Based on a statement issued by the Budapest Transport Company (BKK), the metro will touch the Batthyány Square metro station from tomorrow again. Authorities plan to withdraw additional traffic restrictions next week. The Danube peaked at Budapest yesterday at 5 AM at 830 cm, a bit below what authorities had calculated before.
According to hvg.hu, trains commuting on metro line M2 will halt again from early tomorrow at the Battyány Square metro station. The water level of the Danube started to decrease today after yesterday’s peaking. Authorities calculate a long receding time. Orbán said the dams had to endure the immense pressure until next Thursday.
BKK added that passengers would not be able to use the H5 suburban railway line from Budapest’s Batthány Square station to Szentendre on Monday and Tuesday. You may get on the trains only at the Margaret Bridge HÉV station.
Tram line under water in Budapest:
Photo: FB/BKK
Photo: John Woods/DNH
More traffic restrictions will be withdrawn next week
Based on recent forecasts, tram nr 19 will carry passengers on its entire line from 24 September, just like tram nr 41.
From 25 September, you may travel with the H5 suburban railway from the Batthyány Square station. Furthermore, the bike lane running under the Margaret Bridge will also be reopened.
BKKsaid experts continuously monitored the water level and would decide about additional traffic restrictions accordingly.
Tram line 4-6 on the Margaret Bridge. Photo: MTI
Read also:
Best and worst metro systems of Europe ranked, Budapest takes a surprising spot – read more HERE
Budapest is bracing for a chaotic weekend as two major events collide: rising water levels from the Danube are already impacting several parts of the city, and Ricky Martin’s much-anticipated concert at Heroes’ Square on Saturday will bring additional traffic disruptions and public transport changes. These combined factors are expected to significantly affect mobility across the capital, especially in areas near the event.
Budapest to face major traffic and public transport changes
According to the Budapest Transport Center (BKK), extensive road closures and detours will be in place around Heroes’ Square in preparation for the event. BKK advises concertgoers and locals to use public transportation where possible and specifically recommends the M1 metro line, which will be operating with increased frequency throughout the weekend to help manage the crowds, SzeretlekMagyarország writes.
Starting on Thursday at 6 PM, road closures will begin along the service roads of Andrássy Avenue, between Bajza Street and Dózsa György Road. These closures will remain in effect until Sunday at 4:30 AM. However, the most significant disruptions will occur between Saturday at 10 AM and Sunday at noon, when traffic will be completely halted in the vicinity of Heroes’ Square. This will include the closure of Kós Károly Promenade, Olof Palme Promenade, and large portions of Dózsa György Road between Városligeti Fasor and Podmaniczky Street.
In addition, Andrássy Avenue itself, from Bajza Street to Dózsa György Road, will be off-limits to all traffic during this period. These closures are expected to create severe delays, especially for those who rely on these routes for their daily commute or for accessing popular areas like Városliget.
Public transport will also see widespread changes during the weekend. From Saturday at 10 AM to Sunday at noon, several bus and trolleybus routes will operate on a detour, with temporary stops replacing the usual ones in the affected areas. The 105 and 210B buses, which normally travel down Andrássy Avenue, will be rerouted to Podmaniczky Street, bypassing Bajza Street and Heroes’ Square entirely. Instead, they will stop at temporary stations along Podmaniczky Street after the Lendvay Street intersection and near Szondi Street in the direction of Buda.
Similarly, bus 20E will be rerouted via Hungária Boulevard, avoiding Heroes’ Square altogether, and buses 30, 30A, 79, and 230 will travel along alternative routes through Zichy Mihály Street, Hermina Road, and Gundel Károly Road. Passengers on these buses will need to use the stops usually served by trolleybus 72 between Dvorák Promenade and Gundel Károly Road near Heroes’ Square.
Trolleybus services will be affected as well. Both the 75 and 75A trolleybuses will detour onto Hermina Road and Gundel Károly Road, using trolleybus 72’s stops between Ajtósi Dürer Row and Heroes’ Square. In the late evening, additional detours will be in place for night buses. Bus 979, for instance, will be diverted through Városliget via Bajza Street and Damjanich Street, temporarily stopping at the usual stations served by trolleybus 70.
