The Zugliget Chairlift in Budapest, known in Hungarian as the Libegő, is one of the capital’s most atmospheric ways to leave the noise of the city behind. Running between Zugliget and János Hill in the Buda Hills, the open-air chairlift has carried generations of passengers above the treetops since 1970, offering a slow, scenic ride towards one of Budapest’s best-known lookout areas.
A beloved Budapest attraction above the trees
The Zugliget Chairlift was Hungary’s first passenger ropeway and quickly became much more than a practical transport link. It opened to the public on 20 August 1970 and has since become one of the city’s most recognisable leisure attractions.
Its route is 1,040 metres long and connects Zugliget with the János Hill area, overcoming a 262-metre difference in elevation. The journey takes around 12 minutes, with passengers travelling in two-seater chairs along a 2,600-metre cable.
For international visitors, the Zugliget Chairlift is worth seeing as both a piece of Budapest transport history and a classic Buda Hills experience. It is not a fast commuter route, but a quiet, open-air ride through one of the greenest parts of the Hungarian capital.
Zugliget Chairlift modernisation: what will change?
Now the chairlift is set to receive a technical upgrade. According to Magyar Építők, the Budapest Transport Company has completed the public procurement procedure for the renovation of the line-side equipment of the Zugliget Chairlift.
The winning bidder is Gravitas Bányagépészeti Vizsgáló Állomás Ltd, which can carry out the works for a net HUF 108.06 million, approximately EUR 304,000.
The modernisation will focus on the technical systems behind the ride rather than changing its nostalgic character, Magyar Építők said. The project includes the renovation of 17 steel support towers, 16 reinforced concrete foundations and their drainage systems. The roller assemblies, which are essential for the movement of the cable, will also be refurbished on site.
Safety and passenger information systems to be upgraded
The works will also cover several control and signalling elements along the route. Control and signal cable cabinets will be renewed, while rope-position sensors and operating units along the line and at the stations will also be refurbished.
As part of the project, 40 switch inserts will be replaced in explosion-proof design. The passenger information system will also be improved, with new weather-resistant loudspeakers installed both along the route and at the stations.
The end-station lighting system will also be modernised. This is important for safe boarding and disembarking, especially as the Zugliget Chairlift remains an open-air attraction used by families, tourists and hikers throughout much of the year.
Walk to Elisabeth Lookout after the ride
The chairlift ride is already a complete Budapest experience, but the upper station is also a good starting point for a short walk. One of the best options is to continue towards Elisabeth Lookout Tower on János Hill.
János Hill is the highest point in Budapest, rising 528 metres above sea level, and the lookout is one of the capital’s most famous panorama spots. On clear days, visitors can see large parts of Budapest, the Buda Hills and the surrounding landscape from the area.
Normafa is also worth the detour
Another easy option is to walk towards Normafa, one of Budapest’s most popular green escapes. The area is ideal for a picnic, a family outing, a longer walk or simply a break from the city centre.
A classic route could be simple: take the Zugliget Chairlift up from Zugliget, walk to Elisabeth Lookout, then continue towards Normafa before returning to the city by public transport. For visitors who want to see a different side of Budapest, this is one of the easiest ways to combine transport history, nature and panoramic views in a single trip.
The renovation is therefore not only about maintaining a well-known piece of Budapest infrastructure. It is also about preserving one of the city’s most charming outdoor experiences and keeping the Zugliget Chairlift safe and reliable for future generations of passengers.
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How to get there and how much tickets cost
The lower station of the Zugliget Chairlift is located at 1121 Budapest, Zugligeti út 97. By public transport, the easiest option is bus 291 from Nyugati Railway Station, as its terminus is directly in front of the valley station. Visitors arriving by car should also head for Zugligeti út, but BKV warns that parking is prohibited directly opposite the stairs at the lower station, so drivers should follow the on-site signs.
Prices at Zugliget Chairlift
A full-price one-way chairlift ticket costs HUF 3,000, approximately EUR 8.50, while a return ticket costs HUF 4,000, or around EUR 11.30. Children aged 3–14 pay HUF 1,000, about EUR 2.80, for a one-way ticket and HUF 1,500, about EUR 4.20, for a return ticket. Student tickets for passengers aged 15–25 cost HUF 1,500, about EUR 4.20, one way and HUF 2,500, around EUR 7.10, return. Children under three can use the chairlift free of charge.
Other chairlifts outside Budapest
Hungary also has several other chairlifts outside Budapest, including popular routes in Lillafüred, Sátoraljaújhely, Eplény and the Mátra region. Some operate mainly as tourist attractions, while others are linked to ski resorts and may run seasonally, so visitors should always check opening hours before travelling.
As we wrote today about Budapest Airport, new road network and flyover could reshape access to Hungary’s main airport.
