Budapest to Belgrade.

[reb0118]

I've got a long weekend spare in February 2023. I would like to take a rail trip on the above axis. If possible with stop overs at at least two of the following Szeged, Subotica & Novi Sad.

Due to flight arrival times I would probably require one night in Budapest but could leave relatively early the following morning (Saturday). I would have until the Tuesday to return to the UK.

Ticketing wise I am entitled to free international FIP coupons for MÁV (Hungary) & ŽRS (Serbia).

Any tips gratefully received.

 

[70014IronDuke]

As far as I know, the route from Budapest to Kelebia (border) is closed from about 30 km south of Budapest, with RRBs running. This is part of the (in)famous, Chinese-funded rebuilding scheme. I very much doubt this will be finished by next spring.

This route is close to, but parallel to the line to Szeged, which is 25km or so further east.

There is a line from Szeged to Subotica, but I think that is also being rebuilt. It was a branch, in a derelict state.

In Serbia, the rebuilt line from Belgrade to Novi Sad is up and running, but I think work is still ongoing on the Novi Sad to Subotica. That line was in appalling condition, services often crawled along.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I believe the railway upgrade between Novi Sad and Belgrade is complete, but is still in progress between Budapest, Kelebia, Subotica and Novi Sad.
If you go via Szeged I guess you will bypass the work on the Hungarian section.
My one trip on the direct route showed the Pannonian plain to be very f-l-a-t.
The main scenic interest was south of Novi Sad with the new bridge over the Danube (and an even newer tunnel is now in use further south).

The line via Cegled/Szeged was the original StEG/MAV main line to Timisoara and beyond, but after WW1 a section beyond Szeged was in Yugoslavia/Serbia and is out of use.

 

[dutchflyer]

As always-seat61.com best for current info.
I dk what FIP will cost you, but I guess its hardly worth the trouble and buying local might even be cheaper.
Only till Szeg (nice town btw, also now has revamped tram/train link to nearby Hodmezövasarhely(=hod-mid-market-place) hourly MAV combo of IC and ´fast=gyors´ train. The IC cars have AC,wifi and mandatory RES.
Former RRS bus is NO more-the normal volan line buses have to be used-so FIP brings nil. This seems to be getting more and more common in HU-plus that all the regional buses have again be brought under 1 big state umbrella, the Volan (wheels). There are 2-3 bus/day from the Bus St in Sz to Subotica. In theory it is with effort and much loss of time possible to then reach NSad on rails-thats for the real die-hards. As anywhere in Serbije&around: those normal buses are the means of choice for the few who still not have that 2nd hd car. Much more frequent, reliable and faster as train-not cheaper though.
NS to Bgrad is the pride and joy of Serbije Voz: new hourly fast Stadler units on renovated tracks-NO passes accepted, seats reserved, so I kind of assume even FIP might be denied (unsure). Then you end in some new halt that is said to be the upcoming new station of Bgrad-for now even without any decent local transport onward. Apparently a city circle bus that runs ev 25/30 mins. is the only link.

 

[reb0118]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[the sniper]

NS to Bgrad is the pride and joy of Serbije Voz: new hourly fast Stadler units on renovated tracks-NO passes accepted, seats reserved, so I kind of assume even FIP might be denied (unsure). Then you end in some new halt that is said to be the upcoming new station of Bgrad-for now even without any decent local transport onward. Apparently a city circle bus that runs ev 25/30 mins. is the only link.

Probably better of getting off at Novi Beograd/New Belgrade and catching the tram from there.

Regarding FIP, guidance issued here by RDG:

When using Global Fare trains, FIP coupon holders pay a supplement.
Holders of the International Reduced Rate Card pay 50% of the global fare.

On the Belgrade - Novi Sad routeFIP facillities are subject to mandatory
reservations and supplements which can only be purchased at stations.

FIP facilities are not available on buses operated by SV unless they are
providing a temporary rail replacement service.

 

[route101]

I remember using a service between these two cities and it was very slow particularly once in Serbia.

 

[CE142]

Your ZRS Coupons will be of no use in Serbia....

 

[reb0118]

Your ZRS Coupons will be of no use in Serbia....

Is that the Serbian part of Bosnia?

 

[Segedunum]

Is that the Serbian part of Bosnia?

Yep, ŽRS stands for Željeznice Republike Srpske.

 

[HamworthyGoods]

I've got a long weekend spare in February 2023. I would like to take a rail trip on the above axis. If possible with stop overs at at least two of the following Szeged, Subotica & Novi Sad.

Due to flight arrival times I would probably require one night in Budapest but could leave relatively early the following morning (Saturday). I would have until the Tuesday to return to the UK.

Ticketing wise I am entitled to free international FIP coupons for MÁV (Hungary) & ŽRS (Serbia).

Any tips gratefully received.

You can also get ZS (Serbia) coupons