On Sunday, the 979 bus will operate on a shortened route, only running between Csepel, Csillagtelep, and Oktogon, meaning passengers will need to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Given the extent of these disruptions, the BKK urges passengers to plan their journeys in advance. The BudapestGO app is highly recommended for real-time public transport updates and route planning. Not only does the app provide live information on route changes and delays, but it also allows users to purchase tickets and passes directly from their phones, streamlining the process for those navigating the city during this busy weekend.
For those travelling by car, the BKK Info website will continuously update information on road closures and detours, helping drivers find the best alternative routes to their destinations. Additionally, the BKK Info – Közút platform will offer updated road traffic information throughout the weekend to assist drivers in managing the heavy traffic conditions expected across the city.
This weekend’s disruptions serve as a reminder to travellers to allow extra time for their journeys, whether attending the Ricky Martin concert or just navigating the city. With the combination of flood-related issues and event-related closures, Budapest will likely experience significant congestion and delays throughout the weekend.
Due to the rapid rise in the water level of the Danube, Mayor Gergely Karácsony has ordered a third-level flood protection alert on all flood protection sections of Budapest.As a consequence of the flooding, from Tuesday 17 September onwards, traffic on tram line 2 at Pesti quay will be restricted.If further measures are necessary, BKK will inform the capital’s residents soon.
For motorists, traffic order changes
The lower quays of Pest and Buda will also be closed from 8pm on Monday evening. Mayor Gergely Karácsony asked that cars parked there should be taken away by the afternoon at the latest, because from the evening the Municipal Police Directorate will remove the vehicles left there from the lower embankment. The Danube is forecast to reach the lower embankment on Tuesday morning.
From Tuesday morning, only vehicles that are involved in the protection operation will be allowed to enter Margaret Island. For the time being, pedestrian traffic is also restricted on the southern part of the island.
As we wrote today, Budapest’s highest-level flood alert is in effect; read details HERE.
Tram line 2, also used by tourists
Due to the high water level of the Danube, trams No. 2, 2B and 23 will operate on two sections from Tuesday, 17 September 2024: between Jászai Mari tér and Széchenyi István tér, and between Március 15. tér and their southern terminals.
Budapest, Tram line 2. Source: BKK
There is no tram service on the section between Széchenyi István tér and Március 15. tér. During the restriction of the tram 2, BKK recommends using other lines in the city centre, in particular the metro, trams 47 and 49, trams 4 and 6, trolleybus 72, bus 9 and bus 15.
BKK reminds passengers that real-time route planning for the limited section of tram 2 in BudapestGO is expected to be available only from Wednesday morning, 18 September.
Bus 34
Óbuda lines are also affected by the flooding: from Monday morning, 16 September, the route of bus 34 has been changed, with stops between Békásmegyer H and Rómaifürdő H not affected. The same applies to the 934 night service, which does not stop between Békásmegyer H and Római útti Wohnótelep, Varsa utca.
Further traffic restrictions
If the Danube’s water level continues to rise, further traffic restrictions may be expected. BKK will inform passengers about any changes as soon as possible on the BKK Info website and other official websites.
Due to the Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon on Sunday, several road closures are in place throughout Budapest. The restrictions primarily affect both the Pest and Buda embankments, the Liberty Bridge, and the area around Árpád Fejedelem Road in Óbuda, according to the Budapest Transport Center (BKK) via MTI.
Closures began Saturday morning at 8 AM and will remain in effect until Sunday night at 9 PM. The Pázmány Péter promenade in District XI is closed, and buses 107 and 154 are operating on alternate routes.
On Sunday, rolling closures will be enforced on the Pázmány Péter promenade, the Műegyetem embankment, the lower embankments on both sides of the Danube, the Üstökös street ramp, Árpád Fejedelem Road, Árpád Bridge, the central road on Margaret Island, Margaret Bridge, Újpest embankment, Liberty Bridge, and at major junctions such as Szent Gellért Square and Clark Ádám Square, Telex reports.
Public transport affected
Public transportation is also affected. Bus lines 16, 29, 34, 105, 106, 118, 134, 137, 178, 210B, 218, 226, and 237, as well as trams 2, 2B, 19, 23, 41, 47, and 49, will be running on modified or shortened routes during certain periods. Bus 26 is expected to be out of service temporarily.
