[REVISION HISTORY]
Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail service updates
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2026-10-17 04:32 UTC → 2026-10-24 12:11 UTC ·
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Belgrade-Budapest railway high-speed testing and rail service updates
The Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway line has undergone completed critical high-speed load testing phases to prepare for regular passenger service. Initial preparations focused on the operations. Following full-load simulations conducted in early October, Hungarian section, where passenger-less trains were scheduled to operate at speeds up to 160 km/h to simulate peak daytime traffic. A primary technical requirement for these speeds is the implementation of Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy confirmed that the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. Following the testing period, Hungarian Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy announced the successful completion of comprehensive overnight simulations conducted under maximum load conditions. While the train management and safety systems performed 2 functioned well, officials noted that the though passenger information system was systems were deemed “unsatisfactory” and requires improvements from the contractor. Results are subject to formal evaluation require contractor corrections. Formal evaluations by Hungarian Railways (MÁV), transport authorities, (MÁV) and the quality control company TÜV. TÜV are pending to ensure all safety protocols are met. With the ETCS technical testing successfully completed, complete, the project timeline has shifted. If the schedule remains on track, domestic passenger advanced. Domestic services within Hungary could were projected to begin in the second half of late October, while with international passenger traffic is expected to commence in December. Currently, final technical works are underway to To ensure track geometry stability for speeds of 160 km/h. This involves km/h speeds, a two-month process of adjusting station tracks, switches, and open-line tracks and switches is underway to account for the settling of the ballast following construction and load testing. Expanding on settling. Significant developments regarding international connectivity, connectivity have emerged. Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has announced plans to re-establish a restore the direct rail connection between Vienna and Belgrade Vienna-Belgrade link in 2027, the first such service since 2019. The proposed schedule includes two daily departures in each direction with a travel time of approximately six hours but recent updates indicate high-speed services connecting Belgrade to both Budapest and 30 minutes. While Vienna are now scheduled to commence on December 13, aligning with the new European winter timetable begins timetable. Ljubiša Pejičić, acting director of Srbija Voz, confirmed that testing on December 13, 2026, the exact start date for Hungarian section was completed to address infrastructure differences, such as the Belgrade route depends on obtaining transit permits through 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.
Versions
- 2026-10-24 12:11 UTC Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail service updates
- 2026-10-17 04:32 UTC Belgrade-Budapest railway high-speed testing and service
- 2026-10-08 10:46 UTC Belgrade-Budapest railway high-speed testing
- 2026-10-05 05:20 UTC Belgrade-Budapest railway high-speed testing
- 2026-10-04 17:21 UTC Belgrade-Budapest railway high-speed testing
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