Last Updated on 28 July 2026 by LizzyBP
September 11–13, 2026 — The Ultimate Championships Comes to Budapest
Budapest is back on the global athletics map. From 11 to 13 September 2026, the Hungarian capital hosts the World Athletics Ultimate Championship — a brand-new, elite-only event that brings the sport’s biggest names to the National Athletics Centre for three unforgettable evenings.
This is not the traditional nine-day championships Budapest staged in 2023. The Ultimate Championship is a compact, star-studded new format: only Olympic champions, world champions and Diamond League winners qualify, competing across 26 events over three evening sessions for the biggest prize money in the sport’s history — a US$10 million pot, with US$150,000 to each winner.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest 2026 — the venue, dates, schedule, how to get there, tickets, and our local recommendations for where to stay, what to eat and what to do around the event.
Table of Contents
About the Event
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship is a new biennial competition created by World Athletics to crown the sport’s true number one in each discipline. Its inaugural edition takes place in Budapest in September 2026.
The event runs from 11 to 13 September 2026 at the National Athletics Centre (officially the Gyula Zsivotzky National Athletics Centre) — the same riverside stadium that hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Unlike a full championships, the Ultimate Championship features a hand-picked field of the very best: reigning Olympic champions, world champions and Diamond League winners only.
Confirmed stars include
- Pole vault world-record holder Mondo Duplantis,
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone,
- Noah Lyles and Jakob Ingebrigtsen, with
- Usain Bolt on board as the event’s “Ultimate Legend” ambassador.
Across three evening sessions, athletes compete in 26 events — sprints, middle- and long-distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps and throws — in a fast-paced, prime-time format designed to put the sport’s biggest rivalries head to head.
The Venue — Budapest’s National Athletics Centre
The Ultimate Championship takes place at the National Athletics Centre in the southern part of Budapest — the same purpose-built stadium that hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships. It’s the largest athletics training and competition facility in Central Europe.
Opened in 2023 on the Pest bank of the Danube, the state-of-the-art arena has since become a permanent home for Hungarian athletics, with the surrounding area transformed into a riverside public park.
Location – Getting There
The stadium sits in Pest, on the bank of the Danube, close to Rákóczi Bridge in the south of the city — a short ride from the centre.
For the Ultimate Championship, the venue’s capacity is boosted to around 21,000 spectators per session with temporary stands added for the event — so book early, as the compact three-evening format means seats are in high demand.
The surrounding riverside park and leisure areas make it a pleasant place to arrive early and soak up the pre-event atmosphere before the evening session begins.
How To Get There? Transportation to the Stadium
Address of the Athletic Stadium: 1095 Budapest, Hajóállomás utca 1. (View On Google Maps)
📋 Note: Note: Budapest has an excellent and efficient, simple to use public transportation network so getting around during the World Athletics Ultimate Championships will be easy and convenient. A scenic and comfortable way is to travel by boat to the premises.
The journey on the Danube takes only 15 minutes from Batthyány Square port in Buda. Boats depart every 30-40 minutes or more frequently if needed.
By Public Transport
The stadium is conveniently accessible by public transport from anywhere in the city centre within max. 15-20 min, including
- Trams, the
- Local railway (HÉV- H7 line from Boráros tér – trams 4 & 6 stop there),
- Buses, and even
- Boats on the Danube River.
The following means of public transport are the quickest options to get to the Athletic Stadium:
Suburban Railway H7
The green train departs from Boráros tér (tram 4 and 6 both stop there) – get off at MüPa-Nemzeti Színház stop (Művészetek Palotája/Palace of Arts- National Theatre).
Trains depart cc. every 10 min and the journey takes only 2 minutes.
You’ll be able to see the Stadium from here that you can reach by walk in cc. 10 min (900 m)
Trams 2, 24
Tram 2 travels along the Danube river in Pest between Jászai Mari Square and Közvágóhíd terminis.
It operates quite frequently especially during the Athletics Championship.
