Budapest’s Tram Titans: Riding the Rails with the World’s Longest Trams
Move over, limousines—Budapest’s got real flex-worthy rides: two of the world’s longest trams! These metallic giants aren’t just eye candy for transit nerds; they’re eco-friendly party trains (minus the confetti… usually). Let’s hop on and explore why these trams are the unsung heroes of Hungary’s capital.
The Reigning (Former) Champ: CAF URBOS 3/9
Meet the 56-meter-long beast that held the “world’s longest tram” crown for eight years. This nine-section marvel weighs as much as 67 adult elephants (okay, 67 tons) and can cram in 345 passengers—perfect for awkwardly avoiding eye contact with strangers! 🐘
- Where to find it: Haunting the Tram 1 line.
- Fun fact: Its energy-efficient design means it’s basically the Tesla of trams… if Teslas carried half a village at once.
The Night Owl Ninja: Siemens Combino Supra
The 4-6 tram line is Budapest’s answer to New York’s subway—but with better views and fewer rats. These 54-meter Siemens trams have been shuttling Hungarians since 2006 and never sleep (24/7 service = the ultimate party tram). 🎉
- Why it’s iconic: It turned the Nagykörút into Europe’s most scenic commute—think “Grand Budapest Hotel” vibes, minus Ralph Fiennes.
- Secret power: Carries 350+ passengers while dodging selfie sticks and grannies with grocery carts.
Global Tram Rivals: Size Does Matter
Budapest’s trams are royalty, but let’s peek at the competition:
Best deals of Budapest
| Tram | Location | Length | Fun Quirk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Škoda ForCity Smart 38T | Mannheim, Germany | 56m | New world champ (but we’re not bitter) |
| CAF URBOS 3/9 | Budapest, Hungary | 56m | Former world’s longest for 8 years |
| Siemens Combino Supra | Budapest, Hungary | 54m | 24/7 party tram on the Grand Boulevard |
| Stadler Tina MGT-XL | Switzerland | 45m | Has a driver’s private door 🕶️ |
| Alstom Citadis | Dublin, Ireland | 55m | 98% recyclable (eco-warriors rejoice) ♻️ |
As you can see, Budapest’s trams are right up there with the world’s longest! The CAF URBOS 3/9 matches the current world champion in length, while the Siemens Combino Supra isn’t far behind. These Budapest beauties are definitely holding their own in the global tram length competition!
Why You Should Care
- Saving the planet: Zero emissions + replacing 200 cars per trip = Mother Nature’s BFF.
- People-watching gold: From tourists gaping at Parliament to locals debating paprika recipes.
- Free amusement park ride: Those sharp turns on Tram 1? Better than a rollercoaster. 🎢
Next time you’re in Budapest, skip the hop-on-hop-off bus. Ride these tram titans instead—where else can you say you’ve boarded a vehicle longer than a blue whale? 🐋
*Pro tip: For maximum drama, ride the 4-6 line at rush hour. It’s like *Hunger Games, but with backpacks. 😉
Image source: BKK
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