The long-awaited “Sokol” high-speed train service connecting Belgrade and Budapest is set to commence operations following the completion of safety testing, as announced by Hungarian Minister of Transport David Vitezi. The domestic segment of the service is expected to begin in the latter half of October 2026, with international services slated to start in December 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between Serbia and Hungary, providing new travel options for passengers.

The introduction of the “Sokol” service comes after rigorous safety evaluations, which were a major concern for the Hungarian authorities due to the involvement of Chinese contractors in the construction of the railway. The safety testing process, which was described as the most comprehensive in the history of the route, has now concluded, ensuring that the train can operate safely at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. The Hungarian Minister emphasized that the necessary documentation for passenger operations is expected to be finalized by mid-October, allowing the service to proceed as planned.

The “Sokol” high-speed train will offer a total of eight pairs of trains daily, with two direct services that will not stop at any intermediate stations in Serbia. These direct services are scheduled for early morning and evening departures, with the journey between Belgrade and Budapest taking approximately three hours and eight minutes to three hours and 17 minutes. The ticket price for the direct route is set between 25 and 26 euros one way, making it an affordable option for travelers.

For trains with intermediate stops, the journey will take around three and a half hours, with stops in cities such as Novi Sad, Vrbas, and Bačka Topola. Passport control for direct trains will be conducted at the Beograd-Centar station, while trains with stops in Hungary will undergo joint border checks by Hungarian and Serbian authorities at the Kelebija station.

The launch of the “Sokol” service is expected to have positive economic and tourism impacts, enhancing travel convenience and potentially boosting cross-border commerce and tourism between the two countries. The improved connectivity is anticipated to facilitate greater cultural and economic exchanges, potentially attracting more visitors to both Serbia and Hungary.

Despite the completion of safety tests, there may still be some public skepticism regarding the reliability of the service due to past issues and delays. However, the successful completion of the rigorous safety evaluations is a significant step toward building confidence in the new high-speed rail service.

The “Sokol” train service represents a major advancement in regional transportation infrastructure, promising to significantly reduce travel time between the two capitals and offering a modern, efficient alternative to existing travel options. As the service prepares to launch, it stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Serbian and Hungarian governments, as well as the international partnerships involved in its realization.