Get off again at Közvágóhíd stop. The Stadium is cc. 10-11 min by walk.
Tram 1
Tram line 1 connects Kelenföld Railway Station and Óbuda, District III.
Get off at Közvágóhíd stop. From there you can get to the Athletic Centre in cc. 11 minutes on foot.
Buses 54, 56, 224
You can also get to the venue using the above public transport bus lines. Get off at Közvágóhíd stop, from there you reach the stadium by walk (takes roughly 10 minutes).
What Type Of Public Transport Ticket You Should Buy?
TIP: The Budapest Card is a tourist pass available for 1, 2, 3 4 or 5 days that besides discounted and free entry to attractions, baths, 30+ museums and tours, it includes FREE unlimited travel on the city’s public transport lines with the exception of the 100E Airport Express bus shuttle that’s FREE only with the 72-Hour Plus Card. See more about the card here!
Budapest Airport Express Bus 100E – Requires Purchase Of A Separate Single Ticket (2 500 HUF)
If you come to the championship by plane first you’ll need to get to your accommodation, probably somewhere in the city centre.
The 100E Airport Express is a shuttle bus service that will take you right to the heart of Budapest from the airport in 40 minutes 24/7.
The direct bus line connects Liszt Ferenc Airport with Deák Ferenc tér in downtown, with two stops along the way: Kálvin tér (M3 metro) and Astoria (M2 metro).
It runs quite frequently cc. every 6-7 minues during the day in summer, 10-15 minues at night. See the Airport Express bus’ timetable here.
Deák Ferenc Square is a major transportation hub with three of Budapest four metrolines (M1, M2, M3) meeting there and several tram and bus lines having a stop there.
Airport Express Ticket On Board the Bus – Budapest Pay & Go
You need to buy a single ticket to travel on the Airport bus (the Budapest Card and other passes aren’t valid for this service).
It costs 2 500 HUF and you can purchase it in digital form on board through the yellow and black Budapest Pay & Go devices, with a bankcard or smart watch or phone.
Your ticket purchase also validates your ticket.
In case a ticket inspector comes and asks for your ticket just touch your bankcard/smartwatch/smartphone you used to pay with to the back of the handheld gadget the controller has with her/him.
Public Transport Tickets & Passes Recommended For Tourists
📋 Note: Public transport tickets and passes aren’t valid for the boat service operating during the championships.
During major events a special boat service to the venue sometimes operates – check the official event and BKK information closer to the date, as it may require a separate ticket. For regular public transport, the options above are your best bet.
You have two options
- Go the traditional way and buy and use paper tickets and travel cards (24-hour or 72-hour, or if you are comfortable with using apps
- Download the BudapestGO public transport application to buy single tickets, time based tickets (for 30-minute or 90-minute duration) and 24/72-hour travel cards. The app is also a great help in planning your route providing real-time travel information as well as route and service recommendations including the BuBi public bike rental points.
You can buy paper tickets and travel cards from the ticket vending machines with bankcard (or cash). You The purple colored ticket automats are placed at main public transport stations (metro entrance), as well as at the airport.
The airport also has BKK Customer Sales Points where you can get your ticket/travel card from a real person.
Buy Travel Cards, Time-Based Tickets or Pack of 10 Single Tickets
If you come for 1-3 days and plan on using public transport extensively then we recommend that you buy
- A 24-hour (2 750 HUF) or a
- 72-hour travel card (5 750 HUF). You don’t need to validate these – neither in paper nor in digital form -, just present to the ticket inspector if she/he asks for tickets/passes.
Both travel cards are available in digital form through the BudapestGO App.
30-Minute or 90-Minute Ticket
Another good options are the two time-based ticket options valid for
- 30 minute (600 HUF) or
- 90-minute (850 HUF)
The time-based ticket entitles you to unlimited number of transfers between metro lines and also other lines. Moreover, you can finish your trip beyond the 30th or 90th minute until you reach your destination within Budapest, in case your last transfer is within the given 30 or 90 minutes.
📋 Note: Important! Please scan the code each time when you board a vehicle to validate your ticket.
