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Beware! Budapest Airport shuttle service changes from today!

Budapest Airport shuttle route

The Budapest airport shuttle service is changing today due to the revamp of the junction of the M4 motorway and the Budapest Airport expressway.

Travelling to Budapest Airport will be different

We wrote HERE that the fourth phase of the city centre–airport expressway’s reconstruction started on 22 April. As a result, cars coming from Budapest will only be able to use one lane instead of two in the junction connecting the airport with the M4 motorway. Furthermore, the roadwork will seriously affect the route of the 100E and 200E airport shuttles from today.

According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), the slip road of the Budapest Airport will be closed between 27 and 30 April. Therefore, airport shuttles will commute on a modified route.

airport bus budapest
100E airport shuttle at Deák Squar in Budapest’s downtown (with the Budapest Eye in the background). Photo: FB/bkkbudapest

The closure started at 7 AM today and is planned to end at 7 PM. Authorities redirect traffic to the slip road of the M4 Üllő/M0 junction, and you may travel to Budapest by turning back at the 3101 junction (Vecsés-Ecser).

Airport shuttles 100E and 200E will stop at Vecsés, Market Central Ferihegy station, instead of Vecsés, Nyugat during the roadworks.

Budapest-India direct flight on the horizon?

Based on airportal.hu, the National Transport Authority (NKH) has received a bid to operate a direct passenger flight between Budapest and India’s Mumbai from an unnamed airline. The authority operates under Hungary’s Construction and Transport Ministry. The media outlet reminded the readers that there is a bilateral agreement between Hungary and India about direct flights connecting the two countries. Even so, there are no passenger flights yet between Hungary and the South Asian state.

indian wedding budapest
Indian wedding in Buda Castle. Read out article about it HERE. Photo: Badal Raja Company

Based on the ministry’s announcement, another airline can submit a plea for operating a flight between Budapest and Mumbai until 23 May. The process does not necessarily mean a flight will begin to carry passengers between the two countries. It is just the first step to do so sometime in the future.

Read also:

Traffic changes in Budapest due to political protest on Friday and Saturday

Budapest traffic changes

Péter Magyar, vice-president of the Respect and Freedom Party (Tisztelet és Szabadság, TISZA Party), will hold another demonstration in Budapest on Friday. The demonstration is expected to lead to closures and traffic changes, according to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK).

Traffic changes in Budapest today and tomorrow

Budapest traffic changes
Photo: facebook.com/bkkbudapest

Péter Magyar, ex-husband of former Hungarian justice minister Judit Varga and face and VP of the newest Hungarian political party Tisza, announced another demonstration in front of the Ministry of Interior building on Friday at 6 PM.

The reason for the demonstration is the arrest of a guardian of a children’s home in Budapest on suspicion of sexual offences, according to a statement by the Budapest Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Index reports. The demonstration is expected to lead to traffic changes in the capital on Friday and Saturday.

According to the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), a demonstration is happening on Friday between 5 PM and 8 PM and on Saturday between 4 PM and 7 PM in front of the Ministry of Interior in Széchenyi István Square, District V.

Traffic changes on Friday

Due to the event, the Széchenyi István Square, the Chain Bridge, and the József Attila Street will be closed today.

Buses No. 16, 105, 178, 210, 210B and 216 in both directions will cross the Erzsébet Bridge.

During the restrictions on József Attila Street, bus no. 15 will be diverted towards Boráros Square, while bus no. 9 will stop between Báthory Street-Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street and Astoria.

Traffic changes on Saturday

Elisabeth Bridge Erzsébet híd 3
Elisabeth Bridge
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Norbert Aepli, Switzerland

On Saturday, only Széchenyi István Square is expected to be closed, and buses no. 16, 105, 178, 210, 210B and 216 will only run towards Buda via Erzsébet Bridge, while towards Pest they will stop at Erzsébet Square instead of József nádor Square, BKK announced.

Péter Magyar first called people to protest in Budapest on 15 March, then organised a demonstration on 26 March after the release of the promised audio recording, and again on 6 April. At the latter, lakmusz.hu estimated that more than 100,000 people gathered in Kossuth Lajos Square and the surrounding streets, while other estimates put the number as high as 200,000.

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Chaos at Budapest Airport: Slip road to be closed from Saturday

Budapest Airport flight

On Saturday, 27 April, the fifth phase of the road reconstruction works, which also affect the accessibility of Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport), will continue. During this period, the renovation of the slip road from the airport to Budapest will take place.

