Illuminated journeys: Explore Budapest’s festive light trams and buses!

As Budapest lights up for the festive season, BKV’s festive light vehicles offer a dazzling way to explore the city. From glowing trams to illuminated boats, these holiday-decorated transports have become a must-see attraction. Wondering where to find them? Here are the routes.

The light fleet has become a tradition

As Travelo writes, in Budapest, the enchanting tradition of the festive light tram began in December 2009 with the “Christmas tram” launch on lines 2 and 2A. Adorned with dazzling decorations, this service quickly became a beloved seasonal highlight, running during evening hours from 5 December to 6 January. By 2010, the service expanded to include tram 19, which traverses the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Danube embankment. The decorated tram on Line 2 even gained international acclaim, earning a spot in National Geographic’s “Travels of a Lifetime” list.

Over the years, Budapest’s festive light trams have evolved, spreading across various neighbourhoods and lines, including Lines 4-6 and 47-49. In 2015, a special tram was introduced solely for photography, delighting tourists with its glowing appeal but making no stops for passengers. The tradition experienced interruptions, particularly in 2019 due to the pandemic. However, by 2020, the number of illuminated vehicles increased, featuring creative touches such as a cogwheel railway train. In 2022, the spectacle was scaled back to just one Ganz UV tram, adorned with an interior QR code supporting a homeless shelter, underscoring a commitment to the community amid festive cheer.