Buda Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló)

The funicular runs at a 40-degree incline, taking passengers up the equivalent of 30 flights of stairs. Two cars each carry 24 passengers and run in opposite directions, so you can ride the funicular up, down, or both, although the uphill ride is most popular to avoid the steep climb to Buda Castle. Two pedestrian bridges cross over the funicular tracks and offer closer views of the cable cars if you walk down from Buda Castle.

• Tour operators and other vendors often cluster near the ticket office and can be persistent.

• Children and shorter passengers may have difficulty seeing out the cable car windows.

• Funicular cars run every five to 10 minutes, and the trip up takes just a few minutes.

• Strollers are usually allowed on the cars.

The lower station of the funicular is located on Clark Adam Square, just over the Szechenyi Chain Bridge on the Buda side of the Danube River. While it is within walking distance of many hotels on the Pest side by crossing the bridge, you can also take a tram or bus Nos. 16 or 105 to Clark Adam Square.

The Buda Castle Funicular is open daily. It is closed on occasional Mondays for maintenance. Ride on a weekday or in the evenings for a shorter wait to board.

Towering over the Danube River from its perch atop Buda Hill, Buda Castle—or Royal Palace—is a top Budapest tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site dates back to the 14th century, and the castle was destroyed multiple times by war before being completely rebuilt in the 1950s. Make the uphill trip to the castle for panoramic views and to see the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum located within the castle walls.