Budapest Airport flight
Photo: FB/Budapest Airport

As the slip road will be closed, it will not be possible to drive directly from the Budapest Airport towards the capital, the Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc. (MKIF) said.

If you wish to go towards the capital,

from the airport you should head towards the M0 ring road and can turn back towards Budapest at the junction of the M0 motorway – road 3101 (Ecseri Street).

MKIF also provided a diagram clarifying the direction of the diversion:

m4 m0 road works budapest airport
Photo: MKIF

Drivers should expect congestion and increased journey times. The fifth phase of the renovation is scheduled to last until 30 April (Tuesday), with the 1 May public holiday not expected to be affected.

Read also:

Warning: Traffic restrictions in Budapest today due to mass event

i bike budapest parade traffic restrictions in budapest

This year’s I Bike Budapest cycling event and parade will take place today, on Saturday 20 April, due to which there will be temporary traffic restrictions in Budapest in the afternoon, the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) said.

Traffic restrictions in Budapest today

downtown budapest traffic hungary
Photo: depositphotos.com

According to information published on police.hu, sections of the following route will be closed from 3 to 8 PM for the cycling parade:

Soó Rezső promenade – Räde Károly promenade – Borbás Vince promenade – Üllői Road – Ferenc körút – Petőfi Bridge – Egyetemisták parkja – Egry József Street – Valdemar and Nina Langlet Quay – Raoul Wallenberg Quay – Friedrich Born Quay – Döbrentei Square – Attila Road – Alagút Street – Alagút (Castle Tunnel) – Clark Ádám Square – Széchenyi Chain Bridge – Széchenyi István Square – József Attila Street – Andrássy Avenue – Heroes’ Square – Olof Palme promenade – Zichy Mihály Road – Napozórét

The affected quays, Attila Street, Alagút Street, the Tunnel and the Chain Bridge will be temporarily closed along their entire width, Index quotes the BRFK as saying.

i bike budapest parade traffic restrictions in budapest
Photo: Facebook/I bike Budapest

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VIDEO: What’s happening in Hungary? Food delivery rider on the motorway

food delivery rider on the motorway

Cycling on the motorway? Footage of a food delivery rider on a bicycle on the M0 ring road in Hungary has gone viral.

A reader of Budapesti Autósok (Budapest Motorists) captured a cyclist transporting food on his bicycle on the M0 expressway, Index reports.

The video, taken by the driver of the car behind the food delivery rider, went viral on Facebook.

Much to the dismay of the driver behind the camera, the courier did not even leave the expressway at the first exit!

“No words,” said the driver of the vehicle. He also noted that there is a cycle path not far away.

Food delivery rider on the M0 expressway

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Austria to extend border control at Hungarian border for 6 more months

Austria Hungary border crossing border control

Bad news for people heading to Austria: the country plans to extend internal border controls with Slovenia and Hungary for a further six months from mid-May, when the current measure expires.

Why is border control necessary?

Austria Hungary border crossing
Photo: facebook.com/drfarkasciprian

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced the news during a visit to the Slovenian border at Spielfeld. According to him, the measure is necessary to prevent illegal migration and people smuggling, SchengenVisaInfo reports.

Austria initially introduced internal control at its borders with Slovenia and Hungary in 2022 and has been extending the restrictions ever since, Travelo writes.

The last extension occurred in November 2023. Back then, Austria decided to maintain border controls between the two countries until May 2024. Minister Karner pointed out at the time that the internal border controls had already proved effective. He added that smugglers no longer chose his country as their route or main destination.

The latest measures and the increased pressure on the borders are having an effect, and human traffickers are already avoiding Austria,

SchengenVisaInfo quoted Gerhard Karner as saying.

Slovenia is against Austria’s decision

Hungarian–Austrian border
Source: Youtube / Cyberpress

While Austria says that internal border controls are necessary to prevent illegal migration and people smuggling, Slovenia opposes the extension of the measure, arguing that the internal border controls that Austria has applied for years are not in line with EU law.

As internal border controls often cause delays even for EU citizens, Slovenia has called on Austria to end this measure. Despite this, the latter decided to maintain internal border controls until mid-November.

In addition to these two countries, Austria currently maintains internal border controls with the Czech Republic.

The Czech Minister of the Interior, Vít Rakusan, stressed that the controls that Austria continues to maintain have a minimal impact on cross-border movement and cause little, if any, inconvenience to Czech citizens crossing the border.

