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Will Budapest really be the final stop on the Budapest-Belgrade railway? A western capital might join in!
The Budapest–Belgrade railway hasn’t even opened yet, but rumours about further expansions are already circulating. According to the Facebook page Ausländerin – magyar NŐ Ausztriában, a new direct train service could link Vienna and Belgrade via Budapest in the first half of 2026. Trains would cover the full route in just six hours, significantly simplifying travel between the Austrian and Serbian capitals.
The new service could operate with two departures in each direction daily. Under the plan, the Vienna-bound train would continue from Budapest to Belgrade, creating a direct connection and eliminating the previous two-stage journey.
Budapest–Belgrade: Passenger and freight services set to start
Recent reports suggest that the Budapest–Belgrade railway is on the brink of opening. According to a statement from János Lázár, passenger services on the Hungarian section could begin as early as March, though the exact date depends on the completion of safety inspections.
Freight services already have a confirmed start date: goods transport on the Hungarian section will commence on 27 February. Test runs are ongoing, and full utilisation of the line is expected to reach 100 per cent, giving the route strategic significance for east–west logistics.
High-speed trains and a new timetable
Future services will operate with modern CRRC trains capable of speeds up to 200 km/h, Világgazdaság reports. Trains are expected to reach Budapest from Belgrade in under three hours, with a further 2 hours 40 minutes to Vienna. By car, the same journey would take over an hour longer, not counting border checks.
According to Serbia’s N1, the 2025–2026 timetable will see six daily trains in each direction between Belgrade and Budapest: three operated by Srbija Voz using new Chinese CRRC high-speed trains, and three as MÁV services. Austrian ÖBB, in cooperation with MÁV, plans for trains 144 and 148 to run between Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna, with trains 141 and 147 operating in the reverse direction.
Ticket prices and expectations
Information from the Ausländerin Facebook page suggests that passenger fares could be around EUR 26. The line’s opening is expected to create new opportunities for travellers and logistics companies alike, offering a faster, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative to car travel.
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