am I not allowed to board first as a person with reduced mobility, a senior, or a pregnant passenger?

“Our drivers continue to give special attention to assisting passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. However, on busier routes, we also recommend these passengers reserve a seat in advance. Each bus has two designated seats for blind or visually impaired passengers, and seat reservations are not available for these specific seats. That said, if more than two visually impaired passengers intend to travel on the same route, and one wishes to ensure a seat, we recommend booking a seat reservation.” – states Volánbusz. (Though the original question remains somewhat unanswered… – editor’s note)

Why do I need to pay if I’m eligible for free travel?

Previously, many of these services required a mandatory long-distance supplement even for passengers entitled to free travel. Under the new system, no such supplement is required—the choice is yours whether to reserve a seat for guaranteed seating.

I don’t have internet access or can’t use the MÁV app—does this mean I can’t travel?

Seat reservations can also be purchased in person at Volánbusz and MÁV-Start ticket counters, or at MÁV-Start vending machines—up to 60 days before travel.

How can I buy a seat reservation in the MÁV app?

In the MÁV app, first select Bus under Transport mode, then choose Passenger transport 2nd class and Seat reservation 2nd class under Services. If you only want to book a seat, activate the Seat reservation only option in Search criteria. After selecting your route, you’ll be given three options in the Choose seat reservation mode menu:

• Automatic seat allocation: the system assigns a seat automatically;
• Choose seat preference: select window or aisle seat as preferred;
• Next to an already reserved seat: choose a seat as close as possible to one you’ve already booked.

Seat reservation via the MÁV app is explained in this video for iOS and this video for Android.

On jegy.mav.hu, click Detailed search, select Bus under Transport mode, and activate the With seat reservation filter. To book only a seat, select Seat reservation only. Then choose between:

• Automatic seat allocation: the system assigns a seat automatically;
• Graphic seat selection: choose a specific seat from the seating chart.

A full walk-through of booking via jegy.mav.hu is available in this video.

I’m eligible for free travel or have a pass—where can I book a seat in the app?

Seat reservations can be added to any valid ticket, national or regional pass, day pass, or any travel document entitling the holder to free travel. If you only need a seat reservation, select the Seat reservation only option in the MÁV app under Search criteria, or on jegy.mav.hu under Detailed search.

Where can I select a specific seat in the app?

Graphical seat selection—similar to train reservations—is not yet available in the MÁV app, only on the jegy.mav.hu website.

I bought a seat reservation on jegy.mav.hu, printed it, and even showed it on my phone—but it wasn’t accepted on the bus.

Due to technical reasons, tickets and seat reservations purchased online—including via jegy.mav.hu—are only valid on buses when accessed through the MÁV app. Downloading the app is therefore required.

I bought a ticket but didn’t reserve a seat—since it’s not mandatory—but couldn’t board! How do I get a refund?

To receive a refund for a ticket that could not be used due to lack of seating, the missed departure must be verified by bus or station staff—either noted on the back of the ticket or on a separate certificate. To avoid such situations, seat reservations are highly recommended—especially on long-distance buses that typically do not carry standing passengers.

Cover image is illustrative. Source: Volánbusz Zrt.