Slovenia also prolonged border control on the Hungarian border

As we reported last December, the Slovenian government decided to prolong strict border control on their borders with Hungary and Croatia. The extension lasts much longer than any of the previous ones: until 22 June 2024. The same extension applies to the Slovenian-Croatian border.

In December, Ljubjana said the reason behind the decision was the dangerous Middle East and Ukraine situation and the terrorist attacks committed in different EU member states. Authorities say terror danger is high in Slovenia, and if something menaces one Schengen member, it means the zone is under threat. They added that illegal migration increases security risks in the region.

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Phenomenal success: CNN selects Budapest metro line as the world’s best

Budapest M1 metro line

CNN has selected an iconic Budapest metro line as one of the world’s best, citing it as a revolutionary advancement in metropolitan public transport.

Budapest metro line among the world’s best

According to Mandiner’s report about CNN’s heart-warming choice, CNN has singled out the Budapest Metro Line M1, inaugurated in 1896, as one of the world’s 18 best metro systems.

In their article, the authors noted that London boasted the world’s first subterranean railway lines, with the inaugural British subway carrying passengers in 1863. Presently, it comprises 272 stations, spans 400 kilometres and encompasses 11 lines.

The first underground railway system in London operated with steam trains, while Budapest pioneered the electrified subway system. The iconic Budapest Metro Line M1, opening in 1896, coincided with the millennium year.

Budapest metro line M1
Photo: Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Celebrating the millennium with a metro line

The Kingdom of Hungary was at the height of its power in 1867, marked by the compromise with the Habsburg emperor, propelling Hungary towards rapid economic growth. Among other accomplishments, Budapest, the magnificent capital city, emerged on both banks of the Danube, with its numerous castles, palaces, parks and baths.

In 1896, the nation celebrated the millennium of the Conquest of the Carpathian Basin, with the completion of landmarks like Heroes’ Square, City Park, Andrássy Avenue and other emblematic public spaces and buildings in the capital. Budapest mirrored the capital of a global power, which the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy represented in those days.

Millennium Underground, Budapest metro line, transport
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Florian Fevre

The world’s first electrified underground line

Thus, it is not surprising that Hungarian politicians conceived something groundbreaking, birthing the idea of the world’s first electrified underground subway system. Electric lighting illuminated both the stations and the train cars, with the pioneering use of an overhead wire system to power the trains.

Metro Line M1 connects the famous Heroes’ Square with the city centre, running mostly underneath Andrássy Avenue.

Its purpose was to divert crowds heading to the City Park from the illustrious Andrássy Street to the subterranean railway.

According to CNN, it still transports 80,000 passengers daily, many of whom are tourists. You can find its timetable HERE.

Is Metro line M1 facing serious problems?

As we reported HERE, it may face closure due to the hazardous state of its carriages. The carriages of Budapest Metro Line M1, designed to operate for 40 years and cover 2.1 million kilometres, have exceeded their intended lifespan, catering to over 40 thousand daily passengers in Budapest, as per Népszava’s report. Endre Bíró, Chairman of the Metróért Egyesület (‘For the Metro Association’), underscored the growing risk of accidents, citing damages incurred during operation and the necessity for replacement due to material fatigue.

However, the new train carriages would cost EUR 5.3 million, and the line would require at least 22. Neither the government nor the municipal council have that money. Everyone awaits financial assistance from the European Union.

Read also:

  • The secrets of Budapest Metro Line 1 – Read more HERE
  • Dubai in Hungary: Budapest’s over 100-year-old metro line may be extended

Exciting: Uber in Budapest, important permissions bagged, service begins soon

Uber in Budapest

The tumultuous journey of Uber in Budapest saw its departure in 2016 due to regulatory hurdles. However, the American ridesharing company has now announced its comeback in collaboration with Budapest’s Főtaxi. They announced yesterday the date of their service’s relaunch, along with the successful acquisition of crucial permissions from Hungarian authorities.

The relaunch of Uber in Budapest

According to portfolio.hu, Uber announced on 16 April that they received the green light from the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) and the National Transport Authority, which marked the culmination of the official clearance process. Therefore, the relaunch of Uber in Budapest is already underway and is scheduled for early summer. Furthermore, driver recruitment is about to begin within days. Portfólió reached out to Eszter Kardos, the CEO of Uber Hungary and Ádám Reich, the CEO of F Mobilitás Ltd, Uber’s local partner in Budapest.

