Gyermekvasút
Gyermekvasút
4.5
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Trains run every day of the year (including public holidays: Christmas, Easter, etc), the only exception are Mondays from the beginning of September to the end of April. Children’s Railway, Budapest is one of Budapest’s most unique attractions. Like any other railway, it has ticket offices, diesel locomotives, signals, switches and a timetable. Unlike other railways though, this one is run by children. The line stretches among the Buda hills from Széchenyihegy to Hűvösvölgy, crossing the Cogwheel Railway and serving Normafa as well as the highest point of Budapest: Jánoshegy. It is the world's largest Children's Railway. The lookout towers, forest playgrounds, places of pilgrimage and other attractions lie close to the stations, making the Children’s Railway the ideal jumping-off point for a half-day trip even for families, friends, groups or lonely. The journey between terminals takes approximately 40-50 minutes. On some days our steam locomotive is also operating.
Budapest, Hungary
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
778 reviews
Excellent
499
Very good
208
Average
43
Poor
23
Terrible
5
Tim B
Derbyshire, UK215 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
You have to do this. This is such a unique experience. On reading other reviews we thought about not going due to the time and effort it takes to get there. However this is part of the experience of getting to know another country.
We are a family of 5 and our kids are 13, 11 and 8. We bought a family / group ticket for 3,300 huf. This gives you 24 hours travel on any public transport. We got the metro from Deák Forenc to Széll Salman Ter. Then we took a bus -222 or any blue line bus to Városmajor. From here we took the unusually Cog Wheel train to Széchenyi Hegy. The children’s railway goes at ten past the hour and the cog wheel got in at 8 mins past the hour. We didn’t have time to purchase a ticket before we got on and thanks to Google Translate we bought a family day ticket at 4000huf. It is amazing that this line is run by children. What a great advert for rewarding hard work. The train meanders through the hillside and probably when the trees have leaves then it will be either very pretty or you will have no view.
We got off at Janos Hegy. From here we walked 800m to the Observatory at the top. You can see the city from here and it is a great viewpoint. We took the cable car down and up (which goes through people’s gardens) and went to the cafe for hot cocoa. There are plenty of walking paths that can be made into a day walk and the time can see that the cafe and play areas at the top will get very busy in summer. We ended up going back down to the rejoin the train and continued to Huvosvolgy. The train meanders through the hillside through a tunnel over 2 bridges en route.
From here we took the 61 yellow route tram back to Széll Salman Ter. A brilliant adventure of seeing how many forms of transport you can do in one day! We also include walking and running ( we wee almost late back for the train).
I think the Children’s train is a brilliant idea. Surely unique. The carriages are old and it is great to see the kids deploy employability skills. They are so courteous- certainly a role model to our children!
We are a family of 5 and our kids are 13, 11 and 8. We bought a family / group ticket for 3,300 huf. This gives you 24 hours travel on any public transport. We got the metro from Deák Forenc to Széll Salman Ter. Then we took a bus -222 or any blue line bus to Városmajor. From here we took the unusually Cog Wheel train to Széchenyi Hegy. The children’s railway goes at ten past the hour and the cog wheel got in at 8 mins past the hour. We didn’t have time to purchase a ticket before we got on and thanks to Google Translate we bought a family day ticket at 4000huf. It is amazing that this line is run by children. What a great advert for rewarding hard work. The train meanders through the hillside and probably when the trees have leaves then it will be either very pretty or you will have no view.
We got off at Janos Hegy. From here we walked 800m to the Observatory at the top. You can see the city from here and it is a great viewpoint. We took the cable car down and up (which goes through people’s gardens) and went to the cafe for hot cocoa. There are plenty of walking paths that can be made into a day walk and the time can see that the cafe and play areas at the top will get very busy in summer. We ended up going back down to the rejoin the train and continued to Huvosvolgy. The train meanders through the hillside through a tunnel over 2 bridges en route.
From here we took the 61 yellow route tram back to Széll Salman Ter. A brilliant adventure of seeing how many forms of transport you can do in one day! We also include walking and running ( we wee almost late back for the train).
I think the Children’s train is a brilliant idea. Surely unique. The carriages are old and it is great to see the kids deploy employability skills. They are so courteous- certainly a role model to our children!
