Travel by train to Budapest and Vienna: Everything you need to know about departures and border crossings

Pejičić said that the launch of the service on this route on December 13 coincides with the introduction of the new timetable for the coming year. He added that Srbijavoz had been ready for the launch for some time, but that their Hungarian colleagues had insisted on additional testing on Hungarian territory.

He noted that the railway line in Serbia is grade-separated, meaning it does not intersect with road traffic at any point, whereas there are more than 90 level crossings in Hungary.

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Pejičić expects ticket sales to begin soon.

“The fares will be set in agreement with the Hungarian railway company, while the Austrian railway company will also be involved in setting prices for Vienna. We have seen reports circulating publicly that a ticket to Vienna will cost €43. The fare to Budapest will be around €35, although the details are still being negotiated,” Pejičić said.

According to him, there will be eight departures in total: two to Vienna and the remaining six to Budapest.

Easier travel to other European cities

The introduction of a direct rail connection with Budapest and Vienna could make travel from Serbia to other European destinations easier. Passengers could use the train as an alternative to driving or flying, and depending on ticket prices, journey times, and transportation costs, rail travel could also prove to be a more affordable option.

Train travel may also be convenient for those who want to avoid driving and potential delays at border crossings. However, the actual time savings will depend on the timetable, journey duration, and border procedures along the international route.

Crossing borders by train

Passport checks and goods inspections on rail services between Serbia and Hungary are governed by the Agreement between the Governments of Serbia and Hungary on Border Control in Road, Rail, and Water Transport.

Under the agreement, officials from both countries conduct railway border checks simultaneously. Two border crossings operate 24 hours a day: Subotica–Kelebija and Horgoš–Röszke.

It is worth noting that travelers entering Hungary with Serbian documents must undergo the Entry/Exit System (EES) procedure, which involves facial scanning and fingerprint collection. More details about the system and how it works are available in the linked report.