Kardos and Reich disclosed their aim to recruit over 1,000 drivers, leveraging Uber’s extensive global network, which connects passengers to more than 100,000 drivers worldwide. Notably, taxi drivers in Europe and the Middle East contribute 10% of Uber’s overall traffic.

Uber in Hungary , Uber in Budapest
Source: depositphotos.com

Reich underscored the high demand for Uber in Budapest, emphasising the company’s competitive offerings within the capital. In an interview with Portfolio, he outlined Uber’s commitment to maximising earnings potential for each driver. Moreover, they are hammering out a bonus system for their drivers. Registration for prospective drivers will commence shortly on the uber.com website.

Uber arrives in Budapest with favourable offers

The arrival of Uber in Budapest heralds a host of enticing incentives. Reich shared Uber’s strategy of forging partnerships with local authorities and taxi firms, a model successfully employed in cities such as New York, Paris, Rome and 33 others.

Kardos assured that both the drivers and passengers of Uber in Budapest would utilise the company’s familiar app used globally. F Mobilitás will administer dispatch services, enabling Budapest residents to seamlessly book rides via telephone. Furthermore, the establishment of a “drivers’ hub” will facilitate driver networking, rest, and support services.

Uber in Budapest
Source: depositphotos.com

The Uber app promises to revolutionise passenger experience, offering an array of safety and cost-saving features, including GPS tracking, security tools, ride-sharing capabilities and ride verification. Additionally, passengers can split fares, communicate securely with drivers via phone and provide feedback or report issues through a dedicated customer service hotline, available in Hungarian.

Read also:

  • Uber: Here is how the popular ride-sharing service returns to Budapest – Read more HERE
  • Uber returns to Budapest but will be very different

Huge road closures coming to the Budapest area: here are the details

M0 Hungary Budapest traffic cars transport hungarian motorway

There are already huge traffic jams on the southern sector of the M0 ring road due to reconstruction work. There will now be further closures on the ring road and on the M7 motorway. Here are the details.

Multiple motorways affected

M7-es_autópálya-highway
M7 motorway. Source: Wikimedia Commons

For a week now, there have been huge traffic jams on the southern sector of the M0 ring road due to a diversion that has been built between km 17 and km 14 towards the M1 motorway, leaving only two lanes, Infostart writes. The situation is the same on the side towards the M5 motorway between km 12 and km 15. The works will continue until 22 April.

At the same time, on Tuesday and Wednesday, 16 and 17 April, the Hungarian Public Road Nonprofit Plc. (Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt.) announced that pavement marking will be carried out on the joint section of the M1-M7 motorway in the Budaörs area and on the M0 ring road between Törökbálint and Érd.

During this time, lane closures will be in effect on milepost 4, which may result in longer travel times for road users.

Area surrounding Budapest to be congested

Motorway vignette Hungarian
Photo: Facebook/Magyar Építők

On Tuesday, works will be carried out in the Budaörs area on the M1-M7 motorway from Budapest towards Győr, at km 11. The work will last from 9 AM to 3 PM, during which time traffic will be limited to one lane.

On Wednesday, similar work will be carried out on the M0 ring road between Törökbálint and Érd on the section from the M5 motorway to the M1 motorway, at km 4. Here too, lane closures will be in place from 9 AM to 3 PM.

You can find constantly updated information on the Útinform website.

Read also:

Sky-high parking fines in Budapest: Here’s what to look out for

parking fines in budapest

If you are not careful, parking in Budapest can cost you an arm and a leg. Almost a third of parking places in some parts of Budapest are already subject to special rules. Parking fines in Budapest can cost up to five figures for inattentive offenders.

Changes

According to Vezess.hu, soon, in certain districts of the capital, 30% of outdoor parking spots will be designated exclusively for “residential parking” for a portion of drivers 13 out of 24 hours each day. In August 2021, the first traffic signs indicating exclusive residential parking were introduced in the 6th district.

Access to parking spaces beyond these signs will be restricted to vehicles with a district parking permit from 6 PM to 7 AM. Vezess.hu also notes that although the traffic signs are the same everywhere, the parking spaces are not the same: there are no uniform road signs, if any.

Lack of road signs

Infostart writes that, for instance, in the 9th district, there are no road markings to distinguish the spaces beyond the sign from the rest. Unlike the 6th district, where they are demarcated by white lines, each is adorned with the Terézváros coat of arms. Conversely, in the neighbouring 7th district, parking spaces reserved for locals in the evening are designated by yellow dashed lines painted on the pavement. Thus, the lack of clarity makes it hard to avoid parking fines in Budapest.

