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Budapest-Belgrade railway finally reveals ticket price, launch dates and full timetable
After years of construction, delays and speculation, the long-promised Budapest-Belgrade railway is finally entering its final phase, and travellers can now see exactly how much a ticket will cost and when the first trains will depart.
According to Serbian and Hungarian officials, freight services will begin at the end of February, while passenger trains are expected to follow in March, Világgazdaság reported. The project, one of Hungary’s largest rail investments in decades, will dramatically cut travel time between the two capitals and reshape transport across southern Hungary.
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Budapest-Belgrade ticket price revealed: cheaper than many expected
Serbia’s Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević, confirmed that a one-way ticket between Belgrade and Budapest will cost around EUR 32, equivalent to roughly HUF 12,000.
This means:
- One way: ~ EUR 32
- Return ticket: ~ EUR 64 (around HUF 24,000)
Passengers will be able to travel between the two capitals in approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Before services can begin, Hungary must certify Serbia’s modern Soko trains for operation on the Hungarian network, while drivers and railway staff are undergoing training.
Freight trains first, passengers next
The rollout will happen in stages.
From 27 February at midnight, the track closure will end, and freight traffic will start, initially at speeds of up to 100 km/h. These early cargo trains will serve as a live test phase, providing operational and safety data.
Passenger services are currently planned to launch around mid-March, although final approval depends on safety checks and system integration on both sides of the border.
Hungarian Construction and Transport Minister János Lázár has said passenger operations could begin as soon as safety reviews are completed.
This doesn’t seem particularly cheap considering the lead-in fares to Vienna when travelling with either MAV or OEBB are a mere 13 Euros and Regiojet is available from as little as 9 Euros. Two people travelling in one car will be able to drive to Belgrade for less.
Will there be a direct connection from Keleti station to the airport?