Floods disrupt Hungarian transport: All the latest bus and train timetable changes you need to know

Despite the ongoing flood situation, train services on the MÁV and Volánbusz networks remain operational, with one key exception: the Esztergom–Komárom line. Due to the flooding, buses are currently replacing trains on this section until the waters recede and necessary repairs are completed, according to the official announcement.

Bus routes affected

Bus routes have been more significantly affected by the flooding, particularly due to the closure of the stretch of Route 11 between Tát and Esztergom. Many bus services are being rerouted, and passengers should expect additional disruptions across the region. Further changes will be implemented from Wednesday. The company is providing continuous updates on these adjustments through its information channels, Pénzcentrum writes.

The tunnel between Margaret Bridge (Margitsziget) and Batthyány Square on the H5 suburban railway line will also close from Wednesday due to the rising Danube. Passengers are advised not to rely on their usual routes and to check the latest updates from MÁVINFORM, Volánbusz, and MÁV-HÉV before travelling.

MÁV committed to maintaining public transport services

The MÁV-Volán group has outlined three main priorities during the flood response: maintaining public transportation services, protecting transport infrastructure from the floodwaters, and keeping passengers informed about both domestic and international travel conditions as well as expected changes.

At present, the Esztergom–Komárom railway is the only line directly impacted by the flood defence efforts, as part of the track serves as a flood barrier. Starting Monday, buses have replaced S74 trains on this line. These replacement buses will run until the water recedes and, if any damage occurs to the tracks, until repairs are completed. Due to road configurations, the buses may stop at alternative Volánbusz stops instead of railway stations. Additionally, the closure of Route 10 between Neszmély and Süttő from Wednesday will prompt further changes, with buses only running between Süttő and Esztergom.

To protect the railway infrastructure on the Esztergom–Komárom line, flood defence efforts include raising the railway embankment at Tát by placing stones on the tracks to match the height of the flood levee. Three railway bridges have also been weighed down with stone-filled wagons to prevent the rising floodwaters from lifting them. Since Monday, the railway between Lábatlan and Nyergesújfalu has been reinforced with foil and around 1,600 sandbags over a 1.5 km stretch to prevent erosion. Hundreds of MÁV employees are actively involved in the ongoing flood defence operations.

Győr’s Rába bridge, HÉV tunnel

The temporary surface terminus of the Szentendre (H5) HÉV near the Buda end of the Margaret Bridge on 18 September 2024. The tunnel section of the H5 HÉV is closed due to flooding. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán

In the coming days, additional technical interventions will be required to protect the railway infrastructure at other locations. Preparations are underway to weigh down the Rába railway bridge in Győr with stone-filled wagons, preventing the floodwaters from displacing it. According to current information, even if this is necessary, train traffic between Győr and Öttevény will still be able to continue on one track. If the water levels rise higher than expected, MÁVINFORM will issue updates on further railway restrictions on Wednesday.

As part of the flood defence efforts, starting Wednesday afternoon, the tunnel of the H5 suburban railway between Margit Bridge and Batthyány Square will be closed and reinforced with sandbags to prevent it from floating due to the floodwaters. As a result, from 18 September, the H5 line will only operate to Margaret Bridge (Buda side). It will no longer serve Batthyány Square or the underground station at Margaret Bridge. Passengers heading toward Békásmegyer or Szentendre will need to board the trains at the surface platform near the HÉV tunnel exit, located next to the 960 bus stop heading toward Békásmegyer. The HÉV will also run less frequently due to these changes.

Changes in Győr-Moson-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom counties

Drone image of the flooded Moson-Danube in Győr on 17 September 2024. Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba

The flooding of the country’s rivers has led to several changes in the timetables and routes of Volánbusz services, with more changes expected. The flood-related road closures and traffic restrictions have forced some buses to operate on detoured or shortened routes. In the coming days, traffic restrictions will affect settlements along the Danube in Győr-Moson-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom counties, as well as the Danube Bend region.

Currently, bus routes along the Móricz Zsigmond embankment in Győr are being diverted, and the closure of Route 11 between Tát and Esztergom has resulted in further detours. Neither the Pócsmegyer nor Szigetmonostor ferries are in operation, with buses now providing alternative connections. From Wednesday morning, additional closures are in place in the Danube Bend, particularly between Süttő and Neszmély, and bus services will be suspended in Dömös and Pilismarót. From early Wednesday, buses 803 and 804 operate in split sections: Neszmély–Tata–Tatabánya, Neszmély–Komárom, and Süttő–Esztergom.

Read the latest news about floods in Hungary HERE.

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