Parking in Budapest? Well, that’s quite a challenge. Especially if you have business around the Keleti Railway Station. I’ve been down that road: circling the blocks, paying needle-sharp attention to the parking meter, and then running for the train. Only to find out the train was also delayed. A classic Pest story, right?
Then someone messaged me on Facebook: “Hey, why don’t you try the Keleti Parking? It’s a proper underground garage, a 1-minute walk from the station.” I thought it was worth a shot. And now that I’ve used it multiple times, I’ll tell you why it has become my favourite parking spot in Budapest.
Logging into the keleti-parking.hu website took about as much time as stirring a cappuccino. I entered my arrival and departure times, typed in my license plate, paid by card, and… that was it.
On-site, the barrier opened automatically; I didn’t have to struggle with a ticket, a button, or a machine. The system recognised my car. Digital magic that makes you feel like progress is finally being made.
The underground garage is truly well-maintained. It’s bright, the spaces are clearly marked, there’s a camera system, and everything is designed thoughtfully. It doesn’t give you that “hidden basement parking feeling” that makes you worry about your car. Here, I could leave my car safely for several hours.
Honestly? The 500 Ft / hour fee is fair. And a maximum of 6,000 Ft for an entire day? Now that’s a price I’m happy to pay if I don’t want to stress about parking from morning until evening. Especially when I can be on the train within 2 minutes. No exaggeration: from the parking lot, you can practically see the train station.
Last time I went with my electric car, and I was pleasantly surprised: there are 16 charging stations. I just plugged it in, and by the time I returned, my car was waiting for me fully charged. The experience of “I’ve arrived and I can charge” is rare in Budapest – here, it’s natural.
I’m already considering the monthly pass. I often have business at Keleti – administrative tasks, travel to rural relatives, meetings nearby. If I parked there on a monthly basis, it would be even more cost-effective. Plus, I wouldn’t have to bother with booking every time; I’d just roll in.
Time: no need to search for parking
Money: you don’t pay overpriced fees
Peace of Mind: a safe, monitored environment
A Modern Experience: license plate recognition, online booking
A Green Solution: electric charging possibility
You know that feeling when something finally works as it should? That was my first impression of Keleti Parking, and I’ve been a returning customer ever since. It’s no wonder: once you try it, you won’t want anything else.
Next time you have business at Keleti, give it a try. Don’t leave parking to chance – book in advance! https://keleti-parking.hu