Thousands of music fans are expected to descend on Budapest this week as legendary heavy metal band Metallica takes the stage at Puskás Aréna on both Thursday and Saturday evenings.

However, concertgoers and motorists alike should prepare for significant transport disruptions and temporary road closures around the stadium. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) has announced a series of traffic restrictions and public transport adjustments designed to accommodate the large crowds expected at the two sold-out shows.

Road closures around the stadium

Both concerts are scheduled to begin at 7 PM, but transport changes will be in effect much earlier. According to BKK, drivers should expect traffic restrictions and road closures from 5 PM until approximately 11 PM on both concert days.

Between 6 PM and 10:30 PM, Dózsa György Road will be closed between Thököly Road and Kerepesi Road. Verseny Street will also be inaccessible during this period.

Following the concerts, additional closures will be introduced between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. These will affect Ifjúság Road between Dózsa György Road and Stefánia Road, as well as Stefánia Road between Hungária Boulevard and Thököly Road. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and plan alternative routes.

Public transport strongly recommended

Due to the limited availability of parking spaces around the venue, BKK is urging concertgoers to use public transport rather than private vehicles. To help manage the increased demand, Metro Lines M2 and M4 will operate more frequently than usual. Tram Line 1 will also run with increased service before and after the events.

Visitors can enter the stadium from both Dózsa György Road and Stefánia Road. BKK also notes that the venue can be reached on foot not only from the Puskás Ferenc Stadion metro station but also from Keleti Railway Station via Verseny Street, with a similar walking time.

Bus and trolleybus services affected

Several surface transport routes will operate differently during the Metallica concerts. From 5 PM until the end of service, all buses travelling along Thököly Road will additionally stop at Reiner Frigyes Park and Thököly Road/Stefánia Road.

Meanwhile, Bus 30 will be diverted between 6 PM and the end of service, operating via Thököly Road and Dózsa György Road in both directions. During this period, it will not serve the stop on Verseny Street.

Passengers wishing to board Trolleybus 75 or 77 near Puskás Ferenc Stadion will only be able to do so at the trolleybus terminus on Hungária Boulevard before Kerepesi Road or at the Óbuda-bound stop of Night Bus 901.

Additional changes after the concerts

Further modifications will take effect after 10:30 PM due to the closure of Stefánia Road. Trolleybus 75 will be diverted via Thököly Road and Hungária Boulevard, bypassing the Egressy Road/Stefánia Road and Szobránc köz stops.

Similarly, Trolleybus 77 will operate along Hungária Boulevard between Egressy Road and Puskás Ferenc Stadion, also skipping the Egressy Road/Stefánia Road and Szobránc köz stops.

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Budapest prepares for Metallica’s return

Metallica’s two Budapest performances are among the most highly anticipated concerts of the year in Hungary, attracting fans from across the country and abroad. While the events promise unforgettable nights for rock enthusiasts, authorities are encouraging everyone travelling in the area to plan ahead and make use of the enhanced public transport services.

Those attending the concerts are advised to arrive early to avoid delays and to check BKK’s latest travel information before setting off.

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