Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
3. Going for a Ride - Enjoying some transport
GOING FOR A RIDE 23 originally constructed in the late forties as a showpiece for the Pioneers, the communist youth organisation. It was known as the Pioneers railway until recent political changes made that name seem somewhat inappropriate. The railway is a narrow-gauge, single track which threads its way through the wooded hills from Széchenyi Hill down to Hűvösvölgy. The length is about 12 kilometres and the journey takes about 45 minutes. The upper teminus can be reached easily on the Cog-wheel railway (see above), while from the lower terminus bus no. 56 and tram no. 56 both go to Moszkva tér. The railway operates throughout the year except on Monday, unless it is a public holiday. The frequency of service is not rapid, hence a wait of half-an-hour or more is not uncommon. There are semi-open carriages in the summer. The Children’s Railway is an interesting way of reaching certain spots in the Buda Hills (13). Chair Lift [Libegő] Cable-chairs, suspended ski-lift-style, ascend János Hill (13), the city’s highest point. The best view is undoubtedly on the way down. Perhaps not for very small children or others who might be frightened, but otherwise an exciting and unusual means of transport. The lower terminus can be reached on no. 158 bus from Moszkva tér. For reaching the upper terminus see section 13. Open all year (16 May-15 Sept, 9-17; 16 Sept-15 May, 9.30-16), though closed every other (odd) Monday. The two prices shown (no reduction for children) indicate a small difference, which is accounted for by insurance cover. So, if you don’t pay this make sure you don’t fall off! Boat rides on the Danube Always a favourite with children —and adults! A variety of services operate in the summer months (generally May—Sep, and even outside this period, depending on the route and operator). Cruises operated by the MAHART company start from the Pest embankment near Vigadó tér. The standard
