Keleti Railway Station | Budapest

Information

Landmark: Keleti Railway Station
City: Budapest
Country: Hungary
Continent: Europe

Keleti Railway Station, Budapest, Hungary, Europe

Keleti Railway Station is the main international and intercity railway terminal in Budapest, Hungary. It is located at the intersection of Rákóczi Avenue and Thököly Avenue at Baross Square in the Józsefváros district.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece featuring a 43-meter-high entrance hall topped by a glass-roofed portal. The facade is decorated with statues of James Watt and George Stephenson, the inventors of the steam engine and the steam locomotive. The interior is characterized by a massive iron-frame train shed and a grand arrivals hall decorated with frescoes by Károly Lotz and Than Mór.

Location & Access Logistics

The station is situated at Kerepesi út 2-4, approximately 3km east of the city center. It serves as a major transit hub where Metro lines M2 (Red) and M4 (Green) intersect. Numerous bus lines (5, 7, 8E, 110, 112) and trolleybus lines (73, 76, 78, 79, 80) stop directly at Baross Square. Public parking is available in a large underground lot beneath the square.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed between 1881 and 1884, the station was designed by architect Gyula Rochlitz and engineer János Feketeházy. At the time of its opening, it was considered one of the most modern railway terminals in Europe, featuring an advanced electric lighting system and a centralized mechanical signal box.

Key Highlights & Activities

The station functions as the primary departure point for international trains to Vienna, Munich, Zurich, and Bucharest. Visitors can view the Lotz Hall, a lavishly decorated waiting room that has been restored to its 19th-century state. The lower level provides a modern transit mezzanine with ticket offices, customer service centers, and automated kiosks.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The terminal includes a large 24-hour luggage storage facility (lockers), a police station, and multiple currency exchange offices. Restrooms and showers are available for a fee in the arrivals area. 5G cellular coverage is consistent throughout the station. A wide variety of fast-food outlets, bakeries, and grocery stores are located both within the station building and in the pedestrian underpasses.

Best Time to Visit

The station operates 24/7, but the main hall is most impressive during daylight hours (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) when natural light floods through the glass roof. For travelers, arriving at least 30 minutes before departure is recommended due to the size of the platforms. The station is particularly busy during the morning and afternoon rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM).

Facts & Legends

Despite its name meaning "Eastern Railway Station," its name refers to the historical direction of the trains it served (Transylvania and the Balkans) rather than its geographic location in the city. A local "secret" is the Lotz Hall; while many travelers pass through the main underpass, this ornate waiting hall remains one of the most preserved examples of 19th-century railway luxury in Central Europe.