Budapest’s urban rail transport system serves as the backbone of mobility in the Hungarian capital, providing fast and sustainable daily travel for millions of residents. In 2025, the network operated by BKK, the city’s public transport authority, carried over one billion passengers, and the tram fleet exceeded 600 vehicles—one of the largest in Europe—confirming the essential role of rail infrastructure in the city’s operations.
Budapest is accelerating investments in rail-based public transport infrastructure, with a focus on expanding the tram network and modernizing the metro, as part of an integrated approach aimed at both increasing capacity and improving service quality. The authorities’ strategy aims to create a coherent system capable of supporting urban development and providing rapid connections between new residential areas and the city center. New projects are being prepared in phases and are aligned with urban development plans, so that rail transport becomes the primary vehicle for sustainable mobility.
Expanding tram network
One of the major development priorities is the creation of a new transport corridor on Budafoki út, a major thoroughfare in southern Budapest, located on the Buda side. Along this artery, which connects residential and industrial areas to the city center, there are zones undergoing urban transformation with real estate developments; this is why it is the focus of new tram projects—to address population growth and reduce dependence on road traffic.
In this area, approximately 18,000 new homes and a significant population increase of nearly 40,000 people are projected by 2030. Without an effective alternative, this would lead to an increase of approximately 30% in road traffic, which is why the tram project is designed as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. The new line will provide direct connections to the city center by integrating with other existing and future routes, including those along the Danube and in the central boulevard area.
At the same time, the expansion of the network in the Óbuda area—one of the three historic districts that make up modern-day Budapest, alongside Buda and Pest—will provide a direct connection between the city center, the neighborhoods of Buda, and northern Pest. The project involves the construction of a new 3.5-km line, which will take over traffic from one of the busiest bus routes and create a rapid connection between densely populated urban areas. This investment restores a direct connection lost in the 1990s, with estimates indicating a potential of 30,000–40,000 passengers daily.
Modern Trams and Adapted Infrastructure
In addition to expanding the network, Budapest is constantly investing in the modernization of its tram fleet and infrastructure. The introduction of the new CAF trams continues, and the 33rd vehicle has already entered service, with the entire order of 51 vehicles to be delivered gradually. The project is funded with approximately 54.15 billion forints (EUR 140 EUR) from European and national funds.
The new vehicles contribute to increased comfort and improved accessibility, and once deliveries are complete, the share of low-floor trams will exceed 40%. They are being introduced progressively on several lines, and the expansion of their use also depends on the modernization of existing infrastructure, including power supply and terminal facilities.
At the same time, significant investments are planned for depots, including the modernization of the facility in Ferencváros (a district in Pest), where work is planned to reconfigure the lines, install modern equipment, and adapt the spaces for the maintenance of the new trams. The design contract, worth approximately 364 million forints (EUR 1 million), marks the beginning of this process. The documentation will be finalized in 2027.
All these investments are supported by a comprehensive strategy that also includes expanding the network to other areas of the city, such as developing radial lines and creating direct north–south transport axes, to eliminate the need to transfer between modes of transport. In this context, Budapest is consolidating its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic centers for rail-based public transportation, relying on modern infrastructure, an efficient fleet of rolling stock, and urban integration to meet future mobility demands.
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