Parking in Budapest
Photo: FB/Tamás Soproni

Parking fines in Budapest

Some districts confirmed monitoring of parking spaces between 6 PM and 7 AM, yet enforcement methods and fines vary. Penalties for unauthorised parking range from fines of HUF 11,500 (EUR 29.51) to HUF 13,000 (EUR 33.35), wheel clamping, or vehicle removal.

Parking fees in Budapest
Photo: facebook.com/sopronitamas.momentum

Short-term parking

A recent parking innovation known as “K+R” or “kiss and ride” allows parents to park briefly near schools and nurseries. However, parking without authorisation can result in fines, though enforcement of these rules can be challenging. Officers keep an eye on these places during the morning and afternoon peak hours, while also helping parents and students around schools.

A new solution to avoid parking fines in Budapest?

Additionally, underground parking has emerged, with some districts offering subsidies for residents to park in private garages. The 13th district pioneered this approach with the “Garage for Sticker” initiative. Local residents are financially subsidised by the municipality to park in the underground garage of a company, shopping centre or hotel.

While this provides an alternative, the cost is notably higher than surface parking, with rates typically around HUF 15,000 (EUR 38.49) to HUF 20,000 (EUR 51.32) per month after municipal subsidies. However, it is still cheaper than having to pay parking fines in Budapest all the time.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Budapest Airport Parking: Don’t Get Caught Scrambling for a Spot This Summer!

Budapest Airport Transatlantic flights parking

Sponsored content

With summer around the corner, Budapest Airport is gearing up for a bustling season filled with travellers jetting off to explore new destinations. 2023 was the busiest year for passengers at Ferihegy since 2019 and numbers are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, so avoid last-minute stress, securing a convenient parking spot beforehand is a wise move. 

While Budapest Airport offers on-site parking options, securing a spot can be challenging, especially during peak summer months. This is why many travellers flying out of BUD choose secure and convenient off-site car parks located near the airport. Here’s the key difference: significant cost savings! 

On-site parking at Budapest Airport offers undeniable convenience with its close proximity to the terminal. However, be prepared for a starting price of around 16,000 Ft for a week’s stay and 10,000 Ft for a weekend’s stay. 

Off-site car parks, just a short distance from the airport, offer a much more budget-friendly option. 

Here are some popular choices, along with estimated prices for a week’s and weekend’s stay during peak summer months: 

  • ABC Parkoló: This outdoor car park offers competitive pricing starting at 13,900 Ft for a week’s stay and 7,900 Ft for a weekend. Need to stay connected? Free Wi-Fi allows you to check emails, browse the web, or catch up on social media before your flight. Restroom facilities are available and you’re able to keep your vehicle keys too! And when it’s time to head to the airport, the complimentary shuttle bus service whisks you directly to the terminal. 
  • Budcar Parking Budapest: This option provides secure outdoor parking with complimentary shuttle service to the airport terminal. This insured car park offers peace of mind with barrier entry and insured drivers. Prices start at around 13,500 Ft for a week and 8,000 Ft for a weekend. 
  • PK Reptér Parkoló: This outdoor car park offers a quick and easy drop-off experience and provides a complimentary shuttle bus service that takes you directly to the airport terminal, with prices starting from 14,600 Ft for a week and 8,800 Ft for a weekend. 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Travellers prioritising ultimate convenience might choose on-site parking, while those looking for a more affordable option might be happy with a secure off-site car park with a quick shuttle service. 

To ensure a stress-free start to your summer travels and breeze through Budapest Airport with ease, consider using ParkVia’s comparison site to search and book your parking in advance.  

Don’t wait until the last minute and risk scrambling for overpriced or inconvenient parking! By booking your Budapest airport parking through ParkVia as soon as possible, you’ll enjoy a double benefit: 

  • Guaranteed Parking Spot: Secure your peace of mind by booking your preferred parking option in advance. No need to worry about limited availability upon arrival. 
  • Save Up to 60%: Comparison sites offer competitive rates for off-site parking near Budapest Airport for those who book early. You can take advantage of the best deals and potentially save up to a whopping 60% compared to on-site parking fees! 

By booking early, whether through a comparison site like ParkVia or direct with the car park, you’re not just securing convenient parking, you’re also saving money to spend during your getaway or indulging in other pre-flight benefits such as airport lounge access of fast track passes! 

