Children's Railway

Nowadays, Hűvösvölgy and the Buda Hills are an integral part of the Children's Railway (formerly known as the Pioneer Railway), although there was a serious debate at the time about building it rather on Margaret Island, with possible alternative locations including Népliget and even the park of Gödöllő Castle. Construction began in April 1948. The importance of the investment then is shown by the fact that the first three-kilometer section from Széchenyi Hill to Virágvölgy station was completed in a rush in just three months – nowadays such a good procurement procedure would not even be issued in the same time for construction. In the second phase, the section between János Hill and Szépjuhászné was handed over, and the line reached Hűvösvölgy in 1950, creating the approximately 11-kilometer track still in use today.

At first, only three trains ran on the line, only one of which, nicknamed Kis Piri, was built specifically for the Pioneer Railway. A Ganz motor coach arrived from the Lillafüred narrow-gauge railway, while a diesel locomotive was brought from Békéscsaba to the Buda Hills. Along with the track length, the fleet grew proportionally: in 1950, two brand new Ganz railcars entered service, and in the 1960s and 1970s, Mk48 and Mk49 diesel locomotives were also used.

Currently operating six red and white Mk45 diesel locomotives were made in Romania and have been running on the line since 1973. They began to be refurbished in 2010; among other things, the old (MB836 type) engines were replaced with much more modern, fuel-efficient Caterpillar engines.

After the political change, the name Pioneer Railway was immediately changed, but the essence did not change: children aged 10–14 continue to serve on the trains and at the stations. They do so under the supervision of adult stationmasters and train drivers, and the technical background is provided by trained MÁV workers, so you will definitely not meet an underage fireman, for example. Anyone can be a Children's Railway member, provided they study well, are granted permission at school, pass the medical fitness exam, and complete a four-month course.

Stations:

• Széchenyi Hill terminal station
• Normafa station
• Csillebérc station
• Virágvölgy station
• János Hill station
• Szépjuhászné station
• Hárs Hill station
• Hűvösvölgy terminal station

Prices:

• Adult ticket: 1000 HUF
• Child ticket: 500 HUF
• Adult transfer ticket: 1800 HUF
• Child transfer ticket: 900 HUF

Other ticket prices can be checked on the Children's Railway website. Important: payment is only possible in cash at ticket offices and on the train!

Timetable:

Trains run every day of the year (including holidays), except on Mondays during school terms between September 1 and April 30. Up-to-date timetables are available on the website.

The information is for guidance and reflects the status as of March 2025. Always check the service provider's website before arrival, and please inform us if you find any discrepancies!