Quick Overview

Official name: Országház (Hungarian Parliament Building)
Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1–3, 1055 Budapest, Hungary
District: Pest side of the Danube, in the 5th district, facing the river
Main Visitor Centre: Underground entrance on the northern side of Kossuth Lajos tér, signposted as the Parliament Visitor Centre (Látogatóközpont)

Closest Metro: Kossuth Lajos tér (M2 red line) — directly in front of the Parliament.
Closest Tram: Tram 2 (and 2M) along the Danube promenade, stopping at Kossuth Lajos tér.
Useful Buses: Several city buses stop in the surrounding streets; look for stops named Kossuth Lajos tér or Markó utca.

Best First-Time Route (From City Center)

From Deák Ferenc tér (the main metro hub in central Pest), simply take the M2 red line towards Déli pályaudvar and get off at Kossuth Lajos tér (just one stop away). Follow the signs for the Parliament exit, and you’ll walk straight onto the main square in front of the building.

Arriving from the Riverfront

If you’re walking or arriving by Danube river cruise, follow the riverside promenade until you see the Parliament’s neo-Gothic façade. Stairs and ramps lead up from the tram level to Kossuth Lajos tér and the Visitor Centre.

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Option 1 — From Central Budapest (Deák Ferenc tér & Váci utca)

Best if you’re staying near the main tourist streets and squares in Pest.

  • Fastest — Metro M2 (Red Line): From Deák Ferenc tér, board the M2 towards Déli pályaudvar. Parliament is just one stop away at Kossuth Lajos tér. Follow signs to the square and Visitor Centre.
  • Scenic — Tram 2 Along the Danube: Walk down to the Danube promenade and catch Tram 2 heading north. Get off at Kossuth Lajos tér. This route gives you river views of Gellért Hill, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.
  • On Foot (15–20 minutes): From Deák Ferenc tér, walk north along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út or through the Lipótváros district, following signs toward Kossuth Lajos tér and the river.

Tickets & Passes

Budapest public transport uses single tickets, travelcards, and mobile tickets via the BudapestGO app. Validate paper tickets before boarding or immediately after entering the metro. Fines for travelling without a valid ticket are strict.

Option 2 — Metro, Trams & Buses (Most Common)

By Metro

The simplest way is the M2 red line. No matter where you’re staying, aim to reach Deák Ferenc tér (connection of M1, M2, M3), then change to M2 and ride one stop to Kossuth Lajos tér. Escalators bring you directly up to the Parliament square.

By Tram 2

Tram 2 runs along the Pest riverbank and is often called “Budapest’s sightseeing tram”. Board it anywhere between Jászai Mari tér and Petőfi tér and get off at Kossuth Lajos tér for direct access to Parliament and the Visitor Centre.

By Bus

Several local buses serve the area behind the Parliament, including routes that stop near Markó utca and surrounding streets. These are useful if you’re coming from inner districts away from the river.

From Buda Side

If you’re staying in Buda (near Castle Hill or Clark Ádám tér), cross the Danube via the Chain Bridge or Margaret Bridge, then walk or take a short tram/metro ride to Kossuth Lajos tér.

Wayfinding Tip

Look for signs and tram announcements mentioning “Országház” or “Kossuth Lajos tér”. Both refer to the Parliament area.

Option 3 — Scenic Walks via Danube Promenade

If the weather is good, walking to Budapest Parliament can be one of the highlights of your visit. You’ll pass river views, bridges, and historic streets.

  • From Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd): Cross the bridge toward Pest, turn left (north) along the Danube promenade, and follow the riverbank until you reach the huge Parliament building. Expect 15–20 minutes on foot.
  • From Margaret Bridge (Margit híd): Walk south along the river from the Pest side of the bridge. Parliament appears directly ahead after a few minutes.
  • Shoes on the Danube Bank Memorial: On the way, you’ll pass the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial, just south of Parliament. Many visitors pause here before or after their tour.

Photo Tip

For postcard views of Parliament, cross to the Buda side of the Danube (around Batthyány tér) and shoot back across the river, especially at sunset or night.

