After earning his qualifications at university, Farkas joined the Hungarian Air Force and rose to the rank of Brigadier General.

Farkas, along with Soviet cosmonaut Valery Kubasov, was launched into space on Soyuz 36 from Baikonur Cosmodrome on May 26, 1980, at 18:20 (UTC).

After 7 days, 20 hours and 45 minutes, and having completed 124 orbits, Farkas and Kubasov returned to Earth, landing 140 km southeast of Jezkazgan.

Bertalan Farkas was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union on June 30, 1980.

He holds the rank of Commander (CLJ) in the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem in Hungary.