Single Tickets
Your other option is to use single tickets (you can byu as many as you need via the BudapestGo app). If purchased individually one single ticket costs 500 HUF. (700 HUF on board the bus, from the driver, but not on trams. Please have the exact amount ready in cash becuse the driver doesn’t have change to give back.
💡 Local Tip
To save money buy a pack of 10 single tickets that is 4 500 HUF. It is available both in digital form via the BudapestGO App and in paper form from vending machines or at sales points.
Validate Your Ticket To Avoid Getting Fined!
Simply purchasing a ticket is not sufficient, you need to validate both the digital and paper forms, right after boarding a vehicle or before going down to the metro.
In case of digital tickets you validate your ticket before boarding a bus, tram or suburban railyway by swiping your mobile in front of the QR code sticker placed next to the doors on the exterior of the vehicle.
Here’s how to validate different types of tickets:
- If you have a paper ticket just insert it in the validating machine’s slot (usually orange or bright yellow colored rectangle gadgets mounted close to the doors) or if it’s an old red punching tool (usually on the suburban railway called HÉV) just stick the ticket through the opening onthe top and pull the black lever towards you. It will make holes in the ticket.
- In case of a digital ticket, scan the QR code stickers with your phone or other smart device. The stickers are placed at the entrance of the metro, on the front of paper ticket validating gadgets, and in case of buses and the suburban railway on the exterior of the vehicle right next to the door.
📋 Note: 24-hour or 72-hour passes don’t need validation!
To Sum Up:
Paper tickets: use the validating machine, which will either stamp a code on the ticket or make holes in it.
Digital Tickets in the BudapestGO App: Scan the code stickers located at the entrance of the metro, positioned on the front of the paper-ticket validators, or outside near the doors of street-level transport (buses, trolleys, suburban train/HÉV). If you use a time-based ticket (30-minute or 90-minute durations), ensure you validate it whenever you board a different vehicle.
Daily travel cards and passes: No validation is required for these types of tickets.
Remember, public transport tickets and passes aren’t valid for the boat service between Batthyány Square and MüPa/Palace of Arts ports.
Getting There By Boat
Since the stadium lies on the bank of the Danube river, getting there by boat is an obvious way of transportation.
An efficient and frequent boat service will be operating between Batthyány Square (Buda side) and MüPa/Palace of Arts ports during the championships. From MüPA the Athletic Stadium is just a short walk (cc. 8-10 min)
A daily boat ticket costs 1 500 HUF and you can use it as many times as you want during that day you purchased the ticket for.
There are morning and evening boat schedules aligned with the specific daily events of the WAC. The first boat departs at around 07.00- 08.00 from Batthyány Square in the morning the last one in the afternoon around 14.30 – 16.00, from MüPa/Palace of Arts port, depending on the championship’s events.
👉 You can find the boat schedule in downloadable form (.pdf) here.
Getting To The Athletic Centre By Taxi
Budapest taxis offer convenient and budget-friendly transportation options, with fares that are below the average in European capitals. Taxis are obliged to operate according to strict legislative framework regarding tarriff and the compulsory distinctive yellow colour and taxi sign.
So if you pay attention and use common sense you will be fine to travel by taxi.
Taxi Fare in Budapest Consists Of The Following Items In 2026
- Pick-up Cost: The initial base charge for a taxi ride is 1100 HUF (approximately 2.9 EUR).
- Price per Kilometer: For each kilometer traveled, the fare amounts to 440 HUF (less than 1.18 EUR)
- Waiting Time Per Minute: When your taxi is stationary, the charge is 110 HUF per minute (cc. 0.29 EUR)
- No Extra Charges: No any additional costs will be added based on the number of passengers or pieces of luggage you have.
- Uniform Pricing 24/7: The taxi fares are the same throughout the day, regardless of whether it’s daytime or nighttime.
Payment For Taxi Ride
According to legislation, all Budapest taxis must accept payment by bank or credit card. You can pay in cash as well.
