How to get from Subotica to Szeged by train

Posted: July 23, 2024 | Tagged: The Balkans, Hungary, Border Crossings

This is a trip report from July 2024 on how I travelled from Subotica in Serbia to Szeged in Hungary by train.

This service was reintroduced in November 2023 so is great news if you are Interrailing around Europe.

And as I wrap up my little sojourn in the non-EU, non-Schengen country of Serbia, I jump at the chance to ride on this train as I head north.

Nomadic Backpacker in front of the Subotica Szeged train

Rail passenger transport between Subotica (Serbia) and Szeged (Hungary) was restarted in November 2023 after the service was discontinued in 2015.

According to the Hungarian State Railways website, there are 4 trains in each direction, 7 days a week: 06:03, 07:37, 13:37 and 16:37.

According to the Serbian train website there are 5 trains in each direction with an extra train at leaving Subotica at 19:37

Here is the timetable posted at Subotica station (July 21 2024):

Subotica Train station, being renovated:

Subotica station in Sebia showing construction work

Main station building in Subotica, Serbia

Subotica ticket office:

Temporary ticket office at Subotica railway station

My Subotica to Szeged ticket (598 RSD = £4.31):

The Hungarian State Railways Subotica to Szeged train:

Riding the Subotica Szeged train

Nomadic Backpacker on the Subotica to Szeged train

interior of the Subotica to Szeged train

The Serbian part of the journey is 30 km.

There is a 175 km border barrier, between Serbia and Hungary, which was built during the European Migrant Crisis:

Hungarian border fence between Hungary and Serbia

Of course, I was leaving Serbia to go to Hungary which is in the EU and part of the Schengen Area and thus collected 2 more passport stamps. The border formalities are done at Röszke. Immigration officials and those from customs board the train.

Arrival at Szeged Train Station:

Nomadic Backpacker at Szeged Railway station

Szeged train station:

About 100 metres from the station is a SPAR supermarket and a bakery:

Coffee and a baguette at at bakery in Szeged

I was travelling onwards to Budapest. There is WiFi in the station and a EURONET ATM (expensive) but Hungary is very much a Pay-by-Card society anyway, so no need.

All photos are the property of Nomadic Backpacker and they are protected under copyright. If you want to use any information, let me know first.

Previous Post: How to Buy Tickets for Public Transport in Belgrade

Next Post: How to Travel from Belgrade to Budapest by Train