Budapest Castle Hill Funicular

The Budapest Castle Hill Funicular or Budavári Sikló is a funicular railway in the city of Budapest, in Hungary. It links the Adam Clark Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at river level to Buda Castle above.

The line was opened on March 2, 1870, and has been in municipal ownership since 1920. It was destroyed in the Second World War and reopened on June 4, 1986. A feature of the line are the two pedestrian foot bridges which cross above it. These were present when the line opened, were removed in 1900 when the castle's garden was extended, and rebuilt to the original design in 1983.

The history of the railway

The building of the line started in the July of 1868, the first test run was on 23 October 1869. The Sikló has operated for the public since 2 March 1870. This funicular rail was the second in Europe, only Lyon had a similar transportation system at that time.

During the Second World War the cars and the terminals were destroyed by bombs.

Technical parameters

The line has the following technical parameters:

  • Length: 95 metres
  • Height: 51 metres
  • Maximum gradient: 48%
  • Cars: 2
  • Capacity: 24 passengers per car
  • Configuration: Double track
  • Maximum speed: 1.5 metres per second
  • Track gauge: Standard gauge
  • Traction: Electricity

The line is operated by the BKV (Mass Transport Company of Budapest), and operates from 07.30 to 22.00 each day.

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Tips & Hints
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We Love Budapest
23 April 2015
The two cars (Margit and Gellért) are connected like counterbalancing pendulums: while one car runs uphill, the other goes downhill. It is a highly popular attraction, so be prepared for queues.
Reyhan Safarnegaar
25 August 2017
Its worth a one-time experience. You can use the lift near the cave hospital to come down the hill for free!!
Fluying ✅
20 September 2016
Built originally in 1870, destroyed during WW2, and re built in 1986. Today, being touristy and pricey, is a great 90 seconds connection between Chain bridge and the top of Castle Hill.
Fluying ✅
20 September 2016
The Turul is a mythological bird of prey, who led the Magyar migrations from Central Asia in the ninth century. This bird then indicated that this area was to be the permanent home of the Magyar.
Victoria S ⚅
15 October 2015
The fastest way to go to Buda Castle.Its better to book tickets with return because they have discount.It's a expensive but its an old train which offers spectacular view.It's crowded the weekends!
Jeanette Mayland
8 April 2023
Budapest’s biggest tourist scam: 4,000 HUF per person, it’s 1 minute and only the front cart provides the beautiful view. Take the stairs!
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0.1km from 1014 Budapest, Magyar asszonyok bástyája, Hungary Get directions
Mon-Sun 7:30 AM–10:00 PM

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