Positive Changes in Budapest’s Inner City Parking for Tourists

Budapest is set to implement significant changes in its inner city parking system starting from 2025. These changes are expected to have a positive impact on tourists visiting the city or renting a car, making it easier for them to find parking spaces. Let’s dive into the details of these upcoming changes and how they will benefit visitors to Budapest.

Current Parking Situation

Currently, the VII. district (Erzsébetváros) of Budapest provides a 100% discount to all local residents for parking their first car on public spaces. This essentially means that car owners can occupy a parking space of 13.75 square meters for private use, free of charge. However, this has led to a situation where the number of free residential parking permits issued each year exceeds the available parking spaces by 1.5 times. In 2024, for example, over 10,800 free parking permits were issued, while there are only 7,203 parking spaces in the district.

Underutilized Parking Garages

The current system has also resulted in the underutilization of existing underground parking garages in the district. Despite having hundreds of empty spaces, most people prefer to circle the area for 20-30 minutes to find free street parking. This not only contributes to increased traffic congestion but also makes it challenging for tourists to find parking spots near popular attractions.

Proposed Changes and Benefits for Tourists

To address these issues, the local government has announced a new parking system that will come into effect from January 1, 2025. Under this system, not everyone will receive free parking permits. However, certain groups such as families with three or more children, retirees, healthcare workers, and people with disabilities will continue to receive discounts ranging from 50% to 100%.

For tourists, this change is expected to be beneficial. With fewer local residents occupying free parking spaces, more spots will be available for visitors. The annual residential parking fee for the first car will be 36,000 HUF (approximately 100 EUR), while the second car will cost 72,000 HUF (around 200 EUR). These fees will discourage residents from parking their cars on the streets for extended periods, freeing up spaces for tourists who need short-term parking.

Successful Implementation in Other Districts

The proposed changes in Erzsébetváros are similar to the successful parking model already implemented in the neighboring Józsefváros district. After introducing parking reforms, Józsefváros saw a nearly 30% decrease in the number of parking permit applications, from 12,603 to 9,049. This demonstrates the effectiveness of such measures in reducing the number of cars parked on the streets, making it easier for tourists to find available spots.

Conclusion

The upcoming changes in Budapest’s inner city parking system are set to have a positive impact on tourists visiting the city or renting a car. By discouraging local residents from occupying free parking spaces for extended periods, more spots will become available for visitors who need short-term parking near popular attractions. The successful implementation of similar measures in other districts serves as a testament to the potential benefits of these changes. As Budapest continues to improve its infrastructure and accessibility for tourists, exploring this beautiful city will become even more convenient and enjoyable.

Image source: Színes Erzsébetváros – Streets filled to the brim with cars