💡 Local Tip
While most taxis accept payment in euros, we recommend to pay in Hungarian forint to avoid unfavorable conversion rates. It’s a good idea to ask the driver for an estimated cost of your ride beforehand.
Getting There By Bike or Electric Scooter
Ride On A Public Bike
Rent a public bike through the BuBi bike sharing network and ride to theto the Athletic Center on dedicated bike lanes.
BuBi has 197 pick up and drop off stations all over Budapest making it easy to combine biking with other forms of public transportation for a personalized travel experience.
Although a bit heavy, the light green bikes are an environmental friendly way to get to the Athletic Centre.
Lime Electric Scooters
In Budapest, the electric scooter-sharing system called Lime is also available. To use the scooters, simply download the app on your phone.
With the app, you can locate the nearest scooter, scan the QR code, and you’re ready to go.
The shared micro-mobility devices and vehicles are available at designated parking points.
Look for the Micro-Mobility Points marked with bright green signs, which can be found at public transportation stops and other densely populated areas. These points serve not only shared devices but also private bicycles and scooters.
Budapest Card – Should You Get One or Not?
Current Prices 2026:
- 24-Hour Card: 53 EUR
- 48-Hour Card: 69 EUR
- 72-Hour Card: 85 EUR
- 72-Hour Plus Card: 126EUR
- 96-Hour Card: 112 EUR
Timetable of Competitions
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship runs over three evenings, from 11 to 13 September 2026. Unlike a traditional championships with morning and evening sessions across nine days, this is a prime-time, evening-only event — each session packs the sport’s biggest names into a fast-moving programme of finals.
With just 26 events and an elite-only field, there are no heats to sit through: nearly every race and field event you watch is a final, with a world title and a share of the US$10 million prize fund on the line.
The first session opens on Friday, 11 September, with further sessions on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. Exact start times and the full event-by-event running order are published on the official schedule.
The Opening Evening
The championship opens on Friday evening, 11 September, with the first session getting under way in prime time. Because the whole event is condensed into three evenings, every session has a big-final atmosphere from the very start.
💡 Local Tip
Because all the action is in the evening, your days in Budapest are completely free. Use them for the thermal baths, a Danube cruise or exploring the city — then head to the stadium for the evening’s finals. The full session schedule is on the official Ultimate Championship schedule page.
The Athletes: Only the Best
What makes the Ultimate Championship different is the field. Instead of thousands of athletes across dozens of nations, only the elite qualify: the reigning Olympic champion, the reigning world champion and the 2026 Diamond League winner in each of the 26 events.
That means almost every start line is a genuine showdown between the three best athletes on the planet in that discipline. Confirmed names include:
- Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) — pole vault world-record holder
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) — 400m hurdles superstar
- Noah Lyles (USA) — world 100m & 200m champion
- Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) — distance-running star
- Grant Holloway (USA) — 110m hurdles champion
Sprint legend Usain Bolt is the championship’s official “Ultimate Legend” ambassador — so while he won’t be racing, expect him to be a big part of the show.
Tickets to the World Athletics Ultimate Championship
Tickets for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship are on sale now, and demand is high — Usain Bolt himself warned they are “likely to sell out in record time.” If you’re planning to go, book as early as you can.
Prices are designed to be accessible, starting from around HUF 10,000 (about €30) for a single evening session, rising for premium seats closer to the finish line and the main action. Each of the three evenings is ticketed separately, so you can pick one night or follow the whole championship.
Buy through the official channels to avoid resale mark-ups: the official World Athletics ticket page and Hungary’s official seller Eventim. Check the live seat map and current prices there. Capacity is around 21,000 per session, including temporary stands added for the event.
There are also limited behind-the-scenes tour tickets, which give daytime access to areas usually reserved for athletes and teams (sold separately from the evening competition tickets).
Accommodation – Where To Stay In Budapest?
Budapest offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors to the World Athletics Championships. From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone in Budapest.
You can book ypur accommodation through the official website of the Championships or through other booking websites.
