Moving Museum: Ride Historic Ikarus Buses in 2025 Winter Budapest
Step back in time this winter and discover Budapest from the windows of two beautifully restored vintage Ikarus buses – a 1971 Ikarus 311 and a 1973 “Faros” Ikarus 66. These more-than-50-year-old vehicles run special Moving Museum rides on winter weekends, turning a simple bus journey into a nostalgic sightseeing tour through the city’s festive lights.
What this experience is about
The Moving Museum programme supports two core missions of the Hungarian Museum of Technology and Transport: preserving historical values and sharing them with the public. From having no Ikarus buses in its collection a few years ago, the museum now maintains a fleet of over 20 vehicles. The restored Ikarus 311 and Ikarus 66 buses showcase Hungary’s unmatched transport history, dressed in festive lights for the winter season. Museum experts narrate the legendary Ikarus factory’s story, the special features of the buses, and highlight local points of interest. On select occasions, live music accompanies these nostalgic rides.
Bus history and significance
The Ikarus 66, also known as the “Faros” due to its rear engine, was developed in the 1960s to address Budapest’s public transport capacity needs. It was the fastest and most comfortable bus on Hungarian roads until the early 1980s and was widely exported to countries like East Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Egypt, and South Yemen. The museum’s bus is one of the last ten produced, originally deployed in Székesfehérvár, later used by a beekeeper, and fully restored to operational condition in 2016.
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The Ikarus 311, built in 1971, is a spacious 36-seat bus that played a vital role in public transit and was an important export model, with close to 900 units delivered to East Germany and about 400 to Bulgaria. The museum’s example served until 1982, mainly transporting workers, and underwent complete restoration in 2013, regaining its original paint, interior, and renewed engine and chassis.
When and where the buses run
The Moving Museum operates from December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Rides are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 16:00 and 17:30, with special morning trips on New Year’s Eve. Each tour departs and returns to the Verona angyalai street stop, located between the Műcsarnok and the Museum of Ethnography. The approximately 50-minute circular route covers key areas of Budapest’s city center, including picturesque parts of Buda. Boarding and alighting during the route are not possible.
Why it’s perfect for foreign visitors
This unique experience combines sightseeing, historic storytelling, and festive charm in a one-of-a-kind winter adventure. Tourists can appreciate Budapest’s holiday lights from the comfort of vintage buses while learning about Hungarian transport heritage from museum experts. It’s also an unforgettable gift idea for friends or family interested in retro vehicles, history, or cultural experiences.
Important event details
- Dates: December 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Days: Saturdays and Sundays (with special New Year’s Eve morning rides)
- Departure times: 16:00 and 17:30 (New Year’s Eve morning trips as well)
- Meeting point: Verona angyalai street stop (between Műcsarnok and Museum of Ethnography)
- Route duration: Approximately 50 minutes, circular route around Budapest city center including Buda
- Buses: Fully restored Ikarus 311 (1971) and Ikarus 66 “Faros” (1973)
- Features: Museum expert narration on Ikarus history and local sights; live music on selected rides
- Boarding and alighting mid-route: Not allowed
- Tickets: Must be purchased online in advance; no on-site sales
- Museum collection: Over 20 Ikarus buses preserved and restored by the Hungarian Museum of Technology and Transport
- Special tip: Dress warmly for winter weather and bring a camera for festive photos
Experience Budapest’s winter wonders aboard these beautifully preserved “rolling legends” and immerse yourself in the heritage of one of Hungary’s most iconic bus brands.
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