BELGRADE, Serbia – The launch of direct high-speed rail service between Belgrade and Budapest is getting closer, as Serbia’s Soko train continues one of the final stages of testing on the Hungarian section of the railway. However, an exact date for the start of regular passenger service has not yet been officially announced.
The new international connection is expected to dramatically reduce travel time between the capitals of Serbia and Hungary and become one of the most important passenger rail links in the region.
SRBIJA NEWS – KEY FACTS
Route: Belgrade – Budapest
Expected travel time: approximately 3 hours
Soko maximum speed: up to 200 km/h
Current status: final testing and certification
Launch date: not yet officially announced
Soko Train Undergoes Testing in Hungary
Serbia’s high-speed Soko train has entered the Hungarian section of the Belgrade – Budapest railway as preparations continue for the launch of international passenger service.
The testing process includes checks of the train’s compatibility with railway infrastructure and the European Train Control System, ETCS Level 2.
This is a crucial requirement for operating Serbian high-speed trains on the Hungarian section of the international railway.
Following the technical testing phase, additional simulation runs are expected to take place as Serbia and Hungary prepare the entire route for regular passenger operations.
How Long Will the Belgrade – Budapest Train Take?
One of the biggest changes for passengers will be the significant reduction in travel time between the two capitals.
According to preliminary plans, the fastest direct services are expected to complete the journey in approximately three hours and slightly more.
Different preliminary schedules have indicated journey times of roughly 3 hours and 10-20 minutes for the fastest services.
🚄 Belgrade → Budapest
The future direct service is expected to reduce the journey between the Serbian and Hungarian capitals to approximately three hours.
How Many Trains Are Planned?
Preliminary plans envision frequent daily passenger service between Serbia and Hungary.
Up to eight pairs of trains per day have been discussed for the international route, including faster direct services and additional trains serving intermediate stations.
The final timetable, departure times and service pattern will need to be confirmed by the railway operators before regular passenger traffic begins.
Where Will the Trains Stop in Serbia?
Stations expected to play a role in the international service on the Serbian side include:
- Belgrade Centre
- New Belgrade
- Novi Sad
- Vrbas
- Bačka Topola
- Subotica
The exact number of stops will depend on the individual service, with the fastest trains expected to make fewer stops.
What Is Serbia’s Soko Train?
Soko has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Serbia’s railway modernization program.
The electric multiple-unit trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h and are already used on Serbia’s modernized high-speed railway network.
Testing the train in Hungary is particularly important because international operation requires compatibility between the train, signaling infrastructure and safety systems used by both countries.
Why Is the Belgrade – Budapest Railway Important?
The project connects two major capitals in Central and Southeast Europe and forms part of a much broader modernization of railway infrastructure between Serbia and Hungary.
For Serbia, the railway is about much more than simply reaching Budapest faster.
It strengthens international connections for Belgrade, Novi Sad, Bačka Topola and Subotica and improves northern Serbia’s integration with the wider European railway network.
Subotica is particularly important because of its location close to the Hungarian border and its role as one of the principal Serbian transport hubs on the international corridor.
What About Border and Passport Control?
Cross-border procedures are another important part of preparations for the international service.
Serbian and Hungarian authorities have been working on arrangements for border, passport and customs controls that would allow passengers to travel internationally without creating unnecessary delays on the new high-speed connection.
The final procedure may differ depending on the type of train and stopping pattern, and passengers should check the official travel requirements once the service begins.
Can You Travel from Belgrade to Budapest by Train Now?
Rail travel between Serbia and Hungary is possible, but as of the end of August 2026 it is not yet the future direct high-speed Belgrade – Budapest service.
Existing journeys can involve connections and therefore take considerably longer than the approximately three-hour journey expected once direct high-speed passenger operations begin.
When Will the Direct Belgrade – Budapest Train Start?
An exact official launch date has not yet been announced.
Technical testing, infrastructure checks and the remaining authorization procedures must be completed before regular international passenger service can begin.
If the remaining stages proceed successfully, the railway will move toward the final preparations for opening the direct connection.
SRBIJA NEWS will continue to follow the launch
This article will be updated when Serbian and Hungarian railway authorities officially confirm the launch date, final timetable, ticket prices and booking information for direct Belgrade – Budapest services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the direct Belgrade – Budapest train start?
As of August 31, 2026, an exact official launch date has not yet been announced. Preparations and technical procedures are continuing.
How long will the train from Belgrade to Budapest take?
The fastest direct services are expected to complete the journey in approximately three hours, with preliminary estimates around 3 hours and 10-20 minutes.
Will the Belgrade – Budapest train stop in Subotica?
Subotica is a key station on the international corridor and is expected to be served by part of the future international service. The final stopping pattern will depend on the timetable.
How fast can the Soko train travel?
Serbia’s Soko trains are designed to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Can passengers already buy tickets for the direct high-speed service?
Tickets for the future direct high-speed Belgrade – Budapest service are expected to become available after railway operators officially confirm the launch and timetable.
Read more about transportation, travel, business and life in Serbia on SRBIJANEWS.COM.
🌐 https://srbijanews.com/
📸 Instagram: @srbijanewscom
🎥 YouTube: @srbijanews
🎵 TikTok: @srbijanewscom
📩 [email protected]
Sources & corrections
SRBIJA NEWS identifies sources and updates information when available. If you notice an error or can provide verified local information, please contact the newsroom.
Send a correction or updateRelated stories
High-Speed Train Spotted at Subotica Station: When Will Services to Belgrade and Budapest Begin?
Budapest–Belgrade High-Speed Railway: Construction Progress, Stakeholders, and 2025 Launch
Parking Prices and Rules Change in Belgrade: What You Need to Know Starting July 2025
President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić Announces Completion of the Novi Sad – Subotica High-Speed Railway Connecting Serbia with Europe