Budapest is bringing the festive vibe to its city transport. The season’s first sparkling streetcars are already nipping along scenic tram line 2, illuminating the Danube promenade. This service is extended to several lines, the glittering cars running until January 7th. Earlier this week, the city added more carriages to its festooned fleet. Special Christmastime trolleybuses are now running along half a dozen lines, covering routes 70, 72, 75, 76, 80A and 83.
Enhanced with 10,000 glowing LED lights on the outside, these illuminated vehicles are also decorated within. A ride aboard costs the price of a regular transport ticket, 350 forints, and ordinary BKK passes are valid. You can also do good deeds during the journey and help families in need by getting on the bus bringing a gift pack with you.
Passengers can give their donations to Saint Nick and the longhorned Krampusz creatures, Santa’s assistants according to local Christmas tradition. BKK then send the presents to the local MikulásGyár (Santa’s Factory), organized annually in partnership with the Hungarian Red Cross. The packs are then handed over to families in need.
For timetable information, visit bkk.hu (click on the trolley symbol and choose the line marked with a snowflake).