August 20th Traffic Changes: St Stephen’s Day

If you’ve experienced Budapest around St Stephen’s Day before, you’ll know the city’s transformation starts well before the 20th itself. In fact, many of the most significant traffic changes and road closures begin as early as August 15th and ramp up mostly from the 16th onwards. These aren’t just your usual urban development adjustments. This is the city gearing up for one of its biggest national celebrations, where safety and spectacle go hand in hand.

What Exactly is Changing on August 20th?

Starting on August 15th, several key streets in Budapest – like Váci út, Rákóczi út, and Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út – will undergo significant traffic adjustments. These include altered traffic flows, temporary diversions, and new parking regulations. The changes originate from two main drivers. Essential urban development projects and, crucially this year, preparations for the St Stephen’s Day fireworks display.

The fireworks celebration is a big deal here. Thousands gather along the Danube, near iconic locations such as Parliament, Buda Castle, and the city’s bridges to watch what is easily one of Europe’s most impressive pyrotechnic displays. This year’s show includes over 45,000 light and pyrotechnic effects. They are accompanied by a drone show that projects Hungary’s history across the night sky.

Given the scale of the event, the city understandably needs to clamp down on vehicle movement in key areas. This is to secure the safety of all attendees and to facilitate the spectacular visual show. Public transport routes are also being diverted or have adjusted timetables to keep the city moving smoothly.

Navigating Traffic and Celebrations Together

This year, the traffic changes demand some pre-planning if you’re driving around Budapest on August 20th. Besides construction, many streets will be partially or fully closed near the fireworks launch points. This includes bridges like Liberty, Elizabeth, and Margaret, plus areas along the Danube’s embankments.

Drivers should look out for newly installed signs and temporary traffic lights. Alternative routes are highly advisable, and expect delays. For public transit users, check schedules in advance. Several bus and tram lines will be rerouted or delayed to align with the city’s safety measures.

For those more interested in the celebration itself, there’s no shortage of vantage points to catch the firework. Try from the elevated Gellért Hill to the riverbank spots along both Pest and Buda. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, joining one of the many fireworks cruises on the Danube is a memorable way to experience the display.

Major Road Closures in Budapest Around August 16th to 23rd

Here’s a handy guide to the major closures you should know about:

Pest Lower Embankment (between Margaret Bridge and Közraktár Street):

• Closed from 10 PM on August 15 until 6 AM on August 16
• Closed again from 10 PM on August 16 until 6 AM on August 21
• Night closures on August 21, 22, and 23 between 10 PM and 6 AM

Buda Lower Embankment (from Rákóczi Bridge at Pázmány Péter Promenade to Margaret Bridge at Üstökös Street):

• Closed from just after midnight on August 15 until noon on August 21
• Night closures on August 22-23 from 10 PM to 6 AM

Chain Bridge:

• Closed to vehicle traffic from August 15, just after midnight, until noon on August 21
• The road surface is open only to pedestrians due to sidewalk closures

Buda Castle Area:

• Rolling closures from early morning August 15 until 4:30 AM on August 23

Lánchíd Street:

• Closed from midnight on August 16 until 4 PM on August 22

Várkert Embankment:

• Closed from 12:30 AM on August 17 until noon on August 21

Műegyetem Embankment (toward Petőfi Bridge):

• Closed starting 1:01 AM on August 15 until midnight August 22, except one lane stays open between August 19 and 20
• Full closure from midnight August 19 until midnight August 20

If necessary, Budafoki Road may also close.

Lastly, Liberty Bridge will be closed to traffic from the morning of August 19 until noon on August 21.

These closures reflect the serious effort to make the celebrations safe and enjoyable while minimising inconvenience where possible. Expect some bending of traffic norms, like temporary traffic light changes and new signage, to help guide drivers and pedestrians alike. If you’re driving in or through Budapest, planning ahead is no longer optional.

Why the Fuss Over August 20th?

St Stephen’s Day celebrates the foundation of the Hungarian state and the canonisation of its first king, St Stephen. The fireworks and festivities have become a beloved tradition. They draw locals and tourists alike to witness what’s arguably Budapest’s most spectacular annual event.

For the latest official updates and detailed info, the Budapest municipality announcements and the traffic authority’s website remain your best go-to sources.

For a comprehensive overview of tolls and road usage fees in Hungary, check out our detailed guide on Hungarian vignette prices for 2025. Staying informed about these costs is essential for smooth and legal driving around Budapest and beyond.

FAQ

Q: When do the August 20th traffic changes start and how long will they last?
A:  Changes begin mostly from August 15-16 and continue through the St Stephen’s Day festivities on August 20th and beyond, depending on event and construction progress.

Q: Which streets will be most affected by traffic changes?
A: Major streets including Váci út, Rákóczi út, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, and several bridges crossing the Danube will be affected due to closures and diversions.

Q: Will public transport be affected by these changes?
A: Yes, several bus and tram routes will be altered, with adjusted schedules to allow safe and smooth transit during the celebrations. 16-series buses, and on Várkert Embankment, impacting trams 19 and 41 starting Sunday.

Q: What’s special about the fireworks on August 20th?
A: The fireworks are part of Hungary’s national holiday celebrations marking King St Stephen’s legacy, featuring tens of thousands of pyrotechnic effects and a historic drone show.

Q: Where can I find real-time updates on the traffic and event schedule?
A: Real-time transit updates can be found at bkk.hu/nemzetiunnep

A Personal Note and a Summer Reminder

This year, Andrew I will be celebrating St Stephen’s Day with a spectacular fireworks display at Sümeg Castle, a stunning medieval fortress with its own magical charm. So, sadly, we’ll be missing the big Budapest show this time around. But if you’re lucky enough to be near Lake Balaton or in Sümeg, you’re in for a wonderful alternative experience!

One last thing before you head out: the heatwave is set to continue through the weekend. When posting this, it’s a good idea to remind everyone to keep hydrated, wear sun protection, and take regular breaks if you’re out and about amidst the festivities. Enjoy the celebrations safely  and don’t forget the water bottle!

Navigating Budapest on August 20th requires a little extra care and attention, but with these traffic changes, the city aims to ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy one of Europe’s most enchanting national celebrations safely and memorably.