Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇷🇴 Borș II
🇭🇺 Nagykereki
Coordinates
47.20°N, 21.90°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Hungarian/Romanian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Nagykereki (HUF, RON)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
About Borș II & Nagykereki
The Modern Motorway Crossing
The border crossing at Nagykereki, Hungary, and Borș, Romania, is the modern face of transit between the two countries. Known universally as Borș II, this checkpoint exists for one reason: to let the Hungarian M4 motorway flow directly into the Romanian A3 motorway. This is not a place of local character or historical curiosity; it is a point of pure, high-volume, high-speed logistical connection. It is a critical node on a major European transport corridor, designed to streamline the journey between the regions of Budapest and Bucharest. Its character is defined not by the towns it sits near, but by the international traffic it serves, a testament to modern infrastructure’s role in European integration.
Operational Details
This 24/7 motorway crossing was opened in 2020 to relieve pressure on the original crossing (Borș I), which lies on the old national road a few kilometers away. The Borș II crossing allows long-distance traffic to bypass local towns completely, a crucial development for both international haulers and local residents. It connects Hungary’s Hajdú-Bihar County with Romania’s Bihor County and is the preferred route for the vast majority of long-distance passenger and commercial traffic. The facility is large, modern, and built to handle a massive volume of vehicles, representing a significant upgrade in the region’s transport infrastructure.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
A History of Modernization
The history of this crossing is very recent and is a story of infrastructure development. For decades, the old Borș I crossing was a notorious bottleneck, with freight trucks often queuing for many kilometers, causing significant delays and disrupting life in the local villages. The construction of the M4/A3 motorway link and the new Borș II checkpoint was a long-planned strategic project, co-funded by the European Union, to improve connectivity on the Pan-European Corridor IV. Its opening marked a new era of travel between Hungary and Romania, finally providing a high-speed, modern connection that matched the importance of the route.
Border Crossing Procedure
Even on this new motorway, you will undergo full document checks because Romania’s land borders are not yet part of the Schengen free-movement zone. The checkpoint is a large, single facility where you will be directed through lanes to both the Hungarian and Romanian police for exit and entry inspections. The process is designed for high volume, but as the preferred route for most international freight and passenger traffic, queues can develop, especially during peak holiday seasons. Checking live traffic conditions before you approach is always a good strategy. You will need a valid passport or EU ID card, along with vehicle registration and insurance. Non-EU travelers will have their passports stamped.
A Point of Transit
The main purpose of this crossing is to get you to your next destination quickly. The primary city on the Romanian side is Oradea (Nagyvárad), a major regional center famous for its spectacular, recently restored Art Nouveau and Secessionist architecture. The motorway takes you directly to the city’s outskirts. On the Hungarian side, the M4 provides a fast link to Debrecen and onwards to Budapest. Other than these major cities, the immediate area is largely agricultural plains. The crossing itself is not a destination but a functional tool for efficient travel.
Practical Travel Information
Using this crossing means you are on the motorway, so purchasing the required road vignettes is mandatory. You must have the Hungarian `e-matrica` and the Romanian `rovinietă`. Both can be easily bought online ahead of time. Large, modern service stations are available on both sides of the border, providing fuel, food, and currency exchange. The official currencies are the Hungarian Forint (HUF) and the Romanian Leu (RON). The signage is clear, directing passenger cars and trucks into their respective lanes well in advance of the checkpoint.
Final Considerations
The Nagykereki–Borș II crossing is the definition of a modern, functional border. It prioritizes speed and volume over all else. For long-distance travelers on a schedule, it is the undisputed best choice. While the original Borș I crossing still serves local traffic, Borș II is the true artery, ensuring that the economic and social lifeblood of the two countries can flow with minimal interruption. It is a landscape of pure function, a place you pass through but never truly visit, a testament to the modern era of European transit.