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Budapest’s most exciting new developments for 2025: From the airport railway to Hotel Gellért
Budapest is making headlines in 2025 with bold urban investments and transformative projects that promise to reshape how both locals and visitors experience Hungary’s capital. Here are the most notable announcements driving excitement this year.
EUR 2.5 billion airport railway and terminal expansion
In October 2025, Hungary’s government unveiled a historic EUR 2.5 billion development plan centred on Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. The flagship element is a rapid railway link from Nyugati Station to Terminal 2, slashing travel times to just 20 minutes and providing transfer-free access for passengers from major cities like Debrecen and Győr.
The project’s scope also includes a third airport terminal, elevated capacity for 40 million annual passengers by 2040, and the participation of private investors via an international concession tender expected to launch soon. Train tickets will offer a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to taxis, with trains operating at up to 160 km/h. Construction is scheduled to begin as early as 2026, with full completion eyed for 2034–2035.
Gellért Baths close for EUR 50 million renovation
One of Budapest’s Art Nouveau landmarks, the Gellért Thermal Baths, closed its doors on 1 October 2025 to begin a multi-year, EUR 50 million restoration. Experts have pushed for full renovation due to structural and safety issues, especially those arising from ageing mechanical systems shared with the adjacent historic hotel.