The restrictions will alter the schedules and routes of additional services, including buses 4, 6, 83, and others, as well as multiple trolleybuses. Travellers are advised to use the BudapestGO app for real-time route updates and the best alternate routes.
The 39th Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
Nearly 13,000 runners from almost 100 countries have registered for the 39th annual Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon. According to the organiser, Budapest Sport Office (BSI), the event will also host the Hungarian Half Marathon Championship.
“The 39th Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon kicks off at 8 AM on Sunday. Participants will complete the 21.1-kilometer course along one of the world’s most scenic routes. About one-third of the runners are international, and we hope they leave with unforgettable memories,” said Árpád Kocsis, CEO of BSI.
With an unusually hot September forecast, the organisers also warned runners to stay cautious, particularly those participating in the 10 km race that starts at noon.
As the new school year begins, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) will increase the frequency of its public transport services starting Monday to accommodate the expected rise in passengers. The company encourages commuters to use rail-based transport options, such as the metro, HÉV, and trams.
Photo: MTVA/Bizományosi: Jászai Csaba
From Monday onwards, Budapest’s public transport network will operate on a more frequent schedule, similar to the one used during the school term, rather than the reduced summer timetable, Világgazdaság reports. In preparation for the increased demand with the start of the school year, BKK advises commuters to opt for rail services like the metro, HÉV, and trams whenever possible.
BKK also warned that after the lighter traffic of the summer break, roads—especially on popular routes and near schools—will likely become more congested during morning hours. With the increase in pedestrian and cyclist traffic, drivers are urged to exercise greater patience and caution.
The Kőröshegyi viaduct is expected to be completely closed for two weeks from the second of September due to works, MKIF Zrt. told MTI on Monday.
The timing was clearly intended to minimise disruption to traffic, with the work scheduled for after the start of the school summer holidays.
During the track closure, those arriving from Budapest will have to leave the track at the Zamárdi upper/Siófok west junction and return at Balatonszárszó. Drivers coming from the border should leave the track at Balatonszárszó junction and return at Zamárdi felső/Siófok west.
According to the MKIF, annual bridge inspections, biannual bridge inspections, and spring test lifts have revealed that three of the 38 spans of Hungary’s longest valley bridge are heavily worn. Replacement of these will begin in September, a process that requires great precision and can only be carried out on a bridge closed to traffic. During the work, the bridge structure must be lifted a few centimeters away from the piers, effectively lifting the bridge out of its place.
It is also noted that the replacement of the spans is planned, and the bridge is safe and in good condition.
At the same time as the spans are replaced, the anti-corrosion coatings of the expansion joints will be renewed in the entire cross-section (4 places), in addition to the deck.
According to data from navigation company TomTom, the worst times for driving in Budapest are Thursday afternoons and Tuesday mornings, when traffic congestion is at its highest. On 6 December 2023, Budapest experienced its most congested day of the year, with an average travel time of nearly 26 minutes for a 10-kilometre trip through the city center.
According to Pénzcentrum, in 2023, the average time spent in traffic in Budapest’s city centre decreased. Data from TomTom indicates that the average time to travel 10 kilometres dropped by 30 seconds. Overall, in 2023, it took an average of 21 minutes and 10 seconds to cover 10 kilometres in Budapest, making the city the 58th most congested in the world.
6 December was the busiest day, with a nearly 26-minute travel time for 10 kilometres in the city centre.
Photo: Helló Magyar
For those driving 20 kilometres daily in Budapest’s city centre, it amounted to a total of 405 hours in traffic over the year, with an average of 171 hours spent in congestion during peak times—equivalent to 7 days and 3 hours. This is over 14 hours less than in 2022.
Peak traffic times in Budapest
The data also reveals that peak traffic times in Budapest in 2023 are between 7 AM and 9 AM in the mornings and from 3 PM to 6 PM in the afternoons. On Fridays, traffic starts to increase around 1 PM. An average driver covering 20 kilometres experienced the worst congestion on Thursday afternoons between 4 PM and 5 PM, with an average travel time of more than 57 minutes.