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback. See you soon hopefully.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robin_K
Accrington, UK2,850 contributions
Jan 2020
In spite of what other people have written this is not an easy place to find and personally I found many of the suggestions given in other reviews to be incomplete or misleading. Let me try to give you clear directions. First of all you need to be aware that it’s a bit of a waste of time and money taking the children’s railway in both directions and it’s more fun to do one journey by alternative means. I took the Line 2 metro to Szell Kalman Ter and outside there are several bus and tram stops. Find the one for the 61 in the direction of Huvosvolgy, which is the terminus stop so you can’t possibly go too far. Within 200 yards of the stop is the path to the Children’s Railway.
The railway is predominantly operated by children but under close adult supervision. It’s quite emotive seeing the children take responsibility as they waive their sticks to send the driver on his way and then stand to attention and salute until every carriage has passed. The journey through the Buda hills is very eye-catching and in January all the trees were dressed in snow and frost and icicles. I suppose the one downside was the fact that the train was not heated and this made the journey a little bit tortuous. It remains, however, they must do activity in Budapest. Be aware that in winter the train only runs at 10 past each hour.
At the end of the journey follow the signs (and people) through the park to the Cog Train terminus. It is only a 2 minute walk and you can use your normal transport tickets or cards. The Cog Train terminates at Varosmajor. From there you can walk for 10 minutes back down to the Szell Kalman Ter metro station or again the 61 tram to the metro station.
The railway is predominantly operated by children but under close adult supervision. It’s quite emotive seeing the children take responsibility as they waive their sticks to send the driver on his way and then stand to attention and salute until every carriage has passed. The journey through the Buda hills is very eye-catching and in January all the trees were dressed in snow and frost and icicles. I suppose the one downside was the fact that the train was not heated and this made the journey a little bit tortuous. It remains, however, they must do activity in Budapest. Be aware that in winter the train only runs at 10 past each hour.
At the end of the journey follow the signs (and people) through the park to the Cog Train terminus. It is only a 2 minute walk and you can use your normal transport tickets or cards. The Cog Train terminates at Varosmajor. From there you can walk for 10 minutes back down to the Szell Kalman Ter metro station or again the 61 tram to the metro station.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive rating. We are working hard to earn the fifth star next time as well.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven Riches
1 contribution
Feb 2020
The Children;s Railway is situated in the hills above Buda. It uses children aged from 10-14 to act as guards, announcers, ticket collectors etc. In fact the only job carried out by an adult is that of driver. The young people were courteous and clearly proud of what they were doing. The journey itself starts at Huvosvolgy which is the end of the 61 tram line. A short walk uphill takes you to the station. As this trip was taken last week only 1 carriage was attached to the diesel engine, but i should imagine that more would be attached in the summer. The train itself runs through the hills on a 7 mile journey to Széchényi-hegy where you can pick up a return tram back into Buda. The scenery is mostly forest but there are points where there are good views of Budapest. It does take a little effort to get to the railway but this is very much worth it because of its unique nature. Thoroughly recommended.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback. See you soon hopefully.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
grandad88
Clitheroe, UK591 contributions
Mar 2020
We loved this ride through the Buda Hills even though there is not much to see in the way of views. The charm of the railway is the children who take their 'work' very seriously. They are conductors, ticket sellers, announcers and many other roles on the railway and it is delightful to be saluted by them standing on the platform on arrival at and leaving a station.
While not given much space in guide books this is really a worthwhile trip if only for a brief escape out of the city.
We got on at the far end of the line (Huvosvolgy on the 56A tram) and rode the train through to the other end at Széchenyi-hegy, (although it is possible to get off at any of the stations en route for a walk or whatever). We then took the cogwheel railway down to the bottom and returned to the city on the tram and metro.
While not given much space in guide books this is really a worthwhile trip if only for a brief escape out of the city.
We got on at the far end of the line (Huvosvolgy on the 56A tram) and rode the train through to the other end at Széchenyi-hegy, (although it is possible to get off at any of the stations en route for a walk or whatever). We then took the cogwheel railway down to the bottom and returned to the city on the tram and metro.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback. See you soon hopefully.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore13,871 contributions
Oct 2021
I did a guided live-streamed tour on this train By Adam and Erika from Heygo.
Adam explained that Children’s Railway was built in 1948 while Hungary was ruled by a Soviet-allied government. This railway was inspired by the ‘Pioneer trains’ in the Soviet Union.
The present route is 11.7km through the most scenic part of the Buda Hills. Throughout the 45 mins journey, we were treated to enchanting Autumn colours of the Buda Hills. We could take many postcard shots of the scenery and some parts of the train as it went round the curve. This railway has been recognised as the world’s longest children’s railway by the Guinness Book of Records.
