Budapest’s parking crisis: Growing consensus that the city is no longer drivable

The increasing number of cars in Budapest has turned parking into a growing crisis, with limited public space and rising demand causing widespread frustration. To address the issue, city leaders are introducing higher fees and new restrictions, signalling a shift towards discouraging car use in favour of public transport, cycling, and walking. Yet, these measures may not be enough to tackle the deeper challenges posed by the city’s unsustainable parking and traffic systems.

The number of vehicles participating in Budapest’s traffic is steadily rising, while the public space available for parking remains static. In response, the city and various districts are raising parking fees, acknowledging that the days of easy downtown driving and parking are numbered.

According to Index, parking on public streets is seen as a major issue, taking up space that could be repurposed for more efficient uses. This concept, also highlighted in mayoral candidate Dávid Vitézy’s campaign, has inspired district leaders across party lines to rethink parking policies. Currently, 13 of Budapest’s 23 districts (Districts 1–3 and 5–14) operate paid parking systems, with outer districts yet to implement fees. The most expensive zones—such as Víziváros, Újlipótváros, Terézváros, and Józsefváros—charge up to HUF 600 (EUR 1.5) per hour, with a three-hour parking limit.

Proposed fee hikes and weekend charges

Photo: FB/Tamás Soproni

Mayor Gergely Karácsony has proposed further increases to parking fees and the introduction of weekend charges in premium zones. He also aims to end free parking for green-plate vehicles, arguing that this privilege disproportionately benefits wealthier car owners at the expense of others. The plan includes incentives for using public transport, such as discounts and subscription benefits.

District-level solutions

Several districts have already implemented changes to address the imbalance between available parking spaces and demand. Terézváros, for instance, introduced resident-only parking zones and expanded paid parking areas to reduce the influx of non-resident cars. They have also promoted alternative transport with subsidies for bicycle purchases and free annual passes for students.

However, district leaders acknowledge that parking supply cannot keep up with the growing number of cars—up by 150,000 in the past five years. Civil organisations are advocating for more drastic measures, including doubling parking fees for non-residents and gradually raising costs for locals.

Pressure from the suburbs

Adding to the problem is increasing traffic from the suburbs, driven by high property prices in Budapest. Many commuters park on the outskirts and continue their journey using public transport. In response, districts like Józsefváros have significantly raised parking permit fees for residents, setting a precedent that other districts plan to follow from 2025.

A call for systemic change

The root of Budapest’s parking crisis lies in the overwhelming volume of cars, which existing measures can only partially address. The Budapest Mobility Plan outlines ambitious goals, aiming to reduce car use from 35% of trips to 20% by 2030, while increasing public transport, cycling, and walking. Achieving this vision will require a fundamental shift in how the city approaches mobility, prioritising sustainable and efficient transport over car dependency.

Read also:

• Regime change in parking in Budapest: Parking ticket machines may be removed in 2026
• Free parking for many cars in Budapest could soon disappear