Metro bus in Budapest: here are the first lines and more exciting details
As part of its latest network development strategy, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) aims to introduce “metro buses” that will offer faster and more convenient connections from the outer districts to metro stations.
As we reported earlier, the metro bus concept focuses on creating frequent, reliable and fast connections to the city’s main public transport corridors, particularly metro lines. BKK intends to refine the service by starting a pilot phase based on real-life experience. You can read our first article about this project: Metro bus system set to transform Budapest’s public transport.
Metro bus model was based on a German model
According to the transport company, the model is based on a German system, where similar high-capacity corridors have been operating in Berlin for decades. In the German capital, frequent metro buses serve areas where no suitable fixed-rail links are available. Similarly, in Budapest, the M11 to M85 will connect inner and outer districts, catering to the transport needs of residents living on the city’s outskirts.
First pilot services
The first pilot services will operate in Káposztásmegyer (Újpest), Pesterzsébet, Zugló, and Rákosszentmihály, potentially benefiting around 150,000 Budapest residents. The Káposztásmegyer route is considered particularly important, as the current options (such as tram 14 and several bus lines) have significantly longer journey times compared to the planned metro buses.
It is worth noting that when the construction of the Káposztásmegyer housing estate began in the late 1980s, the M3 metro line was expected to extend from there instead of terminating at Újpest. Decades have passed, and although extending the line by just 1.5 kilometres would not be an enormous investment, there are still no concrete plans to do so. However, the metro bus project could improve the situation—commuters arriving by car would no longer need to drive into Újpest Centre but could leave their vehicles on the city’s edge and transfer to public transport instead.
Night-time services, Airport shuttle
According to BKK, the improvements will also extend to night-time services. To enhance late evening and early morning travel, the number of day and night bus routes will increase from three to twelve.
Airport transport will also benefit, with more favourable conditions for season ticket holders, and the 100E airport bus will be extended to Nyugati Station. These changes could increase airport passenger numbers by up to 35%. Read our article on this topic:
When contacted by the media, BKK stated that international research, public opinion polls in Budapest, and data analysis all played a role in developing this strategy. The goal is to make the public transport system an attractive alternative to car travel in the short term, even if, in the longer term, the solution may lie in developing fixed-rail systems (metro, HÉV, tram, and rail). The metro bus concept supports this goal by providing a faster, more reliable connection to the city centre, reducing transfer and waiting times.
The transport company also emphasised that the capital’s decision-makers must consider the needs of residents in outer districts when planning new developments. Several short-term proposals have recently been put on the agenda, and BKK believes metro buses should be a priority among them. The detailed concept will be presented soon, determining the exact timetable and routes for the pilot programme.
Future prospects
It is expected that metro buses in Budapest will offer a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for approximately 150,000 residents. BKK has stated that “services will develop based on ongoing experience and data collection.” However, the new connections to metro stations will not replace missing metro lines or ongoing fixed-track developments.
Ultimately, the introduction of metro buses marks an important step in the modernisation of Budapest’s public transport system, and our editorial team will continue to follow the process closely.