Parking fees set to rise drastically at busy Budapest shopping centre in a few days!

Motorists in Budapest will face higher parking costs from the very first day of 2026, as parking fees at the KÖKI Shopping Centre in District XIX are set to increase significantly. The price hike, announced by the mall on its official social media page, represents a 16.6% rise compared to current rates.

Parking fees increase at busy Budapest shopping centre

The increase will affect drivers using the shopping centre’s main parking garage, which also includes access to a large, three-storey P+R (park-and-ride) facility. Until now, the system has been relatively affordable, with the first ten minutes free, followed by a flat fee of HUF 300 for the first two hours, and an additional HUF 300 for every started hour thereafter.

That pricing structure will change on 1 January 2026. Under the new rules, the first two hours of parking will cost HUF 350 in total, while from the third hour onwards, drivers will pay HUF 350 per hour. According to the shopping centre, this adjustment reflects rising operational costs, although no further details were provided.

Another notable change is the removal of the previously free first ten minutes, meaning that from January, parking will no longer be free for even short stops in the main garage. This could particularly affect drivers making quick visits, such as dropping off or picking up passengers, or collecting small purchases.

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P+R parking remains a cheaper option

Despite the increase in standard parking fees, motorists planning to stay longer may still find better value in the P+R car park, which remains unchanged for now. The P+R facility continues to offer all-day parking for HUF 500 between 6 AM and 10 PM, making it a more economical choice for those spending more than two hours at the shopping centre or commuting onward by public transport.

During the nighttime period between 10 PM and 6 AM, the P+R parking fee remains HUF 200 per hour, which is also significantly cheaper than the main garage’s new hourly rate. For regular commuters or shoppers staying for extended periods, this option may help offset the impact of the price increase.

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Part of a bigger trend

The parking fee hike at KÖKI comes when concerns are being raised about rising costs for drivers across Budapest. While the increase applies only to this particular shopping centre, it reflects a larger trend of growing expenses related to car use in the Hungarian capital, including fuel prices, parking fees and congestion charges in certain areas.

Drivers are therefore advised to familiarise themselves with the new tariff structure ahead of the new year and consider alternative parking options where possible. Those relying on KÖKI’s facilities for commuting or long shopping trips may find the unchanged P+R pricing particularly appealing once the new rates come into force.

The new parking fees will apply from 1 January 2026, giving motorists only a few days to prepare for the changes before they take effect.