Erika, who has worked there in her younger days. told us her experience. Except for the train's driver, all the usual roles are carried out by children aged ten to fourteen. It is a voluntary service but the children are rewarded by the regular team buildings, the summer camps and the friendships forged there.
We noticed many hiking trails in the woods and with a ride on this train, one can get off at different stations to enjoy the main attractions in the Buda Hills by buying a day pass.
Adam explained that Children’s Railway was built in 1948 while Hungary was ruled by a Soviet-allied government. This railway was inspired by the ‘Pioneer trains’ in the Soviet Union.
The present route is 11.7km through the most scenic part of the Buda Hills. Throughout the 45 mins journey, we were treated to enchanting Autumn colours of the Buda Hills. We could take many postcard shots of the scenery and some parts of the train as it went round the curve. This railway has been recognised as the world’s longest children’s railway by the Guinness Book of Records.
Erika, who has worked there in her younger days. told us her experience. Except for the train's driver, all the usual roles are carried out by children aged ten to fourteen. It is a voluntary service but the children are rewarded by the regular team buildings, the summer camps and the friendships forged there.
We noticed many hiking trails in the woods and with a ride on this train, one can get off at different stations to enjoy the main attractions in the Buda Hills by buying a day pass.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review. We look forward to seeing you again on the Children's Railway, which operates almost every day this year
Written May 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
deborah p
Bridlington, UK42 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
A bit of a trek to get to but so worth it. Tram we used to get to destination was 56A. When it stops you need to take the road on your Left, uphill, to end. Cross road at lights to shopping centre then sort track thru woods. No signs fixable but yes they the woods. Just follow the well worn path. For both of us return was under £7 and the journey lasts 80 mins. You are waved on and off by the children. Most enjoyable and very relaxing
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback. See you soon hopefully.
Written August 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lyndawilson72
East Lothian, United Kingdom959 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Not the easiest to get to from the city centre.
Bus from city to varosmajor, then onto cogwheel railway. 2min walk from there to departure point for Childrens Railway.
Quaint to see the children (aged 9-14yrs) in their uniforms saluting and selling tickets and manning the train. Adults do drive trains!
Unfortunately the child selling didn’t speak much English so didn’t understand the type of ticket we were trying to buy and sold us one way tickets without ability to get off at any stops.
Another ticket girl on train then charged us the same price again to get off and back on train.
We got off at viralgolvy and walked to top of chairlift and up to the big tower viewpoint. Great views back over hills to Budapest centre. Walked on through forest to stepjuhaszne station and back onto train to the top end of track. We then walked back down yellow trail passing another 2 lookout towers back to szepjuhaszne where we got bus/metro back to city.
Walking in forest was lovely but most of cafes at stations closed or looked bit run down.
Train cute and nice way to access the hills for something different.
However you could just get ordinary bus up to the hills.
In retrospect we should have paid for one way ticket and gone from start to finish of track then spent few hours walking back through forest trails. Suggest bring water and snacks too.
And you need Hungarian cash for train tickets.
Bus from city to varosmajor, then onto cogwheel railway. 2min walk from there to departure point for Childrens Railway.
Quaint to see the children (aged 9-14yrs) in their uniforms saluting and selling tickets and manning the train. Adults do drive trains!
Unfortunately the child selling didn’t speak much English so didn’t understand the type of ticket we were trying to buy and sold us one way tickets without ability to get off at any stops.
Another ticket girl on train then charged us the same price again to get off and back on train.
We got off at viralgolvy and walked to top of chairlift and up to the big tower viewpoint. Great views back over hills to Budapest centre. Walked on through forest to stepjuhaszne station and back onto train to the top end of track. We then walked back down yellow trail passing another 2 lookout towers back to szepjuhaszne where we got bus/metro back to city.
Walking in forest was lovely but most of cafes at stations closed or looked bit run down.
Train cute and nice way to access the hills for something different.
However you could just get ordinary bus up to the hills.
In retrospect we should have paid for one way ticket and gone from start to finish of track then spent few hours walking back through forest trails. Suggest bring water and snacks too.
And you need Hungarian cash for train tickets.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Czechmate
Pilsen, Czech Republic28 contributions
Jan 2020
This open-air train that goes through the woods for an incredible 7 miles! Our family had a great experience and we just rode the train 7 miles out there and back without any additional excursions. Even on a hot day, it can be a bit chilly. Very refreshing,
Written May 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your great review!
