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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.
Testing already underway in Hungary
Developments are also accelerating on the Hungarian side. According to Világgazdaság, the current track closure could end by late February, allowing freight services to begin at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Passenger services are expected to follow in mid-March.
Track testing is taking place between Soroksár and Kelebia. Test trains are gradually increasing their speed: starting at 60 km/h on the first day, they reached 160 km/h within just a few days. The train briefly crosses the border towards Szabadka before returning to Hungary.
German “super trains” measuring the line
The inspections also involve Deutsche Bahn subsidiary DB Systemtechnik, which is using specialised measurement trains.
One is a high-speed measurement train capable of infrastructure checks at speeds of up to 280 km/h and technically able to reach 440 km/h. It carries out laser, camera and track-geometry measurements, while also analysing safety and comfort parameters.
Another so-called tilting measurement train assesses track conditions on curves and inclined sections, monitors the interaction between the pantograph and overhead lines, and even measures mobile network coverage.
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When can passengers board?
Under the current timetable, freight traffic will begin first, followed by passenger services. If everything goes according to plan, travellers could already be enjoying modern, fast and comfortable trains between Budapest and Belgrade this spring, offering a practical rail alternative to flying or driving between the two capitals.