This train in Budapest is operated entirely by little kids — and there's a special reason why

Budapest may be known as the 'City of Spas,' but it has another interesting attraction: a railway with an unusual setup. It holds the Guinness World Record for being one of the longest children's railways at 7.27 miles (11.7018 km) that goes through the Buda Hills from Hűvösvölgy to Széchenyi-hegy. What stands out, though, isn’t its history or length but who operates it. According to Just Budapest, the railway is run almost entirely by children between the ages of 10 and 14. Built between 1948 and 1950 during the Communist era, the line was originally called “Úttörővasút,” or “Pioneer Railway,” referring to youth groups at the time. Today, it’s known as the Children’s Railway of Széchenyi-hegy.

Why was the Children's Railway built?

The main reason the MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) wanted to build the railway was to help children understand good work ethics. MÁV believed that teaching them how to operate a railway would help them build certain skills and values. They also believed it would help integrate socialist ideals in the children at a young age. The original plan was to build the railway in several locations, but the Hungarian Communist Party chose the Buda Hills to begin the project. Only children between the ages of 10 and 14 were allowed to work at the railway. They were employed as conductors, signal officers, station masters, and posted as ticket cashiers too. However, the driving part is done by an adult for safety purposes.

How to get to the Children's Railway?

There are two stations to get to the Children's Railway: Hűvösvölgy and Széchenyi-hegy, with six stops in between. To get to Hűvösvölgy, one must take the 61 or 56 trams. The trams go through the scenic route around Zugliget. While waiting for the train at this station, people can also step into the museum to learn more about the railway's history. On the other hand, the best way to get to Széchenyi-hegy is the cogwheel railway. It is a part of the BKV transport, and the tram is labeled as 60. 

There are two main stops between the two stations: János-hegy and Normafa. The former is where you would find the renowned Elizabeth Lookout tower and chairlift. This is where people get down to hike or have a bite of the lángos, a deep-fried pastry. People stop at the latter if they are in the mood for a picnic and walk, or for strudels. 

Ticket prices

Tickets are cash-only and come in several options, with children under six riding free and those aged 6 to 18 eligible for child tickets. A single ticket costs 800 HUF ($2.59) without a stopover or 1400 HUF ($4.53) with one, while a family day pass offering unlimited stops is priced at 4000 HUF ($12.94), and adults accompanying groups of more than 10 children receive a discount. As per the official Children’s Railway timetable, trains run year-round, including holidays, except on Mondays from September to April during the school term, and the full journey takes around 40 to 50 minutes.

The science behind 'learning by doing'

While the idea of children running a railway may seem unusual, it might be beneficial for their cognitive growth. A study on adolescent development shows that adolescence is a “critical window of opportunity” where experiences, roles, and responsibilities significantly shape long-term skills, identity, and social behavior. Developing personal responsibility is closely tied to better decision-making, self-regulation, and overall personal growth in teenagers. 

Balázs Sáringer, one of the supervisors, said, "My father worked here when he was younger, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I haven’t done this to get out of school. It’s exactly the opposite." Jazmin Hayek, an 11-year-old ticket seller, agreed with the statement. "Before I came to work here, my maths wasn’t so good,” she told the BBC. "But now it’s much better. It’s helped all of my grades."

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