Photo by: DepositPhoto.com – All rights reserved. Do not reuse without permission.
Historic MÁV steam locomotive 375.1032 with red star emblem on display at the Hungarian Railway Museum in Budapest.
Hidden Hungarian Railway Museum in Budapest: Explore Its Locomotives
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, ruin bars, and grand architecture — but did you know the city hides a fascinating railway story that comes alive at the Hungarian Railway Museum (Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park)? For curious travelers and railway enthusiasts, this unique attraction is a must-see.
In this guide, you’ll step back in time to explore the Hungarian Railway Museum, admire historic steam locomotives, and uncover Budapest’s industrial past through exhibitions, a garden railway, and vintage railway vehicles.
How Many Trains Are in the Hungarian Railway Museum?
The Hungarian Railway History Park in Budapest is one of Europe’s largest open-air railway museums and boasts an impressive collection for visitors to explore.
The museum has over 100 railway vehicles, including historic steam locomotives, diesel and electric engines, vintage railcars, wagons, inspection vehicles, and unique special exhibits like the ceremonial Aranyvonat (Golden Train).
Around 50 to 70 locomotives — from massive steam engines to modern electric locomotives — are typically displayed outdoors in the expansive yard and inside the iconic roundhouse. Many more freight cars, maintenance vehicles, and railway memorabilia are part of the collection, with some undergoing careful restoration.
📌 Fun Fact:
The Hungarian Railway History Park isn’t just for viewing — it’s the only railway museum in Europe where visitors can actually drive a steam locomotive (with an engineer’s supervision) on a dedicated track, making it a must-visit for railway enthusiasts! 🚂✨
📍 Location: Tatai út 95, District XIV, Budapest
🕰️ Opening Hours: April to October (check the official site for up-to-date times).
🎟️ Tickets: Affordable prices, with discounts for students and families.
Exhibition Highlights: Steam Locomotives, Electric Engines, and More
One of the biggest draws of the Hungarian Railway Museum is its impressive collection of steam engines, electric engines, and vintage carriages. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Historic Steam Locomotives
Marvel at beautifully restored engines from Hungary’s golden age of rail, including iconic express engines like the streamlined MÁV 242 series.
This sleek, green beauty is one of the most striking locomotives on display and shows how Hungarian engineers pushed the limits of design and speed.
Electric Engines and Inspection Car
Get up close to classic electric engines and see the quirky rail inspection car — a modified vintage automobile on train wheels.
It’s a reminder of how railway workers once maintained tracks in all conditions.
Working Turntable
Head to the impressive roundhouse to watch historic engines rotate on the original working turntable.
This is one of the park’s signature features — and kids love seeing these giants pivot like toys!
Garden Railway
Perfect for families, the garden railway is a miniature railway that loops through the grounds — you can even ride it on certain days.
Orient Express Car
Step inside a vintage car from the world-famous Orient Express and imagine the luxury train journeys of old Europe.
Hands-On Exhibitions
Try your hand at operating a handcar, learn how railway signals work, or explore restored freight wagons like the bright red MÁV Faccpp freight hopper wagon.
This classic wagon is just one example of the rolling stock that carried goods across Hungary for decades.
Why the Hungarian Railway Museum is a Must-See Visitor Attraction
The Hungarian Railway History Park offers an immersive journey into the past, showcasing the rich history of Hungary’s railway system.
At its heart is the roundhouse, where engines from as far back as 1870 are preserved alongside the original workshop buildings of the Hungarian State Railways.
One of the absolute highlights for many visitors — myself included — is the Aranyvonat (Golden Train).
This ornately decorated ceremonial carriage once carried Hungary’s royal regalia, including the Holy Crown. Its intricate golden motifs, historical symbolism, and regal atmosphere make it unforgettable. It’s easy to see why the Golden Train is a crowd favorite — it blends national pride, royal history, and railway craftsmanship into one stunning exhibit.
The park also shows the progression of rail technology, from classic steam locomotives to diesel engines and early electric locomotives, all meticulously restored.
Unlike static museums, this is a true railway park — you can climb aboard, see engines up close, and even participate in live demonstrations. It’s a hidden gem in Budapest for families, photographers, and railway lovers alike.
Practical Tips for Visitors
✅ How to Get There: Take bus 30 or 30A from Árpád híd metro station.
✅ Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer great weather and special steam demonstrations.
✅ Opening Hours: April to October — always check the official site.
✅ Pair Your Trip: Combine your visit with nearby Nyugati Station or other historic industrial sites for a deeper look into Budapest’s hidden railway heritage.
Discover Budapest’s Hidden Industrial Heritage
While the Hungarian Railway Museum is the crown jewel for railway history buffs, Budapest’s rail legacy stretches far beyond the park. Keep an eye out for historic stations like Nyugati (designed by the Eiffel Company!), old railway sidings, and remnants of forgotten lines tucked around the city.
Final Thoughts
The Hungarian Railway Museum is more than just an attraction — it’s a living piece of Budapest’s industrial past. Whether you’re a steam locomotive fan, a lover of industrial heritage, or just searching for a unique hidden gem, this railway park promises a nostalgic ride through history.
So next time you’re in Budapest, hop on board for a day that celebrates Hungary’s proud railway legacy — and don’t forget to find your own favorite locomotive!
Plan Your Budapest Adventure
Love discovering hidden gems like this? Subscribe for more local Budapest travel guides, unique museums, and unusual sights you won’t find in every guidebook!f
FAQ
How many trains are at the Hungarian Railway History Park?
The Hungarian Railway History Park (Magyar Vasúttörténeti Park) in Budapest has over 100 railway vehicles on display. Visitors can see everything from historic steam locomotives and electric engines to vintage inspection cars, freight wagons, and unique pieces like the Aranyvonat (Golden Train). About 50–70 locomotives are displayed in the yard and roundhouse at any given time.
What is the most famous locomotive or car in the park?
One of the most famous is the Aranyvonat, also known as the Golden Train, a beautifully decorated ceremonial carriage that once carried Hungary’s royal regalia. It’s a visitor favorite because of its intricate gold details, national symbolism, and unique history.
Can visitors ride or operate a train at the museum?
Yes! The Hungarian Railway History Park is the only railway museum in Europe where visitors can actually drive a steam locomotive (with an engineer supervising) on a dedicated track. You can also ride the garden railway or hop on restored railcars during special events.
What is the roundhouse and turntable used for?
The park’s roundhouse is an original workshop building where historic locomotives are stored and maintained. The working turntable is still used to maneuver engines into their stalls — visitors can watch steam locomotives pivot around, which is a rare sight these days!
Is the Hungarian Railway Museum family-friendly?
Absolutely! The park has plenty for kids, including the garden railway, interactive handcars, and safe areas to climb aboard vintage engines. It’s an ideal half-day adventure for families looking to explore Budapest’s industrial past in a fun, hands-on way.
When is the best time to visit the Railway History Park?
The park is usually open from April to October, with weekends often featuring steam demonstrations and extra rides. Spring and autumn are best for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Leave a Reply