It was also found that afternoon rush hours were slightly more congested, with an average travel time of 54 minutes for 20 kilometres compared to 51 minutes in the morning rush. In the suburbs of Budapest, Tuesday mornings between 8 AM and 9 AM were the worst, with a 20-kilometre trip taking more than 33 minutes on average.
In the suburbs, there was no significant difference between morning and evening peak times, with both averaging 31 minutes for a 20-kilometre journey. Those who drove only in the suburbs during peak times spent a total of 77 hours in traffic over the year, which is 3 days and 5 hours—5 hours and 2 minutes less than in 2022.
London had the most severe traffic congestion in 2023. Photo: depositphotos.com
Out of 225 European cities studied, Budapest ranks 28th in terms of traffic congestion, comparable to cities like Leipzig, Krakow, Vienna, and Florence. According to the navigation company’s rankings, London had the most severe traffic congestion in 2023.
Due to the Terézvárosi Festival, a section of Budapest’s Andrássy Avenue will be closed to traffic from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday, between Izabella Street and Kodály Körönd, according to a statement from the Budapest Transport Center (BKK).
During this period, bus lines 105, 210, 210B, and 979 will follow a modified route in both directions via Izabella Street and Podmaniczky Street. Passengers will not be able to use the Hősök tere, Bajza utca, or Kodály Körönd stops. Instead, bus and trolley services will stop at alternate locations: the 76 trolleybus at the Ferdinánd híd (Izabella utca) stop, a temporary stop at Honvédkórház near Dózsa György Road, and the stop of 72 trolleybus at Szinyei Merse utca.
Night service adjustments
The 979A night bus will only operate between Oktogon and the surrounding areas on Friday and Saturday nights, skipping the Hősök tere stop. BKK recommends using the BudapestGO app for real-time travel planning and ticket purchases during the festival closure.
The revamp of the bike lane on Budapest’s busy Margaret Bridge continues, so the overpass’s traffic order will change between Thursday and next Wednesday.
The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK)said they would close the exit leading to Margaret Island between 22 and 28 August. Therefore, you may travel to the island by car from the Árpád Bridge (located on the island’s northern tip).
Furthermore, traffic from the Pest side of the city will be able to use only one lane between the Danube bank and the Margaret Island exit. BKKadded that you might walk or bike to the island from the Margaret Bridge even during the revamp.
Photo: Helló Magyar
Between the Buda Danube bank and the island exit, pedestrians and bikers can use the outer lane, Profitline wrote.
The restriction affects BKK buses as well. Bus nr 26 will commute only between the Göncz Árpád városközpont and the Centenáriumi emlékmű stations. Bus nr 226 will carry passengers between the Óbuda Island and the Göncz Árpád városközpont stations. It will touch the Zenélőkút station in both directions.
Trams nr 4-6 will stop on Margaret Bridge, but pedestrian commuting routes may change to and from the Margaret Bridge tram station.
To plan your journey, BKK recommends the BudapestGO app, updated with all changes.
Read also:
Traffic and transportation changes in Budapest for the 20 August celebrations – some remained in effect
Due to the 20 August national celebrations in Budapest, significant traffic changes will be in effect across several districts. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the city during this period.
Temporary traffic restrictions will be implemented in various parts of Budapest from now until 23 August, as part of the 20 August festivities, Player.hu reports. The Hungarian police have provided a map highlighting the expected traffic changes:
According to a statement from the Budapest Transport Center (BKK), the iconic Chain Bridge will be reserved for pedestrians during this time. As a result, buses 105, 178, 210, and 216 will be rerouted to cross the Elisabeth Bridge instead.
The Chain Bridge will remain closed until 6:00 AM on 21 August, and from 8:00 PM on 20 August, even pedestrian access will be prohibited. Additionally, the sidewalks of Margaret Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge, and Liberty Bridge will also be closed at various intervals.
The Buda Castle area will also see restrictions, affecting the route of the 16 bus family. Public transportation changes will impact Várkert Embankment, Műegyetem Embankment, Alkotmány Street, and Kossuth Square.
Since last Thursday, the lower Buda embankment between Pázmány Péter Promenade and Üstökös Street has been completely closed. The lower Pest embankment, Margaret Bridge, Közraktár Street, Chain Bridge Street, and Várkert Embankment are also affected.
