Travel · Budapest to Belgrade by rail
The Budapest–Belgrade high-speed train
The rebuilt railway between Budapest and Belgrade will link two of the great capitals of the Danube in around three hours. Here is what we know, what is still to be confirmed, and how to make the journey today.
Updated October 2026
When does the train start?
The line between Belgrade and Budapest has been rebuilt as a modern, fast railway. The Serbian section, from Belgrade through Novi Sad to Subotica near the border, is finished, and fast trains already run on it every day.
In Hungary, the line from the border at Kelebia to Budapest has also been rebuilt, and freight trains already use it. In October 2026, Hungary’s transport minister said that domestic passenger trains on the Hungarian section could start in the second half of October, with international trains between the two capitals expected in December 2026.
The opening date has moved several times before, so treat December as the target rather than a promise. We will update this page as soon as the first timetable and tickets are published.
Journey time, speed and trains
Planned journey times quoted for direct trains range from about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. The fastest timings depend on the final timetable, the number of stops and the time needed at the border.
- Belgrade to Subotica: about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 20 minutes on the new Serbian line
- Design speed: up to 200 km/h in Serbia and 160 km/h in Hungary
- Today, without a through train, the trip takes most of a day, with changes at Subotica and Szeged
Passports and the border
Hungary is part of the EU and the Schengen area, so this is an external Schengen border. For passenger trains, border checks are planned at Kelebia station on the Hungarian side, with Serbian and Hungarian officers working together, so you should not need to leave the train for long.
Carry your passport or ID card, and check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel, as visitors from outside the EU are registered when they enter the Schengen area.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets for international trains have not gone on sale yet, and fares have not been announced. Sales are expected through the national rail companies of both countries, so watch their websites and apps.
- From Budapest: MÁV, the Hungarian railway (mavcsoport.hu and the MÁV app)
- From Belgrade: Srbijavoz, the Serbian passenger railway (srbijavoz.rs and its app)
- Today: buy each leg separately, Budapest to Szeged with MÁV, then the cross-border train to Subotica and the fast train on to Belgrade
The stations
In Budapest, the terminal for the new international trains will be confirmed with the timetable. All of the city’s main stations connect with the metro and trams, and taxis wait outside.
In Belgrade, the fast trains use Beograd Centar, the modern station at Prokop, south of the city centre, with taxis and free city buses to the centre.
Arriving in Budapest
Coming from Belgrade? Start with the Castle District and the Danube views, the grand coffee houses of Pest, the thermal baths and the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter.
Castle District Jewish Quarter Thermal baths Where to stay
Belgrade and beyond
Belgrade, where the Sava meets the Danube, is one of the most exciting cities in Europe right now, with a new waterfront district, a lively arts scene and famous nightlife. Our sister guide covers it in depth.
Our guide to Athens is also live, and more ULTIMATE city guides across the region are coming soon.
ULTIMATE Belgrade City Guide ULTIMATE Athens City Guide
Questions and answers
When does the Budapest–Belgrade high-speed train start?
International passenger trains are expected to start in December 2026, according to Hungary’s transport minister in October 2026. The date has not been confirmed and has moved before, so check Srbijavoz and MÁV before you plan.
How long does the train from Budapest to Belgrade take?
Planned journey times for direct trains are about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on the final timetable. Today, without a through train, the trip takes most of a day with changes at Subotica and Szeged.
How fast is the new train?
The line is designed for up to 200 km/h on the Serbian section and 160 km/h on the Hungarian section.
Where do I buy tickets?
International tickets are not on sale yet. They are expected through Srbijavoz in Serbia and MÁV in Hungary. Until then, buy each leg separately.
Where are the border checks?
Passenger border checks are planned at Kelebia station on the Hungarian side, an external border of the Schengen area. Carry your passport or ID card.
Which station does the train use in Belgrade?
The fast trains use Beograd Centar, the modern station at Prokop, south of Belgrade city centre. The Budapest terminal will be confirmed with the timetable.
Join the conversation
Have you taken the new trains, or are you planning the trip? Share your experience and tips with other travellers.
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Sources: statements by the Serbian and Hungarian governments and rail companies, reported up to 17 October 2026. Timetables, fares and dates will be added as soon as they are officially published.