Traffic Chaos in Budapest This Weekend – Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to navigate the bustling streets of Budapest this weekend, brace yourself for some significant traffic changes. The Hungarian capital is gearing up for the 39th SPAR Budapest Marathon, which means road closures, diversions, and public transport alterations will be in full swing from Friday to Sunday. To help you stay informed and avoid any confusion, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the traffic situation in Budapest this weekend.

Road Closures and Restrictions

Pázmány Péter Promenade Closure Starting from 9 am on Friday until Sunday, the Pázmány Péter Promenade in the 11th district will be closed to traffic. This closure is in preparation for the marathon events taking place over the weekend.

Saturday Closures (9 am to 4 pm)

On Saturday, expect numerous roads, squares, and bridges to be closed between 9 am and 4 pm. The affected areas include:

• Bem Embankment
• Lower Buda Embankment
• Műegyetem Embankment
• Sections of the Lower Pest Embankment
• Clark Ádám Square
• Fővám Square
• Szent Gellért Square and their surrounding areas

Sunday Closures (9 am to 4 pm)

Similar to Saturday, several roads along the Danube will be closed on Sunday between 9 am and 4 pm, stretching from the Rákóczi Bridge to the Árpád Bridge.

For a detailed list of the affected areas and specific timings, visit the BKK (Budapest Transport Center) website.

Public Transport Changes Route Alterations

From Friday to Sunday, the routes of several public transport lines will be modified due to the marathon. The affected lines include:

• 77 trolleybus
• 95, 130, and 195 bus
• 75A trolleybus
• 75 trolleybus
• 1 tram
• M2 and M4 metro
• 20E, 30, 230, and 30A bus
• 108E, 133E, 7E, and 8E bus
• 154 bus
• e8E bus
• 15 bus
• 70 and 78 trolleybus

For detailed information on the route changes and alternative stops, consult the BKK website.

Increased Frequency

To accommodate the increased passenger traffic before and after the marathon events, the M2 and M4 metro lines, as well as the 1 tram, will operate with higher frequency.

BKK Mobile Customer Service Point

A BKK mobile customer service point will be open on Pázmány Péter Promenade on Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Here, you can purchase public transport tickets and passes, as well as seek information about the traffic situation.

Other Notable Changes Puskás Arena Area Closures (Friday 6 pm to 11:30 pm)

Due to a football match, several roads around the Puskás Arena will be closed, including sections of Dózsa György Road, Stefánia Road, Ifjúság Road, and Egressy Road.

SPAR Marathon Restrictions (Friday to Sunday)

In addition to the closures mentioned earlier, there will be further restrictions in place for the SPAR Marathon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These include closures along the Buda and Pest lower embankments, bridges like the Petőfi Bridge and the Szabadság Bridge, and various other roads in the city center.

Conclusion

Navigating Budapest this weekend might seem daunting, but with the right information and a bit of patience, you can still enjoy all that the city has to offer. Remember to check the BKK website for the most up-to-date information on road closures and public transport changes. Plan your routes in advance, allow extra time for your journeys, and consider alternative means of transport if necessary. Stay safe, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Budapest during this exciting marathon weekend!