Heavy Snow and Cold in Budapest: What Tourists Need to Know Right Now

If you’re in Budapest or planning to arrive in the coming days, winter has truly arrived. Heavy snow is falling across the city, temperatures are dropping sharply, and the government has set up a special Operative Body to coordinate the response to the severe weather. For visitors, this means some travel delays and extra caution are needed, but with a bit of planning, your trip can still be safe and enjoyable.

What’s Happening with the Weather

Budapest and much of Hungary are now dealing with heavy snowfall and extreme cold. The national weather service (HungaroMET) is forecasting more snow in the coming days, along with prolonged freezing conditions. This kind of weather naturally affects roads, public transport, and walking conditions, especially in the first hours after a big snowfall.

To manage the situation, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has created a central Emergency Task Force that includes the Interior Ministry, Defence Forces, transport and energy ministries, disaster management, police, ambulance services, and major transport companies like MÁV–Volán. Their job is to keep roads clear, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure public safety as the cold snap continues.

How Public Transport Is Affected

In Budapest, the BKK (Budapest Transport Centre) is working hard to keep buses, trams, and metro lines running, but delays are common during heavy snow. On the first day of snowfall, traffic slowed significantly on the M0 ring road and main highways like the M1, M2, and M51, which means longer journey times for buses coming into and out of the city.

Rail services on some suburban lines (for example, Budapest–Vác–Szob and Budapest–Veresegyház–Vác) have also seen delays due to technical problems caused by the cold and snow. In some rural counties, local bus services are running with increased travel times or occasional cancellations.

Best deals of Budapest

Unlimited Mulled Wine Cruise

Pizza Cruise Budapest

2026 Valentine’s Day Cruise with Romantic Dinner

Budapest Cruise with 4 course Dinner with Hungarian Folklore Show

Budapest night cruise with Drink & Folklore show

TOP

-10% Budapest Grand City Tour with Bus

TOP

Unlimited Prosecco and wine cruise

TOP

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Unlimited Booze Cruise

4-course Dinner Cruise with Live Piano Show

TOP

The Cheapest Sightseeing Cruise of Budapest

For tourists, this means:

• Trains and buses from the airport or nearby cities may be slower than usual.
• Trams and buses in the city can be late or crowded, especially during rush hours.
• It’s wise to allow extra time for any journey, especially if you have a flight, concert, or guided tour to catch.

How the City Is Keeping Streets Safe

Budapest’s authorities are doing everything they can to keep the city moving and safe. The FKF (Budapest’s road maintenance company) started preventive de‑icing before the snow even began, spreading grit on major roads to reduce the risk of ice. Since the snow started, their snowplows and gritting machines have been working non‑stop, covering thousands of kilometers of streets.

In districts like Újbuda, the local government, public works companies, and contracted workers are out in force, clearing snow and treating ice from:

• Sidewalks in front of kindergartens, nurseries, and medical clinics
• Park paths and public staircases
• Bus stops and metro entrances

However, snow removal happens in priority order, so it can take some time before every side street and small path is fully cleared. The city asks everyone to be patient and expect longer walking and travel times in the next few days.

What You Should Do as a Tourist

If you’re visiting Budapest during this cold, snowy period, here are a few simple things that will make your stay much smoother and safer:

1. Check transport conditions before you go out
Since the afternoon, snow has been falling with varying intensity, so it’s especially important to check the current traffic situation before leaving. The city’s public transport companies are working non‑stop to keep Budapest’s roads and tracks passable, but there can still be unexpected delays or disruptions.

Before heading out, always:

• Use the BudapestGO app (available for Android and iOS)
• Check the BKK Info website or app for real‑time updates on buses, trams, and metro lines

These tools will show you where there are delays, detours, or service changes, so you can plan your route and avoid surprises.

2. Plan your journey and allow extra time
The city is doing everything possible so that snow causes as little inconvenience as possible, and that you can still reach your destination comfortably and safely in the coming hours. But because of the weather, it’s essential to:

• Plan your trip in advance, especially if you’re going to the airport, train station, or a popular attraction
• Allow at least 30–60 minutes extra for each journey, just in case of delays

This small buffer will save a lot of stress and help you enjoy your time in Budapest instead of worrying about being late.

3. Dress for winter, not for sightseeing
Budapest in deep winter is cold and often slippery. To stay comfortable and safe:

• Wear warm, layered clothing, a good winter coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf
• Choose waterproof, non‑slip shoes with a grippy sole – regular city shoes or boots can be dangerous on icy sidewalks
• Carry a small bag with a spare pair of socks, tissues, and hand warmers if you’re planning long walks

4. Walk carefully and stay alert
Even in the city center, sidewalks can be icy, especially in the morning and evening. When walking:

• Take small steps and walk slowly, especially on stairs, bridges, and near tram tracks
• Watch out for black ice, which is hard to see but very slippery
• Be extra careful at crossings and near tram stops, where rails can be icy and vehicles may brake later than usual

A Few Extra Tips for a Stress‑Free Trip

• Book airport transfers with a bit of buffer – if you’re taking a taxi or shuttle to the airport, leave earlier than usual in case of traffic or snow.
• Keep essentials in your day bag – a power bank, a small umbrella, tissues, and a reusable water bottle will come in handy when you’re out all day.
• Stay flexible with your plans – if a day trip to the countryside or a boat tour on the Danube is canceled due to weather, treat it as a chance to enjoy a cozy café, a museum, or a thermal bath instead.

A Reassuring Message from the City

Budapest is used to winter, and the city’s services are well prepared for heavy snow and cold. The FKF, BKK, police, and emergency services are all working around the clock to keep roads passable, public transport running, and people safe.

The city asks everyone – locals and visitors alike – to be a little more patient, a little more careful, and a little more considerate. If you’re walking, driving, or using public transport, please pay extra attention to others: pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers all need a bit more time and space in these conditions.

Enjoying Budapest, Even in the Snow

Despite the cold and snow, Budapest in winter has its own special charm. The city looks magical under a layer of snow, the Christmas markets (if still running) are cozy and festive, and the thermal baths are even more inviting when it’s freezing outside.

With a bit of preparation and a relaxed attitude, you can still have a wonderful time in the Hungarian capital. Just remember: dress warmly, check the transport situation, walk carefully, and give yourself plenty of time. That way, you’ll stay safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer – snow and all.