Expect major traffic disruptions in Budapest during national holiday events
Significant traffic restrictions and road closures will take place across Budapest between 22 and 26 October due to events marking the anniversary of the 1956 Revolution of Hungary, authorities have announced.
The Budapest Transport Centre (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ BKK) and the police are urging residents and visitors to plan ahead, as both public transport and car traffic will be affected by commemorations, marches, and political gatherings across several districts.
Changes to Budapest public transport
According to BKK, numerous bus, tram, and trolleybus lines will operate on diverted routes on 22 and 23 October, especially in central areas. Travellers are advised to use the metro lines whenever possible, as they will remain the most reliable means of transport.
Updated schedules and route changes are available on the BKK’s official website and mobile applications.
The national rail company MÁV will run enhanced InterCity services during the long weekend, adding extra carriages to accommodate increased passenger numbers. The company’s timetable will follow the Friday schedule on 22 October, Saturday schedule on 23 October, holiday schedule on 24–25 October, and Sunday schedule on 26 October.
Volánbusz coaches will operate on a holiday schedule on 23 and 26 October, and on a weekend schedule on 24 and 25 October.
Road closures begin on Wednesday
Initial road closures began on Wednesday morning, with lanes heading towards Oktogon closed on Andrássy Avenue between Dózsa György Road and Szív Street from 18:00 on 22 October until the early hours of 24 October.
Major disruptions on 23 October
On the national holiday itself, large parts of downtown Budapest will become pedestrian-only zones:
- Lövőház Street (District II) will remain closed all day.
- From 08:00 until evening, the outer lane of Margit Boulevard will be closed between Kis Rókus Street and Széna Square.
- Between 10:00 and 17:00, traffic will be restricted on Alkotmány Street, Garibaldi Street, Akadémia Street, Szalay Street, Balassi Bálint Street, Széchenyi Embankment, and Honvéd Street.
- From 12:00 to 22:00, closures will affect Dózsa György Road near the Museum of Fine Arts and Műcsarnok.
- From 14:00 to 22:00, Andrássy Avenue will be completely closed between Oktogon and Heroes’ Square, along with surrounding areas such as Állatkerti Boulevard and Kós Károly Promenade.
Marches and political Events
The Békemenet (Peace March) will start at 11:00 from the Buda side of Margaret Bridge, proceeding through Margit Bridge – Szent István Boulevard – Nyugati Square – Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road – Alkotmány Street, before arriving at Kossuth Square around 13:00.
Later in the afternoon, the National March organised by Péter Magyar and his supporters will lead to further closures from 14:00, affecting the Deák Ferenc Square – Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road – Andrássy Avenue route. The event will continue at Heroes’ Square until 19:00.
Restrictions continue until 26 October
According to police statements, certain traffic measures will remain in place until 26 October. Temporary parking bans, detours, and roadblocks will particularly affect downtown Budapest and the City Park area throughout the long weekend.
Plan ahead
Authorities are urging everyone to use public transport where possible and check real-time updates from the BKK and the police before travelling, as closures and detours may change throughout the day.