Due to the festivities, additional closures will occur on Műegyetem Embankment, Budafoki Road, Alkotmány Street, and Liberty Bridge. For safety reasons, several MOL Bubi bike-sharing stations at Clark Ádám Square and Szent Gellért Square will be out of service.
BKK recommends using public transportation, particularly the metro, during this period to avoid disruptions.
In the morning, roads along the Danube will be closed for an aerial display, and in the afternoon, restrictions will be in place near József Attila Street and around St Stephen’s Basilica for the Holy Right procession.
Pedestrians will have exclusive access to the Chain Bridge all day,
and several key areas, including Buda Castle, Várkert Embankment, and Műegyetem Embankment, will be closed to road traffic and trams due to various events, Vezess.hu reports.
Traffic restrictions, fireworks display
Starting at 7:00 PM, several bridges and riverfront areas between Margaret Bridge and Liberty Bridge, along with adjacent streets, will be shut for the evening fireworks display. Given these closures and the expected large crowds,
the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) is recommending public transport, particularly the metro, as the most reliable way to navigate the city.
BKK also advises passengers to stay informed of updates related to the fireworks.
The fireworks will start at 9:00 PM on 20 August, Tuesday, and are expected to conclude at 9:35 PM. Road traffic and surface transport may be disrupted late in the afternoon and evening across a broad central area, bounded by Margaret Bridge, Szent István Boulevard, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street, Károly Boulevard, Kossuth Lajos Street, and further streets stretching to Krisztina Boulevard, Vérmező Road, and Margaret Boulevard. Public transport routes will be modified accordingly.
Key road closures:
The Pest lower embankment will be closed between Margaret Bridge and Közraktár Street, and the Budai lower embankment between Rákóczi Bridge and Margaret Bridge.
Pedestrian-only access to the Chain Bridge until 8:00 PM, after which it will be fully closed.
Continuous restriction within the Buda Castle area.
Lánchíd Street and Várkert Embankment will be closed for the Street of Hungarian Flavours event.
The Műegyetem Embankment and Budafoki Road at Szent Gellért Square will be entirely shut.
Alkotmány Street in District V remains closed.
From 4:00 PM, traffic on Margaret Bridge will be restricted, and affected buses will use tram tracks in both directions.
From 7:00 PM, Liberty Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and Margaret Bridge will be fully closed.
Between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, there will be restrictions on József Attila Street and around the Basilica for the Holy Right procession.
The Chain Bridge and Műegyetem Embankment will reopen to traffic in one direction at 6:00 AM on 21 August. Full access to Műegyetem Embankment and Alkotmány Street will resume early on 23 August.
New details have emerged regarding upcoming changes to Hungarian traffic rules affecting cyclists, electric scooter users, and pedestrians. Revisions may also be introduced for pedestrian crossings. Those involved in the preparatory work aim to make the regulations more uniform and transparent.
The Ministry of Construction and Transport, alongside the Institute of Transport Science and Logistics, are drafting a new Highway Code to clarify existing Hungarian traffic rules. Plans are expected to be submitted to the government by 31 March 2025, 24.hu reports. The details were recently discussed in a background briefing.
Helmets could become mandatory for cyclists
Ágnes Fülöp, a retired judge specialising in transport law, said that helmet use for cyclists would gradually become mandatory. Under the proposed phased introduction, from the regulation’s enforcement date, those under the age of 14 would be required to wear protective headgear. Fülöp noted that helmet use is somewhat generational: younger individuals are generally more accustomed to using protective equipment, while it comes less naturally for older people.
The new Hungarian traffic rules would also distinguish between types of bicycles. A “normal” bicycle would be defined as a two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedals or hand grips, supported by a motor of up to 1,000 watts, and with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. In contrast, “special” bicycles would include cargo bikes, bike trailers, and rickshaws.
The draft proposals also suggest creating special cycling zones, accessible only to cyclists, other small transport vehicles, and pedestrians. There are plans to introduce regulations for cycle crossings, a concept not currently recognised under Hungarian traffic laws. The proposed code would allow cyclists to cross zebra crossings without dismounting, provided they are already riding on the pavement, although they would not have priority at pedestrian crossings and must ride at a maximum speed of 4 km/h.
