Budapest’s public transport summer timetable 2025: Everything you need to know!
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As the summer months approach, Budapest’s public transport system is adapting to meet changing needs. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) is once again introducing its familiar summer timetable, which will bring both relief and challenges not only for residents of the capital but also for tourists visiting the city. Here are some of the most important things to know so you can be prepared for the coming weeks.
According to Portfolio, from 22nd June, public transport in Budapest will officially switch to the summer timetable during the school holidays. This system will remain in place until the end of August. The main difference between the summer and school-year timetables is that some services will operate less frequently due to reduced student traffic, while others will run more often to accommodate the peak summer tourist season.
This reorganisation is a compromise: on lines where students are the main users during the year, there will be fewer services, but additional services will be available to popular excursion spots and tourist destinations.
Tailored to tourists
During the summer months, it is evident that Budapest caters not only to locals but also to a large number of tourists. Recognising this, BKK is increasing the frequency of several services primarily used by visitors. For example, bus 26 to Margaret Island has recently started operating with articulated buses, providing larger capacity and greater comfort. Additionally, airport services—buses 100E and 200E—will also run more frequently, as tourist traffic is expected to peak in July.
The city’s event calendar is also full of international happenings, which are set to further increase passenger numbers.
BKK’s summer objectives include deploying more air-conditioned and low-floor vehicles. In recent years, new CAF trams have been introduced to Budapest; these are not only more modern but also more comfortable during hot summer days. Several older, high-floor vehicles are being temporarily withdrawn from service to offer passengers a more pleasant travel experience in the heat.
Renovations and alternatives in Budapest
It’s not just the timetables that are changing—Budapest’s infrastructure is also undergoing continuous renewal. According to Portfolio, from 5th to 24th July, tram line 1 will operate on a shortened route, running exclusively between Kelenföld railway station and Szentlélek Square, due to renovation works on the Flórián Square overpasses.
The affected section will be covered by a replacement service, bus 1, which will pick up passengers at the terminus of bus 134 at Szentlélek Square. BKK recommends that passengers in the area also consider using buses 137, 218 and 237 along Vörösvári út. Those travelling towards the city centre can conveniently take metro line M2 or bus 9.
