Night traffic to Budapest agglomeration expands from the beginning of July

Starting on July 1st, night-time public transportation services connecting the Budapest metropolitan area will expand significantly. According to a recent announcement made by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Vitézy Dávid, several towns including Érd, Vác, Balassagyarmat, Gyömrő, and Vecsés will gain new or more frequent night connections. These changes aim to improve connectivity between these suburban areas and central Budapest during late hours when traditional metro services are unavailable.

The minister revealed earlier this year that he had decided, together with the Budapest Public Transport Company (BKK), to completely rethink the night-time transport network. This includes extending the blue bus service routes towards locations such as Budakeszi, Pécel, Szentendre, and Gödöllő. Now, the Volánbusz routes—state-operated regional buses—are being synchronized with the night-time transport system in Budapest. As a result, both the network and schedule of these suburban and regional bus lines will change under the financial support of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

According to the plans, starting from July 1st, new routes will operate during the metro's operating hours. From Újpest-Városkapu station, buses will depart daily at 0:23 and on weekends at 1:23, passing through Dunakeszi to Fót. Subsequently, buses will run from the Nyugati square daily at 2:07, going via Dunakeszi and Gödön to Vác. Additionally, a new route will start from Balassagyarmat at 21:00 each day, heading towards Vác and Dunakeszi before arriving in Budapest. On the other hand, buses departing from Budapest at 23:20 will travel through Dunakeszi, Gödön, Vác, Tolmacs, and Tersék to reach Balassagyarmat.

During the night time, buses will generally run every 1.5 hours on weekdays and hourly on weekends within the metro’s operating period. These buses will originate from Kelenfold and then proceed from Móricz Zsigmond Square towards Diósd and Érd. Specifically, buses will depart from Kelenfold every day at 0:19, while from Móricz Zsigmond Square they will leave on weekdays at 0:37, 2:07, and 3:35, and on weekends at 0:37, 1:37, 2:37, and 3:35. These buses primarily serve Érd first, reaching the Bem Square and returning to Budapest via the M7 motorway as part of a loop route. At the same time, Százhalombatta will also see expanded access options, with new buses running every day at 0:38 and 1:38 to facilitate transfers from trains at the railway station.

New routes will also begin from Örs Vezér Square, departing daily at 0:20 and on weekends at 1:20. These buses will continue from Astoria Square to Ecser, Maglód, Gyömrő, and Üllő at 2:03 every day. The minister emphasized that the new system would make it easier for residents of outer districts and surrounding settlements to reach Budapest, aligning the system with the metro's operational times. Further developments are expected in the second half of the year.

According to Vitézy, this development addresses long-standing deficiencies. He stated that in the future, Budapest and its surrounding areas can function as a single transportation network rather than separate systems. This change goes beyond merely adjusting schedules; it signifies that Budapest will remain accessible even at night for those living in the surrounding areas.