Advent in Hungary with glowing trams, light trains, and illuminated buses – here’s what you should know

Last night, the first vehicles of Budapest’s Advent fleet set off from the Hungária depot in Józsefváros, adorned in festive lights to carry passengers along various city routes until 6th January. But it’s not just the capital – across the regions, MÁV and Volán are also launching glowing trains and light buses. We’ve gathered all the details in the article below.

Budapest’s illuminated Advent vehicles run on regular fares

The city’s fleet of festive trams, trains, and buses for the Advent, Christmas, and New Year season also launched yesterday in Budapest. According to BKK, these special vehicles turn journeys into a genuine experience for both children and adults. In addition to the traditional Light Tram and Santa Trolley this year, five more trams, cogwheel trains, and buses will run decorated with sparkling fairy lights.

Each service runs from 4pm until late evening on various routes, which you can check on the official website. For instance, on line 2 – voted Europe’s most beautiful downtown tram route – the light tram will operate every Monday and Wednesday. Click and check out the video.

Fairy light-decorated trams will also run on the 1, 2, and 3 lines, as well as the 4-6, 47-49, and multiple lines like 23, 60, 14, 19, 41, 50, 51A, 56A, and 42-50.

While details on the Santa Trolley are yet to come, the Santa Bus runs only until 23rd December on weekdays from noon to 8pm and at weekends from 11am to 7pm. It will make appearances on many lines; during weekdays, you can catch it on lines 5, 7, and 133E, and at weekends on several others. A full list and further details are available on the website.