Andrássy Avenue
20 August not only marks the commemoration of the state's foundation but also coincides with the World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Budapest from 19-27 August. On the morning of this national holiday, temporary closures are anticipated around Heroes' Square due to the 20 km women's race walk event. In order to facilitate the convenience of fans attending the morning and evening programs at the National Athletics Centre, we have outlined the primary constraints that will be in effect within the city on that day.
On the occasion of the 20 August national holiday, various events are planned in Budapest, necessitating traffic adjustments and temporary closures within the city center. Notably, the Buda and Pest quays, Lánchíd (Chain Bridge), Elisabeth Bridge, and Liberty Bridge will experience intermittent closures. Additionally, restrictions will be imposed in Buda Castle. Expect modifications to BKK services as well, with several trams and buses operating on altered routes over the weekend. If you are navigating the city center on Saturday or Sunday, we strongly recommend utilizing public transportation instead of driving, with the metro being a particularly advisable option.
The highlight of this year's national holiday festivities is the grand fireworks display scheduled for 20 August set to illuminate the Buda and Pest Lower and Upper Embankments between 21:00 and 21:30, spanning from Margaret Bridge to Petőfi Bridge.
To reach the fireworks conveniently and facilitate a smooth journey home, our transportation services will be operating at increased frequencies both before and after the event. You can access the most crucial transportation details, including real-time updates and planned traffic alterations, on this page.
For those planning to attend the National Athletics Centre, the optimal transportation options are biking or public transit due to limited parking availability. We offer numerous bike storage facilities near the main entrance, allowing you to enjoy a seamless "door-to-door" cycling experience if you opt for this mode of travel.
Tram number 2 will maintain service throughout the day, operating on a shortened route from the Közvágóhíd terminus to Március 15. tér, excluding Jászai Mari tér. From 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, it will run exclusively to Boráros tér. During the hours of 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, trams 4, 6, and Trams A will not make a stop at the Margaret Island / Margaret Bridge station; otherwise, they will offer uninterrupted service throughout Sunday.
Chain Bridge and Buda Castle in Budapest
From Boráros tér station, it's a leisurely 15-minute walk to the National Athletics Centre, or you can opt to take the Csepel HÉV and disembark at the MÜPA station, which is the closest stop to the stadium's main entrance.
On this specific day, Tram 23 will not be in operation. However, you can conveniently opt for Tram 24, which runs at a higher frequency. This choice proves especially advantageous for travelers commuting from the countryside to the capital via train on other days of the World Cup. Tram 24 terminates at Közvágóhíd, which places the stadium's main entrance just a few minutes away on foot.
The evening program of the World Championships is expected to conclude around 19:20. As a result, the sizable crowd of 35,000 gathered at the National Athletics Centre will find themselves in closer proximity to the city center when the evening fireworks commence at 21:00. It is important to note that, for safety considerations, certain traffic closures might be enforced between 19:50 and 22:30:
• The M1 metro line will be closed between Vörösmarty tér and Deák Ferenc tér.
• On the M2 metro line, stations Deák Ferenc tér, Kossuth Lajos tér, and Batthyány tér will not be operational.
• The M3 metro line will halt operations at Deák Ferenc tér, Ferenciek tere, and Kálvin tér.
• The M4 metro line will not serve Szent Gellért tér, Műegyetem, Fővám tér, and Kálvin tér.
• Additionally, the H5 HÉV Batthyány tér station will be closed during this period.
It's important to note that pedestrian movement on several bridges in Budapest will be limited during the specified period, as per information from the police:
• Chain Bridge: Between 10:00 PM on 18 August and 4:30 AM on 21 August, the road will remain open for crossing the Chain Bridge, providing an alternative to the pavements.
• Elisabeth Bridge: From 18 August, 6:00 AM, until 21 August 12:00 PM, the northern sidewalk adjacent to the Chain Bridge will be closed. Similarly, from 18 August, 10:00 PM, to 21 August , 6:00 AM, the southern sidewalk closer to the Freedom Bridge will also be closed.
• Szabadság Bridge: Starting from 17 August, midnight, until 21 August, 12:00 PM, the northern sidewalk towards Elisabeth Bridge will be inaccessible. Furthermore, from 18 August, 10:00 PM, to 21 August, 6:00 AM, the southern sidewalk towards Petőfi Bridge will be closed.
The women's 20 km race walk event will span from Heroes' Square to Andrássy Avenue, extending up to Munkácsy Mihály Street. This specific route will be off-limits from midnight until 11:30 AM on 20 August, with a comprehensive road closure in effect from 4:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Spectators are welcome to watch the race, and we can cheer on two Hungarian athletes, Viktória Madarász and Barbara Oláh. Along the course, various engaging activities are also planned.
For additional details regarding the closures associated with the World Championships, please visit: https://lezarasok.atletikaivilagbajnoksag.hu/.
