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Budapest-Belgrade railway finally reveals ticket price, launch dates and full timetable
After years of construction, delays and speculation, the long-promised Budapest-Belgrade railway is finally entering its final phase, and travellers can now see exactly how much a ticket will cost and when the first trains will depart.
According to Serbian and Hungarian officials, freight services will begin at the end of February, while passenger trains are expected to follow in March, Világgazdaság reported. The project, one of Hungary’s largest rail investments in decades, will dramatically cut travel time between the two capitals and reshape transport across southern Hungary.
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Budapest-Belgrade ticket price revealed: cheaper than many expected
Serbia’s Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević, confirmed that a one-way ticket between Belgrade and Budapest will cost around EUR 32, equivalent to roughly HUF 12,000.
This means:
- One way: ~ EUR 32
- Return ticket: ~ EUR 64 (around HUF 24,000)
Passengers will be able to travel between the two capitals in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Before services can begin, Hungary must certify Serbia’s modern Soko trains for operation on the Hungarian network, while drivers and railway staff are undergoing training.
Freight trains first, passengers next
The rollout will happen in stages.
From 27 February at midnight, the track closure will end, and freight traffic will start, initially at speeds of up to 100 km/h. These early cargo trains will serve as a live test phase, providing operational and safety data.
Passenger services are currently planned to launch around mid-March, although final approval depends on safety checks and system integration on both sides of the border.
Hungarian Construction and Transport Minister János Lázár has said passenger operations could begin as soon as safety reviews are completed.
All trains to run from Budapest Keleti
Every service on the Hungarian section will depart from and arrive at Budapest Keleti Railway Station, making connections straightforward for international visitors and commuters.
The line will host several train types:
- International trains
- Fast trains
- Regional passenger trains
- Suburban services
International, fast and regional trains are expected to run every two hours, while suburban trains will operate hourly.
Budapest-Belgrade railway: Where will trains stop?
Stopping patterns will vary depending on the service type.
International trains will only stop domestically at:
- Kiskunhalas
- The Serbian border
Fast trains will stop at:
- Kiskunhalas
- Soltvadkert
- Kiskőrös
- Szabadszállás
- Kunszentmiklós
- then all stops between Kunszentmiklós and Budapest
Regional passenger trains will stop at every station.
Major upgrades along the Budapest-Belgrade route
MÁV says preparations are running at full speed ahead of the launch. Work includes:
- Safety and signalling systems installation
- CCTV networks at stations
- Refurbished station buildings
- Staff recruitment and training
- Bus-rail timetable coordination
- New level crossing protection
Local infrastructure projects are also underway, including a cycling underpass and new bus terminal developments.
Meanwhile, the Chinese-supplied signalling technology has faced criticism, but Hungarian officials insist it meets international standards. Independent certification by TÜV Rheinland has reportedly been requested to guarantee compliance, Világgazdaság wrote.
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A boost for commuters and travellers
Politicians and railway officials believe the line will do more than connect Budapest and Belgrade.
The upgraded corridor could speed up daily commuting into Budapest; attract new residents to southern towns; improve international logistics; and strengthen links towards both Belgrade and Vienna.
For travellers, this opens up the possibility of fast, affordable weekend trips between the two capitals.