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Cross-border train travel between Hungary and its southern neighbour just got easier!
Commuters and travellers heading between southern Hungary and northern Serbia have received a welcome boost: from this week, trains between Szeged and Subotica (Szabadka) are running more frequently, making cross-border journeys quicker and more flexible than ever.
Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), working in cooperation with the Serbian railway company, has expanded the timetable to six train pairs per day, up from five, following strong and steadily growing passenger demand, the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) reported.
The upgraded schedule came into force on 2 February, marking another step forward in cross-border public transport between Csongrád-Csanád County and the Vojvodina region.
Three-hourly departures throughout the day
Thanks to the expansion, travellers can now rely on direct trains every three hours during the daytime, offering far more convenient options for work, study or administration-related trips across the border.
One of the new services departs Subotica at 10:37, arriving in Szeged at 11:57. The return train leaves Szeged at 12:04, reaching Subotica at 13:24, according to SzegedMa.
Even with border police checks, the journey time remains around 90 minutes, making rail a predictable and comfortable alternative to driving.
A success story since the relaunch
Passenger services on the line were restarted in November 2023, restoring a direct international rail connection after years without regular service. Since then, the route has rapidly grown in popularity.
According to MÁV, more than 200,000 passengers have used the Szeged–Subotica trains over the past two years, including both daily commuters and occasional travellers.
The strong uptake convinced operators that additional capacity was needed, which prompted the introduction of the extra daily service pair.
A greener and smarter way to cross the border
Railway officials say that their aim is to make trains a genuine alternative to car travel, especially for those commuting regularly between Hungary and Serbia.
Modern rolling stock, reliable timetables and predictable journey times are helping to position the service as a comfortable, environmentally friendly and stress-free option.
For many passengers, avoiding traffic queues and border delays by car is reason enough to switch to rail.
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Boosting regional ties
Beyond convenience, the expanded timetable also strengthens economic, educational and social links between the two regions. Szeged’s universities, workplaces and services attract many Serbian residents, while Hungarians frequently travel south for business or family visits.