Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇷🇴 Borș
🇭🇺 Ártánd
Coordinates
47.18°N, 21.85°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-120 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~10000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Hungarian/Romanian
Currency Exchange
Available near Ártánd (HUF, RON)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
About Borș & Ártánd
The Historic Main Road
For decades, the road at Ártánd in Hungary and Borș in Romania was the undisputed main gateway between the two countries. This crossing, now often referred to as Borș I, carries the weight of history. It was here that the main national roads, Hungary’s Route 42 and Romania’s DN1, met. It has witnessed the evolution of travel from the Cold War era to the dawn of open European borders. Today, while it has been superseded in volume by its motorway counterpart, Borș II, it remains a vital, 24/7 international crossing with its own distinct character and purpose. It serves local communities, travelers wishing to avoid motorway tolls, and those seeking a more grounded connection to the towns it runs through.
Operational Details
This crossing connects Hungary’s Hajdú-Bihar County with Romania’s Bihor County, providing a direct link between the cities of Debrecen and Oradea. Its continuous, round-the-clock operation ensures it is always an option, a reliable alternative to the newer motorway. The very existence of two major crossings just a few kilometers apart tells a story of growing traffic and the need for modern solutions, but it also preserves a choice for the traveler: the speed of the new or the context of the old.
Before Crossing
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A History of Being the Primary Link
The history of this crossing is the history of post-war travel between Hungary and Romania. For generations of travelers, this was the border. It was the site of long queues and meticulous checks during the communist era, and it was the scene of joyous reunions after the fall of the Iron Curtain. It has been a constant in the lives of the people of the region, a place of farewells and homecomings. The opening of the new motorway crossing has relieved it of the crushing weight of freight traffic, allowing it to settle into a new role as a more relaxed, local-focused international checkpoint.
Border Crossing Procedure
The crossing procedure at Ártánd–Borș is well-practiced and straightforward. As Romania is not yet a full land border member of the Schengen Area, you will undergo full document checks. The checkpoint is a traditional layout, with separate facilities on each side of the border line. You will first clear the Hungarian exit control, staffed by the Rendőrség, and then proceed to the Romanian entry control, managed by the Poliția de Frontieră. Customs officials are present on both sides. The infrastructure is older than the motorway crossing, but it is fully equipped to handle both passenger cars and heavy freight. In fact, some freight traffic, particularly vehicles not permitted on or wishing to avoid the motorway, still uses this route. While generally less congested for cars than the motorway, wait times can still occur, especially if several tourist buses arrive at once.
Direct Access to Local Towns
The primary advantage of using this crossing is its direct integration with the local towns. It takes you right through the village of Borș on the Romanian side, a community with a significant Hungarian population. More importantly, it leads you directly into the city of Oradea (Nagyvárad), without the need to navigate from a ring road. Oradea is a must-see destination, a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Its historic center is a breathtaking showcase of Art Nouveau and Secessionist architecture, beautifully restored to its former glory. The Black Eagle Palace arcade, the ornate City Hall, and the numerous churches and synagogues create a vibrant and historically rich urban landscape. On the Hungarian side, the crossing is a short drive from the town of Berettyóújfalu and provides easy access to the major city of Debrecen, a cultural and academic hub with its own unique attractions.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is essential. While you are on national roads, the Romanian `rovinietă` is still required for all roads outside of municipal boundaries, so it is not a way to avoid the fee. The Hungarian `e-matrica` is only required if you use the motorways, so if you stick to main roads in Hungary, you may not need it, but it is crucial to check your exact route. Both vignettes can be purchased online. As this has been a major crossing for many years, you will find ample services on both sides, including 24/7 petrol stations and currency exchange offices. The rates at the border are often less favorable, so it’s wise to exchange only a small amount if necessary. The official currencies are the Hungarian Forint (HUF) and the Romanian Leu (RON).
Final Considerations
The Ártánd–Borș crossing is a journey through a more traditional border landscape. It is a reliable and fully functional 24/7 checkpoint that offers a valuable alternative to the modern motorway. For travelers heading directly into Oradea, for those who prefer national roads, or as a backup in case of heavy congestion on the motorway, it remains an excellent choice. It is a crossing with a past, a place that has served generations of travelers, and it continues to be a vital link between the communities and cities it has connected for so long. It offers a different perspective, a reminder of how border crossings used to be before the era of high-speed transit.