Major development at the unrivalled Buda Castle Funicular
The Buda Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló) is undoubtedly one of the most unique sights/parts of the Hungarian capital. Budapest citizens, as well as Hungarian and foreign tourists love the cable car. There is great news for those planning to use the funicular in the near or far future: tickets can now be purchased online. However, there is also some not-so-good news: this way, you will have to pay more.
Innovation: e-ticket for the Buda Castle Funicular
From 1 September, it is possible to buy tickets for the capital’s iconic public transport service, the Buda Castle Funicular, online. However, the Budapest Transport Company (BKV) will charge a convenience fee for online purchases, turizmus.com reports.
This convenience service (at a minimal extra cost) avoids queuing for the funicular. This is a great innovation as the cable car remains popular among Budapest residents and tourists visiting the city, BKV writes on its website.
The transport company recalls that following its major overhaul in 2021, last year, the Buda Castle Funicular also underwent a major IT upgrade. Hardware components of the access control system were replaced, among other things, and a new software was installed, which now allows online ticket sales.
Ticket prices
Currently, a full-price return ticket costs HUF 4000 (EUR 10.39) and a discounted (between 3-14 years) return fare is HUF 2000 (EUR 5.20). Currently, senior and other travel discounts are not available on the funicular. This price is therefore increased by HUF 150 (EUR 0.39) for the convenience fee for e-tickets purchased on siklojegy.hu (the English version of the site can be reached HERE).
Unique panorama offered to passengers since 1870
The Buda Castle Funicular, built in 1870, connects the Danube bank with the Buda Castle, turizmus.com explains. It is 95 metres long and has an inclination of 30 degrees. The special railway (with its Margit [Margaret] and Gellért carriages), which runs on a mountain track, rises to a height of about 50 metres, offering passengers a unique panorama along the way.
According to BKV, foreign tourists account for the majority of traffic, but the proportion of domestic passengers has gradually increased in recent years. The funicular has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
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Personally, no objection to purchase tickets on-line at a higher cost.
In the past, when friends family come to visit us in Budapest, the normal practice was to a few days prior to there arrival go to Clarke Adam ter, and pre purchase tickets.
The queues sometimes long, but over-all it worked comfortable, but the on-line ticket purchase – SMART thinking and up with the times -modern day, especially for our historic muchly loved funicular railway.