Cyclist in the inner city of Budapest. Photo: Pixabay
Hungarian traffic rules for electric scooters to finally be clarified
The plans also include defining the status of electric scooters within the Highway Code. Róbert Major, head of the Department of Public Safety at the Faculty of Police Sciences at the National University of Public Service, stressed that when introducing new modes of transport, the priority is to first clearly define them before establishing usage rules.
According to current proposals regarding Hungarian traffic rules, the legislation would classify e-scooters as vehicles with a power output of less than 1,000 watts, weighing less than 35 kilograms, or with a maximum speed of 25 km/h on level ground. They must also have at least two wheels and be steered on a single axle, with the driver standing. These e-scooters would be subject to the same regulations as bicycles, meaning no licence or protective equipment would be required.
On the other hand, high-power motorised scooters, exceeding 1,000 watts, weighing over 35 kilograms, or capable of speeds over 25 km/h, would be regulated like mopeds. This would require helmets, compulsory insurance, and prohibit their use on pavements or cycle lanes.
Electric scooters at Astoria. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Changes to pedestrian crossing rules also proposed
According to Róbert Major, pedestrian crossing rules could also see reforms. The new regulations would provide a clearer definition of who qualifies as a pedestrian under Hungarian traffic laws – for instance, specifying that someone pushing a motorbike while walking is considered a pedestrian.
Under the proposed Hungarian traffic rules, pedestrian right of way at zebra crossings would be extended. Currently, pedestrians have the right of way once they step off the pavement. In the future, they would gain the right of way as soon as they visibly indicate their intention to cross. On multi-lane roads, drivers would be required to stop if a pedestrian is approaching in an adjacent lane.
“This is not a far-fetched idea; it is already common practice in Western Europe. Although this regulation may seem complex, we believe Hungarian traffic culture requires precise and well-defined rules,” added Róbert Major.
The proposed Hungarian traffic rules would also reinforce the priority of pedestrians in traffic scenarios.
The transformation of Nyugati Square is set to begin with the demolition of its iconic overpass, paving the way for a complete overhaul of the area. This significant project will also include the renovation of the Nyugati underpass, the creation of more green spaces, and the development of a seamless cycling infrastructure.
Renovated façade of the Nyugati railway station. Source: MÁV
As part of these changes, a new tram network, known as the “Pesti Fonódó,” is in the works. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) has launched a tender for the second phase of this project, which will connect the currently fragmented tram lines across the city, creating a more unified system, Magyar Építők reports.
The project aims to construct a new 2.2-kilometre tram line between Deák Ferenc Square and Lehel Square, improving connections between South Buda and North Pest. To accommodate this, the Nyugati Square overpass will be torn down, with plans to integrate tram and trolleybus services along the route.
The entire project is slated for completion by 31 December 2027, including optional plans for a full renovation of the Nyugati underpass and strengthening of the Szabadság Bridge, should BKK choose to proceed with these additions.
There will be closures for two weeks due to the Sziget Festival, but it will be harder to get around the capital from Monday onwards on several busy routes, with two weeks of renovations starting. Here is the latest news on traffic in Budapest.
Sziget will disrupt traffic in the area
According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), restrictions are expected on several sections between 2 and 15 August and during the Sziget Festival.
Due to the event, the northern section of the Buda Lower Quay will be closed between Mozaik Street and the shopping centre car park. Óbuda Island was closed earlier. The 226 bus will run on a shortened route between Nyugati railway station and Aquincum.
Between 5 and 13 August, there will be a temporary closure daily from 13:00 until 3:00 a.m. on the Buda Lower Quay between Mozaik Street and Margaret Bridge, as well as in Mozaik Street. On Szentendrei Road, you should be prepared for much heavier traffic than usual in the afternoon and evening.
Pest, lower quay closure
The lower quay of Pest was already closed on weekdays between the Chain Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge and on weekends between the Margaret Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge to allow pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
Lane closures
The Buda side of the Margaret Bridge will be affected by a lane closure. Roadworks on this already busy stretch of road have been timed to start on 5 August. The road manager advises motorists to use alternative routes.
