New train will connect two of Europe’s most vibrant yet underrated capitals

Share the article

Direct trains from Hungary to Serbia are back!

From March 2026, the Budapest–The Belgrade railway line will reopen, pending ‘final safety approvals’ on the Hungarian side.

Freight trains will start first on February 27, 2026, so the line is fully operational, but passenger trains will follow once the Hungarian section is completed completed signaling and control tests on the Soroksar–Kelebia section.

The good news is that it is already in the ‘final’ commissioning phase.

Apart from the technical details, the new line has a total length of 350 kilometers, of which 103 kilometers are in Hungary. This is worth mentioning, since the Hungarian route has been upgraded to double track. and reaches speeds of up to 160 km/h.

According to the original plans, there will be approximately 6 round trips per day, with the trains departing approximately 2 hours from Budapest’s Keleti station.

How fast is the new train?

The scheduled arrival is at 3.15 am later in the center of Belgrade. considerable faster than the old servicewhich could take up to 8:30am, taking into account delays at the border.

However faster it may be, the new train won’t be the perfectly smooth ride that travelers expect from European rail travel: Hungary is part of the Schengen area, while Serbia is not, so once the border is crossed at Kelebia, you can expect to undergo regular passport checks (and visa checks, if applicable).

Americans do not need a visa to travel to Hungary, the broader Schengen Area or Belgrade. However, from the end of 2026, they will have to apply for a mandatory travel permit to gain access to the Schengen states keep that in mind if you travel on this line in the future.

On the positive side, passport and customs checks in Kelebia will only take place once, with the Hungarian and Serbian authorities handling passport and travel documents jointly. No long waiting times either: procedures are not expected to take longer than 30 minutes.

The potential train route

From Budapest

• Budapest Keleti, Hungary
• Kiskunhalas, Hungary
• Kelebia, Hungary
• Subotica, Serbia
• Novi Sad, Serbia
• Belgrade, Serbia

Why visit Budapest, Hungary in 2026

Budapest is perhaps the most iconic city on the fast-flowing Danube River. With a red-domed parliament that is its own, and a timeless historic center full of elegant Habsburg-era buildings, it is European imperial grandeur at its height.

Must-sees include the River Promenade, home to some of Budapest’s most important buildings, Buda Castle, an imposing royal residence perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, and the Fisherman’s Bastion, a turreted terrace overlooking the spired city.

For classic European fairytale vibes, be sure to add Vajdahunyad Castle to your bucket list: a neo-Gothic castle surrounded by a moat, in the heart of a lush urban park, which pays tribute to Hungary’s rich medieval heritage and royal history.

Of course, there is no Budapest without its abundance of thermal baths.

The city is built atop countless natural springs known for their healing properties, and whether it’s at the iconic Széchenyi, with its neo-Baroque architecture, or at the more modest Ottoman-era Rudas Baths, sinking into a heated pool with a drink in hand, it’s all the relaxation you need after a day of sightseeing.

Oh, and if you like food, you might want to stop by Caravanan open-air food court in the Jewish Quarter where you can get authentic fried flatbread (languages), and enjoy an ice-cold beer while mingling with the locals.

Why visit Belgrade, Serbia in 2026

Belgrade used to be one of Europe’s most unsung destinations, until it became known that the club scene is as wild as Berlin, the social scene is probably as lively as London, without the snooty attitude, and the medieval ensemble just as beautiful as the average Western European hub.

Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava, this sprawling, high-rise capital revolves around a picture-perfect old town district, though its progressive suburbs and repurposed spaces keep it moving rather than frozen in its medieval past.

For history lovers should not miss Kalemegdan, the most important historical site of the city: a fortress with ramparts, romantic drawbridgesand green courtyards that offer this epic views of the Danube.

For a café stop, head to Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade’s most beautiful pedestrian street, full of turn-of-the-century French-style buildings, luxury eateries and boutiques.

Nearby is Skadarlija, a typical bohemian neighborhood, with cobbled streets, buskers at every turnand a host of quirky art galleries. However, if you’re looking for a small-town atmosphere, take a bumpy bus ride from the city center to Zemun, one of Belgrade’s quieter neighborhoods:

Set at the base of a historic red-brick watchtower, it features picturesque winding alleys, red-tiled houses, and Sunday markets offering a wide variety of farm-to-table cheeses and fresh fruit.

Belgrade just did that So lots to offer, but if you’re here for the legendary under-the-radar nightlife, FABRIKA is a good starting point. It’s no Berghain, but it’s still Berlin coded through and through: a repurposed industrial factory with a towering chimney, covered in graffiti, and hosting late-night raves.some of which are unofficial.

Don’t kiss and tell.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.