Hungary Plans Railway Link for Budapest Airport
The Hungarian government has announced a concession to develop a 27 km greenfield railway connecting Budapest's Liszt Ferenc International Airport with the city center.
Project Details and Route
Minister of Construction & Transport János Lázár revealed on October 27 that the new 27 km railway will support speeds up to 160 km/h. The line will branch off from the Budapest – Cegléd main line near Pestszentlőrinc, run to the airport, then continue southeast to rejoin the main line at Monor.
The railway will include a tunnel between 2 and 3 km long under the airport, featuring an underground station.
Concession and Operation
The project will be executed by a concessionaire responsible for financing, constructing, and operating the railway for 30 to 35 years.
Train services will use rolling stock from state-owned passenger operators MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt or GySEV.
Financial Aspects and Fare Expectations
Máté Lóga, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Budapest Airport, explained that the concessionaire is expected to cover the estimated €1 billion cost mainly from ticket sales.
He anticipates the concessionaire will offer a single fare competitive with current alternative transport options, estimated between HF3 000 and HF4 000.
This railway project aims to improve connectivity to Budapest Airport with an efficient and financially sustainable transport solution.