Blog Hungary: M1 motorway near Biatorbágy restricted due to widening works (September 2026)

Hungary: M1 motorway near Biatorbágy restricted due to widening works (September 2026)

Last updated: 05.10.2026 Reading time: 2 Minutes
from Michelle Albrecht
Hungary
Hungary: M1 motorway near Biatorbágy restricted due to widening works (September 2026) AI generated

On the Hungarian motorway M1 between Budapest and the Austrian border at Hegyeshalom, extensive expansion works have been underway since the end of August 2026. Between kilometres 19 and 22 at Biatorbágy, shortly before the M0 motorway ring, the carriageway heading towards Budapest has been diverted onto the opposite carriageway.

The reason is the widening of the M1 in this section. Traffic heading towards Budapest is routed via the opposite carriageway, where both directions each share two lanes. Anyone travelling by car on the M1 needs the vignette for Hungary (e-matrica) anyway – its prices for 2027 are already known and are rising slightly.

Additional restriction at the border near Hegyeshalom

Further west, at the Szárliget junction at kilometre 48 heading towards Hegyeshalom, entry and exit ramps are currently also closed. Diversions are signposted on site with yellow signs. Hegyeshalom is the most important border crossing between Hungary and Austria on the M1 and thus a key point for all travel traffic between the two countries. Travellers entering from Austria will need the vignette for Austria for the return journey.

How long will the roadworks last?

No official end date is currently known. The daily traffic reports from the Hungarian road information service Útinform already showed the diversion at Biatorbágy at the end of August 2026 and most recently reported it unchanged on 17 September 2026 – so the works are part of a longer-term expansion project on the M1 and are likely to continue for several more weeks.

What does this mean for your journey?

Anyone travelling on the M1 between Budapest, Győr and the Austrian border should expect temporary delays at the Biatorbágy junction and at the Hegyeshalom border crossing, and should allow for some buffer time, especially on travel weekends. The current traffic situation is best checked shortly before setting off via Útinform or a navigation app with live traffic data.

Hungary toll at a glance

For cars, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette requirement (e-Matrica) applies on motorways and expressways. It is a flat fee for a fixed period. Unlike in many other countries, motorcycles in Hungary are not exempt from the vignette requirement.

For trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW, the distance-based toll of the HU-GO system applies instead. Its amount depends on factors such as road category, distance driven, vehicle class and emission class. Motorhomes remain subject to the e-Matrica vignette requirement (category D2) even above 3.5 t GVW and do not switch to HU-GO. Hungary has no separate special toll.

All details on tolls in Hungary

The vignette flat rate explained

With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.

*Official Hungarian vignette fee (10-day vignette, category D1, as of 2026): 6,900 HUF (approx. 18.91 €), full coverage of the vignette fee by DMC, flat price (per calendar month): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.

  • One flat rate, 8 countries
  • Travel flexibly
  • Termination directly in the administration

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a good and safe drive on the M1! You can find all information on the vignette requirement in Hungary in our guide to the Hungary vignette.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the M1 widening near Biatorbágy

The most important answers about the construction works between Budapest and the border at Hegyeshalom.

Do I have to take a different route because of the construction work near Biatorbágy?

No, there is no large-scale detour. Traffic heading towards Budapest is redirected directly at the construction site onto the opposite carriageway, where both directions share the available lanes. Anyone who can should plan their trips outside of rush hour.

Do I still need a vignette for the M1?

Until when will the construction work near Biatorbágy last?

Does the construction site also affect the Hegyeshalom border crossing?

Michelle Albrecht
Michelle Albrecht
Hello, I’m Michelle, a writer through and through. As a copywriter, I’ve had the privilege of turning my passion into a career. I also channel my creativity into my own books, where I can truly let my imagination roam free. Ever since spending six unforgettable months in Australia, my love for travel has grown even deeper, something I didn’t think was possible. That’s why I’m especially delighted to share inspiring tips and ideas with my readers for their own future adventures.