Metro M2 to Kossuth Lajos tér is the fastest route from anywhere in Pest, and the exit puts you 30 seconds from the Visitor Centre. If you can spare the time, ride tram 2 along the riverbank instead: it is the city’s most scenic public transport ride and stops directly outside.
Driving and parking are difficult, and Kossuth Lajos tér itself is closed to private cars. From most central Pest hotels you can walk in under 15 minutes.
Location & Address
Getting There by Public Transport
Budapest’s BKK public transport network covers the Parliament from every direction. The M2 metro stops directly outside, scenic tram 2 stops at the riverbank, and several buses stop on Kossuth Lajos tér or the streets immediately around it.
By Metro
The M2 (red) line stops directly at the Parliament:
- M2 (red line), Kossuth Lajos tér: follow the “Parliament” exit signs from the platform. The exit puts you on the south side of the square, with the Parliament dominating the riverside view. Walk towards the river to find the Visitor Centre entrance, around 30 seconds away.
- From Deák Ferenc tér (the M1/M2/M3 interchange) it is just 1 stop, 2 minutes.
- From Keleti train station it is 6 minutes direct on M2.
- From Széll Kálmán tér on the Buda side it is 4 minutes under the river.
Metros run approximately 04:30 to 23:30 daily. Buy a single ticket, a 24-hour travel card, or a Budapest Card before boarding; tickets must be validated at the platform machine before you travel.
By Tram
Tram 2 runs along the Pest bank of the Danube and stops directly outside the Parliament at the Kossuth Lajos tér M stop:
- Tram 2 runs the full Pest riverbank from Jászai Mari tér in the north to Közvágóhíd in the south. Sit on the river side for views of Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and the Liberty Statue on the way.
Tram 2 is widely rated as the most scenic public transport ride in Budapest. Even if you would normally take the metro, ride it once in either direction for the views. Buy your ticket before you board (no on-tram sales).
By Bus
Bus 15 stops at Kossuth Lajos tér or on the streets immediately around the square, with the same short walk to the Visitor Centre. From the Kossuth Lajos tér bus stops, the walk is on level ground and well signposted.
Bus diversions in the Parliament area are common during state events, foreign visits, and major public holidays. Check BKK FUTAR (the Budapest transport app) on the day of your visit. All buses use the same BKK single ticket as the metro and trams.
Getting There by Car
If you do need to arrive by car, your best options are:
- Closest paid parking: Széchenyi rakpart (riverbank, very limited) or the underground garage at Vigadó tér, both a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Visitor Centre.
- Taxi and ride-hailing drop-off: ask to be dropped at the south end of Kossuth Lajos tér, on Vécsey utca. The square itself is closed to traffic.
- Bolt is the most reliable rideshare app in Budapest and usually cheaper than yellow cabs.
Getting There on Foot
The Parliament is well within walking distance from most central Pest hotels. The riverside approach from St. Stephen’s Basilica or Deák Ferenc tér is one of the most pleasant short walks in the city.
From Deák Ferenc tér (15 minutes, 1.1 km)
Head north on Erzsébet tér past the Akadémia, then turn left at Széchenyi István tér and walk along the riverbank. The Parliament dome is visible the whole way; you arrive at the south end of Kossuth Lajos tér. The simplest walking route from the city centre, and pairs well with a coffee stop at one of the cafés on Erzsébet tér.
From St. Stephen’s Basilica (12 minutes, 850 m)
Walk west on Zrínyi utca, cross Széchenyi István tér, and follow the river path north. A direct route with the Parliament in view for the second half. This is the natural pairing if you are combining the Basilica with the Parliament in a single morning.
From Buda Castle via the Chain Bridge (20 to 25 minutes, 1.5 km)
Descend the Castle Hill via the Funicular or the steps next to the Hungarian National Gallery. Cross the Chain Bridge, turn left along the riverbank, and walk north to the Parliament. The full sequence (castle, bridge, riverside, Parliament) makes a classic Budapest half-day walk.
From the Inner City (Váci utca, 15 minutes, 1.2 km)
Walk north on Váci utca to Vörösmarty tér, then west to the river. Continue north along Széchenyi rakpart with the Parliament rising ahead of you. A flat, level walk on cobbled and paved streets.
Getting There by Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Best Way to Get There
Fastest
M2 metro to Kossuth Lajos tér. The exit puts you 30 seconds from the Visitor Centre entrance. Reliable from anywhere in Pest or the Buda side served by the M2.
Most scenic
Tram 2 along the Pest riverbank. Sit on the river side for views of Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, the Liberty Statue, and the Parliament approach. Widely rated as Budapest’s most scenic public transport ride.
Budget
A 24-hour BKK travelcard covers metro, tram, bus, and trolley citywide for the day. Cheaper than buying single tickets if you are using public transport more than three times.
Best for accessibility
The M2 metro at Kossuth Lajos tér has lift access from platform to street. The Parliament’s Visitor Centre has lift access to all main public areas. Notify the Visitor Centre 24 hours ahead for additional support; assistance dogs are welcomed.
Nearby Attractions
The Pest bank within a 15-minute walk of the Parliament packs in several of Budapest’s most-visited spots. A typical half-day pairs the Parliament with one or two of these:
St. Stephen's Basilica
12 minutes east, along Zrínyi utca with the dome framed at the end.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
10 minutes south along the Pest riverbank.
Shoes on the Danube
5 minutes south along the riverbank, a sobering wartime memorial.
Buda Castle
20 to 25 minutes via the Chain Bridge, the classic half-day walk.
Accessibility
- Step-free access: the Visitor Centre entrance has step-free access via the underground walkway from Kossuth Lajos tér. Inside the building, the Visitor Centre lift reaches all main public areas on the tour route.
- Wheelchair access: step-free throughout the Visitor Centre and tour route. Manual wheelchair loans are available at the Visitor Centre with prior notice.
- Mobility scooters: permitted with notice; the underground corridors can be tight in places, so contact the Visitor Centre 24 hours ahead to plan the route.
- Assistance dogs: welcomed throughout.
- Audio access: audio guides are available in 23 languages with adjustable volume; subtitled descriptions of key rooms are provided on request.
- Carer tickets: a free companion ticket is available for one personal assistant accompanying a disabled guest. Request via the Visitor Centre when booking.
- Taxi drop-off for accessibility: ask to be dropped on Vécsey utca near the south end of Kossuth Lajos tér for the shortest step-free route.
Insider Tips
A handful of practical things that make the trip in easier.
The entrance is underground, not on the main facade
Entry is via the underground Visitor Centre on the Danube side of Kossuth Lajos tér, not the main Parliament facade. Taxi drivers and rideshare apps sometimes drop on the wrong side, leaving you a 5-minute walk around the building. Specify “Visitor Centre, south side of Kossuth Lajos tér” or “Vécsey utca” when booking a ride.
Use tram 2 for the photo, M2 for the speed
If you want the classic riverside view of the Parliament approach, ride one direction on tram 2 and return on the M2. Same fare on a 24-hour pass, with the most photogenic public transport ride in Budapest in either direction.
Buy your transport ticket before you board
Tickets are not sold on trams or buses, and inspectors are common on tram 2. Use the BKK FUTAR app, a ticket machine at any metro station, or buy a paper single at any kiosk. Travelling without a validated ticket can get you a hefty on-the-spot fine.
Avoid arriving during state events
The streets around Kossuth Lajos tér can close at short notice for state events, foreign visits, and major public holidays. Tours can also be cancelled at short notice. Check the Foreign Ministry calendar a week or two ahead if your dates include 15 March, 20 August, or 23 October.