Expect major traffic disruptions in Budapest during national holiday events

Significant traffic restrictions and road closures will take place across Budapest between 22 and 26 October due to events marking the anniversary of the 1956 Revolution of Hungary, authorities have announced.

The Budapest Transport Centre (Budapesti Közlekedési Központ BKK) and the police are urging residents and visitors to plan ahead, as both public transport and car traffic will be affected by commemorations, marches, and political gatherings across several districts.

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Changes to Budapest public transport

According to BKK, numerous bus, tram, and trolleybus lines will operate on diverted routes on 22 and 23 October, especially in central areas. Travellers are advised to use the metro lines whenever possible, as they will remain the most reliable means of transport.

Updated schedules and route changes are available on the BKK’s official website and mobile applications.

The national rail company MÁV will run enhanced InterCity services during the long weekend, adding extra carriages to accommodate increased passenger numbers. The company’s timetable will follow the Friday schedule on 22 October, Saturday schedule on 23 October, holiday schedule on 24–25 October, and Sunday schedule on 26 October.

Volánbusz coaches will operate on a holiday schedule on 23 and 26 October, and on a weekend schedule on 24 and 25 October.

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Road closures begin on Wednesday

Initial road closures began on Wednesday morning, with lanes heading towards Oktogon closed on Andrássy Avenue between Dózsa György Road and Szív Street from 18:00 on 22 October until the early hours of 24 October.

Major disruptions on 23 October

On the national holiday itself, large parts of downtown Budapest will become pedestrian-only zones: