How the Temporary Closure of Keleti Station Will Affect Travel Between Budapest and Vienna
- Betti Tour Guide in Budapest
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
(August 25 – September 20, 2025)
Traveler's planning to journey between Budapest and Vienna during the late summer of 2025 should be aware of a significant change in operations due to a major infrastructure project at Budapest Keleti Railway Station. From August 25 to September 20, 2025, Keleti—one of Budapest’s main international and domestic rail terminals—will be completely closed to all rail traffic. This closure, which MÁV Group describes as the most substantial technical renovation in the past decade, is part of a comprehensive upgrade involving track replacements, signal system enhancements, overhead line work, and platform modernization.
One of the most important implications of this closure for international passengers is that all Railjet and EuroCity trains running between Budapest and Vienna will no longer operate to or from Keleti Station during this period. Instead, these international services will be temporarily rerouted through Budapest-Kelenföld, another major rail station in the city that already handles a significant portion of long-distance traffic.
Budapest-Kelenföld: The Temporary International Hub
Budapest-Kelenföld, located in the southwest quadrant of the city, is a modern, high-capacity railway station fully capable of accommodating international services such as Railjet. It is well-connected to the rest of Budapest by public transport, most notably via Metro Line 4 (M4), which links Kelenföld directly to the city center, including stops like Kálvin tér and Fővám tér.
For travelers arriving from Vienna, this means that the final stop in Budapest will not be the centrally located Keleti Station, but rather Kelenföld. Passengers who intend to continue their journey within Hungary—particularly those heading to destinations in eastern or northeastern Hungary—will need to make alternative transfer arrangements, as many connecting services normally operating from Keleti will be rerouted to other stations like Nyugati Station or Kőbánya-felső during the closure.
On the other hand, travelers departing from Budapest to Vienna will also need to begin their journey from Budapest-Kelenföld. Keleti will not provide boarding access to international trains during the renovation, and signage and services related to international departures will be unavailable at the station. It is essential for passengers to check their departure station on their ticket, as well as verify live schedules through the MÁV app, ÖBB website, or other real-time tracking platforms. This will help avoid confusion, particularly for those unfamiliar with Budapest’s rail network.
Practical Considerations and What to Expect
Although the closure may cause some inconvenience, MÁV has taken steps to ensure that international traffic, particularly the busy Vienna–Budapest corridor, remains largely uninterrupted in terms of frequency and reliability. The duration of travel between Vienna and Budapest is expected to remain nearly the same, with only minor adjustments to journey times or platform logistics. However, given that Kelenföld may see increased passenger volume during this period, travelers should plan to arrive at the station earlier than usual, especially if they are unfamiliar with its layout.
One important consideration is that Keleti Station’s metro platforms will remain operational, so passengers can still access Metro Line 4 at Keleti. However, they will not be able to board or exit trains at the Keleti railway platforms, and access to services such as ticket machines, luggage storage, and waiting lounges will be suspended during the closure. All ticketing for international routes will need to be arranged in advance or handled at Kelenföld.
For those making onward connections beyond Budapest or traveling from the airport, careful planning will be essential. Transfers may involve multiple modes of transportation, including buses, trams, and metro lines. If your trip involves coordination with local services such as the BKK (Budapest’s public transport network) or Volánbusz (regional bus services), it’s advisable to allow extra buffer time and consult with current timetables, which are expected to be updated and published by August 10.
Summary
In summary, the renovation of Keleti Station marks a vital and necessary investment in Hungary’s railway infrastructure, but it will temporarily alter how international rail traffic flows in and out of Budapest. For passengers traveling between Vienna and Budapest, this means using Budapest-Kelenföld as the temporary international terminal for Railjet and EuroCity trains. While the overall impact on service levels and travel times is expected to be minimal, understanding these changes in advance will ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to monitor updates from MÁV Group and ÖBB, confirm departure and arrival stations prior to travel, and allow extra time for transit through the city during the affected period. With proper preparation, the temporary closure should be manageable—and the long-term benefits of the upgrade promise a better, more reliable travel experience in the years to come.
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