Budapest Children’s Railway Day 2026: Celebrate 78 Years of the Gyermekvasút

If you happen to be in Budapest on April 11, 2026, you’re in for a delightful treat — especially if you’re traveling with kids or have a soft spot for vintage trains. The beloved Budapest Children’s Railway, known locally as the Gyermekvasút, is throwing a birthday bash to mark 78 years since construction on the line began, and the public is warmly invited to join the fun.

A Railway Like No Other

The Budapest Children’s Railway is one of the city’s most charming and quirky attractions. Stretching approximately 11 kilometers through the scenic Buda Hills between Széchenyihegy and Hűvösvölgy, it’s actually the world’s largest children’s railway. What makes it truly special is that it’s operated almost entirely by children — young students handle ticketing, signaling, and passenger services, with adults only driving the trains. The annual Railway Day, held every second Saturday of April, commemorates the date construction began on April 11, 1948, on Széchenyi Hill.

What’s Happening at the Hűvösvölgy Depot

The heart of the celebration takes place at the Hűvösvölgy traction depot, open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is where the real magic happens for train enthusiasts of all ages. You’ll get rare access to locomotives and carriages that are almost never seen in regular service, all lined up on the storage tracks for the occasion.

Here’s what you can explore at the depot:

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The Cheapest Sightseeing Cruise of Budapest

• Try on a real railway uniform in the salon carriage and play ticket inspector with authentic equipment
• Inspect a steam locomotive inside and out
• Climb aboard a classic Mk45 diesel locomotive, the compact C50 engines, the Mk48 diesel, and the historic Lillafüred motor coach
• Have a go on a hand-powered railway trolley (kézihajtány) — a surprisingly fun workout
• Spot rare vehicles including freight wagons and the Mk49 locomotive, which you’ll almost never see out on the tracks

What’s Happening at Hűvösvölgy Station

Just steps away at the Hűvösvölgy station reception park, the celebration continues with a nostalgic twist. Two iconic Ikarus 280 articulated buses — beloved relics of Budapest’s transport history — will be on display for visitors to admire. Inside the underpass leading to the platform, MÁV Group’s sustainable model railway table will have miniature trains running, keeping younger visitors thoroughly entertained. The station is also home to the Children’s Railway’s recently renovated museum, which will be open throughout the day.

Special Train Rides with Rare Locomotives

One of the highlights of Railway Day is the chance to ride the line behind locomotives you’d never normally see pulling a train. Special extra services will run between Hűvösvölgy and Szépjuhászné with their own fare, hauled by the steam locomotive, the Lillafüred motor coach, and C50 engines. The forested stretch of the route offers fantastic photo opportunities — so make sure your camera is charged and ready.

Regular trains continue to run on the full line between Hűvösvölgy and Széchenyihegy on the standard spring timetable, with departures every 40–50 minutes from both terminals.

Practical Information

• Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Hűvösvölgy traction depot and Hűvösvölgy station
• Getting there: Take tram line 61 to the Hűvösvölgy terminus, or buses 29, 56A, 57, 63, or 64 — all stop near Hűvösvölgy station

Whether you’re a lifelong railway enthusiast or just looking for a fun, off-the-beaten-path family outing in Budapest, Railway Day at the Gyermekvasút is a wonderfully unique way to spend a Saturday morning.