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

Attention: New traffic restrictions towards Budapest Airport

Budapest Airport Schengen

From Monday, road renovations will make access to Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport) more difficult, according to the Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc. (MKIF).

As we reported recently, road rehabilitation work has started on the roads around Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport), which will last for several weeks.

New restrictions at Budapest Airport

According to a recent announcement, the slip road that leads to the M1 ring road from the M4 motorway from the direction of the airport towards Cegléd will be renovated. As the slip road will be closed, it will not be possible to drive directly from the airport to the ring road.

Budapest Airport flight
Photo: FB/Budapest Airport

If you are travelling by road from the airport, you will have to take the M0 ring road towards Budapest, then turn around at the double roundabout at Market Central shopping centre, which means you can reach the M0 ring road from the direction of Budapest.

According to the information, further traffic restrictions are also expected for those arriving from Budapest, as the inner lane of the M4 motorway will be reconstructed on the exit to the airport. Motorists will be able to exit the junction at all times, but will only be able to use the outside lane.

As part of this year’s motorway upgrade, the scheduled renovation of the M4 Budapest Airport junction branches started on 2 April and is expected to last until mid-May. Traffic diversions and lane closures will be ongoing due to the resurfacing work, the statement said.

Read also:

Exciting News: Hungary’s motorway network expands with two new sections!

Hungary's motorway

According to media reports, two new sections of Hungary’s motorways are set to open soon: the M6 motorway and the new segment of the M44 motorway.

M44

Referring to the Ministry of Construction and Transport, 444.hu reports that the opening of the new section of the M44 between Kecskemét and the Tisza Bridge was initially promised for March, but this did not materialise. Although the ministry completed the technical handover, the procedure for opening the traffic is still ongoing.

M6

The last section of the M6 motorway in southern Transdanubia, the 20 km or so between Bóly and the border, will be opened to traffic in two phases. In early May, the roughly 13 kilometers between Bóly and Villány and the last section between Villány and the border is expected to be completed by the Croats in spring 2025, when the A5 will be finished.

The final section of the M6 motorway in southern Transdanubia, spanning approximately 20 kilometres between Bóly and the border, will be opened to traffic in two phases. In early May, the roughly 13 kilometres between Bóly and Villány will be inaugurated, with the last section between Villány and the border expected to be completed by the Croats in spring 2025, aligning with the completion of the A5.

m6 motorway hungary croatia
The M6 motorway at the Croatian border that runs into nowhere. Source: Facebook/Főmterv Zrt.

As we previously covered, the Hungarian motorway extends to the Croatian border, seemingly ending abruptly  – PHOTOS

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New details: Traffic restrictions continue on road to Budapest Airport, longer journey times expected

Plane landing in Budapest airport ferenc liszt

On Monday 8 April, the second phase of road reconstruction works, which will also affect the accessibility of Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest Airport), will continue until Sunday 13 April.

Plane landing in Budapest airport ferenc liszt
Airplane silhouette landing in Budapest, Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Hungary. Source: depositphotos.com

During this period, there will be no closure, only traffic restrictions. The exit and deceleration lane on the M4 motorway from Budapest to the airport will be reconstructed, according to the Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc. (MKIF).

Getting to Budapest Airport will take more time

Motorists will be able to exit the junction, but only in a shortened deceleration lane.

Please note that the junction will be limited to one lane.

Next week, the airport will be accessible from all directions, but instead of two lanes, those arriving from Budapest will only be able to use one lane.

Drivers should expect congestion and increased journey times, MKIF warned.

MKIF also provided a diagram showing the direction of the diversion:

budapest aiport diversion traffic changes
Direction of the diversion towards Budapest Airport from 8 April. Source: MKIF

As previously reported by Daily News Hungary, the scheduled renovation of the M4 Budapest Airport interchange branches started on 2 April. Traffic diversions and lane closures are ongoing due to the resurfacing work. The works are expected to last until mid-May.

The contractors will close only one junction at a time to minimise disruption to traffic, but longer journey times are still expected.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Demonstration to paralyse downtown Budapest, airport shuttle affected

downtown budapest traffic hungary

During the demonstration, which will start with a march, there will be major closures and temporary traffic stoppages in downtown Budapest. Several bus, trolleybus and tram lines will be modified or shortened.

downtown budapest traffic hungary
Photo: depositphotos.com

Traffic will be restricted in downtown Budapest from 2 PM on Saturday 6 April due to a demonstration.

