Keleti Railway Station (Keleti pályaudvar), or the Eastern Railway Station, is the main railway hub of Budapest and an impressive architectural monument in the Eclectic style. Built in 1884, it welcomes travellers with a majestic façade and a huge train shed, from where trains depart daily to Vienna, Prague, Munich, and cities across Hungary. It is the country's busiest terminal, combining historical charm with modern infrastructure.
City
Budapest
Country
Hungary
Type
Railway station
Passengers can easily navigate thanks to the terminal track layout: the main platforms (1 to 13) are on the same level as the main hall and entrance. The central entrance is located on the Baross tér side. You can descend directly from the station building and via the underpass to the metro stations of lines M2 and M4, making transfers to urban transport maximally convenient.
Contact Information
Official website: mavcsoport.hu (Hungarian State Railways — MÁV)
Address: 1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 2–6 (Baross Square)
Opening hours: The station is open 24/7. International ticket counters operate approximately from 06:00 to 21:00, while ticket machines are available around the clock.
Luggage storage information: Automatic lockers are located on the basement level and in the side halls (available 24 hours).
Accessibility: The station is equipped with lifts for access to the metro and platforms, and there is an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (advance booking is recommended).
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Keleti station is by metro, as two key lines intersect here: the red M2 and the green M4 (station Keleti pályaudvar). The journey from the historical centre of Pest takes just 5–10 minutes, and the subway exits lead directly to the terminal building.
Ground transport is also excellent: numerous buses (including express lines 7E, 133E) and trolleybuses (No. 73, 76, 80) stop at Baross Square. If you prefer a taxi, the official stand is located at the side exit; a trip from the city centre will cost approximately 10–15 Euros depending on traffic.
You can walk to the station from the Erzsébetváros district in 30–40 minutes, though this option may be tiring with luggage due to busy streets and crossings.
Services and Amenities
Keleti Station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable journey. The main hall (Lotz Hall) and side corridors house ticket counters for international and domestic routes, as well as many multilingual machines for self-service ticket purchase. A separate Business Lounge is available for first-class passengers.
Free Wi-Fi is available on the premises, but it is best to carry your own power bank for charging gadgets, as power outlets in public zones are difficult to find. Automatic luggage lockers (accepting coins and cards) and paid toilets operate around the clock in the basement level. Lifts and ramps are provided for citizens with reduced mobility.
Where to Eat
For a quick snack directly at the station, there are kiosks selling pastries, such as the popular Fornetti chain, and small pizzerias where you can grab food and coffee to go. This is a convenient and budget-friendly option if there is little time left before your train departs.
If you have time to spare, many establishments are concentrated around Baross Square. Here you will find international fast-food chains (McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC) that stay open late. A 5–7 minute walk away is the famous restaurant Rosenstein, offering high-quality traditional Hungarian and Jewish cuisine (the average bill here is higher, but it is worth it).
Station History
The history of Keleti station began in 1884, when it opened as one of the most modern railway terminals in Europe. The Eclectic-style building was designed by architects Gyula Rochlitz and János Feketeházy. Interestingly, the name "Eastern" (Keleti) originally indicated not the station's geographical location in the city, but the direction of trains towards Transylvania and the Balkans.
The building's façade is adorned with statues of the inventors of the steam engine — James Watt and George Stephenson. Throughout its history, the station has undergone several renovations, the most recent of which was connected to the construction of the M4 metro line, transforming the historical monument into a modern transport hub.
Passenger Tips
It is recommended to arrive at Keleti station at least 20–30 minutes before your train departs. This will give you time to orient yourself, especially if you need to buy a ticket at the counter, where queues can occur. International trains are usually positioned in advance, allowing you to calmly find your carriage and stow your luggage.
Please be attentive to your personal belongings: as at any major transport hub, pickpockets may be active here. If you are travelling on domestic lines and have purchased a ticket without a reserved seat, do not forget to validate it in the orange machines on the platform before boarding. At night, it is better to choose well-lit zones or paid waiting rooms for waiting.
