Meet Budapest’s Fantastic Four: The Superheroes of Public Transport (No Capes Required!)
Forget Marvel’s Fantastic Four – Budapest has its own squad of superheroes, and trust me, they’re way cooler than anything Hollywood could dream up. Sure, they don’t shoot fire from their hands or turn invisible, but they’ve got something even better: the power to transport you through time while showing off the most gorgeous city views you’ve ever seen. Plus, they’ve been saving the day (and your sore feet) for decades!
Let me introduce you to Budapest’s magnificent quartet: the ZiU-9 trolleybus (think of him as the strong, silent type), the charming L-type wooden trams 436 and 611 (the dynamic duo with serious vintage vibes), and the legendary Ikarus 200 and 400 buses (the dependable workhorses who never let you down). These four have been the unsung heroes of Budapest’s streets, and honestly, they deserve their own comic book series.
When Public Transport Becomes a Time Machine
Picture this: every weekend from late April through October, Budapest basically becomes the coolest outdoor museum you’ve ever visited. But here’s the twist – instead of dusty displays behind glass, you get to actually ride these incredible pieces of history! It’s like someone took a DeLorean, painted it in tram colors, and said, “Hey, want to see what commuting was like when your grandparents were young?”
These aren’t just pretty faces sitting in some forgotten depot either. Oh no, these beauties are out there doing what they do best – getting people from A to B with style. The collaboration between BKK and BKV since 2010 has been nothing short of magical, turning what could have been scrap metal into rolling time capsules that make every weekend feel like an adventure.
Budapest’s public transport history goes back more than a century, which means there’s been plenty of time to collect some seriously cool rides. The best part? Someone had the brilliant idea to rescue these automotive legends from retirement and give them the spa treatment they deserved. Now they’re back and ready to show off!
Four Epic Adventures Waiting for You
Ready to meet your new favorite superheroes? Each of our Fantastic Four has their own special route, and trust me, picking just one is going to be harder than choosing your favorite pizza topping.
Best deals of Budapest
The Scenic Stunner: Route N2
Oh boy, where do I even start with this beauty? The N2 heritage tram doesn’t just take you places – it takes you on what’s officially recognized as one of the world’s ten most beautiful tram rides. No kidding! This isn’t just tourist board hype; this is the real deal.
As you cruise along the Danube embankment from Közvágóhíd to Jászai Mari tér, you’ll understand why people lose their minds taking photos from this tram. The Parliament Building shows off like it’s posing for its Instagram profile pic, while Budapest’s famous bridges create the kind of backdrop that makes every selfie look like it belongs in National Geographic.
And don’t even get me started on Buda Castle sitting there all majestic on its hill, or the sweeping views of Gellért Hill that’ll have you pressing your face against the window like a kid at a candy store. The vintage tram moves at just the right pace too – fast enough to feel the breeze, slow enough to actually see what you’re looking at instead of it all becoming a blur.
The Shape-Shifter: Route N18
If the N2 is the show-off of the group, then the N18 is the master of disguise. This clever little route starts at Szent János Kórház and takes you on what I like to call the “mood swing tour” of Budapest. One minute you’re chilling in the leafy, almost suburban vibe of Városmajor park, and the next you’re soaking up that dramatic Danube panorama that makes you feel like you’re in a movie.
The route winds through Széll Kálmán tér and Krisztina körút before hitting Szent Gellért tér, then continues down Bartók Béla út all the way to Csóka utca. It’s like the tram is showing off how many different personalities Budapest has – from quiet residential charm to bustling commercial energy to riverside drama. The heritage tram takes its sweet time too, giving you a chance to notice all those little architectural details you’d miss if you were zooming by in a modern vehicle.
The Explorer: Route N19
Now, the N19 is what I call the “hidden gems specialist.” This historic tram line is like having a local friend who knows all the best spots. Starting from Deák Ferenc tér (where you can geek out at the Underground Museum about Europe’s first subway system – pretty cool, right?), it heads to Szent Gellért tér and then cruises along the Buda Danube riverbank to Katinyi mártírok parkja.
