Budapest’s Public Transport Gets a Spring Upgrade: More Buses, More Trams, and Easier Access to the City’s Green Spaces

Spring has arrived in Budapest, and the city is responding in the best way possible. As the temperatures rise and the urge to get outside takes over, Budapest’s Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) is rolling out a seasonal upgrade to some of the most popular weekend routes — making it easier than ever for visitors to reach the city’s beloved parks, hills, and green escapes without the hassle of a car.

More Frequent Services to Margaret Island

If you’ve heard about Margaret Island and haven’t visited yet, you’re missing one of Budapest’s most charming outdoor gems. This car-free island sitting in the middle of the Danube is a paradise for joggers, picnickers, and anyone looking to recharge surrounded by nature — all within minutes of the city center.

To keep up with the surge in weekend visitors, BKK has upgraded Bus 26, which connects the island to the rest of the city, since mid-March. Where the bus previously ran every 15 minutes during the day on weekends, it now comes every 10 minutes — a significant improvement when you’re eager to get going on a sunny Saturday morning. On top of that, when the weather is nice, larger articulated buses are being deployed on the route to accommodate the extra crowds comfortably. This change has been in effect since March 14, so if you’re heading to Margaret Island this weekend, expect a noticeably smoother ride.

Exploring the Buda Hills Just Got Easier

For those who prefer their greenery a little wilder, the Buda Hills offer incredible hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and fresh forest air just a short ride from the city center. Bus 21, which serves this scenic hilly area on the western side of the city, has also been upgraded with more frequent weekend departures.

A particularly thoughtful addition is the denser schedule running between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekends, specifically to help hikers and day-trippers make their way back home after a long afternoon in the hills. Anyone who’s ever found themselves waiting at a bus stop after a satisfying hike will know how much this small change matters.

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Trolleybus 70 and City Park: Coming in April

The improvements don’t stop there. From April 3, trolleybus line 70 will also be upgraded on weekends, with articulated vehicles replacing standard ones along its route. This line is especially relevant for tourists, as it serves the City Park area — home to Vajdahunyad Castle, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the Budapest Zoo, and the Heroes’ Square. With larger capacity trolleybuses on the route, visiting this iconic part of the city on a sunny weekend should be far more comfortable, even when everyone else has the same idea.

Why This Matters for Tourists

Budapest has always punched well above its weight when it comes to public transport, offering an affordable, extensive network that can get you almost anywhere in the city quickly. These spring upgrades are a sign that BKK actively responds to where people actually want to go — and in warmer months, that’s clearly outdoors.

For tourists, this means you can leave the taxi apps closed and rely entirely on public transport to reach some of Budapest’s most beautiful and popular spots. Margaret Island, the Buda Hills, and City Park are all well within reach on a single travel pass, and with more frequent, higher-capacity services in place, there’s no reason to worry about crowded stops or long waits.

Plan Your Trip with BudapestGO

To make the most of these upgraded routes, download the BudapestGO app before you set out. It provides real-time departure information, calculates the best route to your destination, and even lets you buy tickets and passes directly within the app. With the app’s recently updated widget and lock screen shortcuts — added in the version 6.6.0 update this week — getting on the right bus has never been more effortless.

Spring in Budapest is something truly special, and with BKK stepping up its game on the most scenic and popular routes, there’s never been a better time to explore the city beyond its famous ruin bars and thermal baths. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a picnic blanket, and let the bus do the rest.