Budapest residents and visitors should prepare for two upcoming renovation projects in the Hungarian capital. One of the city’s busiest tram routes will temporarily change from Monday, 28 September, while the bridge leading to the island that hosts Sziget Festival is set to undergo reconstruction from mid-October.
According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), renovation work on tram line 6 will begin along Karinthy Frigyes Road in southern Buda. The project will affect passengers travelling to Móricz Zsigmond körtér until 22 November.
“Trams 4 and 6 are among Budapest’s best-known public transport services and some of the busiest in Europe, carrying around 300,000 passengers daily. Due to the continuous heavy use of the tracks, major planned renovations are needed from time to time, alongside regular maintenance,” BKK wrote in its statement.
In a separate development, Budapest Közút announced on Wednesday that the K Bridge, connecting Óbuda to Hajógyári Island, could close to road traffic in mid-October. Pedestrians will still be able to reach the island during the works.
Major changes to Budapest’s tram 6 from Monday
From 28 September to 22 November, both lines will operate under the temporary 4-6 designation between Széll Kálmán tér and Újbuda-központ, following the usual route of tram 4 in southern Buda.
This means that tram 6 will temporarily stop serving its usual southern terminus at Móricz Zsigmond körtér.No separate daytime replacement bus will operate along the affected section, passengers can instead reach Móricz Zsigmond körtér using metro line M4 or trams running along Fehérvári Road.
Those travelling to the Budafoki út/Karinthy Frigyes út junction can use buses 33 or 58 from Móricz Zsigmond körtér. At night, replacement buses will serve the full tram 6 route, except on Friday and Saturday nights.
Motorists will also face restrictions, as part of Karinthy Frigyes Road will temporarily become one-way towards Irinyi József Street. According to BKK, nearly 800 metres of tram track will be rebuilt. The upgraded structure is designed to reduce noise and vibrations while providing a more reliable service.
If you missed it: Budapest’s House of Terror Museum is free to visit this week – Here’s what you need to know
Sziget Festival bridge to close for renovation
Separately, the K Bridge in northern Budapest is set to undergo extensive reconstruction from mid-October.
The bridge provides access to Hajógyári Island, also known as Óbudai Island, a recreational area and the home of the internationally renowned Sziget Festival. Budapest Közút announced that the procurement procedure had been completed and a contract with the winning contractor was expected to be signed before the end of September.
During the renovation, the bridge will close to vehicles, although pedestrians will still be able to cross using one of its sidewalks. The first phase will continue until June 2027, followed by further work between September and December 2027.
Importantly, the reconstruction has been scheduled around the island’s major festivals. Work will be suspended during Generali Gyerek Sziget in June and Sziget Festival in August 2027, when both sidewalks and the road will be available to visitors.
Opened in 1957, the K Bridge was originally built as a temporary railway structure. The renovation will include replacing its road deck, widening the carriageway from 2.8 to 3.5 metres, and repairing its steel structure.
The bridge will retain its distinctive appearance while gaining improved load-bearing capacity.
Read more from us: Hungarian ambulance service apologises after celebrating rescue of man buried that same day
