How to Travel from Belgrade to Budapest by Train Today
Many travellers assume no rail connection exists between the two capitals. In reality, thousands of international passengers make this journey every month using three simple train legs:
- Belgrade to Subotica: Board the modern SOKO high-speed or RegioExpress train at Belgrade Centre (Prokop) station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Subotica to Szeged: Transfer at Subotica to the direct cross-border train to Szeged in Hungary. The journey takes around 80 minutes and includes border and passport control.
- Szeged to Budapest Nyugati: From the same station in Szeged, hourly MÁV InterCity (IC) trains run directly to Budapest Nyugati station in central Budapest. Journey time is about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Border Crossing & Schengen Entry Procedures
The Subotica to Szeged train crosses the Serbia–Hungary border at Horgoš / Röszke. Serbian exit border police and Hungarian Schengen entry officers board the train directly.
Unlike road border checkpoints which often experience multi-hour vehicle queues during summer and holiday peaks, the train procedure is far more predictable and relaxed. Always have your valid passport and any necessary Schengen visa documentation ready.
Tickets, Fares & Booking
Booking this journey is straightforward and can be done entirely from your smartphone:
- Serbian and Cross-Border Legs: Tickets for Belgrade – Subotica and Subotica – Szeged can be bought directly via the official Srbija Voz app or website with an instant 5% discount.
- Hungarian Domestic Leg: The ticket from Szeged to Budapest can be purchased through the official Hungarian MÁV app (or jegy.mav.hu), or at the ticket counters and multilingual kiosks at Szeged station.
Belgrade–Budapest High-Speed Railway Status
The Serbian section from Belgrade to Subotica and the border is fully modernized and operational at 200 km/h. Work on the Hungarian side is in its final phase of track laying, electrical systems, and safety certifications.
Once the full line is commissioned, nonstop and express international high-speed trains will connect downtown Belgrade with downtown Budapest in under 3 hours, offering a premier alternative to flying.
Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors
- Allow at least 30–45 minutes between trains in Subotica and Szeged for smooth connections.
- Download both the Srbija Voz app and MÁV app beforehand to store digital QR tickets offline.
- Credit cards are widely accepted at ticket kiosks and cafes at both Subotica and Szeged stations.
- Check live delay reports and train departures on vozovi.rs on the day of your journey.
Česta pitanja
Is there a direct train from Belgrade to Budapest currently running?
Not yet. The direct international railway line is undergoing final construction and signalling tests on the Hungarian section. However, you can easily travel between Belgrade and Budapest today by combining three seamless train segments via Subotica and Szeged.
How long does the train journey take via Subotica and Szeged?
Total travel time is approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours including border passport control at Röszke and relaxed train connections.
Where do I purchase tickets for each segment?
Buy tickets for Belgrade to Subotica and Subotica to Szeged online via the official Srbija Voz app or website (with a 5% discount). For the Szeged to Budapest leg, purchase tickets via the Hungarian MÁV app (jegy.mav.hu) or at Szeged station.
How does border and passport control work on the train?
Passport and customs checks take place directly on board the train at the border crossing (Horgoš / Röszke). Border police enter the carriages to inspect travel documents. Ensure your passport and Schengen entry requirements are in order.
When will the direct high-speed rail link open?
Direct high-speed services between Belgrade and Budapest with under 3-hour journey times are scheduled to launch following the completion and certification of the Hungarian track section.
Next Step: Subotica to Szeged
Check departure times for the cross-border train into Hungary.
Open Subotica – Szeged Timetable →