Warning: Traffic and public transport disruptions expected in Budapest this weekend due to marathon and football match

Drivers and public transport users should brace for significant disruptions in Budapest this weekend due to two major events: the 39th SPAR Budapest Marathon and the UEFA Nations League football match between Hungary and the Netherlands at Puskás Arena.

The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) has issued warnings about extensive road closures and public transport adjustments from Friday to Sunday.

Marathon-related closures

The SPAR Budapest Marathon will lead to restrictions on Saturday near the Buda lower and upper embankments, as well as the Chain Bridge. On Sunday morning and early afternoon, closures will extend along the Danube between the Rákóczi and Árpád Bridges. Starting from 9 AM on Friday, 11 October, Pázmány Péter Promenade in the 11th district will be closed until Sunday. During the races on Saturday and Sunday, from approximately 9 AM to 4 PM, various streets, squares, and bridges will be inaccessible, Economx reports.

Key areas affected include Bem Embankment, Buda Lower Embankment, Műegyetem Embankment, sections of the Pest Lower Embankment, as well as Clark Ádám Square, Fővám Square, and Szent Gellért Square.

Public transport routes will also be adjusted throughout the weekend, with details available on the BKK website and the BudapestGO app. Additionally, the BKK mobile customer service point will be open on Pázmány Péter Promenade from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday for ticket and pass purchases and customer assistance.

Football match-related closures

Adding to the weekend’s traffic chaos, the Hungary-Netherlands UEFA Nations League football match at Puskás Arena will bring further road closures. The match kicks off at 8:45 PM on Friday, 11 October, but road restrictions around the stadium will begin as early as 6 PM, Economx writes in another article.