If you have ever been to Budapest, you have probably heard about the funicular of Buda Castle: you can have beautiful view of the city from here and you skip the long bus journey or a mountain hike by choosing the funicular. So far, it was the only one in the capital, but this situation is about to change.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Hungary, the Gellért Hill is facing a huge change. This is where the new funicular will be built, after decades of planning. The idea is not new at all: the first plans about the Gellért Hill funicular were made in the 19th century, but now it will become reality, the archaeological exploration of the area has already begun.

These days, the new funicular is a necessary infrastructure development as Citadel now can be reached only by crowded buses on narrow roads, which means a significant burden to the still quiet neighbourhood. It now seems certain that the funicular would start at the beginning of the Hegyalja road, in the stomach of the mountain, and the upper station will be at the Citadel promenade.

Unlike the one at Buda Castle, it would be a one-track version with a detour in the middle. On the first steeper section, until Orom Street, it would run under the ground, on the second, more sloping part above the ground. One cabin can hold 40 people and the journey takes just a bit more than a minute (72 seconds to be exact).

In the vicinity of the lower station, a bus park will be built, with capacity of 13 buses, and after the launch of the funicular, buses will no longer be permitted to go up to the Citadel. Under the overpass from Erzsébet Bridge, a pavilion-like building is planned, where there will be a café and two smaller shops.

We look forward to it!