Belgrade–Budapest line: technical tests on October 3–4 before passenger service

The Belgrade–Budapest high-speed railway is set to cut travel time between the two capitals to about 3.5 hours from the current eight, but passenger services will only begin after final technical checks on the Hungarian section.

Technical tests on the Hungarian stretch are scheduled for October 3 and 4, when trains will run at speeds up to 160 km/h. During those days the trains will operate fully empty for the entire day as part of the inspections.

Testing and safety conditions

Hungarian authorities have said they will not open the line for passenger use until all safety and technical checks are completed. Officials stress that finishing the October tests does not automatically equal a start date for passenger traffic; the decisive factor will be whether the infrastructure meets the required safety standards.

While passengers are still waiting for ticket sales and an opening date, freight traffic already uses the corridor. The Serbian portion of the high-speed line is already in service: the section from Belgrade to Stara Pazova has been operational since 2022, and fast trains can now travel further north within Serbia.

The project’s completion depends on the final phase on Hungarian territory; the outcome of those checks will determine when passenger trains between Belgrade and Budapest may officially begin carrying people.

Photo: press material from the event