Serbia’s High-Speed Train Expansion: Belgrade to Novi Sad, Subotica, Budapest & Beyond

TL;DR:
Serbia’s high-speed train currently runs between Belgrade and Petrovaradin (just outside Novi Sad), not Novi Sad itself due to an ongoing station closure following a tragic accident. Major expansions are underway: by July 2025, the line is expected to extend to Subotica, and by early 2026, to Budapest. Long-term plans include a Pan-European corridor connecting Budapest to Athens through Serbia and North Macedonia. Border logistics and infrastructure coordination are still in progress.

 

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Man questioning Canada's future next to Prime Minister Mark Carney with text overlay "Is Canada Cooked?" – political dissatisfaction among Canadians considering moving to Serbia
Can You Take a Train from Belgrade to Novi Sad?

Yes—but with a caveat. While Serbia’s high-speed train route connects Belgrade to Petrovaradin, it does not currently reach Novi Sad Central Station.

Why? In 2023, a tragic canopy collapse at the Novi Sad station killed 16 people, resulting in its ongoing closure and investigations. The government has yet to finalize whether it will rebuild the station entirely or refurbish it.

Current workaround:

  • The train stops at Petrovaradin Station, just 10 minutes by taxi from Novi Sad city center.

  • Taxis and local transport are available.

  • Both fast and slow trains are operating this route.

What’s the Plan for the Novi Sad to Subotica and Budapest Line?
A common question from travelers and clients is whether the high-speed train will go beyond Novi Sad toward Subotica and Hungary. The answer is yes, and here's the timeline:
Route Distance Estimated Start Date Notes
Novi Sad – Subotica 107 km July 7, 2025 Will pass through Novi Sad Station (pending reopening)
Subotica – Budapest ~200 km Early 2026 Part of Serbia-Hungary railway project
Belgrade – Niš – Skopje – Athens ~1,000+ km Late 2026–2027 (est.) Pan-European Corridor X expansion

❗ Important:

  • The Novi Sad station is critical for connecting Subotica and Budapest.

  • The tracks physically pass through Novi Sad, so the station issue must be resolved for trains to proceed north.

The Bigger Picture: Pan-European High-Speed Rail Corridor

Serbia is central to a major infrastructure project—the Pan-European Corridor X, which aims to link Budapest to Athens via:

  1. Belgrade, Serbia

  2. Niš, Serbia

  3. Skopje, North Macedonia

  4. Thessaloniki, Greece

  5. Athens, Greece

🛤️ Progress So Far:

  • Serbia is upgrading its rail infrastructure to support speeds up to 200 km/h.

  • North Macedonia and Greece already have operational high-speed trains.

  • A joint declaration was signed in October 2024 by ministers from Hungary, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece to move this corridor forward.

Border Controls & Travel Efficiency
Mode Budapest to Athens Notes
Car 14–15 hours Border delays of 2–4+ hours possible
Future high-speed train ~7.5–8 hours Pending resolution of customs procedures

Officials are still determining how border controls will be handled. Two options under discussion:

  • Onboard checks (passport scanning and customs during travel)

  • Pre-boarding security similar to airport-style clearance

This coordination is crucial for creating a seamless, EU-standard experience—especially since Serbia and North Macedonia are not EU members, while Hungary and Greece are.

Why Isn’t the Novi Sad Station Fixed Yet?
  • The canopy collapse in 2023 halted all activity.

  • The tragedy triggered public protests, demanding accountability.

  • The government has not announced whether it will:

    • Rebuild the station from scratch

    • Renovate the existing structure

    • Create a temporary bypass solution

💬 "If you lost a loved one in that collapse, our deepest condolences. We're simply sharing updates that many clients are asking about."

Until this is resolved, Petrovaradin Station remains the de facto stop.

🇪🇺 Is EU Funding Involved?

Yes. Serbia is coordinating with the EU via the TEN-T Western Balkan mechanism, which helps fund infrastructure linking non-EU Balkan nations with EU countries.

While Greece benefits from direct EU funding, Serbia and North Macedonia rely on cross-border cooperation agreements and external investments—making timelines more fluid.

🔍 Observation:
Ironically, travelers often report better roads and infrastructure in Serbia compared to EU-member Greece, sparking debate on whether EU membership guarantees quality infrastructure.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

If you're planning a visit or relocation to Serbia in the next few years:

  • High-speed rail to Petrovaradin is operational.

  • 🔜 Expect Novi Sad – Subotica – Budapest to open by mid–2025 to early 2026.

  • 🚄 Budapest to Athens could be fully connected by late 2026 or 2027.

  • 🤝 Customs/border processes are still in development for seamless travel.

  • 🛤️ Pan-European rail travel will soon rival flying or driving—especially during summer, when borders are congested.

Need Help Navigating the Serbian Train System?

Relocation Serbia can:

  • Arrange pickup from Petrovaradin Station

  • Help plan trips to Novi Sad, Subotica, Budapest, or even Greece

  • Keep you informed on infrastructure timelines

  • Assist with residency, real estate, and more

📞 Contact our team to plan your smooth journey.

Frequently asked questions
Is there a high-speed train from Belgrade to Novi Sad?
Yes, but it currently stops at Petrovaradin, not Novi Sad central station.
Will there be a train from Serbia to Greece?
Yes. Plans are underway to extend the line through Niš, Skopje, Thessaloniki, and into Athens by 2027.
What happened at Novi Sad train station?
A canopy collapse in 2023 killed 16 people and closed the station indefinitely.
How will border controls work on these trains?
Still undecided. Options include onboard checks or pre-boarding clearance.