Serbia’s first high-speed passenger train service between Belgrade and Subotica began operations on Tuesday, with the inaugural train from the capital arriving in the northern city after a journey of one hour and 22 minutes.
The “Inter City” train, operated by state rail company Srbija Voz, departed Belgrade at noon carrying 253 passengers, some of whom disembarked in Novi Sad before the train reached its final destination, said acting general director Ljubiša Pejičić.
“It’s beautiful. We heard there were no tickets left — it’s great to see this level of interest,” said one pensioner traveling the route for the first time. Another passenger added, “It’s been years since I last took a train. My husband brought me so I could experience this new ride.”
The return service departed Subotica at midday as well, with passengers expressing excitement about the launch. “Everyone’s happy about this. We’re finally done with the slow, bumpy rides,” one traveler said.
During a promotional period lasting until Oct. 12, passengers can travel free of charge but must reserve seats through ticket offices, the Srbija Voz mobile app or its website. Afterward, tickets will cost 1,220 dinars ($11) one way or 2,000 dinars for a return trip, with a 10% discount for app purchases.
The company said nine high-speed trains will depart daily from Subotica to Belgrade at two-hour intervals between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., while four “Inter Regio” services will also run on the route.
The new high-speed line allows trains to reach 200 km/h (124 mph), cutting travel time between the capital and Subotica to just over 80 minutes. Freight traffic on the route is already operating in line with industry demand, the transport ministry said.
Passengers arriving at Belgrade’s central Prokop station described the ride as smooth and comfortable. “It was great, very fast and quiet,” said Nikola Rakić from Subotica, who has used rail transport for more than five decades.
Another passenger, Ana Popov, said she was pleased to see “many young people traveling” and praised the cleanliness of the train.
The high-speed connection is part of Serbia’s broader effort to modernize its rail infrastructure and improve transport links with neighboring countries.