Buda Castle Funicular

Hop on for a truly unique ride and soak in the breathtaking views of the Danube! The funicular operates every 5 to 10 minutes, adjusting to the flow of passengers throughout the day.

A bit of history behind this charming hillside railway: when it first opened on March 2, 1870, it was known as the Buda Hill Railway—and it was only the second funicular of its kind in the entire world! Count Ödön Széchenyi came up with the idea after witnessing the very first steam-powered cable railway in Lyon, France. His vision brought a quicker route to the Buda Castle, especially useful for reaching the theatre and nearby government offices. In fact, the funicular served as the main public transport link to the Castle District until Budapest introduced its first bus line in 1928.

Sadly, the original structure didn’t survive World War II—it was heavily damaged during the siege of Budapest in late 1944. It would take more than 40 years before it returned to service, finally reopening in 1986. The restoration balanced modern technology with respect for its heritage, including the addition of glass entrance buildings that blend into the historic surroundings.

The two classic brown cars, accented with copper and named Gellért and Margit, were modeled after the original 3-tier cabin design. They still run side by side, just like they did back in the 19th century—offering a nostalgic yet timeless ride up Castle Hill.