Hungary Plans Airport Rail Link Concession
The Hungarian government has announced a plan to grant a concession for constructing a 27 km greenfield railway linking Budapest's Liszt Ferenc International Airport with the city center.
Project Details
Minister of Construction & Transport János Lázár revealed at an October 27 press conference that the new railway will allow speeds of up to 160 km/h. The line will branch off from the Budapest–Cegléd main line southeast of Pestszentlőrinc, pass through Budapest airport, and reconnect to the main line at Monor.
The project includes a 2 to 3 km tunnel beneath the airport featuring an underground station.
Concession and Operation
The railway will be developed by a concessionaire responsible for financing, building, and operating the line for 30 to 35 years. Train services will be run using trains from state-owned operators MÁV Személyszállítási Zrt or GySEV.
Máté Lóga, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Chairman of Budapest Airport's Board, said the expected €1 billion project cost would primarily be financed through ticket revenues.
He added, "The concessionaire is expected to offer a single fare competitive with current alternatives, estimated around HUF 3,000 to HUF 4,000."
Summary
This initiative aims to create a modern, efficient rail connection to Budapest’s airport, improving transit options while relying on a public-private partnership for funding and operation.
Author's Comment
The project represents a significant infrastructure investment that balances public service with financial sustainability through a long-term concession model.