Tour de Hongrie 2025: Celebrations and Road Closures in Budapest
In 2025, Budapest will once again become the epicenter of Hungarian cycling as it hosts the centenary edition of the Tour de Hongrie. This landmark event, marking 100 years since the inaugural race, promises a vibrant blend of sporting excellence, community festivities, and a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the city from a fresh perspective. For foreign tourists planning a trip to Budapest in mid-May, the Tour de Hongrie offers not only thrilling competition but also a glimpse into the city’s deep-rooted passion for cycling and urban life.
A Historic Start: Honoring 100 Years of Tradition
The 46th Tour de Hongrie commences on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM from St. Gellért Square, a location steeped in history. This is no coincidence; the square was also the starting point for the very first Tour de Hongrie in 1925. The centenary edition pays tribute to this legacy, retracing the steps of the original race and reaffirming Budapest’s status as the heart of Hungarian cycling culture. Riders will embark on a ceremonial lap through the city’s iconic streets before heading out toward Győr, the stage’s finish line and another historic host city from the inaugural race.
The Opening Stage: From Budapest to Győr
The first stage of the 2025 Tour de Hongrie stretches 210 kilometers from Budapest to Győr, offering both riders and spectators a journey through Hungary’s diverse landscapes. The route is designed to challenge the peloton with two third-category climbs and two intermediate sprints, but it remains largely flat, making it a likely battleground for the sprinters. The race will start with a scenic parade in central Budapest, allowing fans to witness the colorful procession of international teams and elite cyclists as they wind past landmarks like the Chain Bridge, Clark Ádám Square, and the Danube embankments.
Best deals of Budapest
As the riders depart the city, they will pass through a series of picturesque towns and rolling countryside, culminating in a dramatic finish at Győr’s ETO Park. The day’s winner will earn the first yellow jersey of the centenary edition, a coveted prize in Hungarian cycling. This stage is not only a sporting contest but also a journey through the history and natural beauty of Hungary, inviting visitors to follow the action along the route or at one of the many fan zones.
Citywide Festivities and Community Spirit
The Tour de Hongrie is more than a race; it’s a week-long celebration of cycling that brings together locals and visitors alike. On May 13, the day before the grand start, Budapest’s cycling community comes alive with the “Bringás Reggeli” or Cyclists’ Breakfast. Organized by the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club and supported by the Budapest Transport Center (BKK), this event welcomes commuters and students on two wheels with complimentary pastries, fruit, and refreshments at the MOL Bubi bike-sharing station on Erzsébet Square. It’s a cheerful way to start the day and a testament to Budapest’s growing reputation as a bike-friendly city.
Throughout the Tour’s opening days, the riverside near the Budapest University of Technology transforms into a festival zone. Here, fans can meet professional cyclists, participate in games and quizzes, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that surrounds the race. The centenary celebration also features team presentations, a conference expo, and guided community rides, allowing anyone to join the peloton for a symbolic crossing of the Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge. For tourists, these activities offer an immersive introduction to local cycling culture and a chance to mingle with both residents and international visitors.
Navigating Budapest During the Race: Road Closures and Public Transport
With such a major event unfolding in the heart of the city, temporary road closures and changes to public transport are inevitable. From the morning of May 13 until the evening of May 14, the Műegyetem embankment will be closed to traffic, affecting several bus and tram routes. On race day, between 10:50 and 12:10, key arteries including Szent Gellért embankment, Döbrentei Square, Apród Street, Ybl Miklós Square, Lánchíd Street, Clark Ádám Square, the Chain Bridge, Széchényi István Square, Apáczai Csere János Street, Petőfi Square, Március 15 Square, Belgrád embankment, Liberty Bridge, and Szent Gellért Square will be temporarily inaccessible.
Public transport services will be rerouted during these closures. Several tram and bus lines, such as the 19, 41, 47, 49, and 56A trams and the 7, 15, 16, 33, 105, 107, 133E, 153, 154, 178, 210B, and 216 buses, will operate on modified schedules or alternative routes. The Budapest Transport Center recommends using the metro system, which will run as usual and provide the most reliable way to navigate the city during the festivities. For up-to-date information and real-time route planning, tourists are encouraged to use the BudapestGO app, which also allows for ticket and pass purchases. If visitors are inspired by the cyclists racing through the city, they can hop on a bike themselves by using the MOL Bubi shared bikes throughout the city.
Embracing Budapest’s Cycling Culture
The centenary Tour de Hongrie is not just a sporting milestone but also a reflection of Budapest’s broader commitment to sustainable and active urban living. The city’s cycling infrastructure has expanded rapidly in recent years, and events like the Tour and the I Bike Budapest parade underscore the growing importance of bicycles in everyday life. For tourists, this means an ever-increasing number of bike lanes, rental options like MOL Bubi, and opportunities to explore the city on two wheels.
During the Tour de Hongrie, visitors can take part in guided rides, discover Budapest’s scenic riverbanks, and experience the city’s landmarks from a cyclist’s perspective. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply curious about the excitement, the race offers a unique vantage point on Budapest’s vibrant street life and community spirit.
A Unique Experience for Visitors
For foreign tourists, being in Budapest during the Tour de Hongrie is a chance to witness world-class cycling in a city that celebrates its heritage and looks boldly to the future. The centenary edition, with its historic start, festive atmosphere, and citywide engagement, promises unforgettable memories. From the ceremonial start at St. Gellért Square to the community breakfasts and the thrilling sprint to Győr, every moment is infused with the energy and enthusiasm that define Budapest’s love affair with cycling.
As you plan your visit, be sure to check local travel advisories, embrace the temporary changes in city traffic, and consider joining the festivities on two wheels. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, exploring the city by bike, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the 2025 Tour de Hongrie offers a truly authentic Budapest experience-one where history, sport, and community come together in the heart of Hungary.
Related news
Related events