Getting to the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest: Your Complete Public Transport Guide
Budapest is about to host one of the biggest moments in track and field history, and if you’re in town for it, figuring out how to actually get to the stadium matters just as much as knowing who’s competing. From Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, the brand-new World Athletics Ultimate Championship takes over the National Athletics Centre (Nemzeti Atlétikai Központ), officially named the Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletics Centre, and organizers are expecting massive crowds every single evening. The good news? Budapest’s transport authority, BKK, together with the Ministry of Transport and Construction, has put together a seriously beefed-up public transport plan so you can skip the parking headaches entirely and glide into the venue with ease.
Why You Should Leave the Car (and the Taxi) at Home
Here’s the practical reality: parking around the stadium is going to be extremely limited for the duration of the event. Hajóállomás Street will be closed off completely, and parking is banned along Kvassay Jenő Road, with only restricted options anywhere near the venue. Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy put it plainly in a Facebook announcement this week, saying the goal is to make cheap, safe, and comfortable public transport a genuine alternative to driving or taking a taxi to the competition. Given the crowds expected across three consecutive nights of world-class athletics, that’s not just a nice suggestion, it’s honestly the smart move.
Trams Are Your Best Friend: Lines 1, 2, and 24
If you’re staying anywhere near central Pest or southern Buda, trams will likely be your fastest and least stressful route to the stadium. Whichever tram you hop on, you’ll want to get off at the Közvágóhíd stop, which sits right by the venue.
Tram 2 is probably the most convenient option if you’re coming from downtown Budapest, since it runs along the Danube and covers the whole line with increased frequency during the event: expect extra trams on Friday evening between 9 PM and midnight, and on both Saturday and Sunday between 3 and 7 PM, then again from 8 to 11 PM.
Tram 1 connects Kelenföld railway station with the Puskás Ferenc Stadium area and runs through the Hungária ring road, making it a solid choice if you’re coming from southern Buda or need to connect from other parts of the city. It also gets a frequency boost during the same peak windows: Friday from 9 PM to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 6 PM and 8 to 11 PM.
Tram 24 will run every 10 minutes every evening throughout the championship, adding yet another reliable option to reach the venue.
The H7 Suburban Railway Gets a Major Upgrade
For anyone staying in the Boráros Square area or heading in from Csepel, the H7 suburban railway (HÉV) is getting some of the most dramatic service improvements of the entire event. Normally a background player in Budapest’s transit network, the H7 line running between Boráros Square and Csepel is being transformed into a headline act for championship weekend.
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On Friday afternoon, trains will run every 7 to 8 minutes on their regular schedule, and from Friday evening through the whole weekend, that frequency tightens to every 10 minutes. Even more impressively, the H7 will swap its usual three-carriage trains for six-carriage ones throughout these peak periods, effectively doubling capacity to handle the crowds. If you’re taking the H7, hop off at the MÜPA – National Theatre stop for the easiest walk to the stadium. Alternatively, the H6 suburban line also serves the area, with its own Közvágóhíd stop offering another direct route.
Buses Filling in the Gaps
Beyond the trams and suburban trains, several bus routes provide additional ways to reach the venue. Bus 223E connects from the city center, while routes 54, 55, and 224 serve the Boráros Square and southern Pest areas, all converging at the Közvágóhíd stop near the stadium entrance. These buses are especially useful if you’re staying somewhere the tram or HÉV lines don’t quite reach, giving you flexibility no matter which neighborhood you’re based in during your visit.
Cycling and Scooters: A Greener Alternative
If you’d rather skip public transport altogether and enjoy some fresh air along the Danube, Budapest’s revamped MOL Bubi bike-share system is worth considering. The scheme now offers both classic pedal bikes and electric-assist models, making it a genuinely pleasant way to reach the venue, especially if the weather cooperates. E-scooters are another popular option among locals and visitors alike. Whichever you choose, the recommended drop-off points are the official collection stations at MÜPA – National Theatre H or Budapest Park, both just a short walk from the stadium entrance.
Trains and Coaches for Visitors from Outside Budapest
If you’re arriving from elsewhere in Hungary specifically for the championship, the good news is that intercity connections are getting a boost too. Certain late-night trains departing Budapest will run with extra capacity, and service is being expanded toward Székesfehérvár, Veszprém, Füzesabony, and Szolnok to help fans get home safely after the evening sessions wrap up. Regional Volán coach services are also being coordinated to ensure there’s adequate capacity for the influx of spectators traveling in from around the country.
What’s Actually Happening on the Track
Beyond the logistics, it’s worth knowing what makes this event so special. This is the inaugural edition of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, a brand-new biennial format bringing together Olympic champions, world champions, Diamond League winners, and the world’s top-ranked athletes across 28 events over three action-packed evenings. Unlike a traditional World Championship, there are no medals on offer here—instead, each event winner is crowned an “Ultimate Champion” and takes home a share of a record-breaking $10 million prize pot, with individual event winners earning $150,000 each.
Swedish pole vault icon Armand Duplantis, the reigning Olympic, world, and world record holder in his event, was confirmed as the competition’s “Ultimate Star” after a scare last week when he withdrew from the Diamond League final in Brussels due to back discomfort. He’s since resumed training and is fully committed to competing in Budapest, where he actually set his most recent world record earlier in 2025 at the same National Athletics Centre. Duplantis also composed the event’s official anthem, “Gold,” which he’ll perform live during Sunday’s closing ceremony. Sprint fans should note that Olympic champion Noah Lyles, who won three gold medals at the 2023 World Championships held in this very city, won’t be competing due to a season-ending injury, though he’s expected to attend as part of the organizing team.
Hungarian athletics fans have plenty to cheer for too, particularly on opening night, when the men’s hammer throw final takes place. Reigning European champion Bence Halász, who currently leads the world rankings with a throw of 84.25 meters, will face off against Olympic and world champion Ethan Katzberg of Canada in what promises to be one of the most competitive hammer throw fields in recent memory. Usain Bolt has also joined the event as its “Ultimate Legend,” lending his star power to what’s shaping up to be a landmark moment for Budapest and for the sport of athletics itself.
Planning Your Visit
Given the scale of the crowds expected, arriving early is a smart strategy no matter which route you choose. Evening sessions each run for roughly three hours, so factor in extra time for the journey back, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the increased tram and HÉV frequencies wind down around 11 PM to midnight. Whether you’re catching the pole vault final, cheering on the hammer throw, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Budapest hosting the world’s best athletes, the city’s expanded transport network means the journey to the National Athletics Centre should be just as smooth as the competition promises to be.
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