Budapest motorists and pedestrians should prepare for major traffic restrictions from this Saturday as the city gears up for Hungary’s 20 August national holiday celebrations. According to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK), road closures and other restrictions will remain in place until 25 August.

Several key roads, bridges and public spaces will be affected, with the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge among the locations facing closures.

Traffic restrictions begin this Saturday

According to a statement published on police.hu, partial closures will begin on Saturday, affecting, among other areas, Műegyetem Quay and several sections of both the Buda and Pest lower quays. In the Buda Castle District, parts of Szentháromság Street and Tárnok Street will also be closed to traffic.

Chain Bridge to close from Sunday morning

The Chain Bridge will be closed to motor traffic from 6 AM on Sunday. From 7 AM, both the northern and southern pavements will also be closed to pedestrians. These restrictions will remain in place until noon on 21 August.

The Margaret Bridge will also be affected on Sunday. From 9 PM, one lane on the northern side of the bridge will be closed. From 10 PM, both pavements will be closed to pedestrians. These restrictions are likewise expected to remain until noon on 21 August.

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More closures coming next week

From next Tuesday, motorists can expect restrictions on sections of Zoltán Street, Nádor Street and Akadémia Street, as well as on Műegyetem Quay.

On Wednesday, Várkert Quay will be closed along its entire length. In the evening, restrictions will also be introduced on Kós Károly Promenade, between Heroes’ Square and Állatkerti Boulevard, and on Széchenyi Quay, between Kossuth Square and Széchenyi Square. Salkaházi Sára Quay will also be affected.

Full Margaret Bridge closure on 20 August

On 20 August, Hungary’s national holiday, further restrictions will come into force across the capital. Among other locations, Szent István Square will be closed, while the entire Margaret Bridge will also be inaccessible. Later that evening, motorists will face another major restriction: the Elisabeth Bridge will be closed to motor traffic between 7 PM and 11 PM.

With preparations for Budapest’s 20 August celebrations already beginning, residents and visitors are advised to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra time for travel across the capital.

More info on the 20 August celebration: