Pedestrian zone to reopen in the heart of Budapest during 1 May long weekend – “Party tram” suspended
One of Mayor Gergely Karácsony’s key promises was to open the lower embankments of Budapest to locals, and this initiative continues again this year. As in previous years, the first closure to cars on a section of the Pest lower embankment took place during the weekend before Easter. The good news is that the embankment will once again be open to pedestrians between the Elizabeth Bridge and the Margaret Bridge during the 1 May long weekend. Additionally, tram number 4 will not be operating this weekend or the following one due to maintenance works.
Pest lower embankment to be closed for car traffic
According to portfolio.hu, the Pest lower embankment will once again be open to pedestrians this weekend. Residents of Budapest and tourists looking to exercise or relax will be able to use the section between Margaret Bridge and the Irányi Street exit near Elizabeth Bridge. Pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, scooter users, and others may access the area from the morning of Saturday, 5 May until midnight on Sunday, 6 May.
Based on the Budapest Transport Company’s (BKK) statement, motor vehicles will be banned from entering this section of the embankment from Friday night until early Monday morning.
Southbound road traffic can enter the embankment via the Irányi Street exit, while northbound traffic from Közraktár Street can leave the embankment at Havas Street.
It is important to note that walking on the carriageway is not permitted between Elizabeth Bridge (Irányi Street) and Közraktár Street. The accessible embankment section can be reached from the south via the lower embankment pavement or by trams operating on the upper embankment. Those approaching from the Pest side of Elizabeth Bridge can reach the area by walking south from the Március 15. Square tram stop.
BKK plans further developments in the area
According to its website, BKK took a significant step last autumn towards creating a more attractive and liveable Danube riverside in Budapest. The company submitted applications for the development of Antall József Sr. Quay and the area beneath Elizabeth Bridge. If the evaluation is favourable and the necessary European Union funding is secured, public procurement for construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026. BKK also plans to submit a tender for the renovation of Jane Haining Quay.
The complete reconstruction of the quay is planned under the European Union’s TOP Plus-4.1.3-23 Complex Climate Adaptation and Public Space Renewal Programme.
Budapest “party tram” to be suspended this and next weekend
Tram replacement buses will operate on line 4 on 3, 4, 10 and 11 May, between Újbuda Centre and Petőfi Bridge, Buda Bridgehead stations, BKK announced. The suspension is due to maintenance works. Trams on lines 4 and 6 will continue to run between Széll Kálmán Square and Móricz Zsigmond Square stations.
BKK advises passengers use bus routes 154 and 212 during the maintenance period. Travellers from Újbuda Centre to the city centre may also opt for metro line 4.
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