Hungary Prepares for a Four-Day Weekend: What You Need to Know

Hungary is gearing up for an extended four-day weekend from May 1 to May 4, 2025, thanks to Labor Day, which is celebrated on May 1 (Thursday). In a move designed to enhance public enjoyment of the holiday, May 2 has been designated as an official rest day. This means that many stores across the country will alter their opening hours, as most large grocery chains plan to close their doors for the national holiday.

What Will Be Open and Closed on May 1?

On May 1, a public holiday in Hungary, most major retailers will remain closed. However, certain services and types of shops will still operate. Here’s a breakdown of the grocery chains:

Grocery Chains:

• Aldi: Closed on May 1, resuming normal hours on May 2.
• Lidl: Will not open on May 1, but will be back to regular hours on May 2 and throughout the weekend.
• Penny Market: Similar to Aldi and Lidl, closed on May 1 and operating normally from May 2 onward.
• SPAR & INTERSPAR: Closed on May 1; however, Spar Express locations at OMV gas stations and select other stores may be open. Regular hours will resume on May 2.
• Tesco: Closed on May 1, with normal operations resuming the following day. Check specific locations for varied hours.
• Auchan: Closed on May 1, with services resuming on May 2.
• CBA and Prika: Will also be closed on the public holiday, reopening on May 2.

Where Can You Shop on May 1?

Despite the widespread closures, there are still options for shopping:

• Shops at petrol stations
• Non-stop convenience stores
• Flower shops
• Newsstands
• Confectionery stores
• Tobacco shops run by owners or family members
• Restaurants and cafés

Online Grocery Services

For those wishing to avoid the holiday rush, online grocery services like Foodora Market and Wolt Market will operate as usual, providing home delivery.

Pharmacies

Only 24-hour or duty pharmacies will remain open on May 1. It’s advisable to check which local pharmacy is on duty if you require assistance.

Key Dates During the Long Weekend

The four-day weekend is not only a chance to relax—it also coincides with important dates. May 2 (Friday) will be a working Saturday scheduled for May 17 to make up for the day off. Additionally, Mother’s Day in Hungary falls on May 4 (Sunday), while high school graduation ceremonies (ballagás) will likely occur on May 2 or 3, depending on the school, with some schools potentially holding ceremonies as early as April 30. Final written exams will commence on May 5.

Public Transport Changes: Special Train Services and Schedule Updates

Hungary’s national railway company, MÁV, is enhancing services to accommodate the increased travel demand. Additional carriages will be added on popular InterCity routes, including those to Nyírség, Tokaj, Békés, and Balaton.

Travelers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through the jegy.mav.hu website, which also provides insights into train occupancy.

Special Train Schedules

• April 30 (Wednesday): Friday timetable
• May 1 (Thursday): Saturday timetable
• May 2–3 (Friday–Saturday): Holiday timetable
• May 4 (Sunday): Sunday timetable
• May 5 (Monday): Normal weekday schedule resumes

If InterCity trains reach full capacity, passengers may need to consider regional train services as alternatives.

Volánbusz coach schedules will also undergo adjustments:

• April 30: Weekday timetable
• May 1: Public holiday timetable
• May 2–3: Holiday timetable
• May 4: Pre-weekday timetable
• May 5: Regular weekday schedule resumes

HÉV suburban railway lines will operate on a public holiday schedule from May 1 to May 4. The H7 line will follow a Saturday schedule on both May 2 and 3.

Final Thoughts

Planning ahead is crucial during this holiday period. It’s advisable to check schedules in advance to avoid delays or travel disruptions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, enjoy the long weekend in Hungary!

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