Due to filming with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the downtown section of the M2 metro line will be completely closed this weekend. What amounts to an inconvenience for thousands of passengers is turning out to be a lucrative business opportunity for the Budapest public transport company, the BKV.
Anyone traveling in the Hungarian capital’s city center this weekend should expect restrictions on public transportation. From Saturday, June 20 (start of service) through Sunday, June 21 (end of service), the M2 metro line will be shut down between the “Örs vezér tere” and “Deák Ferenc tér” stations.
A major U.S. film production is turning one of the metro stations into a set, with action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger in front of the camera.
This is not the global star’s first visit to the Hungarian metropolis.
The BKV deliberately chose this date, writes Világgazdaság. Similar to major maintenance work, the closure was scheduled during the school break and on a weekend, as passenger volume is significantly lower than on weekdays.
To minimize disruption, a frequent replacement bus service will be provided. According to the BKV, the capacity of the replacement buses was adjusted in advance to accommodate the expected volume of traffic. The timing is nonetheless controversial. Saturday evening marks the popular “Night of Museums” event. However, the public transport company is taking steps to address this. Seven “museum bus” routes will be set up specifically for culture enthusiasts to safely transport visitors to their destinations.
Exactly how much the Hollywood production is paying for exclusive use of the subway infrastructure remains a secret.
In response to an inquiry from Világgazdaság, the BKV stated that strict confidentiality had been agreed upon regarding the contract, the film’s title, and details of the shoot.
What is clear, however, is that this is an excellent deal for the capital. The production company is not only reimbursing all costs incurred for the closure, but is also paying substantial sums for the use of space, the rental of vehicles and equipment, and the provision of specialized personnel. “All of this not only covers the expenses but also represents a significant additional source of revenue for the company,” said the BKV.
The company underscores just how profitable the film business is with a previously unpublished figure from the previous year. In 2025 alone, photo and film shoots generated nearly 114 million forints (about 325,000 euros) in revenue for BKV. As the public transport company stated, this money goes directly toward the maintenance and operation of the city’s infrastructure.
The Hungarian capital’s public transportation system regularly appears in productions seen by millions of people worldwide.
According to the company, these productions not only generate direct revenue but also enhance Budapest’s international reputation and appeal.
Via bkk.hu, Világgazdaság; Featured image: Facebook/Orbán Viktor
