On-call pharmacy Budapest — Complete guide
If you live in or are visiting Budapest and need urgent medication in the evening, on weekends, or at night, one of the most important things to know is where to find an on-call pharmacy. In Budapest, the on-call system differs from smaller cities: it is not a single pharmacy that stays open around the clock, but rather a coordinated district-based system in which pharmacies take turns at predetermined times.
This guide provides a detailed overview of Budapest's on-call pharmacy system, gives a district-by-district summary of the most important information, and offers useful tips to help you find the nearest open pharmacy as quickly as possible.
How does the on-call system work in Budapest?
The on-call pharmacy service in Budapest is regulated by a system approved by the Hungarian Chamber of Pharmacists and the OGYÉI (National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition). In the capital, pharmacies are organized into districts, and the on-call schedule is updated periodically (typically quarterly).
When do you need an on-call pharmacy?
On-call periods in Budapest:
- Weekday evenings — after regular opening hours, usually from 7:00 PM–8:00 PM until 7:00 AM–8:00 AM the next morning
- Weekends — all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as on public holidays
- Nighttime — after 10:00 PM, when most pharmacies are already closed
Important: The on-call schedule may change quarterly. Always check the latest schedule on the official OGYÉI website or in pharmacy locator applications. For more detailed information, see our on-call pharmacy guide general article.
Who designates the on-call pharmacies?
The designation of on-call pharmacies is carried out by the locally competent chamber of pharmacists, under the supervision of the OGYÉI. In Budapest, the Budapest Chamber of Pharmacists coordinates the districts, ensuring that an on-call service is available in every district.
On-call pharmacies in Budapest's districts
In Budapest's 23 districts, the distribution of on-call pharmacies is not uniform. In the densely populated inner districts (V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XIII), typically more pharmacies are on call, while in the outer districts (XVI, XVII, XVIII, XXI, XXII, XXIII), there are fewer options to choose from.
City center and inner districts
District I (Buda Castle)
In District I, typically 1–2 pharmacies are on call. Due to the district's small population, pharmacies in the neighboring District II or XII often serve as recommended alternatives.
District II
Several pharmacies are on call in the district, primarily around Széna Square, Margit Boulevard, and Hűvösvölgyi Road. The on-call pharmacies in District II often operate in coordination with those in District XII.
District V (Belváros)
In the city center, there are several easily accessible on-call pharmacies. The advantage of downtown pharmacies is that they are easy to reach by public transport and car, and they often stay open longer.
District VI (Terézváros)
Several on-call pharmacies operate along the Grand Boulevard and around Nyugati Railway Station. The pharmacies in District VI provide care in the densely populated part of the city center.
District VII (Erzsébetváros)
In Erzsébetváros, on-call pharmacies can be found along Dob Street, Király Street, and the surrounding streets. Several pharmacies in the district provide nighttime service.
District VIII (Józsefváros)
In District VIII, several on-call pharmacies operate, especially around Baross Street, József Boulevard, and Rákóczi Square. The district's pharmacies are also accessible to residents of nearby District IX.
District IX (Ferencváros)
In Ferencváros, on-call pharmacies can be found in the area of Soroksári Road, Haller Street, and Mester Street. For those living in the lower part of the district, pharmacies in District XX or XXI may also serve as alternatives.
District XIII (Angyalföld)
In Angyalföld, several on-call pharmacies are available around Váci Road and Béke Square. The pharmacies in District XIII also provide care toward Districts XIV and IV.
Middle and outer districts
District III (Óbuda-Békásmegyer)
In Óbuda, on-call pharmacies are concentrated around Flórián Square, Bécsi Road, and Szentlélek Square. Toward Békásmegyer, it is worth checking in advance, as there are fewer options there.
District IV (Újpest)
In Újpest, on-call pharmacies are available around Fő Square, Kassai Street, and Megyeri Road. For those living in the northern part of the district, pharmacies in Szentendre or Dunakeszi may also be considered.
District X (Kőbánya)
In Kőbánya, on-call pharmacies operate around Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Road, Szent László Square, and Liget Square. The pharmacies in District X also have a service obligation toward District XVII.
District XI (Újbuda)
Újbuda is one of Budapest's largest districts, so several on-call pharmacies operate here. The most important pharmacies are located around Fehérvári Road, Bartók Béla Road, and Etele Square. Due to the university centers, the service is often available on weekends as well.
District XII (Hegyvidék)
In Hegyvidék, on-call pharmacies can be found around Böszörményi Road, Királyhágó Square, and Németvölgyi Road. The pharmacies in District XII often work in a shared district with District II.
District XIV (Zugló)
In Zugló, the main on-call pharmacies are located along Hungária Boulevard, Thököly Road, and Nagy Lajos király Road. The area around the Stadiums and the Rákos Stream may offer alternatives.
District XV (Rákospalota-Pestújhely-Újpalota)
In District XV, the on-duty pharmacies are concentrated around Széchenyi Square, Újpalota Center, and the brick factory section of Rákospalotai körvasút sor.
District XVI
In District XVI, typically 1–2 pharmacies are on duty. It is worth checking in advance, as options may be more limited, and pharmacies in neighboring Districts XIV or XVII may serve as alternatives.
