How to Reach Hungarian State Opera House, Budapest – Directions

Quick Overview

Official name: Hungarian State Opera (Magyar Állami Operaház)
Address: Andrássy út 22, 1061 Budapest, Hungary
District: Budapest VI. kerület (Terézváros), on historic Andrássy Avenue
Main entrance: Grand staircase entrance on Andrássy út, near the corner of Hajós utca
Nearest metro: Opera station on M1 (yellow) line – right in front of the building
Nearby stops: Oktogon (M1, trams 4–6), Arany János utca (M3)

Best First-Time Route

Start from Deák Ferenc tér, the main downtown transport hub (M1, M2, M3).
Take the M1 (Millennium Underground) in the direction of Mexikói út and ride just two stops to Opera. When you exit the station, the Hungarian State Opera House is directly at street level on Andrássy Avenue.

If You Are Already on Andrássy Avenue

Simply walk along Andrássy út between Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út and Oktogon. You will see the ornate Neo-Renaissance façade of the Opera House on the eastern side of the boulevard, facing the city-centre direction.

Book Opera House Tour More Budapest City Tours

Option 1 — From Budapest City Centre (Deák Ferenc tér)

Best for most visitors staying near the inner city, Váci utca or the Basilica.

  • By Metro (easiest): At Deák Ferenc tér, follow signs for the M1 yellow line (Millennium Underground). Take the train towards Mexikói út and get off at the first stop: Opera. Total travel time is about 3–4 minutes.
  • On Foot (scenic): From Deák Ferenc tér, walk along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út (towards Andrássy Avenue) and turn left onto Andrássy út. The Opera House is about a 10–12 minute walk.
  • By Tram/Bus (if you prefer surface transport): Take buses that stop at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út or trams towards Oktogon, then walk along Andrássy Avenue back towards the city centre until you reach the Opera.

Ticket Tip

A standard single BKK ticket covers one metro or tram ride within the city. For multiple transfers, consider a 24-hour travelcard or Budapest travel pass to save money.

Option 2 — Metro, Trams & Buses (Most Common)

Using the M1 (Yellow) Line

The M1 line is the oldest metro line in Budapest and runs directly under Andrássy Avenue. Simply exit at the Opera station – one of the charming, historic stops – and you will emerge almost at the Opera’s front steps.

From the Basilica / Parliament Area

Walk or take a short ride to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út or Deák Ferenc tér, then change to the M1. The Opera stop is only 1–2 stations away, making it quick and easy from most central hotels.

Trams 4–6 via Oktogon

If you are staying near the Grand Boulevard, take trams 4 or 6 to Oktogon. From Oktogon, walk down Andrássy Avenue towards the river for about 8–10 minutes until you reach the Opera House.

Useful Bus Lines

Several buses run along nearby streets (for example lines along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út or the Grand Boulevard). Check current BKK maps or a maps app and aim for stops around Opera or Oktogon.

Wayfinding Tip

When you exit any nearby stop, look for the wide boulevard with elegant 19th-century townhouses. The Opera House is one of the most ornate buildings on Andrássy út, with statues and arches facing the street.

Option 3 — Scenic Walks along Andrássy Avenue

Walking to the Hungarian State Opera House is a great way to enjoy the atmosphere of Budapest’s elegant Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • From Deák Ferenc tér: Walk west along Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, then turn left onto Andrássy Avenue. Enjoy the cafés and boutiques as you walk about 800–900 metres to the Opera.
  • From Oktogon: Head towards the inner city along Andrássy Avenue (towards the Danube). The Opera House is on the right after about 600–700 metres.
  • From the Danube riverfront: Walk inland via József Attila utca to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út, then continue to Andrássy Avenue and follow it to the Opera.

Photo Tip

For the best façade photos, stand on the opposite side of Andrássy Avenue, just beside the small park islands. You can capture the full width of the Opera House without heavy traffic blocking your shot.

Option 4 — From Budapest’s Main Train Stations

From Keleti pályaudvar (Keleti Station)

Take the M2 (red) metro to Deák Ferenc tér. Change to the M1 (yellow) line and ride to Opera. Total journey: roughly 15–20 minutes including transfers.