From Main Train Stations & Bus Terminals

From Keleti Railway Station (Keleti pályaudvar)

Take the M2 red line directly from Keleti to Kossuth Lajos tér. No change needed. This is the most straightforward route if you arrive on international or long-distance trains.

From Nyugati Railway Station (Nyugati pályaudvar)

Ride the M3 blue line one stop to Deák Ferenc tér, then change to the M2 red line for one more stop to Kossuth Lajos tér. You can also walk from Nyugati through the riverfront area in about 15–20 minutes.

From Déli Railway Station (Déli pályaudvar)

Take the M2 red line directly to Kossuth Lajos tér (no transfer). The Parliament is right outside the station.

From Long-Distance Bus Stations

Arriving at Népliget or other major bus terminals? Use the M3 blue line to reach Deák Ferenc tér, then change to the M2 red line and continue to Kossuth Lajos tér.

Luggage

Large suitcases are not allowed inside the Parliament tour areas. Use station storage or your accommodation to drop bags before heading to the Visitor Centre.

From Budapest Airport (BUD)

Airport Express Bus 100E

Take bus 100E from the airport to Deák Ferenc tér in the city center. From there, continue via the M2 red line one stop to Kossuth Lajos tér. 100E tickets have a special fare, so you need a dedicated airport ticket or mobile ticket.

200E + Metro Combination

Budget travelers can ride bus 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest, then use normal metro and transfer tickets/passes to reach Deák Ferenc tér and onward to Kossuth Lajos tér.

Taxis & Rideshares

Official airport taxis have fixed rates into the city. Ask to be dropped at Kossuth Lajos tér or near the Parliament Visitor Centre. Always use licensed taxis or trusted ride-hail apps.

Airport Shuttles & Transfers

Pre-booked airport transfers and shuttle services can drop you at your hotel in central Pest, from where it’s easy to take metro, tram, or a short walk to the Parliament area.

Money & Tickets on Arrival

You can buy transport tickets at airport ticket machines or via the BudapestGO app. Having a day pass or travelcard makes hopping between metro, tram, and bus much easier.

Driving, Parking, Bikes & Scooters

Driving to Parliament

The streets around Kossuth Lajos tér are busy and often partially closed or restricted. It’s generally easier to park further away and continue on foot or by public transport.

Parking

Look for paid underground garages and surface parking in nearby streets of Lipótváros. Always check local signs for zones, payment hours, and maximum stay limits.

Bike & E-Scooter

Public bikes and e-scooters are available in central Budapest. Park them only in designated areas and never on the steps, ramps, or square directly in front of the Parliament building.

Accessibility

The Parliament Visitor Centre has step-free access, security screening, and controlled entry. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility needs, allow extra time and follow staff guidance inside.

Practical Visit Tips

Arrive Early for Tours

Guided tours of Budapest Parliament run at fixed times and languages. Arrive at the Visitor Centre 20–30 minutes before your tour to pass security and collect tickets.

Documents & Security

You may be asked for ID or passport, especially for official areas. Expect airport-style security checks, and avoid bringing large bags, liquids, or sharp objects.

What to Wear

The Parliament is an active seat of government. There’s no strict dress code, but smart casual clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Photography Rules

In many areas, photography is allowed without flash, but some halls or chambers may have restrictions. Always follow your guide’s instructions and signs inside the building.

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Getting There Cheatsheet — Budapest Parliament

Exact Location

Kossuth Lajos tér 1–3, 1055 Budapest, Pest side of the Danube.

Closest Metro

M2 (red line) to Kossuth Lajos tér — exits directly onto the square.

Key Trams

Tram 2 / 2M along the riverfront, stop Kossuth Lajos tér.

From City Centre

Deák Ferenc tér → M2 to Kossuth Lajos tér (1 stop) or Tram 2 along the Danube (~10–15 min).

From Stations

Keleti/Déli: M2 direct • Nyugati: M3 + M2 via Deák Ferenc tér.

From Airport

Bus 100E to Deák Ferenc tér, then M2 to Kossuth Lajos tér; or taxi directly to the Parliament area.

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Ready to Visit Budapest Parliament?

Take the M2 metro or scenic Tram 2 to Kossuth Lajos tér, stroll along the Danube promenade, and join a guided tour inside one of Europe’s most beautiful parliament buildings.

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