Luxury trains set to roll on the Budapest-Belgrade line: leather seats, coffee machines and 200 km/h speeds

A new era in Hungarian–Serbian rail travel could begin within weeks as modern, Chinese-built trains prepare to enter service on the Budapest-Belgrade railway line. At the same time, high-speed test trains are already racing along the Hungarian section of the track. Based on the first details, journeys will be not only faster but far more comfortable, too.

Leather seats, café car and nearly 500 passengers

According to reports, the Serbian state railway company Srbija Voz has unveiled the trains that will operate on the route. The five trainsets were manufactured by China Railway International Group, as reported by Világgazdaság.

Each train can carry up to 498 passengers, including 250 seated places. There will be 45 seats in first class and 205 in second class. The interior resembles a modern long-distance service rather than a traditional regional train, with leather-upholstered seats, power sockets, reading lights and a dedicated café and buffet area. A self-service coffee machine will also be available on board.

On certain sections, the trains will be capable of speeds of up to 200 km/h, according to Serbian news agency Tanjug.

A strategically important project in Central Europe

The Budapest-Belgrade railway is one of the region’s largest infrastructure investments, implemented as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Serbian section stretches for 183 kilometres, with double tracks and full electrification, making it suitable for both passenger and freight traffic.

The upgrade is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve rail’s competitiveness against both road and air transport.