Parking in Budapest: P+R fees rise from June 2025 – What drivers need to know + Useful tips
Starting 1 June 2025, parking in Budapest will be more expensive: motorists will face higher daytime parking fees and monthly pass prices at the city’s guarded P+R (Park and Ride) car parks. This change follows the Budapest City Council’s decision to increase the price of a standard BKK public transport ticket from HUF 450 (EUR 1.11) to 500 (1.24), a move that directly impacts P+R parking tariffs.
Parking in Budapest: Fees to rise from June
From June, the one-time daytime parking fee—valid from 6:00 to 22:00—will be set at HUF 500, aligning with the new BKK single ticket price, regardless of how long a car is parked during this period. As Economx reports, the monthly daytime pass, calculated as the cost of 15 daily passes, will rise from HUF 6,750 (EUR 16.70) to 7,500 (18.55). Notably, the nighttime hourly rate and the price of combined monthly passes will remain unchanged.
10 major P+R locations affected
These adjustments will affect ten major P+R locations across the city, including:
- Köki Terminál
- Kőbánya-Kispest
- Hűvösvölgy P1
- Örs vezér tere
- Pillangó utca
- Újpest-Városkapu
- Őrmező P1 and P2
- Etele P1 and P2
The fee increase is part of a greater effort to synchronise parking costs with public transport fares and to encourage commuters to use public transportation over private cars. While the new rates may be met with some resistance, city officials hope the measures will help ease congestion and promote more sustainable travel habits in Budapest.
Tips for using P+R (Park & Ride) facilities for parking in Budapest
P+R car parks are designed to help you avoid city centre congestion and high parking fees by letting you leave your car at major transport hubs on the city’s outskirts and continue your journey by public transport. According to BKK, Budapest has around 3,800 P+R spaces at key metro and suburban rail stations, making this a convenient and cost-effective option for both locals and visitors.
How to use P+R parking lots effectively
- Plan ahead: Identify which P+R lot is closest to your route or accommodation. Major lots are located at metro line termini such as Örs vezér tere, Újpest-Városkapu, KÖKI Terminál, Pillangó utca, and Kelenföld (M4), as well as key suburban stations. Some lots, like those at Őrmező and Etele, have hundreds of spaces, but they fill up quickly-especially between 9 AM and 1 PM.
- Arrive early: To secure a spot, aim to arrive before peak hours. Lots can be full by late morning, particularly on weekdays.
- Combine with public transport: After parking, use Budapest’s efficient metro, tram, or bus network to reach your destination. Most P+R lots are directly linked to major public transport lines, making transfers quick and simple.
- Understand the fees of parking in Budapest: P+R parking is significantly cheaper than street parking in the city centre. You typically pay a flat daily rate for daytime parking and a separate hourly fee for overnight stays. Payment can be made at machines using cash or card. Always keep your ticket until you leave.
- Safety and security: Most P+R facilities are guarded and monitored by security cameras, offering peace of mind if you need to leave your car for an extended period.
- Travel light: If you’re staying in Budapest, consider unloading luggage at your accommodation first, then have one person drive the car to the P+R and return by public transport. This saves carrying bags on the metro or bus.
- Check for free options: Some P+R lots, especially those further from the centre, may be free or offer very low rates. Always check the latest information before your trip, as fees and rules can change.
Extra tips for parking in Budapest:
- Avoid leaving valuables in your car.
- If you’re staying at a hotel or apartment, ask if they offer on-site parking—it may be more convenient for short stays.
- For longer visits, P+R is usually the most economical and stress-free choice.
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