Belgrade–Budapest Passenger Rail Service Could Begin in December 2026

International passenger rail services between the capitals of Serbia and Hungary could begin in December 2026. The Hungarian section of the modernised 350-kilometre Belgrade–Budapest railway line is approaching technical completion.

This was announced on 8 October by Hungarian transport expert Dávid Vitézy.

Full-load testing and verification of the European Train Control System (ETCS), essential for ensuring safe passenger operations, have been successfully completed on the Hungarian section.

Domestic passenger services in Hungary could begin as early as the second half of October. Following final track alignment and operational stability checks, international passenger services are expected to be launched, with trains reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h.

The 183-kilometre Serbian section connecting Belgrade and Subotica entered commercial operation in October 2025. The total cost of the railway modernisation project exceeds $4 billion, with Chinese and local companies playing leading roles in its implementation.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

The completion of the Belgrade–Budapest railway corridor modernisation is strategically important for transport integration across Central and Southeastern Europe.

The railway represents a major transport link between the Balkans and Central Europe, creating additional opportunities for freight transportation towards Greek ports and European logistics hubs.

For the Danube region, this development strengthens connections between railway, road and inland waterway transport corridors. At the same time, the project reflects the growing role of Chinese investment in shaping Southeastern Europe's transport infrastructure.

For Ukraine, the development of this route is significant in the context of the future integration of its transport system into European logistics networks, particularly through Hungary, Serbia and other countries of the Danube basin.

The Institute of Danube Research emphasises: the modernisation of the Belgrade–Budapest railway is part of a broader transformation of the region's transport architecture. It highlights the growing importance of multimodal transport, competition between logistics routes and the development of cross-border infrastructure.