Faster connections between Hungary and the Balkans

The Kelebia border crossing in southern Hungary is one of the most important rail crossings between Hungary and Serbia and plays a key role in rail freight between Budapest, the Balkans and Southeastern Europe. Following several years of modernisation work on the Budapest–Kelebia–Belgrade line, the direct connection has been open to freight traffic again since the end of February. Since then, freight trains have once again been able to run via the Hungarian-Serbian Kelebia/Subotica border crossing, rather than using the alternative route via Röszke/Horgoš, as they did during the construction phase. This eliminates previous restrictions such as limited capacity and waiting times at the border. 

Consolidated wagonloads via Budapest 

With the TransFER Budapest–Balkans, RCG connects economic centres in Western Europe with Southern and Southeastern Europe. At the Budapest-Ferencváros marshalling yard, single wagonloads and wagon groups from Northern, Western and Central Europe are consolidated and combined into block trains. From there, they continue on to various destinations in Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. 

Transports to Greece benefit in particular from the direct routing: freight trains are now around three to four days faster and reach their destination in approximately five to six days – cutting transit time by almost 40 %.

Simpler processes, more reliable services 

The return to the regular Kelebia/Subotica border crossing is making operations noticeably simpler: diversions, the use of additional diesel locomotives at the border and waiting times are no longer required. This results in more stable transit times and greater reliability. With the TransFER Budapest–Balkans, RCG can once again offer more plannable wagonload connections to Southeast Europe, including first and last mile as well as additional forwarding services such as transhipment options, warehouse logistics and customs services.

24.06.2026