The Night of the Chairlifts 2025: A Spectacular Evening Adventure in Budapest
Picture this: you’re gliding through the night sky above Budapest, watching the city lights twinkle below as the sun sets behind the hills. This isn’t just a dream – it’s exactly what awaits you at the Night of the Chairlifts 2025, one of Hungary’s most enchanting annual events.
What Makes Night of the Chairlifts So Special
The Night of the Chairlifts, known locally as “Libegők Éjszakája,” is celebrating its remarkable 10th anniversary this year. This unique event transforms ordinary chairlift rides into magical evening adventures that you’ll remember for years to come. On July 12th, 2025, chairlifts across Hungary will stay open late into the night, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience breathtaking sunset views and stunning nighttime panoramas from above.
What sets this event apart is its perfect timing with nature’s daily spectacle. The sunset on July 12th is expected at 20:40, creating the ideal backdrop for your aerial adventure. As daylight fades, you’ll witness the transformation of the landscape below – from the golden hues of sunset to the sparkling lights of cities and towns illuminating the darkness.
Essential Event Information at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Last boarding: 12:30 AM from valley to mountain station
- Location: Zugliget Chairlift, Budapest
- Ticket price: 5,000 HUF (return journey)
- Children under 3: Free admission
- Ticket office opens: 5:30 PM on event day
- Payment: Cash only at venue
- Advance tickets available: From June 26, 2025 at Underground Railway Museum, Deák Square
- Expected sunset: 8:40 PM
- Transportation: Bus 291 from Nyugati Railway Station or R158 retro bus from Széll Kálmán Square
- Parking: Limited availability at venue
- Special note: No regular discounts apply (senior, student, etc.)
Budapest’s Zugliget Chairlift: Your Gateway to the Stars
Event Details and Timing
The Zugliget Chairlift in Budapest will operate from 7:00 PM until 1:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to experience this magical evening. The last opportunity to board from the valley station to the mountain station is at 12:30 AM, so you’ll want to plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Tickets for this special event are priced at 5,000 HUF for a return journey. This is a dedicated event ticket, and unfortunately, regular discounts for seniors, students, or other categories don’t apply. However, children under 3 years old can ride for free, making it a perfect family adventure.
Here’s what you need to know about purchasing tickets:
Best deals of Budapest
- Advance tickets will be available from June 26th at the Underground Railway Museum at Deák Square during museum opening hours
- Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event, with the ticket office opening at 5:30 PM
- Important: Only cash payments are accepted at the venue
- Boarding follows a first-come, first-served basis, so advance purchase is highly recommended
Getting There: Transportation Options
Reaching the Zugliget Chairlift is easier than you might think. You have several public transportation options:
The 291 bus runs on schedule from Nyugati Railway Station, providing direct access to the chairlift. Alternatively, the R158 retro bus offers frequent service from Széll Kálmán Square, also taking you directly to your destination.
If you’re planning to drive, be aware that parking at the venue is limited. The organizers strongly recommend paying attention to traffic signs and arriving early to secure a parking spot.
Multiple Locations Across Hungary
While Budapest’s Zugliget Chairlift is certainly a highlight, the Night of the Chairlifts 2025 spans four incredible locations across Hungary. Each offers its own unique perspective and charm:
Lillafüred Chairlift Park in the Bükk Mountains operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, featuring additional programs including face painting, nature sound quizzes, and photo opportunities.
Sástó Oxygen Adrenalin Park in the Mátra Mountains extends its chairlift operation from the usual hours to a special 10:00 AM to midnight schedule, with the last boarding at 11:30 PM.
Zemplén Adventure Park in Sátoraljaújhely welcomes visitors until 9:00 PM, offering stunning views over the Zemplén Hills.
The Perfect Romantic or Family Experience
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening with your partner or a memorable family outing, the Night of the Chairlifts offers something magical for everyone. The combination of sunset views, city lights, and the gentle motion of the chairlift creates an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.
Families will particularly appreciate the child-friendly nature of the event, with free admission for toddlers and the relatively early start time allowing younger children to participate before their bedtime.
Timing Your Visit
To make the most of your Night of the Chairlifts experience, consider arriving well before the 7:00 PM start time. The organizers expect large crowds, and arriving early will help you avoid the rush and secure your spot for the best sunset viewing.
Remember that while you can use your event ticket throughout the day during regular operating hours, after 7:00 PM, only the special event tickets are valid for chairlift access.
What to Bring and Expect
Evening temperatures can be cooler at elevation, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone – the photo opportunities are endless, from sunset shots to nighttime cityscapes.
The chairlift ride itself offers unparalleled views of Budapest’s illuminated skyline, the Danube River winding through the city, and the surrounding Buda Hills. It’s a perspective of the Hungarian capital that few visitors ever experience.
Why This Event Matters
The Night of the Chairlifts represents more than just an evening entertainment option – it’s a celebration of Hungary’s natural beauty and innovative tourism offerings. The event showcases how traditional mountain infrastructure can be transformed into unique experiences that bring people closer to nature while offering fresh perspectives on familiar landscapes.
This 10th anniversary edition promises to be particularly special, with organizers planning enhanced experiences and extended operating hours to mark this milestone achievement.
Making Your Reservation
With the event’s growing popularity over the past decade, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. The first-come, first-served boarding system means that even with a ticket, arriving early gives you the best chance of multiple rides and optimal sunset viewing.
Mark your calendar for June 26th when advance tickets become available at the Underground Railway Museum. This small step in planning will ensure your spot in what promises to be an unforgettable evening adventure.
The Night of the Chairlifts 2025 offers a rare opportunity to see Hungary from a completely different angle – literally. Whether you’re a tourist discovering Budapest for the first time or a local looking for a new way to appreciate your city, this event provides an experience that combines adventure, beauty, and the simple joy of seeing the world from above.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical evening that happens just once a year. The stars, the city lights, and the gentle sway of the chairlift await you on July 12th, 2025.