Historic Trams, Buses and Cogwheel Railway Return This June

Ride century-old trams, iconic Ikarus buses and even a rare open-top bus as Budapest’s beloved nostalgia transport services return throughout June with scenic routes across the city.

Budapest’s streets are about to become a moving transport museum once again. Throughout June, visitors can ride a remarkable collection of historic trams, buses, trolleybuses and even the city’s famous cogwheel railway as Budapest’s popular nostalgia transport season continues.

For transport enthusiasts, photographers and curious travellers alike, these special services offer a unique opportunity to experience how Budapest residents travelled decades—and in some cases more than a century—ago. Many of the vehicles have been carefully restored to their original appearance and remain fully operational.

Among the highlights is the N2 nostalgia tram, which runs along the Pest riverfront every Saturday. Frequently ranked among the world's most scenic tram routes, it offers spectacular views of the Danube, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament building. On the Buda side, the N19 nostalgia tram operates on Sundays, providing equally impressive riverside views from historic vehicles dating back to the early 20th century.

One of this month’s most unusual attractions is the open-top Ikarus bus operating on the N109 route on selected dates. Originally built more than fifty years ago and later converted into a cabrio-style sightseeing vehicle, it is considered one of the most distinctive members of Budapest’s nostalgia fleet. Riding through the city aboard this rare vehicle offers a completely different perspective on the Hungarian capital.

Classic Ikarus buses also return every Sunday on the N4 route between Zugló and Zugliget. These buses were once a defining feature of Budapest’s streets and remain beloved symbols of Hungarian vehicle manufacturing. The route is particularly attractive for visitors heading toward the Zugliget Chairlift and the green hills of Buda.

Several historic trams will make special appearances throughout the month. Passengers can ride beautifully preserved vehicles built in 1908, 1913 and 1939, as well as the famous “Bengáli” articulated tram, a familiar sight in Budapest for much of the 20th century. Some of these vehicles feature fascinating technical details, including hand-operated braking systems rarely seen today.

The annual Night of Museums on 20 June will bring additional nostalgia services to the city. Historic trams, buses and trolleybuses will operate special routes connecting cultural venues, including the temporary exhibition site of the Hungarian Transport Museum at the Eiffel Workshop. Visitors will also have the chance to ride the legendary Ikarus 60 bus and its trolleybus counterpart, both icons of post-war Budapest transport.

Another special event arrives on 24 June, when Budapest celebrates the 152nd anniversary of its cogwheel railway. Historic rolling stock, including a vintage green trailer built in Vienna, will once again climb from Városmajor to Széchenyi Hill. The line has carried generations of passengers up into the Buda Hills, including famous Hungarian writer Mór Jókai.

The nostalgia season concludes the month with further appearances by historic trams and buses on 28 and 29 June, ensuring that visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience Budapest’s transport heritage firsthand.

Tickets for nostalgia services can be purchased through the BudapestGO mobile app, at BKK customer centres and ticket offices, or directly from onboard staff, who also accept bank card payments.

via bkv.hu,, cover photo credit: Kemenymate