Budapest to scrap parking meters and raise fees from July

A major transformation is coming to parking in Budapest this summer, as all on-street parking meters are set to be removed across the Hungarian capital from 1 July 2026. Under the decision adopted by the city assembly in 2024, motorists will no longer be able to pay at machines and must instead settle parking fees digitally, primarily via mobile applications.

The rollout was initially planned for early 2026 but was postponed to allow the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) to develop a parking-enabled version of its BudapestGO app. However, despite delays and the app still not being fully ready, authorities have confirmed that the removal of parking machines will go ahead as scheduled, Népszava reported.

Drivers will be guided by newly installed information signs placed every 75 metres (significantly more frequently than the current 250-metre spacing) to ensure they are aware of the digital payment options.

Why are parking meters being scrapped?

City officials have long argued that the existing system is inefficient and costly. In some districts, operating parking meters reportedly costs as much as HUF 100 million (EUR 275,000) annually, while overall parking-related expenses can consume 60–70% of revenues.

The reform has also been justified by longstanding concerns over corruption risks linked to parking companies and controversial procurement tenders for parking machines.

Although many district municipalities have been reluctant to part with a system that generates substantial income, the city-wide regulation is binding, meaning all meters must be decommissioned by the July deadline.

Limited cash options will remain

Despite the shift to digital, Budapest will retain restricted cash payment options. Drivers will still be able to pay via SMS, a method already widely used.

In addition, a new option may be introduced, allowing motorists to settle parking fees in cash at district parking offices. In such cases, drivers must pay a fixed three-hour fee within 24 hours; beyond that, penalty charges will apply, Vezess.hu writes.

A final decision on these alternatives is expected from the city assembly in the coming weeks.

Parking fees to rise significantly

Alongside the digital transition, Budapest will also implement a substantial increase in parking tariffs from 1 July, following a decision made two years ago.

The new hourly rates will be as follows:

• Zone A: HUF 800 (up from 600), weekdays 8:00–22:00
• Zone B: HUF 600 (up from 450), weekdays until 20:00
• Zone C: HUF 400 (up from 300), weekdays 8:00–18:00
• Zone D: HUF 300 (up from 200), weekdays 8:00–18:00

Planned discounts, such as a 25% reduction for users paying via the BudapestGO app or holding monthly public transport passes, cannot yet be applied until the app’s parking function is completed.

Changes ahead for electric and heavy vehicles

Further reforms are already on the horizon. From 1 January 2027, free parking for green-plate vehicles will be abolished. Additionally, heavier vehicles will face higher charges: internal combustion cars weighing over 1,800 kilograms and electric vehicles over 2,000 kilograms will be subject to double parking fees.

A controversial but far-reaching reform

The overhaul is one of the most significant changes to Budapest’s parking system in years, aiming to modernise payment methods, cut costs, and address long-standing inefficiencies. However, with the digital infrastructure still incomplete and some details unresolved, the transition will remain a subject of debate in the coming months.

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