The Festive Glow of Budapest’s Light Suburban Train: A Magical December Ride
Every December, Budapest transforms its public transport into a glittering spectacle, and one of the most anticipated seasonal highlights in 2025 is the city’s light-adorned suburban train, part of the HÉV network (Budapest’s suburban railway system). This special festive train, covered in over 8,600 LED lights along nearly 880 meters of decorative cables, offers a dazzling ride through some of the city’s most scenic rail routes. It’s not just a ride; it’s a moving celebration of light and history, perfectly suited for holiday visitors and transport enthusiasts alike.
A Stunning Showcase on Tracks
This light train isn’t your everyday commuter ride. Meticulously decorated with a blend of cool white and warm toned LEDs, it highlights the angular, retro design of the iconic MIX/A type train, turning it into a glowing ribbon cutting through the dark winter evenings. The route includes beautiful stretches along the Danube and through the green approaches to Csepel Island—perfect for both passengers inside and photographers capturing the festive urban landscape.
The MIX/A’s Final Curtain
The MIX/A trains have been a core part of Budapest’s suburban transit for decades, their distinctive green color and nostalgic charm grounding daily commuters and adventurers alike. The 2025 holiday season marks their final appearances as the fleet is gradually retired and replaced by modern vehicles. Adorning these classic trains in thousands of lights is both a tribute and a festive farewell—a last grand journey in their shimmering holiday attire.
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Timetable for the Light Suburban Trains
Planning your ride is straightforward with the light train’s targeted weekend schedule across four HÉV lines, all timed for dusk and evening magic when the lights shine brightest. It kicks off on the H5 line November 29-30 with departures like 16:08 and 17:08 from Batthyány tér to Békásmegyer, and returns from Békásmegyer at 15:41 onward. The H8/9 lines follow December 6-7, featuring runs from Örs vezér tere to Gödöllő at 14:33, 16:33, and 18:33, with returns and extensions to Csömör until late. On December 13-14, the H6 Ráckeve line offers express services from Közvágóhíd at 16:50 to Ráckeve, skipping stops like Kén utca or Szigetszentmiklós alsó on select trips, and wrapping up December 20-21 on the H7 Csepel line with frequent afternoon-to-night departures from Boráros tér starting at 14:37. Note that some express runs bypass minor stops, so check the MÁV app or signs for exact halts—regular tickets or passes cover all rides seamlessly.
A Citywide Celebration of Light
The illuminated suburban trains join a wider tradition across Budapest, where trams, buses, and locomotives deck themselves out in festive lights. Iconic examples include the “Fény Szili” locomotive and the “Fény Bz” diesel railcar, which tour various routes across the country spreading holiday cheer. Nostalgic vehicles like the Mikulásbusz and decorated Credo buses add to the seasonal transportation charm.
Why Ride the Light Suburban Train?
Riding this light-adorned suburban train is more than transportation—it’s a memorable holiday event. Passengers travel in familiar comfort while outside, the train glimmers like a streak of starlight, bringing warmth and magic to the winter night. The scenic views, combined with radiant decorations, make this one-of-a-kind journey a perfect festive outing—ideal for families, tourists keen on unique experiences, and anyone wanting to capture Budapest’s seasonal spirit on camera. As the historic MIX/A fleet takes its final bows, this glowing journey offers both nostalgia and celebration, lighting the path to a festive Budapest adventure.
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