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