From Nyugati pályaudvar (Nyugati Station)

From Nyugati, either:

  • Take tram 4 or 6 one stop to Oktogon, then walk along Andrássy Avenue to the Opera; or
  • Walk directly via Teréz körút and turn onto Andrássy Avenue (about 15–20 minutes on foot).

From Déli pályaudvar (Déli Station)

Take the M2 (red) to Deák Ferenc tér, then change to the M1 and exit at Opera. This route is straightforward and well-signed.

Regional & International Arrivals

If you arrive on a regional or international train, follow station signs to the metro and use the M2 + M1 combination or tram 4–6 to Oktogon, then walk.

Guided Arrival Option

Consider booking a Budapest walking tour that starts near Deák Ferenc tér or St. Stephen’s Basilica and passes the Opera House. It’s an easy way to learn the layout of the city while you find your way.

Option 5 — From Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

By Public Transport

From the airport, take bus 100E (airport express) directly to Deák Ferenc tér in the city centre. From Deák Ferenc tér, change to the M1 yellow metro and ride to Opera.

By Airport Shuttle or Taxi

You can pre-book airport transfers or use official taxis. Ask to be dropped near Andrássy út 22 or simply say “Hungarian State Opera”. The car will stop on or just off Andrássy Avenue near the main entrance.

Travel Time

Depending on traffic, the journey from the airport to the Opera House takes around 35–50 minutes by car, or about 45–60 minutes when using bus 100E plus the metro.

Tickets & Passes

Bus 100E uses a slightly different ticket than normal city lines. Check current BKK rules and consider buying a 24-hour or 72-hour travelcard if you want unlimited metro, tram and bus rides.

Pre-booked Transfer Tip

If you are arriving late at night or with lots of luggage, a private airport transfer or shared shuttle into the city centre can be more comfortable than navigating public transport on your first evening.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving to the Opera

Andrássy Avenue and the surrounding streets are busy and include paid parking zones. Traffic can be slow around rush hour, and parking spaces are limited, especially in the evening when performances are about to start.

Parking Options

Look for underground garages or paid surface parking on side streets (for example near Oktogon or Király utca). Always check local signs for time limits and payment rules.

Bike & Scooter Sharing

Budapest has several bike and e-scooter sharing services. You can ride along dedicated lanes and park in designated areas near Andrássy Avenue. Avoid blocking building entrances or tram tracks.

Accessibility

The Opera House offers accessible entrances and seating areas. If you have mobility needs, consider arriving by taxi to the main entrance and contact the venue in advance for the most convenient access route.

Practical Visit Tips

Arrive a Little Early

For guided tours or evening performances, arrive at least 20–30 minutes before start time. This gives you time to clear security, find your entrance, and enjoy the foyer.

What to Wear

There is no strict dress code for daytime tours, but for performances most visitors choose smart casual or slightly more formal clothing. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking to and from the venue.

Weather Considerations

Budapest can be cold in winter and hot in summer. In bad weather, use the M1 metro to avoid long walks, and keep an umbrella or light jacket handy for the short distance between stations and the Opera.

Check Tours & Tickets Explore Budapest Activities

Getting There Cheatsheet — Hungarian State Opera House

Exact Location

Andrássy út 22, 1061 Budapest, on Budapest’s famous Andrássy Avenue.

Nearest Metro

Opera station on M1 (yellow) — directly in front of the Opera House.

Useful Hubs

Deák Ferenc tér (M1, M2, M3) • Oktogon (M1 + trams 4–6).

From Airport

Bus 100E → Deák Ferenc tér → M1 to Opera.

From Keleti Station

M2 to Deák Ferenc tér → M1 to Opera (about 15–20 minutes).

Best Time to Arrive

Plan to be at the Opera House 20–30 minutes before your tour or performance.

Browse Opera House Experiences Discover More in Budapest

Ready to Visit the Hungarian State Opera House?

Take the M1 metro, stroll along Andrássy Avenue, or arrive by tram via Oktogon — reaching the Opera House is easy from anywhere in central Budapest. Once you’re there, enjoy a guided tour or an unforgettable evening performance.

See Opera House Tickets & Tours