Hungary Hits the Road: What to Expect During the Two Busiest Weekends of Autumn

2025. 10. 17. 13:15

Hungary will soon be on the move: during the two busiest weekends of the autumn, an unusual truck ban and traffic restrictions on several highways are to be expected, but there will also be long-closed road sections that will now be reopened to traffic. We have collected the key information.

What major events will take place in Hungary?

The school break begins on Thursday, which includes the two busiest weekends of the autumn. The one-week vacation lasts from October 23 to November 2. Based on the experience of our professional portal, significantly heavy traffic can be expected nationwide on both weekends. During this time, nearly every family sets out on a trip: many take advantage of the long weekend associated with the 1956 revolution for traveling, and since All Saints’ Day on November 1 falls on a Saturday this year, many will visit cemeteries already during the four-day weekend from October 23 to 26, especially if they light candles at multiple locations across the country. Those who have the opportunity usually travel by car, especially over longer distances. At such times, transit traffic across the country may also increase, so it is advisable to get informed before setting off and, if fast travel is the goal, to travel on the highway. However, this also requires a Hungarian highway vignette, which should be arranged online before departure to avoid queues.

Moreover, unlike other long weekends, the general trend does not apply that traffic only increases at the end of the last or second-to-last working day and on the afternoon of the last day of the weekend. Naturally, traffic jams can be expected near cemeteries in towns, while on highways and main roads congestion may typically occur near routes and junctions leading to the capital or major Hungarian cities, almost any time of day. Similar to last year, this year several warnings are also expected due to increased traffic on the M1, M3, and M7 highways.

Traffic changes on Hungarian highways

This year, renovation works are taking place on several highway sections, which involve lane narrowing, temporary speed limits, and traffic diversions. The largest works of the autumn are the resurfacing on the M7 and the large-scale expansion of the M1, but the good news is that the closed section of the M30 may be completed by the weekend of November 1, according to plans.

Attention: the Hungarian truck ban is changing!

Anyone planning a trip should not rely on routine, as the truck ban will also differ from the usual on both weekends. From October 22 at 10 p.m. to October 23 at 10 p.m., that is, from Wednesday evening to Thursday evening, it will be in effect, but the Sunday ban will follow the usual schedule, from Saturday evening to Sunday evening (from October 25 at 10 p.m. to October 26 at 10 p.m.). Since All Saints’ Day falls on a Saturday this year, the truck ban will not start at 10 p.m. on Friday, but only at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will last until 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Let’s not forget about the Hungarian highway vignette!

It is worth considering the purchase of the highway vignette, especially for those who will be driving on both weekends – a vignette planner can also help with making the right choice. In addition to the automatic email confirmation, it is also advisable to request SMS confirmation regarding the purchased highway vignette and its validity details. As part of the SMS service, our system will also send a reminder SMS one day before the vignette expires.

Is winter tire needed yet?

According to meteorological forecasts, frost and fog are not expected on either of the long weekends, but minor showers may occur, which could reduce visibility and make roads more slippery. Winter tires will not be necessary for now; however, if the temperature consistently falls below 7 degrees Celsius, they are recommended. If we are traveling to other countries as well, it is advisable to review the regulations of the given country before departure!

Our experts warn that when planning a trip, drivers should definitely take into account longer travel times than usual, expect possible slowdowns, and drive with even more attention and patience on crowded roads! To reduce waiting times, it is also recommended to obtain the Hungarian highway vignette online!