Getting Around Budapest During All Saints’ Day 2025: Essential Travel Tips for Visitors

If you happen to be in Budapest between October 30 and November 2, you’ll experience a unique side of the city. This period, when locals visit cemeteries to honor their departed loved ones during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, is not only a time of remembrance but also one of the busiest weekends for travel across the Hungarian capital. To make these days smoother, Budapest’s transport authority, BKK, introduces special services and route adjustments—ensuring both locals and visitors can move easily around the city.
All Saints’ Day in Budapest
All Saints’ Day, known locally as Mindenszentek napja, is observed on November 1 and followed by Halottak napja (All Souls’ Day) on November 2. During these days, families traditionally visit cemeteries to decorate graves with candles and flowers—creating entire hillsides glowing with soft lights after sunset. For foreign visitors, this moving commemoration offers insight into one of Hungary’s most heartfelt national traditions. However, the popularity of these visits also means heavier traffic, limited parking, and special transport schedules citywide.
Public Transport as the Best Option
Between October 30 and November 2, BKK will increase service frequencies and launch temporary routes to help people reach the city’s cemeteries more easily. If you’re planning to visit major sites or just wish to get around efficiently, public transport is the smartest choice. Using the BudapestGO mobile app is highly recommended during this time—it provides real-time information about routes, timetables, and any road closures, as well as the option to buy tickets digitally.
On November 1 and 2, an express tram marked 28E will run between Keleti Railway Station and the Új köztemető (New Public Cemetery), stopping only at key points. This shortens travel time by a few minutes compared to regular services. Meanwhile, other tram and bus lines around Budapest’s large cemeteries will operate more frequently, with extended or adjusted routes to accommodate increased travel demand.
Expect changes around major cemeteries: roads such as Sírkert út near Új köztemető will be temporarily one-way, and access for private cars will be restricted. Due to these closures and limited parking spaces, BKK strongly advises travelers to use trams, buses, or metro connections instead of driving.
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How Transport Changes Around Cemeteries
The New Public Cemetery, Hungary’s largest resting place, will be served by trams 28 and 37 from Blaha Lujza Square, buses 68 and 268 from Kőbánya-Kispest, and the newly introduced 68B bus operating directly on November 1-2. From Puskás Ferenc Stadium metro station, buses 95 and 195 will reach the cemetery area on modified routes.
Other cemeteries will also have improved connections. The Farkasréti Cemetery, located in Buda with beautiful views over the city, will see more frequent 59 and 59A trams and additional 8E buses. Visitors heading to Óbuda Cemetery in the north can take the 160, 260, or 218A bus, which ensures easy access from the H5 suburban railway at Szentlélek tér. The city’s other major cemeteries—including Rákospalotai, Megyeri, Csepeli, and Pestszentlőrinci—will likewise have more frequent or longer buses and trams, all clearly marked in the BudapestGO app.
Because of these changes, travel times across the city during the long weekend may differ from usual, so planning your route in advance is key—especially if you’re touring or need to reach evening events around central Budapest.
How to Reach Budapest’s Principal Cemeteries
Új köztemető (New Public Cemetery)
- From Keleti Railway Station, the special express tram 28E operates on November 1 and 2, stopping only at major points for faster travel.
- Tram 28 and, during the day, tram 37 operate from Blaha Lujza tér. Tram 37 runs direct to the cemetery.
- From Kőbánya-Kispest, buses 68, 202E, 268, and—on November 1-2—68B provide access.
- From Puskás Ferenc Stadion metro, take buses 95 or 195. These follow modified routes during the holiday.
- Sírkert út becomes one-way, and many nearby streets are for public transport or residents only. Do not plan to drive.
Farkasréti Cemetery
- Use trams 59 and 59A (from Széll Kálmán tér or Déli railway station) and the 8E or 53 buses, all running frequently, especially on November 1-2.
Óbuda Cemetery
- Buses 160 and 260, along with the special 218A bus (November 1-2 between Szentlélek tér and the Óbuda bus depot), serve this cemetery. Buses 118 and 218, plus various services along Bécsi út, offer alternative access.
Megyeri Cemetery
- Buses 30A, 30, 196, 230, and 147 provide frequent connections. The 122E bus stops here on October 30-31.
Rákospalotai Cemetery
- Buses 196, 196A, 231, and 231B run more frequently. The 69 tram and 130 bus (using larger vehicles) also reach this area.
Pesterzsébeti Cemetery
- Reachable by accessible replacement buses 2B and 52, and the 36 bus. On November 1-2, use special 36B service between Gubacsi út/Határ út and Szentlőrinci úti lakótelep.
