BKV, Budapest’s public transportation company, is marking the 40th anniversary of the reopening of the Buda Castle Funicular, one of the oldest modes of transportation still in operation in the Hungarian capital. To celebrate, the company is offering a special promotion for passengers boarding the historic vehicle on Thursday, June 4.
The Buda Castle Funicular was put back into service on June 4, 1986, following reconstruction carried out in the 1980s. The vehicle was originally inaugurated in 1870, before the city of Budapest took its current form, and subsequently became one of the Hungarian capital’s most famous tourist landmarks.
To mark the anniversary, BKV invites passengers to recreate the atmosphere of the two key eras in the funicular’s history: its launch in the 19th century and its reopening in the 1980s.
Anniversary password and discounted tickets
Passengers who come on Thursday dressed in 1980s retro style or in outfits inspired by the late 19th century will be able to purchase discounted tickets if they say the password “Sikló40” at the ticket window.
BKV announces that passengers who accept the challenge will be greeted on site by company employees dressed in period costumes.
The funicular, known in Hungarian as Budavári Sikló, is today one of the most popular tourist attractions operated by BKV. It connects the area at the foot of Castle Hill to the historic complex of Buda Castle and offers one of the most famous panoramic views of the Danube and downtown Budapest.
Opened in 1870, destroyed during the war, and rebuilt in the 1980s
The funicular was opened in 1870 under the name Budai Hegypálya. During the siege of Budapest in World War II, the facility was hit by bombing, and it was subsequently decided to dismantle it.
The idea of reconstruction came up for discussion several times, but design work did not begin until 1984, and restoration work the following year. The reconstruction aimed to preserve the historic appearance and integrate it into the surrounding monuments, while adapting to modern technical requirements.
The cars were clad in wood, in keeping with the original design, but the old steam system was replaced with an electric one. The two cars, named Gellért and Margit, returned to service on June 4, 1986.
Since 1987, the Buda Castle Funicular has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the historic landscape of Buda Castle and the banks of the Danube.
One of Budapest’s Tourist Icons
After its reopening, the funicular quickly regained its popularity, just as it had during its heyday, when it also served as public transportation. Today, it is used primarily by tourists and is considered one of Budapest’s iconic attractions.
BKV notes that, starting in February, passengers with a Hungarian ID card or residence permit can purchase a “domestic ticket” at a significant discount, approximately half the regular price.
The company has also launched a bilingual thematic page, in Hungarian and English, dedicated to tourism and heritage offerings. In addition to information about the Buda Castle Funicular, the page includes news about the Zugliget chairlift, Danube river cruises, heritage trains, collectibles, the Underground Railway Museum, and the Museum of Urban Public Transport in Szentendre.
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