Budapest’s public transport summer timetable 2025: Everything you need to know!
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 Several older, high-floor vehicles are being temporarily withdrawn from service to offer passengers a more pleasant travel experience in the heat.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.
One of the busiest tram services in the capital, the Grand Boulevard lines 4 and 6, will also be affected by renovation works this summer, as InfoStart reported. From 21st June until the end of July, the section of Szent István Boulevard between Tátra Street and Jászai Mari Square will undergo refurbishment.
As a result, trams 4 and 6 will operate only between the southern Buda terminus and a temporary terminus at Jászai Mari Square. Replacement buses will run between Széll Kálmán Square and Nyugati Station, although the Margaret Island stop will not be served. Travellers heading to Margaret Island are therefore advised to seek alternative routes.
These renovations will also necessitate the temporary relocation of bus stops on several lines. At Nyugati Station, for instance, the terminus of buses 91, 191 and 291 will be moved to the stop of night bus 931. Around Jászai Mari Square, the stops of several buses (e.g. 9, 26, 923) will be temporarily relocated to Vígszínház. It is important to note that replacement buses and transfer options will also change during this period. Those arriving from Széll Kálmán Square are advised to take trams 17, 19 or 41, or the H5 HÉV suburban railway, and transfer to metro line M2 to reach the city centre.
Long overdue works
There’s a reason why these renovations are happening now. The Grand Boulevard tram line is one of Budapest’s most heavily used public transport routes, serving approximately 280,000 passengers each day. Due to this intense usage, the tracks require regular maintenance. The current works will also introduce noise- and vibration-reducing technology, enabling a quieter and smoother ride in the future.
This summer’s renovations cover the section between Tátra Street and the Pest end of Margaret Bridge—an area that has not been upgraded for 15 years, making this intervention long overdue.
Stay informed! Read more news about Budapest HERE!
Read also: