# Lake Balaton transportation infrastructure development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lake-balaton-transportation-infrastructure-development
> Updated: 2026-10-24T09:50:15.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Infrastructure development projects are underway to improve transportation services around Lake Balaton. In late September 2026, Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. (Bahart) initiated a 6 billion HUF modernization project for ferry terminals at Szántód and Tihany. Funded equally by company resources and grants, the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 and involves upgrading docks, passenger facilities, and traffic management systems. It also includes the renovation of the iconic hyperbolic paraboloid waiting building in Szántód and the protected stone-clad building in Tihany.

Concurrently, investments in the Hungarian railway network have yielded measurable improvements. Following over 1 billion HUF in track maintenance and upgrades on both the northern and southern lines, rail services have seen increased punctuality and passenger volume. On the northern line, punctuality rose from 65% to 72%, and passenger traffic increased by approximately 54,000 travelers compared to the previous year. These upgrades, which included rail replacements and contact network improvements, have allowed speeds to return to 120 km/h in several areas.

Further expanding the regional transport network, Minister of Transport and Investment Dávid Vitézy announced a renovation project for approximately 14.4 kilometers of the Balaton Cycling Route on the northern shore. Spanning seven settlements from Tihany to Balatonfűzfő, the project aims to address damaged pavement and narrow paths. Developments include the construction of six bicycle bridges and two new railway crossings, with initial segments expected to be completed by summer 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Hungary to renovate 20 km of Lake Balaton cycling paths

Minister Dávid Vitézy announced the renovation of nearly 20 km of the Balaton Cycling Route, including new bridges and wider paths across seven northern shore settlements.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-to-renovate-20-km-of-lake-balaton-cycling-paths

### 2026-10-14: Hungarian railway investments improve Balaton passenger numbers and punctuality

Infrastructure investments exceeding 1 billion forints in Hungary have boosted rail punctuality and passenger numbers for Lake Balaton services.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-railway-investments-improve-balaton-passenger-numbers-and-punctuality

### 2026-09-30: Lake Balaton ferry terminals to undergo 6 billion HUF modernization

Balatoni Hajózási Zrt. is investing 6 billion HUF to modernize the Szántód and Tihany ferry terminals on Lake Balaton by late 2027, improving infrastructure, traffic flow, and passenger services.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lake-balaton-ferry-terminals-to-undergo-6-billion-huf-modernization

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Cite as: Lake Balaton transportation infrastructure development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lake-balaton-transportation-infrastructure-development