Budapest Under the Spotlight: Film Crews Cause Traffic Tangle

Hold onto your hats, Budapest commuters! This February, the city is trading its usual traffic woes for a touch of Hollywood glamour, as major film productions roll into town. But with stardom comes sacrifice, and in this case, it’s your commute that’s taking the hit.

Lights, Camera, Closures!

Get ready for some significant traffic changes, because the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and the Pest lower embankment, between Eötvös Square and Jászai Mari Square, will be closed for filming this weekend, February 15-16. In fact, the Chain Bridge was already closed last weekend for filming as well! The Chain Bridge will be completely shut down from Friday midnight (February 14) until Monday at 4 AM (February 17). That’s three days of disruption, folks! So, if you’re planning a romantic rendezvous or a casual stroll across this iconic landmark, think again.

Public Transport Pandemonium

Brace yourselves, because the closures will also impact public transport. Several bus lines will be rerouted across the Elizabeth Bridge, meaning some familiar stops will be MIA.

Daytime bus lines affected:

• 16, 105, 178, 210B, and 216

Night bus lines affected:

• 916 and 990

Heads up! If you’re heading from Buda to Pest, you’ll miss the Széchenyi István tér and József Nádor tér stops. Fear not! Temporary stops will be set up at Várkert Bazár, Döbrentei tér, Március 15. tér, Ferenciek tere, and Erzsébet tér. The 916 and 990 night buses won’t serve the Deák Ferenc tér, Hild tér and Széchenyi István tér stops either.

Navigating the Chaos: Alternative Routes

Don’t despair! Here are some alternative ways to navigate the city:

• Metro: The M1, M2, and M3 lines are your trusty steeds.
• Trams: The 1, 2, 4, and 6 trams remain unaffected.
• Bike or Scooter: Pedal your way through the city with MOL Bubi or other shared scooters.
• Walking: Sometimes, good old-fashioned shoe power is the fastest way to get around the inner city.

And you can always consult your trusty BudapestGO app on your phone for the most up to date info on what’s going on (or not).

Hollywood Hits Budapest: Who’s in Town?

So, who’s causing all this traffic turmoil? None other than some A-list celebrities!

Emilia Clarke and “Ponies”

The Mother of Dragons herself, Emilia Clarke, is filming the historical thriller series “Ponies” in Budapest. The show, set in 1970s Moscow, follows two American embassy secretaries who become CIA agents.

Keanu Reeves and “The Entertainment System is Down”

The legendary Keanu Reeves is also gracing our city with his presence, starring in Ruben Östlund’s new film, “The Entertainment System is Down”. Expect to see Kirsten Dunst, Daniel Brühl, and Nicholas Braun alongside him.

Budapest: A Star on the Rise

Budapest has become a hotspot for international film productions, thanks to its rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant culture. These latest projects will only further solidify its position on the global film map.

While the closures might be a pain in the you-know-what, the city council and production companies are asking for our understanding. These measures are necessary for smooth and safe filming, which ultimately boosts Budapest’s international reputation. So, let’s embrace the chaos, keep an eye out for Keanu, and remember, a little inconvenience is a small price to pay for silver screen magic!

Image source: BKK