The Budapest Castle Funicular, known locally as the Budavári Sikló, is a historic cable railway that connects Clark Ádám Square at the foot of the Chain Bridge to the Buda Castle district. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, and practical visitor tips for planning a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The information in this guide was last updated in April 2026 to reflect the current maintenance schedule.
Quick facts section
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | 08:00 – 22:00 (Daily, check maintenance days) |
| Ticket prices | HUF 4,500 (One-way), HUF 5,500 (Return) |
| Address | 1013 Budapest, District I, Clark Ádám tér |
| Nearest transport | Bus 16, 105 or Trams 19, 41 (Lower Station) |
| Nearest parking | Várkert Bazár underground car park |
| Time needed | 95 seconds (Ride duration), 20–30 mins (Total visit) |
Budapest Castle Funicular opening hours
Budapest Castle Funicular operates daily from 08:00 to 22:00, with the ticket office closing at 21:50. The cabins depart continuously every 5 to 10 minutes depending on passenger demand.
Service is suspended for maintenance on the Mondays of odd-numbered weeks. If a scheduled maintenance Monday falls on a public holiday, the closure is moved to the following working day.
Budapest Castle Funicular ticket prices
A full-price one-way ticket for the Budapest Castle Funicular costs HUF 4,500, while a return (two-way) ticket is priced at HUF 5,500. For children aged 3 to 14, a one-way ticket costs HUF 2,000 and a return ticket costs HUF 3,000. Children under the age of 3 travel for free.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. The funicular is not included in the standard Budapest Card or BKK public transport passes; however, it is featured in the Buda Castle Pass, which also includes access to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the St. Stephen’s Hall.
Why book the Budapest Card?
- Unlimited public transport: Use buses, trams, metro and suburban trains across Budapest for the validity of your card.
- Free entry to museums and attractions: Enjoy complimentary access to many of the city’s leading cultural sites, galleries and historic locations.
- Discounts on tours and experiences: Receive reduced prices on river cruises, baths, walking tours and selected partner experiences.
- Flexible validity options: Choose from 24, 48 or 72 hours of sightseeing flexibility to match your travel plans.
- Useful city guide included: Your card comes with a guidebook or digital guide to help you make the most of your time in Budapest.
How to get to the Budapest Castle Funicular
The lower station (valley station) is located at Clark Ádám tér, situated at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge. It is accessible via bus lines 16 and 105, or tram lines 19 and 41, which stop directly at the square.
The upper station (mountain station) is located at Szent György tér, positioned between the Buda Castle Palace and the Sándor Palace (the Presidential Palace). Visitors already in the Castle District can reach the upper station using bus lines 16, 16A, and 116.
Parking at the Budapest Castle Funicular
The most convenient parking for the Budapest Castle Funicular is the Várkert Bazár underground garage, located a short walk from the lower station. There is also limited “blue zone” street parking available around Clark Ádám tér, though these spaces fill quickly during peak tourist hours.
Visitors should note that the Castle District at the top of the hill is a restricted traffic zone. While there is a paid car park near the Matthias Church, it is more practical to park at the bottom of the hill and use the funicular or public transport to ascend.
How long to spend at the Budapest Castle Funicular
The actual journey on the Budapest Castle Funicular takes 95 seconds. Visitors should allow approximately 20 to 30 minutes for the total experience, including queuing and purchasing tickets at the counter.
During peak season or mid-day periods, wait times can increase significantly. If the queue exceeds 30 minutes, visitors may find it more efficient to walk up the Royal Steps or take the 16 bus to reach the summit.
Accessibility at the Budapest Castle Funicular
Budapest Castle Funicular is fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Both the lower and upper stations are equipped with step-free access, and the cabins are designed to accommodate standard-sized wheelchairs.
Staff members are available at both terminals to assist with boarding. The paths leading from the upper station into the Buda Castle District are paved, though some areas feature historic cobblestones that may be uneven.
On board the Budapest Castle Funicular
The funicular consists of two cars, named “Margit” and “Gellért,” which operate on a counterbalanced system. Each car features three tiered cabins, providing different vantage points as the vehicle ascends the 95-metre track.
The cabins are constructed in a vintage style with wooden interiors and large windows. During the ascent, passengers have a direct view of the Chain Bridge, the Danube River, and the Hungarian Parliament Building on the Pest side of the city.
The track is crossed by two pedestrian footbridges, which offer views of the cars passing below. At the upper station, the exit leads directly onto the square between the Royal Palace and the Presidential residence.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Ride after sunset for views of the illuminated Chain Bridge and Parliament. |
| Crowds | Queues at the lower station are usually longer than those at the upper station. |
| Layout | Each car has three separate compartments; the lowest compartment offers the clearest views. |
| Entry Process | Tickets must be purchased at the physical ticket office located at either station. |
| Logistics | Only Hungarian Forint (HUF) or major credit cards are accepted for payment. |
Frequently asked questions about the Budapest Castle Funicular
| Query | Answer |
| Is the Budapest Castle Funicular suitable for children? | Yes, it is a popular family attraction and children under 3 travel free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Budapest Castle Funicular? | No, tickets are only available for purchase on-site at the ticket offices. |
| Is the Budapest Castle Funicular open on Sundays? | Yes, it operates standard hours from 08:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Budapest Castle Funicular? | Standard backpacks and handbags are allowed; large luggage is not recommended. |
Things to do near the Budapest Castle Funicular
- Sándor Palace: The official residence of the President of Hungary, located immediately adjacent to the upper station.
- Hungarian National Gallery: Housed within the Buda Castle, this museum features an extensive collection of Hungarian fine art.
- Matthias Church: A Neo-Gothic church with a distinctive tiled roof, located a five-minute walk from the funicular.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: A terrace offering panoramic views of the city, located behind the Matthias Church.
- Chain Bridge: The historic suspension bridge connecting Buda and Pest, located directly in front of the lower station.
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