Budapest plans major overhaul of nighttime public transit

The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) is planning significant improvements to the city’s nighttime public transportation network, guided by the opinions of local residents.

Huge plans to renovate Budapest’s nighttime transit

According to plans, the entire night network could be revamped to offer broader coverage, with nearly 70 routes operating overnight. The goal is to make all parts of the city more accessible at night through better connections, greater comfort, and faster service, making public transportation a more appealing option for even more people. BKK is seeking input from residents via a survey that will be available starting 14 August on the BKK website.

Last fall, the Budapest General Assembly asked the mayor to work with BKK to develop several proposals for extending metro service at night and for reforming the nighttime transit network. As the first step, since 1 June, the M2, M3, and M4 metro lines have been operating later into the night. Additionally, BKK has synchronised around 40 daytime bus lines with the final metro departures from downtown around midnight. The next stage involves a complete overhaul of the surface-level night bus and tram system.

Many stay out past midnight

Since early summer, metro riders in Budapest no longer need to rush to catch the last train. On weekdays, the last trains now depart from downtown around midnight, and on weekends closer to 1 a.m.—with trains running every 10 minutes. This change better aligns with modern travel habits, allowing people to get home more comfortably, safely, and quickly late at night.

Initial feedback from the extended metro hours has been positive: in peak sections (the busiest two-station segments), over 10,000 nightly journeys are recorded each week. On an average weekend night, more than 3,000 people use the metro on these segments, underscoring the massive demand for improved night transit.

Faster access to outer districts with the new network

Following the metro service enhancements, a full reform of the surface nighttime transportation system is next. The initiative aims to encourage more people to use late-night services, whether commuting home, to work, or out for entertainment—ensuring comfortable, fast connections that match or resemble daytime routes.

One of the proposed system’s biggest innovations is that 28 routes would run 24/7, using the same route numbers and paths as during the day. This means, for example, that passengers on the 105 or 114 buses will be able to take the same familiar route whether it’s 2 a.m. or 2 p.m. On weekends, BKK also plans to extend surface tram service, enabling lines like the 1, 47, and a shortened 17 to run all night.

Compared to the current setup, the new network would offer much broader geographic coverage—including areas like Budafok, Zugliget, Virányos, Rákospalota, and Megyer—and faster routes to outer districts such as Rákoskert, Rákoscsaba, and even Pécel. The number of demand-responsive (on-call) night services would also increase, tailored to real-time passenger needs.

Public consultation underway

BKK’s goal is to optimise the current network by increasing service frequency and improving route connections to create a night system that mirrors the efficiency of daytime travel. The organisation believes a great city needs to be livable at all hours, and that’s best achieved with safe, affordable, and competitive public transit.

By redesigning the network, BKK hopes to offer a clear alternative for those who currently rely on taxis or personal vehicles after late-night events.

Details about the nighttime network revamp and upcoming developments can be found on BKK’s continuously updated webpage at bkk.hu/ejszakaihalozat. Starting 14 August, the company invites public input, which will help shape the final plans. The public consultation is open through 31 August by clicking HERE.

To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar

Read more BKK-related news on Daily News Hungary!

Read also:

• Major traffic and transit changes in Budapest for 20 August national holiday
• Second BKV bus catches fire in Budapest within 24 hours – UPDATE: Another one!
• Hate walking in Budapest too? Change might finally be coming!