Budapest joins Europe’s tram elite, enhancing urban travel for tourists and locals
Budapest is stepping into the spotlight as a global leader in urban mobility, joining cities like Prague, Munich, Lyon, Kansas City, and Charlotte in harnessing the potential of tram streetcars to transform the city experience. These systems are no longer just public transport: they are becoming a key attraction for international tourists seeking efficient, eco-friendly, and convenient ways to explore the city.
A modern tram network for the 21st century
The Hungarian capital is investing heavily in upgrading its tram infrastructure, with a particular focus on supporting the new CAF fleet. The city’s Metropolitan Assembly recently approved a major design project for the Angyalföld depot and Tram Line 14, marking a significant step forward in Budapest’s urban mobility strategy.
The depot upgrade will include a new hall equipped with advanced braking sand-filling systems to accommodate CAF trams, as well as redesigned depot points and operational improvements along Line 14, including key junctions at Fóti út and Dózsa György út.
The Angyalföld facility will also be adapted to handle shorter CAF units from the Budafok depot. With 51 CAF trams set to enter service across six lines, these improvements promise more reliable, faster, and environmentally friendly travel for both commuters and visitors. The design phase is expected to be completed by late summer 2027, dependent on EU funding and tender approvals, according to TTW.
This investment builds on Budapest’s previous tram infrastructure projects, such as upgrades for the Combino trams, demonstrating the city’s long-term commitment to modernising its public transport network.
Trams: From local utility to global attraction
Trams have long been the hidden jewels of urban transport. Across Europe and the United States, they have become symbols of sustainable urban life, blending efficiency with charm. Cities like Prague boast the largest tram network in Europe, spanning 518 km, while Munich operates 79 km of routes with integrated daytime and night services. Lyon serves nearly 100 million passengers annually, and Gothenburg’s 173 km network carries around 125 million riders every year.
Budapest’s trams now join this elite club, offering visitors easy access to landmarks like Buda Castle, the Parliament, and the Danube promenade. By combining practical transport with sightseeing opportunities, the city ensures tourists can experience the full vibrancy of Budapest with minimal hassle.
Global trends in tram travel
Budapest’s tram expansion reflects a worldwide resurgence in urban streetcar systems. In the United States, Kansas City recently opened a 2.2-mile extension to its KC Streetcar, connecting downtown hubs and demonstrating the streetcar’s role in modern urban life. Charlotte, North Carolina, is investing $845 million in the Gold Line streetcar, highlighting how trams can reduce congestion, improve air quality, and provide affordable transport. Meanwhile, Copenhagen is launching its Greater Copenhagen Light Rail, marking a significant shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly urban mobility.
Not every city has found streetcars easy to integrate, however. Washington D.C.’s experiment with a 2.2-mile streetcar line has struggled with low ridership and funding issues, underscoring the challenges of modernising urban transport without careful planning.
A sustainable future for Budapest
For Budapest, the message is clear: trams are more than just a transport option—they are a cornerstone of the city’s future. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern vehicles, Budapest is enhancing everyday commuting, reducing environmental impact, and offering tourists a seamless way to explore the city.
As the Angyalföld depot and Line 14 upgrades progress, the city is poised to set a new standard for urban mobility in Central Europe. Trams will become not only a practical choice for getting around but a symbol of Budapest’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a high-quality visitor experience.
With these developments, Budapest’s tram network is positioned to rival the best in the world, offering locals and tourists alike a glimpse of a city that is as forward-thinking as it is historic—where every ride can be part of the adventure.
