Citadella Reopens Soon: Electric Buses Transform Buda Tours in Budapest

Budapest’s Buda side is gearing up for smoother adventures with the Citadella reopening soon and eco-friendly buses replacing big tour coaches. This means less traffic chaos around iconic spots like Buda Castle and Gellért Hill, letting tourists like you explore historic hilltops without the hassle — just in time as spring blooms amid recent snowy spells.

Citadella’s Grand Reopening March 15

After years of meticulous restoration, the Citadella atop Gellért Hill swings open around March 15, 2026, reborn as an accessible masterpiece blending Hungary’s turbulent history — from 19th-century oppression to liberation symbols — with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas over the Danube, Parliament, and beyond. New lifts in the western cannon tower and park areas make every terrace and walkway reachable for all, including wheelchair users, while barrier-free restrooms with baby-changing stations ensure family-friendly vibes. Dramatic modern lighting illuminates the fortress and towering Liberty Statue at night, with 10,000 square meters of restored stone walls, fresh pedestrian paths linking east and west sides, and three new entry points turning the once-fortified site into an open invitation — perfect after soaking in Rudas Baths below or pairing with a Freddie Mercury exhibition visit for a full cultural day.

Best deals of Budapest

Sounds of Love

Unlimited Mulled Wine Cruise

Pizza Cruise Budapest

2026 Valentine’s Day Cruise with Romantic Dinner

Budapest Cruise with 4 course Dinner with Hungarian Folklore Show

Budapest night cruise with Drink & Folklore show

TOP

-10% Budapest Grand City Tour with Bus

TOP

Unlimited Prosecco and wine cruise

TOP

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Unlimited Booze Cruise

4-course Dinner Cruise with Live Piano Show

TOP

The Cheapest Sightseeing Cruise of Budapest

Electric Shuttle Revolution Ends Bus Chaos

For years, massive tour buses choked narrow lanes near Buda Castle and Citadella, frustrating locals and visitors alike, but District I Mayor Böröcz László unveiled a pioneering fix: summer 2026 launches an eight-strong fleet of zero-emission electric minibuses via Budavár Tourist Ltd., expanding to 20 by late 2027 to ferry 1.5 million tourists annually. Strict permits now rule — District I for Castle access, city hall for Citadella — funneling revenue back to the community while a new terminal near Déli Station offers seamless coach-to-shuttle transfers, complete with potential shops or offices above. A few initial Euro 6 diesels bridge the gap until full electrification, prioritizing clean air in this UNESCO jewel.

Effortless Exploration Awaits You

Ditch the diesel rumble: park mega-coaches at the Alkotás út terminal and glide silently through Castle District’s fairy-tale lanes to Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, or the Royal Palace, all while soaking in views without idling fumes. Blend with efficient trams, funiculars, or the existing Castle Hill electric hop-on-hop-off for ultimate flexibility, especially handy during variable winter-spring weather when indoor gems like the House of Music shine. Pro tip: time your ascent for sunset from the Citadella’s terraces, capturing Budapest’s lights twinkling to life.

Elevate Your Buda Adventure Now

These upgrades turn Buda’s medieval magic from crowded scramble to serene, sustainable joy — conquer Gellért Hill’s fortress for epic vistas, shuttle effortlessly to hidden courtyards, and embrace a greener side of the Pearl of the Danube. Whether chasing history, panoramas, or pairing with thermal soaks amid snowy forecasts, it’s Budapest innovating for travelers who crave authenticity without the aggravation.