Traffic in Budapest’s touristy district changes drastically: More pedestrian-friendly streets to come

Starting this Sunday, traffic in Budapest is set for a major shake-up as Inner Erzsébetváros begins a summer-long trial aimed at creating cleaner, quieter, and more pedestrian-friendly streets. With new restrictions on cars and changes to parking and road access, the city is rethinking how people move through one of its busiest districts.

Pedestrians prioritised

According to BKK‘s announcement, inner Erzsébetváros, the densely populated heart of District VII within the Grand Boulevard, will see major changes to its traffic system starting Sunday, 22 June. To ease traffic in Budapest and create a more liveable urban space, several streets will become pedestrian- and cyclist-only zones. Streets like Kazinczy, parts of Dob and Csányi will prohibit motor vehicles entirely, while access to others, such as Király Street, will require a permit. These changes mark the beginning of a summer-long trial to prioritise foot and bicycle traffic in an area where pedestrian numbers far outstrip car use.

Reformed traffic in Budapest

The overhaul, spearheaded by BKK, Budapest Közút, and the 7th district local government, includes a variety of modifications to traffic flow. Certain streets like Wesselényi and Klauzál Square will become partly or fully one-way, while Akácfa Street will ban motor vehicle access between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., including taxis. The direction of traffic on Kis Diófa Street will also be reversed. These experimental adjustments aim to test new traffic models that balance urban mobility with sustainability and improved quality of life, as part of broader efforts to reform traffic in Budapest.

Parking adjustments

Changes to traffic in Inner Erzsébetváros will be accompanied by a reorganisation of parking spaces to support local residents. New residential-only parking will be added on Wesselényi Street and parts of Klauzál Square, while two-way traffic on some sections will reduce available parking to one side. Despite these restrictions, planners have strived to maintain parking capacity for residents. The trial phase will continue until the end of summer, after which experts will evaluate feedback and performance to finalise the new structure of traffic in Budapest’s Inner Erzsébetváros.

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