Following the asphalt milling work, the pavement will be renewed in two layers over an area of around 1200 square meters between the Buda end of Margaret Bridge and Török Street, in the direction of Széll Kálmán Square. The 291 bus stop will also be rebuilt with a reinforced structure, raised curb, and platform paving.
The road will be closed in two phases: from Monday, the side lane will be closed from the Buda bridgehead to Török Street, while the middle lane will also be closed between the Frankel Leó Street junction and Török Street.
Hungária körút, overpass renovation
Until the end of August, congestion is expected on Hungária körút due to the renovation of the flyover. Next week, the sealing, pavement, and dilatation repair work will enter a new phase, but two lanes will be closed until Tuesday morning, 6 August, Budapest Közút said in a statement.
The outer lane will be opened to traffic toward the M3 motorway entrance, but the inner and middle lanes will be closed. Traffic will still be allowed to pass on the tram lane.
Pedestrians will still be able to cross the flyover using tram 1. By bicycle, the route from Vágány Street – Dózsa György Road – Állatkerti körút to Városliget is from Róbert Károly körút.
Hungary’s renowned Sziget Festival, known as the Island of Freedom, will commence next Wednesday on Budapest’s Hajógyári Island. Consequently, traffic changes in Budapest will begin this evening.
According to index.hu, traffic restrictions will come into effect on Friday in anticipation of the Sziget Festival. The Budai Lower Wharf between Mozaik Street and the shopping centre’s car park will be closed from Friday evening.
Additionally, bus number 226 will only operate between Nyugati Railway Station and Aquincum Station.
From Monday until 13 August, the conclusion of the Sziget Festival, temporary closures can be expected between 1 p.m. and 3 a.m. on the Budai Lower Wharf between Mozaik Street and Margaret Island. Traffic on Szentendrei Street will be heavier during the afternoon and evening hours.
Source: FB/Sziget Festival
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Starting from Tuesday, around 50,000 e-scooters will only be allowed on Hungarian roads with compulsory insurance. Riders must be able to show proof of insurance at roadside checks and must ensure the vehicle is insured when renting it.
According to 24.hu, under the current legislation, the scooter’s user is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is covered by insurance and must provide proof during roadside checks by obtaining a certificate from the insurance company, either on paper or electronically. Unlike cars and commercial vehicles, e-scooters don’t have unique identifiers, so there is no central insurance register for these vehicles. In the case of rental scooters, the insurance is provided by the rental company, but it is still the responsibility of the customer to ensure that compulsory insurance is in place before starting the rental.
Photo: depositphotos.com
However, not all e-scooters will be affected by the new regulation. Scooters heavier than 25 kilograms must be insured if their design speed exceeds 14 km/h, and all scooters, regardless of weight, must be insured if their design speed exceeds 25 km/h. It is not yet clear how the authorities will determine on the spot what the speed limit of a given vehicle is, Telex reports.
According to the experience of insurance brokers, most scooterists can find suitable compulsory insurance for their vehicle for less than HUF 10,000 (EUR 25.5) per year. However, the price varies considerably from insurer to insurer. The main reason for this may be that there are currently no road traffic regulations for such vehicles, so the true degree of risk cannot be accurately determined.
Importance of insurance for e-scooters
Photo: Pixabay
“It is definitely worth paying ten thousand forints a year for compulsory insurance for e-scooters. Not only to avoid fines (we do not yet have information on the expected practice of the control), but also because these vehicles can easily cause damages worth millions of forints,” stated Zsolt Cselovszki, member of the Hungarian Presidency of Independent Insurance Associations (FBAMSZ).
“The small wheels and the poor road surface in many places make it almost certain that sooner or later everyone will experience a minor or major accident with this vehicle. However, compulsory insurance only covers damage caused to others, so it is worthwhile for scooterists to take out personal accident insurance to protect themselves as well,” he added.
As we previously reported, although more than 60,000 e-scooters have been in use on Hungarian roads for years, their regulation still leaves much to be desired. The rapid development of technology has challenged legislators, who, it seems, have not yet been able to respond adequately to this increasingly pressing, and nowadays not so novel, challenge.
These vehicles are currently not part of the Highway Code, and as such, there is no specific vehicle category in Hungary that covers this means of transport. In 2019, Minister of Interior Sándor Pintér, in response to a question from a member of parliament, said that scooters should be treated as mopeds until separate legislation is created to regulate them. This position was later confirmed by the National Police Headquarters.