- Bus 135 has enhanced frequency on these days.
Kispesti Cemetery
- Increased frequency on buses 93 and 93A, tram 42, and buses 132E, 142E, 194, and 194B.
Pestszentlőrinci Cemetery
- Buses 93, 93A, 182, 184, 182A, 198, 217, 217E, 282E, and 284E are all more frequent on November 1-2.
Csepeli Cemetery
- Regular buses 38, 38A, 138, and 238, plus scheduled suburban lines, serve this cemetery.
- On November 1-2, bus 138A operates between Csepel, Szent Imre tér and Hárosi csárda.
Cinkotai Cemetery
- Use buses 92 and 92A with extra departures November 1-2.
Budafoki Cemetery
- Buses 58, 158, 250, and 250B all reach Budafok. On November 1-2, special 158B runs from Savoya Park.
Budakeszi Cemetery
- Use buses 188, 188E, or 222 directly, or 22 and 22A with a short walk. Suburban buses toward Telki also connect.
Nagytétényi Cemetery
- Accessible by bus 33, as well as 13, 113, 113A, and 133E operating more frequently over the holiday.
Fiumei úti Cemetery (Sírkert)
- Trams 23 and 24 as well as 28, 28A, and 37 from Kőbánya head here. On November 1-2, use the 28E express tram from Keleti Station.
Kozma utcai Izraelita Cemetery
- Tram 28 from Blaha Lujza tér and buses 68 or 268 from Kőbánya-Kispest metro provide access.
Road Traffic and Parking Restrictions
During this period, drivers should expect significant traffic and road closures near cemeteries. For example, the streets surrounding Új köztemető will be partially closed to private vehicles, with only buses and trams allowed near the main entrance. The same applies to other busy areas such as Fiumei Road Cemetery and major suburban burial grounds.
For safety reasons, temporary traffic signs and one-way systems will be in place, so if you’re renting a car, be mindful of these local changes. Taking the metro or tram not only saves time but also allows you to experience the city’s efficient public transport network.
Using the BudapestGO App
BudapestGO, available in English, is the most convenient tool for both residents and tourists during this period. It offers door-to-door route planning with up-to-date departure times, delays, and even crowd-level information. You can also purchase digital tickets directly through the app, avoiding queues or confusion about paper tickets. During busy holiday weekends like All Saints’ Day, this app becomes a must-have for seamless travel.
For real-time updates, BKK’s “Info” platform on its website also shows current road closures, via an interactive map—a particularly useful resource if you’re going sightseeing or moving between districts.
The City’s Atmosphere During All Saints’ Weekend
For visitors, All Saints’ Day transforms Budapest into a serene, candlelit city after sunset. Cemeteries such as Fiumei Road National Graveyard or Farkasréti Cemetery are open to the public, and their softly illuminated pathways make for a poignant yet beautiful evening stroll. Many locals take quiet walks to admire the glowing candlelight from afar—a tradition that dates back centuries.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, explore alternative nighttime experiences during the long weekend. The autumn-lit Danube Promenade, the Buda Castle District, and Gellért Hill offer panoramic views and a calm atmosphere. With fewer tourists around downtown, cafés and restaurants also tend to be less busy during the day.
Public transport still runs regularly late into the evening, even during the holiday weekend, though schedules may follow Sunday or holiday timetables on November 1.
Visiting Budapest During the Autumn Break
The All Saints’ period coincides with Hungary’s school autumn holiday, making it a time when many families take short trips or visit relatives. Between October 27 and 31, public transportation will follow “school break” schedules, and from November 1 onward, holiday or Sunday timetables will apply. For tourists, this means slightly less commuter traffic and an even more relaxed rhythm across the city.
While many shops close on November 1 (a national holiday), museums, restaurants, and thermal baths remain open. It’s a wonderful chance to explore thermal spas like Széchenyi and Rudas, or to enjoy cozy cafés before heading out for an evening walk to see the candlelit cemeteries.
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you wish to witness Hungary’s All Saints’ traditions firsthand, do so respectfully. Visitors are welcome in Budapest’s cemeteries, but keep in mind the solemn mood—avoid loud conversations or flash photography. Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing; early November evenings can be quite chilly.
Plan your journeys using BudapestGO, check for route changes via BKK Info, and allow extra time if traveling across the city by public transport. With these preparations, navigating Budapest during All Saints’ weekend becomes smooth, safe, and surprisingly rewarding.
Whether you’re paying tribute to loved ones, exploring local culture, or simply enjoying autumn in one of Europe’s most atmospheric capitals, this special weekend offers a chance to see Budapest in a calm, reflective light rarely experienced at any other time of year.
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