Budapest Parking Fee Increase in June 2025

Budapest parking fee increase in June 2025 – not exactly the phrase I thought would dominate my soggy Tuesday morning, yet here we are. After a weekend of sunglasses and spontaneous terrace wines, we’ve crash-landed into chilly drizzle and rising costs. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, the city has confirmed that parking fees across Budapest will jump from June 2025.

And if you’re already trying to decode Hungary’s multi-zone, part-digital, sometimes-weekend-free parking system, let’s just say… it’s about to get spicier.

What’s Behind the Budapest Parking Fee Increase?

Let’s start with the facts. As announced by Daily News Hungary, from 1 June 2025, daytime parking fees at Budapest’s Park and Ride (P+R) locations are going up. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Daytime parking (6:00–22:00) will rise from HUF 450 to HUF 500, to match the new BKK public transport single ticket price.

• Monthly passes for daytime parking will jump from HUF 6,750 to HUF 7,500.

These changes will affect ten major P+R facilities across the city, including:

• Köki Terminál

• Kőbánya-Kispest

• Hűvösvölgy P1

• And others strategically placed for commuters

The reasoning? Budapest wants to encourage commuters to ditch their cars and hop on public transport. Which, to be fair, is quite reliable—when it’s not on strike or being dug up.

District VII Hit Hard by Budapest Parking Fee Changes

If you live in Erzsébetváros (District VII), brace yourself.

Up until now, residents were practically being gifted their parking spots. But those sweet days are over.

• First car permits will skyrocket from HUF 2,200 to HUF 36,000 annually.

• Second car permits? Now HUF 72,000—up from a sliding scale based on emissions.

Why the sudden jump? Because there are 9,450 parking permits for only 7,203 actual spaces in the district. It’s a car-shaped game of musical chairs, and the music’s about to stop.

But Wait, There’s More (Coming in 2026)

The 2025 fee hike is just the beginning. Budapest’s urban planning team is cooking up more changes for 2026, including:

Weekend Paid Parking in Zones A and B

Currently, parking is free on weekends in many areas. But under the new system, zones A and B will require paid parking on weekends, including Sundays.

Phasing Out Physical Parking Meters

Hungary’s capital is going full digital. By 2026, you’ll be expected to pay via the BudapestGO app or similar online platforms. No more fishing for coins or trying to read sun-faded stickers on cracked machines.

While BudapestGO is primarily known as the city’s public transport app, it’s playing an increasing role in mobility services—including parking. As the city phases out physical meters by 2026, BudapestGO is expected to become the central platform for parking zones and information, though actual payments are still typically handled by apps like Simple or the Nemzeti Mobilfizetés app.

Tariff Changes by Zone

Zone A, for instance, will increase from HUF 600/hour to HUF 800/hour. If you like to leave your car on the street for a few hours while you pop into a gallery or grab a flat white… prepare to feel the pinch.

More info on the 2026 plans here.

Why It Matters

If you’re living in Budapest, even temporarily, these changes affect everything from your daily routine to your monthly budget. And if you’re like me and have done the delicate dance of trying to decipher which zone you’re in before clicking “Pay Now” on the app—well, it’s time to brush up. Or pay up.

The goal is clear: fewer cars, more public transport, and a push for a more walkable, liveable city. But in the short term, it’s going to feel like a bit of a headache—especially for families, tradespeople, or anyone who regularly needs a vehicle in town.

How to Prepare for the Budapest Parking Fee Increase

1. Download and Use the BudapestGO App

This may soon be your only friend in a street parking emergency. Available for iOS and Android.

2. Consider a Monthly Pass

If you regularly use a P+R, the monthly rate—even at HUF 7,500—is still much cheaper than daily tickets or fines.

3. Re-Evaluate Whether You Need a Car

I know, I know. Not all of us can ditch our wheels. But with parking costs rising and the threat of weekend charges looming, it may be time to run the numbers.

4. Stay Informed

Bookmark sites like:

• BKK – Budapest Transport Centre

• Parking Hungary

Want the Full Guide to Driving in Hungary?

If this feels like a lot, it’s because it is. Driving in Hungary—whether you’re here full-time or just trying to enjoy your weekend house in Balaton—comes with its own set of rules, toll stickers, license conversion, and insurance oddities.

That’s why I’ve put it all in one place.

My ebook, HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond, covers everything from:

• Hungarian driving licences (and how to convert yours),

• Road tolls and the dreaded e-vignette,

• Car insurance essentials,

• Importing a vehicle legally (without losing your mind),

• Where and how to park,

• And yes—even fines and appeals.

And it’s written in the same voice you’re reading now: personal, clever, and packed with first-hand experience.

Final Thoughts

Rain-soaked trousers and rising parking fees. Budapest isn’t pulling any punches this spring. But with a little planning—and a good app or two—you can stay ahead of the chaos.

For more details, you can read more information here.

And if you’re new to all this? Download the ebook, grab a coffee (or a pálinka substitute), and take back control of your Hungarian driving life.

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