Budapest’s festive nostalgia returns: glittering Santa Bus and light trains roll out for Advent

As Hungary eases into the Advent season, Budapest and several regional cities are lighting up (quite literally!) with a fleet of festive vehicles ranging from glittering trains to a fully decorated, vintage Ikarus 280 Mikulásbusz. Both MÁV and BKV have launched their Christmas-themed services, offering a nostalgic and atmospheric way to travel throughout December.

MÁV launches the Mikulásbusz between Budapest and Gödöllő

Following the debut of MÁV’s illuminated trains last weekend, the nostalgia “Mikulásbusz” (Santa Bus) began operating on 6 December, running from Budapest Népliget to Gödöllő Szabadság tér (Szabadság Square). The star of the service is a beautifully refurbished Ikarus 280, originally built in 1993 as the 200,000th unit of the iconic Hungarian bus family.

The bus departs Budapest at 16:00 on 6, 7, 13, 14, and 20–23 December, with tickets priced at HUF 3,000 (EUR 8) per person, available via jegy.mav.hu, the MÁV apps, or at ticket offices. The ticket is valid for a return journey.

Upon arrival in Gödöllő, passengers can also enjoy two half-hour nostalgia loops at 17:15 and 18:15, with on-site tickets available from the driver for HUF 1,500 (EUR 4). The return journey to Budapest leaves at 19:00, including a scenic stop at Heroes’ Square for photos.

The bus is decorated inside and out with festive lighting, designed to evoke the charm of Hungary’s classic Ikarus era.

• Santa Trolley hits the streets of Budapest again!

Light trains brighten Hungary’s rail network

MÁV’s popular light trains (“fényvonatok”) have also returned. Highlights this year include:

• FényHÉV: The beautifully illuminated MIX/A set runs on the H8/9 line on 6–7 December, the H6 line on 13–14 December, and the H7 line on 20–21 December.
• Fény Szili: A V43 electric locomotive decorated with LED lights travels across several main lines.
• Fény Bz: A diesel Bzmot railcar brings festive lights to regional routes until early January.
• Balatonfenyves Light Train: From 6 December to 6 January, the narrow-gauge train to Nagy-Berek and Csisztafürdő operates in full holiday illumination.