Weekend traffic chaos expected in Budapest due to Ricky Martin’s concert and flooding
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.
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