Budapest’s iconic tram dethroned as world’s longest after 8 years
It may seem unbelievable, but for eight years, Budapest held the world record for the longest tram.
The record-holder was none other than the fleet of trams on Line 1, stretching an impressive 56 meters along the tracks. However, the German city of Mannheim has now introduced new tram models that exceed Budapest’s length, pushing the Hungarian capital to second place.
8 years as the longest tram: The CAF URBOS 3/9
The CAF Urbos is a tram series manufactured by the Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), based in the Basque Country. The model has gone through three design generations, with width, number of doors, and carriage configuration customisable based on customer requirements. The first CAF tram arrived in Budapest in March 2015, according to Origo.
Currently, there are three variations of the CAF Urbos trams, but they are not identical. The third-generation model includes the option to integrate an ACR system, allowing for overhead wire-free operation. Additionally, the bodywork and design have been refined, and it features IGBT technology, which converts braking energy into electricity instead of dissipating it as heat like traditional brakes. The first model was introduced in Seville in 2011.
For eight years, the massive 56-meter-long tram running on Line 1 held the title of the world’s longest tram. This nine-section machine weighs 67 tons—about the weight of 67 adult elephants. It can hold up to 345 passengers, making it a prime location for avoiding awkward eye contact. According to budappest.hu, its modern and energy-efficient design has earned it the nickname “the Tesla of trams.”
The longest trams in the world
The new record-holder is the Škoda ForCity Smart 38T, showcased by the Czech-based Škoda Group in June 2024. At the time of its introduction, it had not yet entered service, as reported by the railway news portal Railway Supply. The innovative 58.7-meter-long tram was designed for the Rhein-Neckar region’s transit authority (RNV) in Germany.
What makes the Škoda ForCity Smart 38T unique is that it achieves its remarkable length with just six sections, setting it apart from competitors. Built on the Artic platform, it features an adjustable floor height for easy boarding. Designed for a 1000 mm track gauge, the tram has an impressive capacity of up to 366 passengers, including 144 seated.
The third-longest tram also operates in Budapest: the Siemens Combino Supra, which runs on the city’s famous 4-6 tram line. Measuring 54 meters, it has another distinctive feature—it runs 24/7, making it the most reliable means of transportation in the city. Each trip carries over 350 passengers, and in 2021, daily ridership reached between 330,000 and 350,000, according to data from BKK.
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