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Important changes affecting electric scooter users in Hungary – Read here
VIDEO: Electric scooter was left on charger, apartment building burnt down in Hungary – Read here
The cycle path on a major Budapest bridge will be renovated, the road signs will be refreshed and the road will be resurfaced. The works will be carried out in two phases, during which restrictions are expected.
Margaret Bridge cycle path to be renovated
According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), from 8 July until 31 August, the cycle path on the northern side of the Margaret Bridge (on the side closer to Margaret Island) will be renovated.
During the reconstruction of the cycle path, which shares a common area with the pavement, the damaged surface will be removed and a new covering will be laid. In addition, pavement signs and cyclist pictograms will be repainted.
BKK wrote in the statement that during the renovation, cyclists and pedestrians can temporarily use the cycle lane in the outside traffic lane, or the pavement.
The two phases of the project, traffic restrictions on Budapest bridge
Photo: BKK
The project will be implemented in two phases: between Monday 8 July and 4 August, the works will take place on the section between the island entrance and the Buda bridgehead, and between 4 and 31 August between the Pest bridgehead and the island entrance.
According to the company, during the works, the outer lane on the Buda side will be closed to car traffic, as a temporary cycle lane and pedestrian section will be created. During this period, only one lane will be available from Pest to Buda.
This may lead to temporary major congestion on Szent István körút and on the Pozsonyi Road slip road in the direction of Margit Bridge.
In 2023, the National Toll Payment Service PLC imposed around one million surcharges on cars without a vignette on Hungarian motorways and passed on a further 1.5 million cases to foreign collection partners. However, tens of thousands of people managed to avoid fines for not having a motorway vignette by using an option that was not widely known.
The company reported that in 2023, nearly one million fines were imposed on domestic drivers for lacking motorway vignettes or having improperly purchased stickers, and another 1.5 million cases were passed on to foreign toll payment servicers.
However, 30,917 drivers avoided fines by opting to buy a full-year motorway vignette instead of paying the surcharge. The aim of this option, as NÚSZ points out, is to encourage compliance with regulations rather than punish individuals.
Other discount options regarding fines include surcharge maximisation or surcharge amnesty. It is important to note that these exemptions are not automatically granted but must be requested by the customer.
A surcharge waiver is also available if a person has mistyped the licence plate number of their car, provided a maximum of three characters need to be corrected. Corrections can be made up to 60 days after the penalty notice has been served, and the administration fee for the process is HUF 1,470 (EUR 3.71).
If someone has confused the characters “0” (zero) and “O” or the characters “1” (one) and “I” on the licence plate and the motorway vignette, they do not need to pay an administration fee when correcting their sticker, according to the service provider.
The correction process can be initiated via online video call, in person at the offices of the National Toll Payment Service, or by email and postal mail.
Photo: FB/NÚSZ
Motorway vignettes sold in the first half of the year
Pénzcentrum also enquired about motorway vignette sales in recent months. According to NÚSZ, from the beginning of 2024 to 15 June, a total of 7,335,334 e-stickers were sold for Hungarian motorways. Most of these were weekly (10-day) vignettes, totalling exactly 3,283,827 purchases, but 2,505,299 county vignettes were also sold. The distribution of the remaining e-vignettes was as follows:
Annual: 654,980
Monthly: 620,360
One-day: 270,868
As we wrote earlier, the relative disinterest in the one-day vignettes might be due to it being the most expensive in the region, surpassing the price of its Austrian counterpart, for example. We highlighted in that article how, according to the Hungarian Automobile Club, this type of motorway vignette is likely most worthwhile for foreigners passing through the country.
Regarding sales proportions over the past six months, Pénzcentrum and the National Toll Payment Service noted that shares are likely to change throughout the year as road user habits and motorway vignette purchasing trends vary from season to season.
“For this reason, different types of vignettes are popular at different times of the year. For example, most annual national and county stickers are bought by road users as part of a pre-purchase or in the first month or two of the year, while the popularity of weekly and monthly stickers really spikes in the summer months, in July and August,” NÚSZ said.
