# Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail service updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/belgrade-budapest-railway-high-speed-testing
> Updated: 2026-10-16T05:41:06.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 4.

The Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway has completed critical testing phases to prepare for passenger operations. Following full-load simulations conducted in early October, Hungarian Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy confirmed that the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 functioned well, though passenger information systems were deemed “unsatisfactory” and require contractor corrections. Formal evaluations by Hungarian Railways (MÁV) and TÜV are pending to ensure all safety protocols are met.

With technical testing complete, the project timeline has advanced. Domestic services within Hungary were projected to begin in late October, with international traffic expected in December. To ensure track stability for 160 km/h speeds, a two-month process of adjusting station tracks and switches is underway to account for ballast settling.

Significant developments regarding international connectivity have emerged. Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) plans to restore the direct Vienna-Belgrade link in 2027, but recent updates indicate high-speed services connecting Belgrade to both Budapest and Vienna are now scheduled to commence on December 13, aligning with the new European winter timetable. 

Ljubiša Pejičić, acting director of Srbija Voz, confirmed that testing on the Hungarian section was completed to address infrastructure differences, such as the higher frequency of level crossings in Hungary. The new service will include eight daily departures: six to Budapest and two to Vienna. The fleet will utilize a mix of Srbija Voz, Chinese SRC, and Hungarian train sets. Joint customs controls by Serbian and Hungarian police will be implemented at Belgrade Center and Kelebija station. Ticket prices are being finalized, with estimates of approximately 35 euros to Budapest and 43 euros to Vienna.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: ÖBB to restore direct Vienna-Belgrade rail link in 2027

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) plans to restore direct Vienna-Belgrade train services in 2027, offering two daily trips with a travel time of roughly 6.5 hours, pending Hungarian transit approvals.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vienna-belgrade-direct-rail-service-to-return-in-2027

### 2026-10-08: Budapest–Belgrade railway passenger service expected by December

The Budapest–Belgrade high-speed railway is nearing completion, with domestic passenger service expected in late October and international service potentially starting in December.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/budapestbelgrade-railway-could-see-passenger-service-by-december

### 2026-10-04: Budapest–Belgrade railway completes major load testing

The Budapest–Belgrade railway has completed extensive overnight testing under peak load simulations. While safety systems performed well, passenger information systems require improvements before service begins

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/budapestbelgrade-railway-completes-peak-load-testing

### 2026-09-19: Belgrade-Budapest railway to undergo high-speed load testing

The Belgrade-Budapest railway will undergo high-speed testing up to 160 km/h on its Hungarian section to determine the timeline for resuming regular passenger services.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgrade-budapest-railway-to-undergo-high-speed-load-testing

---
Cite as: Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail service updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/belgrade-budapest-railway-high-speed-testing