Funicular in Budapest:
History, Ticket Info and Times
Everything you need to know about the Budapest Funicular
- attractions
- February 6, 2024
The Budapest Funicular is a historic cable railway nestled in the hills of Buda, providing a convenient route to the picturesque Castle District and a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.
Situated close to the Buda end of the iconic Chain Bridge, it offers a delightful ride, granting you access to awe-inspiring vistas within minutes. You’ll be treated to unmatched panoramas of Budapest, like the majestic River Danube or Margaret Island, and you’ll be taken to the landmarks that grace Castle Hill, including the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Join us as we delve into the Budapest Funicular’s history, while also providing essential information on ticket prices, timetables, and site access.
History
Inaugurated on March 2, 1870, the Buda Hill Incline, known as the Funicular (Budavari Siklo in Hungarian), was designed to provide easy access to government offices and the Castle Theatre in the Castle District. This visionary project was initiated by Count Ödön Széchenyi, the son of a famous Hungarian statesman, István Széchenyi, making it the second funicular railway in Europe.
The construction site was strategically chosen at the abutment area of the Chain Bridge on the right bank of the Danube, where it met the bustling traffic hub of omnibuses and horse-drawn trams. The engineering plans were meticulously crafted by Ödön Jaruszek.
During the turbulent times of World War II, Buda Castle Funicular was damaged, and it would remain dismantled for many years after the war, until its revival in 1986. The reconstruction integrated glass buildings, paying homage to its historical surroundings, while meeting contemporary requirements.
In recognition of its historical significance, the Buda Castle Funicular earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1987, continuing to enchant visitors with its rich past and modern allure.
How the Budapest Funicular looks like now
Today, the funicular has two passenger cars, Gellért and Margit, each with three-tiered cabins, accommodating 24 passengers. As they ascend and descend, they run parallel to each other, ensuring safety with spring brakes capable of stopping the vehicle in the unlikely event of a cable break.
And how long is the funicular in Budapest?
The journey between Clark Ádám tér and the Castle takes a mere 95 seconds, with a height of 51 meters and a steep incline of up to 48%, offering riders breathtaking vistas of the city below.
Budapest funicular tickets
Cost
With one single ticket, you get a round-trip adventure on the funicular – one ride uphill and another downhill. Here are the ticket prices:
- Full price ticket: HUF 4,000
- Children (aged 3-14): HUF 2,000
- Children (under 3 years old): free
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With Budapest Card Plus: free travel in both directions
You can use the ticket for 1 year after the purchase date.
Where to buy the tickets
You can buy the tickets online on their official website here, in order to avoid the line. But you can also buy it on-spot – the prices are the same in both cases. If you prefer to buy it in person, bear in mind that the ticket office closes at 9:50 PM.
Important info
Your access to the Buda Castle Funicular is granted exclusively through tickets available from BKV Zrt. Other tickets like passes from BKK, travel certificates, or other documents won’t be accepted – so make sure you do get the right one.
Also, prior to boarding, you need to validate your ticket using the provided machine, and remember that validated tickets are non-transferable. Just in case, the official website advises people to keep the ticket’s sales receipt with them throughout the journey.
Budapest Funicular opening hours
The Budapest Funicular is working every day, between 8 AM and 10 PM, and it departs every 5-10 minutes, according to the need.
The Funicular is closed every Monday on odd weeks for maintenance, unless these Mondays are on public holidays, in which case it closes the next working day after the holiday.
How to get there
To reach the Budapest Funicular, you have two stations to choose from:
The lower station is conveniently located at Clark Ádám tér, nestled on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, right next to the Tunnel. It’s easily accessible by buses 16 and 105, as well as trams 19 and 41.
For those heading to the upper station, you’ll find it situated at Szent György tér, between the iconic Buda Castle and the Presidential Palace (Alexander Palace). To reach this elevated point, consider taking buses 16, 16A, or 116, which will smoothly transport you to your destination.
Is the Budapest Funicular worth it?
Taking the funicular ride offers excellent value for your money, given the delightful experience and the reasonable pricing. Moreover, on rainy winter days or hot summer afternoons, a funicular ride can just come in handy, especially when compared to the uphill trek on foot.
However, if the weather is pleasant and you’re in the mood for some walking, consider tackling the hill on foot. It provides ample opportunities for scenic views that you might miss when going by funicular.
Additionally, if your schedule allows, aim to visit on a weekday to evade the crowds and minimize waiting times, ensuring a more enjoyable visit. Peak times can lead to long queues, so it’s advisable to check the crowd situation on Google before heading out.
