Budapest’s festive light fleet kicks off the festive season – photos

Budapest's festive light fleet kicks off the festive season. Photo: BKV

The Budapest Public Transport Company (BKV) launched its festive light fleet on Monday afternoon, which will carry passengers until the end of the festive season.

Speaking in front of the trams adorned with festive lights, Budapest’s Mayor, Gergely Karácsony, remarked that the light tram has become a cherished tradition in Budapest. The first festive light tram began operating fifteen years ago, and it has since become an integral part of the Advent season.

According to BKV, hundreds of employees contributed to decorating the vehicles. The festive season light fleet features five kilometres of light strings, equipped with 120,000 LED bulbs.

New this year, for the first time, a festive light boat will also be sailing on the Danube.

Budapest’s festive light fleet kicks off the festive season. Photo: BKV

A Tatra tram will operate on lines 1, 14, 17, 41, 56, and 59, while a Ganz industrial articulated tram (ICS) will run on lines 47 and 49. An upgraded articulated tram (KCSV) has been decorated for service on lines 2 and 23.

The Hanover tram, nicknamed the “camel” due to its type designation (TW6000), will operate on lines 3, 42, 50, and 51A. Meanwhile, the Siemens Combino, adorned with lights, will serve lines 4 and 6.

A train on the cogwheel tram line 60, running between Városmajor and Széchenyi Hill, has also been decorated with festive lights. The legendary UV tram will not only run on its original route along the Pest quay but will also appear throughout the city. Its routes often include special appearances, such as on lines 42-50 or 14-41.