Budapest Welcomes Its 26th New CAF Tram: A Step Forward in Modern City Travel

Budapest Welcomes Its 26th New CAF Tram: A Step Forward in Modern City Travel

Budapest’s famous yellow trams are getting a modern makeover. As of January 2026, the city’s public transport company, BKK, has officially introduced the 26th CAF tram into service — a milestone that symbolizes the capital’s continued commitment to comfort, accessibility, and green mobility. If you’re planning to explore Budapest this year, you might just find yourself gliding through the city on one of these sleek, next-generation vehicles.

A New Era of Comfortable and Accessible Travel

Built by the Spanish company CAF, these low-floor trams offer a noticeably smoother and more inclusive travel experience. They’re fully air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible, and designed with spacious interiors that allow easy boarding for passengers with strollers or luggage — a big plus for travelers heading to the city’s most scenic sites.

The newest addition, tram number 2282, operates primarily on Line 3, connecting key parts of Pest and offering a convenient way to move between residential neighborhoods, shopping areas, and the modern business district. With each new vehicle, Budapest edges closer to a fleet that’s over 40% made up of low-floor trams, reflecting a steady shift toward a barrier-free public transport system.

Connecting More of the City

The expansion doesn’t stop here. Over the coming months, CAF trams will continue to appear on several major routes, including Lines 1, 17, 19, 42, 50, 56, and 61. For locals and tourists alike, this means better coverage and shorter waiting times on some of the city’s most scenic tram lines.

Future plans also include rolling out the modern fleet on the iconic riverside Line 2 — known for its postcard-perfect views of the Danube and the Hungarian Parliament — once necessary infrastructure upgrades are completed. There’s also consideration for introducing these trams on the bustling 47 and 49 lines, which connect the heart of Pest to the cultural quarter of Buda.

Supported by the European Union

The tram acquisition is part of a large-scale development project titled “Procurement of 51 CAF trams for Budapest,” supported by the European Union and co-financed by the Hungarian State. With over 54 billion HUF in funding, the initiative doesn’t just modernize the city’s fleet — it also enhances Budapest’s role as one of Europe’s most sustainable capitals.

However, upgrading the fleet requires more than just new vehicles. Budapest still awaits additional EU funding to modernize electricity infrastructure, rebuild certain termini, and make more platforms wheelchair-accessible. These improvements are key to extending low-floor service to new routes across the city.

Why It Matters for Visitors

For those visiting Budapest, the expanding tram network offers a more comfortable and environmentally friendly way to explore the city. From the Buda Castle District to Margaret Island and the Grand Boulevard, you can easily hop onto a tram that combines modern design with a classic Budapest experience. The low-floor design ensures accessibility for all passengers — whether you’re pushing a stroller, carrying luggage, or simply want a smoother ride.

And perhaps best of all, riding these bright yellow trams remains one of the easiest and most scenic ways to discover the Hungarian capital. They’re more than just transportation — they’re part of the city’s rhythm, connecting historic landmarks with its constantly evolving modern side.

The Future Is on Track

Budapest’s public transport evolution showcases a city embracing sustainability while keeping its cultural charm intact. As more CAF trams hit the tracks throughout 2026, both residents and visitors will enjoy faster, cleaner, and more comfortable journeys — making travel across the Pearl of the Danube easier than ever.

For updates on tram routes, schedules, and tickets, download the BudapestGO app, the official app of Budapest’s transport authority.

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Budapest Welcomes Its 26th New CAF Tram: A Step Forward in Modern City Travel