During the march, the Károly körút-Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road-Alkotmány Street route, then the Kossuth Lajos Square will be closed until early evening, and public transport services will be modified, according to a statement on the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) website in connection with the demonstration announced by Péter Magyar, ex-husband of former Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga and the current ‘messiah’ of Hungarian politics.

Downtown Budapest demonstration to start with a march

city traffic budapest travel
Photo: Daily News Hungary

The demonstration will start with a march. Thus, the route Károly körút-Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road-Alkotmány Street-Kossuth Lajos Square will be closed between 2 and 3 PM today. The extent of the traffic restrictions will depend on the number of participants, with a 10-15 minute closure expected on the cross-traffic.

Due to the closure of Károly körút-Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, bus 9 and trolleybus 72 are expected to operate in both directions on a modified route on Nagykörút between 1:30 PM and 3 PM, temporarily stopping at the stops of bus 923 between Corvin-negyed M and Oktogon M.

Changes in trams and 100E airport shuttle traffic in downtown Budapest

airport bus budapest
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/bkkbudapest

Trams 2 and 23 are expected to run on a shortened route between Közvágóhíd H and Keleti pályaudvar (Keleti railway station) M, and Kossuth Lajos Square (Széchenyi Quay) from 3 to 6 PM due to the closure of Kossuth Lajos Square.

Due to the closure of Károly körút, the 100E bus is expected to run on a shortened route between 1:30 and 2:30 PM to Kálvin Square, without stopping at Deák Ferenc Square. Restrictions are also expected on the cross-routes. Thus, bus 15 will wait at Alkotmány Street, trolleybus 70 and 78 at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road, and buses 16, 105, 178, 210B and 216 at Deák Ferenc Square.

The statement pointed out that, as with the march, the extent of the traffic restrictions in downtown Budapest will depend on the number of participants.

Up-to-date information on real-time traffic changes is also available on the BKK Info page for public transport and on the BKK Info – Roads page for road information.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Beware: Trains running on busiest Budapest metro line will be super hot this summer!

Trains running on busiest Budapest metro line will be super hot this summer (Copy)

Without air-conditioning, the trains running on Budapest’s blue metro line (M3), the busiest one of Budapest’s underground network, will be super hot again during the summer.

According to 444.hu, the public procurement process concerning the air conditioning of the trains commuting on the M3 metro line is in a negotiation phase, Budapest Transport Company (BKV) wrote to Népszava, a Hungarian daily. The laconic statement did not mention that without a subcontractor, the 222 trains carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers on the line would lack air conditioning.

Former mayor believed the metro does not need air conditioning

And considering the heat records already broken in Hungary this year, we should expect a sweltering summer again. For example, because of the hot spring months, the mosquito control program at Lake Balaton will start one month earlier than before.

Building air conditioning in the trains did not appear in the BKV’s 2024 business planning, a document already accepted by the Municipal Council of Budapest.

István Tarlós, the former, Orbán government-ally mayor of Budapest, thought in 2017 that they would be able to operate the M3 metro line without air conditioning. He said the metro runs 25 metres underground, so sunlight cannot reach it. He compared air conditioning to attaching a restaurant train to each metro train as a possible passenger claim after the air conditioning.

Budapest metro line M3
Photo: FB

The busiest Budapest metro carriages are extremely hot

Gergely Karácsony, the joint opposition-backed mayor of Budapest, measured 34.8 °C (94.64 °F) in an M3 carriage in June 2019 during the municipal election campaign. Afterwards, he promised retrofit air conditioning and in October, he won the elections.

The Russian Metrowagonmash built the trains running on the M3 metro line in 2016 but with many errors. The Tarlós-led Budapest City Council did not order air conditioning to reduce the costs. A retrofit climatisation is not easy.

bkk metro budapest m3 hungary photo kató alpár
Photo: Alpár Kató – Daily News Hungary

Public procurement for climatisation

First, it was a question of whether the trains could bear the weight of the devices. Later, it became clear that retrofit air conditioning needs the approval of the Russian producer to retain the warranty.

BKV announced a tender in May 2021 for the retrofit air conditioning project. Three applicants submitted the needed documents, but only two remained: Liberatus Hungary Ltd. and Knorr-Bremse Vasúti Jármű Rendszerek Hungária Ltd. However, Budapest refused to sign a contract due to the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

metro 3 budapest
Photo: Daily News Hungary

Air conditioning of the M3 metro line would be expensive

The estimated costs ranged between HUF 6-10 billion (EUR 15-25 million) in 2021. Since then, inflation increased that sum considerably.