This route is perfect for discovering those Instagram-worthy spots that aren’t in every guidebook. You’ll roll past thermal baths that have been pampering people since Roman times, traditional market halls where locals actually shop (not just tourist traps!), and parks so green and peaceful you’ll want to hop off and have a picnic.
The All-Rounder: Route N109
Last but definitely not least, we have the N109 heritage bus – the overachiever of the group. This one’s for people who want the full Budapest experience in one go. Starting at Batthyány tér, it’s like getting a greatest hits tour of the city.
The circular route is pure genius: you get those killer Parliament House views from Bem quay (seriously, your camera is going to love you), then cruise down Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út through the heart of the action before looping back. And here’s the kicker – on sunny days, they might roll out an open-top cabriolet bus. I mean, come on! It’s like they read your mind about wanting that perfect “wind in your hair, touring the city” moment.
The Practical Stuff (But Make It Fun!)
Alright, let’s talk money – because even superheroes need to pay their bills! The heritage transport runs on its own special ticketing system, which is actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
A single heritage ticket will set you back 600 HUF and gets you one ride on any of our fantastic four. But here’s where it gets interesting – for 2,400 HUF, you can get a daily heritage travelcard that’s basically an all-access pass to vintage vehicle heaven. Trust me, once you ride one, you’re going to want to try them all, so that daily pass is a no-brainer.
Getting tickets is super easy too. You can use the BudapestGO app (because this is 2025, after all), hit up any BKK customer service center, visit ticket offices, or just buy directly from the friendly staff at the heritage stops. They’re always happy to help, especially when they see that excited “I’m about to ride a piece of history” look in your eyes.
Oh, and here’s a cool bonus: Budapest also runs what they call “retro vehicles” – these are like the younger siblings of our Fantastic Four. They’re still nostalgic and charming but run on regular public transport fares, so you don’t need special tickets. It’s like getting extra vintage vibes for free!
Why These Four Are Actually Fantastic
Here’s the thing that makes these heritage vehicles so special – they’re not just transportation, they’re time machines with personality. Every restored detail, every carefully maintained interior, every distinctive sound they make is like a love letter to Budapest’s history.
When you’re sitting in one of these beauties, listening to the authentic clank of vintage tram wheels or the unique purr of a classic bus engine, you’re not just sightseeing – you’re living history. These vehicles carried generations of Budapestians to work, to school, on dates, to family gatherings. You’re literally sitting where countless stories unfolded.
It’s Budapest’s way of saying, “Hey, we’re proud of where we came from, and we want to share it with you.” Every restored vehicle represents hours of passionate work by people who refused to let these mechanical marvels disappear into scrapyards. They’re rolling proof that sometimes the old ways really were the best ways.
So there you have it – Budapest’s Fantastic Four, ready to show you the city like you’ve never seen it before. They might not have superpowers in the traditional sense, but they’ve got something even better: the ability to make every journey feel like an adventure and every view feel like a discovery.
Pack your camera, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to fall in love with Budapest one vintage ride at a time. Your Instagram feed (and your soul) will thank you!
Related news
Discover Budapest’s 2025 Nostalgia Season: A Timeless Journey on Historic Trams, Buses, and Metro
As spring breathes new life into Budapest, the city’s streets and riverside boulevards once again echo with the distinctive sounds of historic...
Budapest’s Iconic Tram Network: A Scenic and Convenient Way to Get Around
When it comes to exploring Budapest, there’s no better way to see the city than by hopping on one of its iconic trams. With over 40 tram lines,...
Budapest’s Tram Network Gets a Modern Boost with New CAF Vehicles
Budapest, a city renowned for its efficient and historic tram network, is taking a major step forward in modernizing public transport. Starting March...
Nostalgia on Wheels: A Joyride Through Budapest’s Historic Vehicles
Imagine stepping back in time, surrounded by the charm and elegance of a bygone era. In Budapest, this dream becomes a reality as beautifully restored...