Good news for pedestrians: Budapest to close downtown riverfront to cars for the summer
Beginning Saturday, 21 June and continuing through Friday, 15 August, a section of the lower embankment in Budapest on the Pest side of the Danube will be open to pedestrians and cyclists even on weekdays. The Jane Haining Embankment, located between Eötvös Square and the Irányi Street exit by the Pest side of the Elisabeth Bridge, will become car-free, enhanced with cultural and recreational programs. On weekends, the usual closure will still apply between the Margaret Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy the riverside.
Throughout the summer, one of Budapest’s most popular public spaces will again be open for those looking to relax, exercise, or simply take in the city’s world-famous panorama. Coordinated with ongoing rail track renovations along the Grand Boulevard, the entire stretch between Eötvös Square and Irányi Street will be fully accessible for pedestrians starting 21 June through mid-August, BKK reports.
During this period, the embankment will transform into a peaceful, traffic-free space that’s friendly to both walkers and cyclists. On weekends, visitors to Jane Haining Embankment can enjoy food vendors, cultural events, and live music. According to visitor data, the riverside promenade attracts tens of thousands of people each summer for recreation and sport.
Usage of micromobility devices—such as bikes and scooters—has surged by over 30% during these open-summer periods, compared to years when the embankment remained open to cars. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) urges cyclists and scooter users to watch out for pedestrians, especially families with young children.
This annual summer opening coincides with the Grand Boulevard rail renovations beginning June 21, which will impact downtown traffic. The aim is to maintain car traffic flow between Margaret Bridge and Chain Bridge during the day while converting other sections into dedicated pedestrian zones.
Traffic changes around the embankment
Starting from the night of 21 June to Saturday, the Jane Haining Embankment has been closed to cars and taxis for the entire summer season. To bypass the closed section of the lower Pest embankment, BKK recommends using the Hungária Boulevard ring road. Within the downtown area, alternatives include the Small Boulevard or the lower Buda embankment.
On weekdays, drivers heading south from the north can exit the embankment at Eötvös Square. Those coming from the south should use the Irányi Street exit, while motorists heading north from Közraktár Street can leave the embankment at Havas Street.
According to automated traffic analyses conducted by BKK, previous summer closures have not resulted in significant traffic congestion. In the most affected downtown areas, traffic volume increased by an average of 2%, while average travel speeds decreased by 7%. However, the city’s road network has been able to effectively manage these changes, adapting quickly to the new conditions.
Plans for long-term upgrades
The city of Budapest aims to make the riverfront even more livable and green in the future. Last fall, BKK submitted proposals to renovate the Id. Antall József Embankment and the section beneath the Elisabeth Bridge. If the projects are approved and the necessary EU funding becomes available, procurement procedures could begin. Plans to further develop the Jane Haining Embankment are also part of BKK’s long-term goals.
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