Ambrus Kiss, one of the deputy mayors of Budapest, said retrofit air conditioning is not a matter of money but Russian approval. Without the Russian company’s green light, they could risk the manufacturer’s warranty.

According to an investigation ordered by Gergely Karácsony, the Metrowagonmash produced the new M3 trains with 18 serial errors. Most of these were repaired, BKV wrote, but did not give details for Népszava.

37 Russian metro trains commute on the M3 line containing six carriages. Five trains are now waiting for reparations. In peak time, BKV needs at least 29+2 trains to operate the line properly. That is the number BKV has now, so they cannot lack any of the trains running.

Read also:

  • Budapest’s metro line may face closure due to the hazardous state of carriages – Read more HERE
  • Budapest starts metro and tram development – click HERE for more details

The new Iron Curtain: Huge outrage at the Hungarian–Austrian border

Hungarian–Austrian border

Tensions have been escalating at the Hungarian–Austrian border between Ágfalva and Schattendorf for over a year now. Various issues have arisen during this time, causing hardships for commuters. Now, a new problem looms on the horizon.

The stem of the problem

We have previously reported HERE that the Hungarian–Austrian border between Ágfalva and Schattendorf (Somfalva) in northern Burgenland had been closed for months due to unfinished construction, posing a challenge for Hungarian commuters. The Mayor of Schattendorf promised to allow “neighbourhood traffic” with a toll.

However, residents of Ágfalva were facing difficulties obtaining permission to cross, despite their willingness to pay. Concrete posts were installed and specific criteria have been implemented to restrict vehicular access, potentially indicating a desire to keep Hungarian commuters away rather than ensuring traffic safety as previously claimed.

Here you can watch a video of the situation:

Growing tension

As Világgazdaság writes, there was even a protest at the infamous Hungarian–Austrian border. from July a one-off fee of EUR 160 (HUF 62,700) must be paid by those wishing to cross the border between Schattendorf (Somfalva) and Ágfalva. This one-sided decision was made by the Austrian municipal authorities.

It is quite surprising that EUR 140 (HUF 54,900) of the compulsory fee can be later redeemed in Austrian shops. Despite that, it caused outrage among commuters.

A new problem at the Hungarian–Austrian border

If that wasn’t enough, a new issue has arisen, further complicating the lives of commuters. Telex reports that the crossing post system is currently out of order. This compels everyone to take an alternative route, including those who have successfully purchased the pass.

The posts have been cordoned off, thus only cyclists and pedestrians can cross. The Mayor of Schattendorf (Somfalva) informed the Austrian press that there had been instances of criminal mischief.. According to him, someone had drilled into the asphalt and damaged the line.

Past vandalism

Last year, shortly after its inauguration, the post system, known as the “new Iron Curtain”, came under attack. The card reader was knocked down, resulting in the closure of the Hungarian–Austrian border crossing for weeks.

The Austrian municipality is now considering installing video cameras at the border to safeguard the system. However, it remains uncertain whether this project will receive authorisation. In addition, the post system is also a subject of ongoing legal action. A law firm filed a lawsuit claiming that it violated the EU law regarding border crossing.

Austria Hungary border crossing
Photo: facebook.com/drfarkasciprian
Austria border
Photo: Youtube/NZP NAGY LEGAL

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Hungary and Ukraine to sign border traffic agreement

szijjártó brussels ukraine border traffic agreement

Hungary and Ukraine is expected to sign a border traffic agreement on Monday, paving the way to opening a new crossing between the two countries, the foreign minister said on Thursday.

New border crossing with Ukraine on the horizon?

Noting a meeting in Uzhorod (Ungvar) earlier this year, and the decision to set up a working group “to find a way to restore all rights of the Hungarian community they have been stripped of since 2015,” Péter Szijjártó said on Facebook that “we sat down, virtually, in Budapest, Kyiv, Brussels and Uzhorod on Thursday to continue the work we started.”

He said that at the meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitro Kuleba, and presidential office head Andriy Yirmak in January, “we put our expectations down in an 11-point list of steps necessary for . restoring the Hungarian ethnic community’s rights connected to preserving their identity and use of the mother tongue.”.

The border traffic agreement expanding capacity at the existing crossings and opening a new one “will provide a good baseline of trust” for that process, he added.

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