Safety and Security During The Championship
Safety and security are a top priority for the organizers of the World Athletics Championships.
The event will have a robust security plan in place, with measures to ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, and staff.
Visitors are advised to follow the event’s safety guidelines.
Weather — What to Expect in September
Budapest has a temperate continental climate, and mid-September is one of the most pleasant times to visit. The fierce heat of high summer has usually passed, leaving warm, comfortable days and cooler evenings — ideal both for sightseeing and for sitting in the stadium.
Expect daytime highs of around 22–26°C, dropping to a fresher 12–15°C after dark. Since every championship session is in the evening, the cooler nights are worth planning for.
📋 Note: Evenings in mid-September can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime, so bring a light jacket or layer for the evening sessions — you’ll be sitting still for a couple of hours after sunset.
September is generally drier and sunnier than mid-summer, though the odd shower is possible — a compact umbrella or light rain layer is a sensible extra.
💡 Local Tip
Pack for warm days and cool evenings — comfortable clothes and sunglasses for the daytime, plus a jacket or jumper for the stadium after dark.
Food and Drinks – What & Where To Eat in Budapest?
Hungary is famous for its culinary delights, and visitors to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest will have plenty of options to choose from.
Hungarian cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Eastern European and Mediterranean flavors, and we absolutely recommend that you try local specialties like goulash, lángos, and a sweet pastry the chimney cake (kürtös kalács)
Budapest is also known for its excellent specialty coffee shops and quaint cafes, where you can relax and unwind after a day of watching the Championships.
For ammazing views and and chilling by a delicious cocktail drop by one of the handful of rooftop bars, like the
- Duchess (address: Matild Palace, Váci u 36, Budapest 1056 or
- White Raven in Buda Castle (address: Hess András tér 1-3, Budapest 1014.
Things to Do in Budapest Around the Championship
Since every championship session is in the evening, your days are free to explore. Budapest is a vibrant, walkable city, so set aside time to explore its top attractions and historic landmarks, including:
- Buda Castle, with the Royal Palace that houses the history museum and the National Gallery. The Fishermen’s Bastion offers amazing panoramic views of the city.
- The Hungarian Parliament Building, one of Europe’s most striking landmarks.
- Budapest is also home to several world-class museums and art galleries, including the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Don’t miss soaking in one of the city’s numerous thermal baths — try the outdoor pools of the Palatinus on Margaret Island or the historic Rudas Baths with its rooftop pool over the Danube.
- Discover the city’s rich Jewish heritage and culture — best explored on a guided walking tour.
💡 Local Tip
As your local guide, we have plenty of ideas on how to spend a few days in Budapest to make the most of your visit around the championship.
Eat & Drink Like a Local — Food & Wine Experiences
With free daytimes and the Budapest Wine Festival in full swing, this is the perfect trip for a food-and-wine experience.
A guided tasting tour is a relaxed, sociable way to spend an afternoon — someone else picks the best spots and pours the wine while you swap race talk. All three below run in small groups, with evening options too.
🍷 Food & Wine Experiences for Your Stay
Three ways to taste Budapest — pick the mood that suits your group:
| Market-to-Tavern Food Tour — 14+ tastings & wines The full experience: goulash, lángos, chimney cake and more, paired with local wines and pálinka, in a small group with a local guide. An evening “tipsy food tour” version is available too. | 67 EUR Book Now |
| Wine & Food Tasting by the Basilica — sommelier-led The elegant option: 6 premium Hungarian wines guided by a sommelier, with a generous food selection, over 2 hours near St. Stephen’s Basilica. | 56 EUR Book Now |
| Food Tour with Wine, Beer & Shots — the lively one The sociable, high-energy choice: a guided crawl through local food spots with wine, beer and pálinka shots along the way. | 59 EUR Book Now |
All three offer free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and small-group sizes — book early, as championship week fills up fast.
