The long-overdue renovation of the Eastern Railway Station (Keleti pályaudvar) can no longer be postponed. It’s time—we’ll begin implementation on 25 August, wrote Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of the MÁV Group, in a post shared Tuesday on his social media page.

Major disruption ahead due to busy Budapest railway station’s renovation

He acknowledged the closure will cause inconvenience for many, which is why transit arrangements have been carefully planned in close collaboration with BKK. Service will include increased tram frequency, replacement buses, and enhanced staffing at key locations to support smooth travel and keep passengers well-informed.

All necessary travel updates will be posted on a continuously updated subpage. Final train schedules will be available by 10 August at the latest, giving travelers ample time to adjust their plans, Hegyi added.

The MÁV Group’s official statement confirms that from 25 August through 20 September, train traffic at Keleti Station will be suspended, resulting in major changes to rail services on affected lines.

MÁV to fund renovation from its own budget

The approximately 4.4 billion forint investment, financed solely by MÁV, will involve 400–450 professionals and a wide range of machinery and transport vehicles. Officials say the planned repairs at the station will enhance equipment reliability and significantly reduce breakdowns and service disruptions.

During the four-week renovation period, no trains will depart from or arrive at Keleti Station. Travellers on the Győr, Pécs, Hatvan–Miskolc, and Újszász–Békéscsaba lines should prepare for substantial changes. MÁV warns that travel times may increase due to schedule adjustments and transfers.

Passengers are urged to check THIS website in advance for continuously updated information about schedule changes, alternate routes, travel suggestions, and planning tools such as maps. An interactive map will also be published on the site in the coming days.

International trains also affected

Across the affected lines, MÁV Group will establish multiple transfer points throughout Budapest. These will be easily accessible via HÉV trains, VOLÁN coaches, and BKK public transit, connecting all parts of the capital. More detailed guides on these transfer hubs will be posted online as well. MÁV notes that the changes will also impact several international routes operating through Keleti Station.

Updated timetables will be available across MÁV’s digital platforms—MÁV App, EMMA, and jegy.mav.hu—starting 10 August. Passengers will be able to search and plan their journeys using the new schedules from that date.

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