Night of the Locomotives: A Magical Evening Train Ride Through the Buda Hills

If you’re looking for a unique Budapest experience that goes beyond the usual sightseeing checklist, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 18th. The Children’s Railway in the Buda Hills, known locally as the Gyermekvasút, is hosting its beloved Night of the Locomotives, an after-dark train event that transforms a quiet mountain railway into a glowing, atmospheric adventure for train enthusiasts, photographers, and families alike.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Time: trains run between 7 PM and 11 PM
• Route: between Hűvösvölgy and Szépjuhászné stations
• Frequency: departures every 35 minutes
• Departures from Hűvösvölgy: 19:20, 20:00, 20:35, 21:10, 21:45, 22:20
• Departures from Szépjuhászné: 19:23, 19:55, 20:30, 21:05, 21:40, 22:50
• Tickets: regular railway fares apply, no surcharge
• Languages: information available in Hungarian and English
• Highlights: rotating historic locomotives, new illuminated panorama carriage, scenic stop in the panoramic curve, photo opportunities at Hárshegy and Hűvösvölgy stations

What Makes This Railway So Special

Perched above Budapest on the Széchenyi Hill, the Children’s Railway is celebrating its 78th anniversary this year, and it holds a genuinely remarkable title: it’s listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest railway line in the world operated by children in traffic and commercial service. Young staff members, trained and supervised by adults, handle ticketing, signaling, and station duties along the entire route. The 11.7-kilometer line winds through some of the most scenic parts of the Buda Hills, passing through Csillebérc, Hárshegy, Normafa, János Hill, and Hűvösvölgy. It’s a favorite year-round destination, drawing hikers in summer and snow lovers in winter, but this particular night offers something entirely different from the daytime ride.

An Evening Unlike Any Other

Between 7 PM and 11 PM, trains depart every 35 minutes, running between Hűvösvölgy and Szépjuhászné stations. What sets this night apart is the rotating cast of locomotives taking turns pulling the trains, meaning virtually every departure delivers a different experience. Riders might catch the green or black C50 locomotive, the red Mk48, a classic Mk45, or the historic railcar from Lillafüred. Adding to the charm is the railway’s new panorama carriage, whose special evening lighting makes the ride even more atmospheric as the Buda Hills disappear into darkness and reveal a completely different, moodier landscape than during the day.

Trains heading from Szépjuhászné to Hűvösvölgy make a brief stop in the panoramic curve, giving passengers a few unforgettable minutes to take in a sweeping view of Budapest lit up at night. It’s a small pause that turns a train ride into a genuine viewpoint experience.

A Dream Night for Photographers

The organizers have thoughtfully timed the program so it begins while there’s still daylight, giving photography enthusiasts the chance to capture shots at dusk and again once night has fully fallen. At Hárshegy station, the schedule is designed so that trains arriving from both directions overlap briefly, allowing passengers to step off and photograph the trains lined up together, a rare sight on this small mountain railway. Later in the evening, a freight train pulled by the Mk48 locomotive will also run, offering yet another unusual photo opportunity you won’t easily find elsewhere in Budapest.

Meanwhile, at Hűvösvölgy station, the locomotives not currently in service line up for viewing, creating another great photo backdrop for visitors exploring the area before or after their ride.

Why It’s Worth Adding to Your Budapest Itinerary

For tourists seeking something authentic and slightly off the beaten path, the Night of the Locomotives offers a rare mix of nostalgia, scenery, and hands-on railway charm. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and rewards visitors with panoramic views of Budapest that few evening activities in the city can match. Whether you’re a lifelong train enthusiast or simply want a peaceful, scenic escape from the summer bustle of downtown Budapest, this one-night-only event is well worth the trip up into the hills.