District XVII (Rákosmente)
In Rákosmente, on-duty pharmacies can be found in the Rákoskeresztúr center and along Péceli Road. In the outer parts of the district (Rákosliget, Rákoscsaba), you may need to travel several kilometers.
District XVIII (Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre)
In Pestszentlőrinc and Pestszentimre, on-duty pharmacies operate at major transport hubs (Gilice Square, Üllői Road, Thököly Road).
District XIX (Kispest)
In Kispest, on-duty pharmacies can be found around Templom Square, Vakvölgyi Road, and Kossuth Square.
District XX (Pesterzsébet)
In Pesterzsébet, on-duty pharmacies operate around Kossuth Lajos Street and Nagysándor József Street, as well as near Szabótelep.
District XXI (Csepel)
In central Csepel (Széchenyi Square, Kossuth Lajos Street) and near Királyerdő Road, on-duty pharmacies can be found.
District XXII (Budafok-Tétény)
In Budafok, on-duty pharmacies operate around Városház Street and Nagytétényi Road. In the southern part of District XXII (Nagytétény, Budatétény), neighboring pharmacies in Érd may also be an option.
District XXIII (Soroksár)
In Soroksár, on-duty pharmacies can be found around Hősök Square and Grassalkovich Road.
How to find the nearest on-duty pharmacy?
Using the following methods, you can quickly and easily find the nearest pharmacy that is currently open in Budapest.
Online search tools and mobile apps
- OGYP.hu — On the ogyp.hu website, you can search for on-duty pharmacies in Budapest using an interactive map. The search tool allows you to filter by district, opening hours, and on-duty status.
- Official OGYÉI website — On the website of the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition, you can find official duty schedules and the latest changes.
- Google Maps — On Google Maps, searching for „on-duty pharmacy Budapest” immediately shows opening hours and user reviews.
- Pharmacy finder apps — Numerous smartphone apps help you find on-duty pharmacies, some offering GPS-based search.
Tips for nighttime and weekend searches
- Check in advance — If you know you will need medication, look up the duty schedule during regular opening hours
- Consider multiple alternatives — The nearest on-duty pharmacy may be crowded, so it is worth knowing a backup option
- Pay attention to duty periods — Some pharmacies are on duty only until certain hours, while others stay open until morning
- Use GPS-based search — Mobile apps accurately show the nearest pharmacy that is currently open
- Don't just check opening hours — A pharmacy may be open but not part of the duty system, offering only limited services
Tip: For the most reliable information, always check the current daily schedule. The duty system is updated quarterly, and short-term changes may also occur.
What should you bring to the on-duty pharmacy?
At the on-duty pharmacy, you will need the following documents to receive prescription medications:
- Medical prescription — In electronic (EESZT) or paper form. Thanks to the EESZT system, e-prescriptions can be retrieved at most pharmacies.
- Personal identification document — ID card, passport, or driver's license. Proof of identity is mandatory when dispensing any prescription medication.
- TAJ card — To verify your social security identification number. Required for dispensing subsidized medications.
- Money — Due to the on-duty surcharge, medications at on-duty pharmacies may often be more expensive than during regular opening hours. It is advisable to bring both cash and a bank card.
What else is worth knowing?
- Waiting times may generally be longer at on-duty pharmacies
- Not all medications are available at every on-duty pharmacy — some products are only stocked by pharmacies with regular opening hours
- In case of emergency, call the Hungarian Chamber of Pharmacists on-call line or the 1830 health hotline for the contact details of the nearest on-duty pharmacy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do all Budapest pharmacies provide on-duty service?
No, only those pharmacies designated by the Chamber of Pharmacists are part of the on-duty system. In Budapest, which pharmacies must provide on-duty service varies by district.
How long does the on-duty period last?
The on-duty period generally runs from the end of regular opening hours (7:00 PM–8:00 PM) until 7:00–8:00 AM the next morning. On weekends and public holidays, this may be longer. Exact times vary by pharmacy.
Is there a difference between an on-duty pharmacy and a 24-hour pharmacy?
Yes. A 24-hour pharmacy is open continuously, every day of the week. An on-duty pharmacy, by contrast, is only open during specific periods (evenings, nights, weekends) — during the day it operates with regular opening hours.
How much is the on-duty surcharge?
The on-duty surcharge may vary by pharmacy. Generally, an amount between HUF 500–1,500 is charged for medications dispensed during the on-duty period. In some pharmacies, this amount may also apply to prescription medications.
What should I do if the nearest on-duty pharmacy is closed?
If you find the designated on-duty pharmacy closed, check the on-duty schedules of surrounding districts. In larger districts (XI, XIII, XIV), there are usually several alternatives available. Use an online search tool to find the nearest pharmacy that is actually open.
Do I need to book an appointment at an on-duty pharmacy?
No, you do not need to book an appointment in advance at on-duty pharmacies. Simply go in during opening hours, and you will be served after waiting in line. However, it is important to expect longer waiting times.
Summary
In Budapest, the on-duty pharmacy system is well established, but in the densely populated capital, it is worth checking in advance which pharmacy is nearest and currently open. Whether you are looking for a pharmacy in the city center or in the outer districts, the district-by-district overview above and online search tools will help you quickly find the right on-duty pharmacy.
Remember: the on-duty schedule may change quarterly, so always use current, official sources! For more detailed information and general guidance, see our article titled on-call pharmacy guide .