Floods disrupt Hungarian transport: All the latest bus and train timetable changes you need to know
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Despite the ongoing flood situation, train services on the MÁV and Volánbusz networks remain operational, with one key exception: the Esztergom–Komárom line. Due to the flooding, buses are currently replacing trains on this section until the waters recede and necessary repairs are completed, according to the official announcement.
Bus routes affected
Bus routes have been more significantly affected by the flooding, particularly due to the closure of the stretch of Route 11 between Tát and Esztergom. Many bus services are being rerouted, and passengers should expect additional disruptions across the region. Further changes will be implemented from Wednesday. The company is providing continuous updates on these adjustments through its information channels, Pénzcentrum writes.
The tunnel between Margaret Bridge (Margitsziget) and Batthyány Square on the H5 suburban railway line will also close from Wednesday due to the rising Danube. Passengers are advised not to rely on their usual routes and to check the latest updates from MÁVINFORM, Volánbusz, and MÁV-HÉV before travelling.
MÁV committed to maintaining public transport services
The MÁV-Volán group has outlined three main priorities during the flood response: maintaining public transportation services, protecting transport infrastructure from the floodwaters, and keeping passengers informed about both domestic and international travel conditions as well as expected changes.
At present, the Esztergom–Komárom railway is the only line directly impacted by the flood defence efforts, as part of the track serves as a flood barrier. Starting Monday, buses have replaced S74 trains on this line. These replacement buses will run until the water recedes and, if any damage occurs to the tracks, until repairs are completed. Due to road configurations, the buses may stop at alternative Volánbusz stops instead of railway stations. Additionally, the closure of Route 10 between Neszmély and Süttő from Wednesday will prompt further changes, with buses only running between Süttő and Esztergom.
To protect the railway infrastructure on the Esztergom–Komárom line, flood defence efforts include raising the railway embankment at Tát by placing stones on the tracks to match the height of the flood levee. Three railway bridges have also been weighed down with stone-filled wagons to prevent the rising floodwaters from lifting them. Since Monday, the railway between Lábatlan and Nyergesújfalu has been reinforced with foil and around 1,600 sandbags over a 1.5 km stretch to prevent erosion. Hundreds of MÁV employees are actively involved in the ongoing flood defence operations.
Győr’s Rába bridge, HÉV tunnel