See Budapest from the Water — Danube Cruises
The stadium sits right on the Danube, and a river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to see the city between sessions. Since the championship runs in the evening, a daytime sightseeing cruise fits perfectly into your free hours — or make an evening of it before or after the athletics with a dinner or night cruise.
- 💲 Best-value sightseeing cruises — see the highlights from the river, from as little as €7.
- 🍽 Dinner cruises — a full evening out with a meal, live music and the illuminated skyline.
- 🌛 Night cruises — the city lit up after dark, a perfect nightcap after the day’s action.
Cruises around championship week sell out quickly — book in advance, most with free cancellation.
Where to Stay for the Championship
Budapest has accommodation for every budget, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. For the championship, staying in central Pest (districts V, VI, VII) keeps you close to public transport to the stadium and to the city’s restaurants and nightlife. Book early — the compact three-evening event and the overlapping Wine Festival mean rooms fill up fast.
Festivals & Events Around the Championship
Mid-September is one of the best times to be in Budapest. The championship coincides with the start of the city’s rich autumn cultural season — and, happily, with one of the year’s most enjoyable food-and-wine events.
Budapest Wine Festival — the perfect pairing
The timing could hardly be better: the Budapest Wine Festival takes place in the stunning setting of Buda Castle in early-to-mid September, overlapping directly with the championship.
Set across the castle’s scenic terraces and courtyards high above the Danube, it gathers 100+ Hungarian winemakers, with tastings, a traditional harvest procession, live concerts and sweeping views over the city.
It’s an ideal way to spend a relaxed afternoon before heading to the evening’s athletics session — sip your way through Hungary’s best wines with the whole of Budapest laid out below you. Dates shift slightly year to year, so check the exact 2026 dates and opening hours before you go.
Jewish Cultural Festival
Early autumn is also the season of Budapest’s Jewish Cultural Festival, one of the city’s most atmospheric cultural events.
Held in and around the historic Jewish Quarter and the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, it features concerts, exhibitions, gastronomy and guided programmes celebrating Budapest’s rich Jewish heritage — a rewarding way to spend a daytime before the evening’s athletics.
Early-Autumn Food & Culture
September is festival season in Budapest. Around the championship dates you’ll also find
- Beer festivals,
- Street-food events and
- Cultural programmes across the city — from craft-beer gatherings on Szabadság tér to concerts in historic venues like St. Stephen’s Basilica. It’s a lively, comfortable time of year, with warm days and none of the peak-summer crowds.
💡 Local Tip
Because the athletics sessions are in the evening, daytime is perfect for the Wine Festival, a food tour or a Danube cruise. See our guide to the Budapest Wine Festival for the latest dates and details during your stay.
FAQs
Where will the World Athletics Ultimate Championship be held?
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship 2026 will be held at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary — the same stadium that hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Address: 1095 Budapest, Hajóállomás utca 1., next to Rákóczi Bridge on the Pest side.
When does the World Athletics Ultimate Championship take place?
It takes place over three evenings, from 11 to 13 September 2026 (Friday to Sunday). All sessions are in the evening.
How is the Ultimate Championship different from a normal World Championships?
The Ultimate Championship is a new, compact format: only Olympic champions, world champions and Diamond League winners qualify, competing across 26 events over three evenings — rather than thousands of athletes over nine days. It also carries the biggest prize money in the sport, US$10 million in total.
How do I get to the National Athletics Centre?
The easiest way is by public transport: the HÉV suburban train from Boráros Square (get off at MüPa/Palace of Arts), or trams 2 and 24 (Közvágóhíd stop). The stadium is on the Pest bank of the Danube, next to Rákóczi Bridge.
Where can I buy tickets for the Ultimate Championship?
Tickets are on sale through the official World Athletics ticket page and Hungary’s official seller, Eventim. Prices start from around HUF 10,000 (about €30) per evening session. Book early — demand is high and each of the three evenings is ticketed separately.
Which athletes will compete in Budapest 2026?
The field features the sport’s biggest stars, including Mondo Duplantis, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Noah Lyles and Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Usain Bolt is the event’s official Ultimate Legend ambassador.
