Attention: Chaos expected in Budapest, downtown traffic to be paralysed for days, public transport changes

Astoria renovations traffic chaos Budapest
Photo: BKK

From 9 to 17 August, major tram track and road resurfacing works will take place at one of Budapest’s busiest intersections, Astoria. Road and track renovations will happen simultaneously in a coordinated manner to minimise inconvenience for commuters. During this time, tram lines 47, 48, and 49 will not operate between Kálvin Square and Deák Ferenc Square.

Due to the construction, significant lane closures will be in place on the Rákóczi Road–Kossuth Lajos Street axis in both directions near Astoria. Temporary bus lanes will also be established on Múzeum Boulevard and Károly Boulevard. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) advises avoiding the Astoria intersection and its approach roads if possible.

Astoria renovations traffic chaos
Photo: BKK

Renovation works begin at Astoria

Coordinated renovation works will begin on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at the Astoria junction. The most essential interventions will be carried out by BKV Zrt. on the tram tracks, and by Budapest Közút on the road surface. The goal of the renovation is to eliminate hazardous pavement defects in the area. The newly built pedestrian crossings completed last year will remain untouched and safely accessible during the entire renovation period.

In such a heavily trafficked intersection, renovations inevitably involve major traffic restrictions. To minimise the inconvenience, the works are being carried out simultaneously in a coordinated fashion. According to plans, the works by BKV Zrt. and Budapest Közút will be completed by Sunday, 17 August.

Traffic changes between 9–17 August

The renovation will affect both public transport and car traffic in the area.

Changes to road traffic:

  • From Saturday, 9 August to Tuesday, 12 August, the side of the Astoria junction closest to Deák Ferenc Square will be closed. During this period, in the direction of Buda (toward Erzsébet Bridge), one straight lane and one dedicated right-turn lane will be available. Toward Keleti Railway Station, two lanes will remain open to drivers.
  • From Wednesday, 13 August to Sunday, 17 August, the side facing Kálvin Square will be closed. During this time, two lanes will be available toward Buda, and one straight lane and one dedicated right-turn lane toward Keleti.
  • Throughout the entire renovation period, one traffic lane on Károly Boulevard and Múzeum Boulevard in the direction of Astoria will be designated as a bus lane.
  • In addition to daytime closures, further restrictions are expected at night within the intersection.
Astoria renovations traffic chaos
Photo: BKK

Changes to public transport:

  • Trams 47, 48, and 49 will operate on shortened routes between their southern Buda termini and Kálvin Square from Saturday, 9 August to Friday, 15 August. On 16 and 17 August (Saturday and Sunday), tram services on the Pest side will be fully suspended. During this time, passengers can use metro line M4, as well as bus lines 9 and 72. On the Buda side, tram 56A will run to Kelenföld Railway Station, and tram 61 will operate to Városház Square.
  • Buses 9 and 100E, along with trolleybus 72, will use the road instead of tram tracks and will stop at temporary roadside stops at Astoria instead of the tram stop. The temporary bus lanes on Múzeum and Károly Boulevards will support smoother travel.
  • Night buses 916, 931, and 990 arriving from Deák Ferenc Square will only stop at the Rákóczi Road stop at Astoria.

BKK recommends that during the renovation period, those who can should avoid the Astoria junction, choose alternative routes, or rely on public transport, especially the metro lines.

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