A range of programmes will be available for visitors. On weekends, following the well-established practice, locals and tourists can take over the car-free section of the embankment between Margaret Bridge and Erzsébet Bridge (Irányi Street).

This summer, one of Budapest’s most beautiful areas—boasting a world-famous panorama — will once again open to those wishing to rest, relax, exercise, or train: the Pest Lower Embankment.

In line with renovation works along the Grand Boulevard, from June 21 (Saturday) — beyond the usual weekend-only opening between Margaret Bridge and Erzsébet Bridge — the entire stretch between:

• Eötvös Square and

• the slip road at Március 15 Square near the Pest end of Erzsébet Bridge

will be open to pedestrians until August 15 (Friday).

At this time, both locals and visitors can enjoy the Jane Haining Embankment in a peaceful, quiet environment free from motor traffic. From the weekend onwards, food and drink stalls and a wide range of cultural and musical programmes will welcome guests.

The Pest Lower Embankment is a popular destination: attendance data shows it offers recreation and sporting opportunities to tens of thousands of people.

Micromobility traffic (e.g., bikes and scooters) at the monitored points is over 30% higher than in years without embankment openings. BKK kindly asks cyclists and scooter riders to be especially mindful of pedestrians, both adults and children.

The summer embankment opening is coordinated with track renovation works starting June 21 along the Grand Boulevard, taking into account their impact on traffic and ensuring weekday vehicle flow between Margaret Bridge and Chain Bridge.



How Traffic Changes Around the Car-Free Embankment Section

From the night of Friday to Saturday, June 21, until the end of the summer embankment opening, motor vehicles and taxis will not be allowed to enter the Jane Haining Embankment.

The simplest way to avoid the Pest Lower Embankment is via the Hungária Ring Road. For those driving in the city centre, BKK recommends using the Inner Ring Road or the Buda Lower Embankment instead.

On weekdays, drivers coming from the north can leave the embankment at Eötvös Square. Southbound traffic can access the embankment on both weekdays and weekends via the slip road at Irányi Street, while those heading north from Közraktár Street can exit at Havas Street.

Based on automated traffic data analysis, BKK found that the previous summer opening of the Pest Lower Embankment only caused noticeable traffic changes in a few downtown locations.

In the most affected areas, traffic volume increased by an average of 2%, and travel speed decreased by 7%.

However, the city’s road network handled these changes well. The data indicates that traffic was able to adapt to the embankment opening.

The Embankment May Be Renewed with EU Funding – BKK Has Already Submitted Applications

Last autumn, BKK took a significant step toward creating a more beautiful and liveable Danube riverside in Budapest by submitting funding applications for the development of the Id. Antall József Embankment and the area under Erzsébet Bridge.

If these are approved and EU funding becomes available, public procurement procedures for construction can begin. BKK also plans to submit an application for the renewal of the Jane Haining Embankment.

The full reconstruction of the embankment could be financed by the European Union’s TOP Plusz-4.1.3-23 Comprehensive Climate Adaptation and Public Space Renewal Programme. More details can be found in this press release.

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