4 scenic transportation lines in Budapest
4 scenic transportation lines in Budapest
Hop on one of the 4 scenic transportation lines in Budapest to explore top sights like the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Buda Castle, and more.
Compared to London or Berlin, Budapest is a small capital city – or at least it feels small. Take a stroll along the river from the Parliament and it won’t be long before you find yourself in the outskirts. And when you’re busy exploring, you’ll quickly find it’s easy to see the top sights of the city in one or two days. This small-town feeling is all thanks to well-connected streets and one of the best public transportation systems in all of Europe. Whether you’re in the city center or heading for the hills, Budapest’s metro lines, buses and ferries will get you where you need to be – with some stunning views to boot. So, give your feet a break. Sit back and relax as we discover Budapest from its scenic transportation lines. If you are interested in the methods of getting to the city from the airport, we recommend reading this article about the Budapest airport transfer choices.
- • Budapest offers several incredibly scenic public transportation routes that double as cheap sightseeing tours, primarily operated by the city’s BKK network.
- • Tram Line 2 is world-famous for its route along the Pest embankment of the Danube, offering unbroken views of Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, and Parliament.
- • Other highlights include the historic Buda Castle Funicular (Sikló) climbing Castle Hill, and the public BKK riverboats providing a unique perspective of the city from the water.
1. Explore the riverbanks from the scenic tram line 2
Whether you’re exploring the city by day or night, head to the river. The riverbanks of Pest are the best place to see the Parliament, Buda Castle and the four magical bridges of Budapest. When night falls, the Danube glows in the golden light of the city lights. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss, and one that’s best seen from the windows of the Number 2 Tram. As one of the best tram rides in all of Europe, this little yellow car will take you along the curve of the river on the Pest side from Közvágóhíd to Jászai Mari Square. Hop on from Boráros tér or Fővám tér to see Elizabeth Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle and the Parliament in all their glory.
Cost: 450 HUF (1,1 EUR) for a single ticket.
2. Enjoy the beauty of the city from the Danube: take a riverboat
While we’re talking about the Danube banks, let’s head down to the docks and jump on the riverboat. Operated by BKK, the Budapest public transportation system, this is an authentic and easy way to travel by water, compared to the more touristy and expensive sightseeing boats. It takes a round trip and you will be able to see some main attractions: Kossuth Lajos Square – Margaret Island – Batthyány square – Castle Garden Bazaar – Petőfi Square – Kossuth Lajos Square.
Cost: 2.800 HUF (7 EUR) for a single ticket
3. Traverse the Chain Bride on the 16/16A Bus
While we always recommend walking across the bridges to get a great view of the city, sometimes we all need a break. If you don’t fancy a hike up to Buda Castle St. Mattias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, jump on the 16 or 16A bus from Deák Ferenc tér in Pest or Széll Kálmán tér in Buda. This fairly new, air-conditioned and electric bus will take you over the Chain Bridge, then up and around Castle Hill. As you ascend, you’ll get a gorgeous view of the riverbanks, the Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Cost: 450 HUF (1,1 EUR)
4. Get a bird’s-eye-view from the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular
Last but not least is the spectacularly unique funicular. From the Chain Bridge, you can watch as the toy-like cars descend from the top of the hill. With just one step into the cabin of this restored 19th century antique, you’ll be hit with a wave of nostalgia. As you slowly climb the hill on Buda side, you’ll see Budapest in a new light – as the captivating and bejeweled “Paris of the East” as it was once known. You can’t beat this exhilarating panoramic view of Pest with St. Stephen’s Basilica at the heart. Not far from here is the Rudas Bath – for a relaxing wading experience to suit all tastes.
Cost: return ticket is 5.000 HUF (12,7 EUR)
No matter where your curiosity takes you in Budapest, you won’t want to miss a ride on these scenic transportation lines. Whether you go by bus, boat, tram, or the more adventurous funicular, each route offers a chance to unwind, people-watch, and explore Budapest from a different point of view. And if you want to kill all the birds with one stone, get on a hop-on hop-off bus to see all the famous landmarks and scenic sights of the city in one sitting.
FAQ
Do I need a special ticket to ride Tram 2?
No, you can ride Tram 2 with any valid BKK ticket or pass — the same ones you use for metro, buses, or other trams.
When is the best time to take Tram 2 for sightseeing?
Tram 2 runs all day, but for the best experience, try catching it around sunset, when the Danube and Parliament are beautifully lit.
Does the 16 bus take me directly to Buda Castle?
Yes! The 16 and 16A buses connect Deák Ferenc Square (downtown) with the Buda Castle District, dropping you just steps from Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
Can I use my regular BKK pass or metro ticket on the boats?
No, standard BKK travel passes, metro, tram, or bus tickets are not valid on BKK boats. You’ll need to purchase a separate boat ticket via the BudapestGO app or a ticket machine before boarding.
The bridges of Budapest are marvelous. If you want to learn more about these amazing structures, read our article about the topic.