Written August 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elisabeth D
Budapest, Hungary2 contributions
Oct 2022
Lovely train ride through forested area. The train is run by children from the ticket booth to the checking of tickets onboard. You can only pay with cash HUF. The children even tried to communicate back in English.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review. We look forward to seeing you again on the Children's Railway, which operates almost every day this year
Written May 2, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carmen M
Barcelona, Spain14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This makes for a great activity with children. We went with our 10 and 6 year old kids and they enjoyed it. Look for the times to go on the steamer or at least see it. We got off and the Erzebet viewpoint and it is a nice 15min forest walk to a tower viewpoint over the whole city. Kids liked seeing other kids running everything!
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Time required.
In Budapest at the end of November. Staying near St Stevens Bascilica and will be using public transport. Will want to use cog railway to Szechenyihegy then railway to Huvosvolgy. Return tram or bus. Will be doing early start due to evening event. I am reconing on 5 hrs. Is this about right.
Written October 30, 2024
How do you get there from central budapest ?
Hear you can get off at the chair lift but where does this end up at ??
Thanks
Written April 9, 2022
it is very easy and fun to do this ... enjoy.
first i recommend getting a 24 hour merto pass or more.
the 24 hour pass is 1650 florins.
ok to get from your hotel go to ferenciek tere and take the blue ( number 3) line to deak ferenc tere and change to the red ( number 2) line
take the red line to szell kalman tere get off there and and go up to where the trams are , here you have 2 options
1) take any of the 56 or 56a or 59b or 61 to varosmajor then walk a little bit to the cog wheel railway ( an amazing ride up the hills) number 60 to the end then folow signs and a short walk to childerens railway.
2) take any of the trams mentioned above and get off at the end ( huvosvolgy stop) hike up the hill which takes you to the other end of the children's railway.
you can go one way and come back on another ( nice to mix it up)
with the 24 hour metro ticket all the connections are free with the card
you will only have to pay for children's railway.
it is also possible to connect to the chairlift too.
Written March 25, 2024
Will the train operate on 26th December ?
Thank you.
Written November 11, 2019
Hola!
Alguien me podría decir el horario de diciembre entre semana? Muchas gracias
Written November 6, 2019
Hi, I want to take my two young children on the train. I want to get a taxi from central Budapest. Which station is best to get the taxi to drop us off at ?
Which stops do you recommend we get off at to have a walk round?
Are you able to buy a return ticket back to your start point? Thanks
Written May 20, 2019
Hi, we studied at home the use of Public Transport to Huvoslogy. The Children Railway Terminal is about 4 or 5 minutes walk from there. Yes, you can buy a return ticket. The other Terminal is Szechenyihegy (uphill direction). On the day, we felt good, got up early, changed our mind and took the Pubic bus to NORMAFA (which had lovely views). After viewing, we walked towards Szechenyihegy, bought a ticket there, then rode the train all the way downhill to Huvoslogy. At Huvoslogy, we spent half an hour walking in the forest, then walked down to the trams terminal, took the tram(s) to visit other places.
Written May 20, 2019
Good afternoon please can you tell me if First train leaves at 09:45 or 10;03 from Szechenyi hegi on Wednesday August 07th ? I can't find timetable for working data in August in your website. Thank you
Written March 19, 2019
Buongiorno nel sito non trovo orario trenini Mercoledì 07 agosto 2019 . Il primo treno e alle 09:45 o alle 10:03 dalla stazione di arrivo del treno a cremagliera? Grazie
Written March 19, 2019
Hi,
I will come with a 2 years toddler. I am wondering if I can use the Librgo: I can put her in a baby carrier so she will be safe on the Librgo and don't fall. I am wondering what to to with her stroller. Is it allowed to put the stroller folded on the Librgo?
Written August 17, 2018
The prams are allowed on our trains, but we are not keep in touch with the Chairlift. You can call them: +36 1 391 0352; +36 1 394 3764 or visit BKV's website.
The easiest way with pram if you get off the train at Virágvölgy station and have a walk to th Chairlift.
Written August 30, 2018
Is the railway running daily in September this year,2018, or only on the weekends? And how about October?
Is the chairlift in traffic?
Written May 30, 2018
The railway operates every day in the year except Mondays.
Written August 10, 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 20
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.