Busy tram lines resume full service across Budapest starting today!

Starting today, trams 4 and 6 will resume full service along their entire routes in Budapest, and road restrictions will be lifted. Thanks to track renovations on Szent István Boulevard, what’s considered one of the busiest tram lines in the world has become quieter and faster, according to statements from BKV Zrt. and the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK).

Trams 4 and 6 back to full service

According to their joint announcement, prioritising tram traffic, the introduction of 60-second traffic light cycles, and midday vehicle cleaning all contribute to making public transit along the Grand Boulevard more competitive. These improvements are part of a long-term strategy to revitalise the corridor.

Track renovations on Szent István Boulevard will be completed by 1 August, allowing trams 4 and 6 to resume their full routes from South Buda terminals to Széll Kálmán Square. Once the upgrades are finished, traffic lanes on Szent István Boulevard will reopen, allowing buses, cyclists, and cars to use all lanes again.

They noted that during the summer months, BKV Zrt. installed a modern, high-capacity track embedded in concrete between Jászai Mari Square and Tátra Street. The rails were secured using a unique automated system not found elsewhere in Hungary.

Roughly 350 cubic meters of concrete were used to reinforce the foundation, and more than 100 large prefabricated panels were laid in the upgraded section.

Officials emphasised that the work was completed on schedule despite challenging weather conditions. Minor finishing works, which won’t disrupt daytime tram service, are still expected in the coming weeks—these include gap-filling, minor pavement repairs, and repainting of lane markings.

Budapest’s public transport will be more quiet

Thanks to modern technology, a temporary 20 km/h speed limit will be lifted, allowing the Combino trams to run faster and more quietly than before.

They also confirmed that the tram acceleration program will continue: starting in August, 60-second light cycles will be introduced on the Grand Boulevard between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.—outside peak hours. This will enable smoother operations and potentially cut travel time by as much as one minute.

In addition to routine cleaning at depots, the midday cleaning program launched in May will also continue along the Grand Boulevard tram lines.

From early morning until early afternoon, trams will be cleaned during the day at Széll Kálmán Square. Crews will collect passenger litter, wipe down handrails, and use freshening agents to improve air quality inside the cars.

According to the statement, revitalising the Grand Boulevard remains a strategic objective of the Budapest Municipality and BKK. The broader urban rehabilitation initiative aims not only to modernise public spaces and refresh the look of the area, but also to further develop the tram lines with faster, quieter, and cleaner vehicles.

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